does anyone run?

boldaslove

i hope this is the right place to post, i suppose it counts as 'getting fit on the cheap'!

i've been wanting to start running for a while now, i've finally got round to buying some running trainers and jogging bottoms so now i have no excuse except for the fact i'm not sure where to begin. there's a park round the corner from me so i have a good training circuit (plus my dog can accompany me!).

i'm not that fit to be honest, i smoke (i know giving it up will make it 50 times easier to excercise and i intend to do it very soon) and i have problems with my joints, particularly my knees, which are often quite sore in the mornings. so i want to start off really gently. does anyone on here run and have any tips eg. how frequently i should do it and for how long, warming up, avoiding sore legs/knees etc? my main aim is to get fit, but also to lose a bit of weight and strengthen my joints. any info would be gratefully recieved. cheers

PhilippaH

Best advice is to take it slowly and work up. Start maybe 2/3 times a week. Don't aim to run all the time from word go. Start by alternating jogging and walking so you don't tire out too quickly. Set yourself a time limit of say 15/20 mins to start a see how far you get, then set yourself small goals each time to keep you going. If you make it round once the first time aim for once round and then to that tree the second time. Keep setting yourself a goal each time you go to keep you motivated.

Penny_Watcher

You might find this helpful.

I have this as one of my bookmarks/favourites, though I've have never got round to doing anything about it.

Horace

Run on grass because in the long run it is easier on your joints.

boldaslove

thanks for the tips, i've often wondered when walking my dog why the runners prefer the bumpy grass to the smooth paths! i will definately keep that in mind.

i suppose my main thing is looking daft, which is daft in itself as so many people run/jog around the park and nobody bats on eyelid! i think i'll do my first run this evening

fwoodles

Start very slowly. So slow it feels like you're not going any faster than walking. You are really. I have knees that ache a lot - but they do appear to have improved snce I've been "running".

I started using a run/walk plan - I'm guessing it's in the link from PW above (work won't let me look). The run/walk idea is great as to begin with you're running for no longer than 60 seconds at a time.

There is this Bupa one as well : http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_information/html/healthy_living/lifestyle/exercise/running/beginner/programme.html


I found it all very hard to begin with, thinking that even the 60 seconds would kill me, but I managed a 8Km race last week and ran the whole thing. There is hope for us all.

nottslass_2

Hi, I started running about a year ago and found Robert Ullreys podcast "couch to 5k in nine weeks" fantastic you start off running for 60 seconds,walking for 90 seconds etc whilst he talks you through it. If you google " Robert ullreys couch to 5 k podcast " you should be able to find it !! ( sorry,would post the link,but it never seems to work for me )

Good luck

harryharp

nottslass wrote: »

Hi, I started running about a year ago and found Robert Ullreys podcast "couch to 5k in nine weeks" fantastic you start off running for 60 seconds,walking for 90 seconds etc whilst he talks you through it. If you google " Robert ullreys couch to 5 k podcast " you should be able to find it !! ( sorry,would post the link,but it never seems to work for me )

Good luck

Here's the link (looks good): http://c25k.com/

boldaslove

wow brilliant! thanks for that link, i did my first run today and found it too distracting to keep tabs on the time in my head so this'll really help.

my left knee was quite sore when i got up today and i had to be really careful about warming up, but now it's absolutely fine (it'd usually be hurting till mid afternoon). i think this is going to be very good for my aches and pains!

unfortunately my 'personal trainer' (the dog) was more interested in fetching sticks and pooing so i think i might leave her at home in future

Penny_Watcher

This is just a quick note to say a big thank you to nottslass and harryharp for the link to Robert Ullrey's podcasts. :T

After I finally got off my bum and started running along to Robert's podcasts. It is so much easier as all you have to do is listen and run along to his instructions and music, rather than trying to time yourself.

5 weeks later I'm 14lbs lighter, much fitter and definitely healthier. So thank you both from an ex couch potato.

harryharp

Penny_Watcher wrote: »

This is just a quick note to say a big thank you to nottslass and harryharp for the link to Robert Ullrey's podcasts. :T

After I finally got off my bum and started running along to Robert's podcasts. It is so much easier as all you have to do is listen and run along to his instructions and music, rather than trying to time yourself.

5 weeks later I'm 14lbs lighter, much fitter and definitely healthier. So thank you both from an ex couch potato.

I've just reached the end of week 4 on the podcasts and I also think it's brilliant! I've always had problems with my knees when trying to run before, but this programme is great because it gradually builds up your strength and so far (touch wood;) ) I haven't had any problems yet.
That's amazing that you've lost 14lbs in 5 weeks (that's a stone isn't it?)!:T Is this with dieting as well, or just with the running?