What do I need to start running

[Notfatnotfit]

I love walking on the moors where I live but my fitness is not good
I'm really tempted to add in some running but I'm hopeless as in I get out of breath quickly and I'm very slow
But I still want to do it
I've downloaded Couch to 5K but in terms of practical stuff what do I need?
I've got a sports bra and good trainers
What else is recommended for an absolute beginner?
Any top tips?
I have a Garmin Forerunner 55 which is basic and fine for me
My current V02 is 32- fair- I would love to get in the good category
I'm female, 55 and weigh about 55kg

Thanks

oh yes decent socks is a good shout! Nothing more annoying than socks that wiggle themselves out of place. My Bridgedale socks are my absolute favourites and my go-to for longer runs but my M&S sports socks do the job and are much less spendy!

I also mentioned strength and stretching earlier - I really rate "Run Better with Ash" on youtube. I find stretching really annoying because I just want to get out, run and come back without faffing about with pre and post run stretching which, if you're just going for a few km, end up doubling the time it takes out of your day. But it's worth the investment to avoid injury and be generally stronger and more mobile.

I literally jog for about 20 seconds then walk then jog a bit so I'm too beginner for even C25K
However, I do get the endorphins and I'm getting my 3km walk done much faster
I will go out today without my crossbody bag just hold phone in hand and see how I get on
Thanks all
It is addictive that's for sure

I’ve been doing c25K on a treadmill in the gym, this morning I went out first thing to the park, I couldn’t run as long as I can on the treadmill and my legs are definitely feeling more ‘worked’ so think I’ll revert back a few weeks and do outdoor runs now. The changes in floor surface, inclines and fresh air add more challenge but the time went a lot quicker and it’s far less boring so I enjoyed it a lot more. Set your own pace and just keep going whether it’s walking, jogging or full on running.

Just to come back to the vo2, I've had a niggly hamstring so haven't run for a week. This morning I decided to take it easy so focused on my heart rate instead of pace. I kept it at threshold or under which was quite heard to do but my vo2 went up a point and I went down an age as well!! I think I may train like this for a while so I don't injure myself and hopefully improve my vo2 at the same time!

Headphones or earbuds.

Can you explain this to me pls
When I got my Garmin last year I was in the Poor category and now in Fair which was thrilling
Obviously Good would be amazing
Do I have to keep my heart rate below 145 which is 200 - 55 (my age)
Thanks

Leggings with pockets are great, belts and phone holders are a nuisance (for me personally). I have leggings with a back pocket and I put my phone there. They are high (end at waist) and the phone sits just below the waist, horizontally.

I really recommend a book or a YouTube video Slow Jogging. It’s a method of running developed by Hiroaki Tanaka. It works wonders and you won’t be out of breath.

I've noticed mine does seem to improve if I keep my heart rate in the threshold or lower on my runs. Sometimes I can do a really fast (for me run) and my level goes down as my heart rate was too high.

It feels counter productive going slower tobstart but if you keep at it you end up getting faster without making your heart rate going up as high. Look up heart rate training for running, it does seem to make sense.

I kept mine under 160 on my run today and was in threshold or lower for my run.

I would say that the most important thing to have is good running shoes that have been fitted to you. And a great running bra!

Coming back on here to say I am officially addicted to running
I'm not good at it but I definitely get the endorphin release
I have to have a day off tomorrow tho as I don't want to overdo it

Ah that's so great OP! You don't have to be 'good' at it to get enjoyment from it. I've been running a year now and keep having set back after set back with my health so am still not very good at it but I enjoy it very much. I'm recovering from an operation at the moment and chomping at the bit to get back to it.

Definitely take rest days in between, injuries are so common with beginner runners. You could look at some basic mobility exercises for runners too to try and help prevent injury. There are lots of videos on YouTube you could follow. It only has to be 10mins a few times a week to make a difference.