Want to start runing - any tips?

[Neeko]

Hi. Not sure if this is in the right place so trying here and general health, but due to DH's working hours I find it hard to fit in scheduled exercise and would like to give runnng a try.
Does anyone have any tips about how to start, kit etc? I'm also a bit worried about whether my pelvic floor is up for the job after two children so any tips there would also be appreciated.
TIA

Can't believe I spelt RUNNING wrong twice!

Trainers, sports bra and iPod.
I started out walking my route, then progressed to running by alternating running and walking, run 2 lamp posts, walk one, run 2 lam posts etc. I'd entered the race for life 5k And my aim
Was to get all the way round without stopping.

Couch 25k programme is well thought of but I can link on my phone.

Get some decent trainers - if you get them from a runners shop, they'll give you the right ones for your gait. Other than that, you just need a sports bra and any old shorts and t- shirt. Start small - just a few mins then walking. Build up gradually. Good luck!

Thanks

Proper stretching - warm up 5 mins, hold various stretches for min 15 seconds, finish with warm down hold stretches 45 seconds. You can get list of stretches on line or books.

DO internval training 2 mins run 3 mins walk so on for 30 mins, then progress when ready to 3 mins run increasing by a minute.

Thanks bacon

Id def recommend giving the couch to 5k a go. When I started running at the beginning of the year I couldnt run for a minute but now I'm addicted and running 5k! I am not a natural runner at all but this program really helps you to build up slowly. Also the other bit of advice I'd give is to go slowly, I think its a common mistake people make when they start running to go hell for leather then flake out!
You can download the podcast for the couch to 5k off the nhs website and it tells you when to walk and when to run so you dont have to faff with timing it and there is a lovely lady called Laura who talks to you to keep you going!

re pelvic floor - I always wear a pad when i run to catch anything that escapes!!! the times i've forgotten I've embarrassed myself!!!!

Thanks everyone for all the advice and support. Bought the bra, got the pad (!), got all ready to go and it started pouring! Decided to go for it anyway. Only managed 15 mins, half jogging, half walking, but I'm pleased with that for a 1st attempt.
I guess that's me started.

That is really good Neeko. I would second the NHS Couch to 5km programme, it is a good structured way to start running. In march (this year) I started the couch to 5km, downloaded the podcasts on to my phone. I couldn't run for more than 60sec. It is a mixture of runnign and walking but planned in such a way that you can make real progress. Within in 9 weeks I was running 5km. This evening I have just come back from a 10km run. I can't quite believe that I have made so much progress in such a short period of time, and it is completely down to the C25k. I think the best thing about the couch to 5km is that it keeps your motivation going, every week is different and doesn't really push you more than you are able (although there are always the bad days).

Wow 10k? Well done!

Thank you! If I can do it, then anyone can! Although not sure I am even going to be able to walk tomorrow!

Another vote for the couch to 5k here. I've lost count of the amount of times over the years that I've started running and given up after a handful of outings due to finding it too tough. However, I started the couch to 5k in March and finished the 9 wk programme about 2 weeks ago. I absolutely love it now! I could never be described as a natural runner but I now find I really miss it on the days I don't run.

Build yourself up sensibly and you'll be running for 30 mins non-stop in no time!