Joined Dec 2003
Benevolent Dictator
Forum Thread
Are there any runners in the Lounge? OT is fine as long as it has something to do with you running.
January 30, 2016 at
01:16 PM
in
Sporting Goods
So I started Couch to 5K this year, and today I begin week 4, day 1. I'm finding this to be easier overall than I expected it to be.
Who here runs religiously, and what advise do you have to give to someone just starting out, such as myself?
Motivation is not a problem. I find myself looking forward to each run so far.
Who here runs religiously, and what advise do you have to give to someone just starting out, such as myself?
Motivation is not a problem. I find myself looking forward to each run so far.
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Get good running shoes. Go to a store that does a gait analysis. Get good running socks. You'll avoid blisters that way. Keep your toenails trimmed short. If it's not muscle pain, it's bad pain. Don't be afraid to go to a doctor if it's not muscle pain. Trust me on that one.
I appreciate the input of everyone here, and look forward to more. I'll update as I progress.
Good shoes, good shoes, good shoes ... even for just long walks on a regular basis.. I can imagine they are even more crucial for running.
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The shoes I had been wearing were too small and too narrow for my feet. They had me try on 4-5 pairs before I found the ones I eventually bought. They were very patient, answered a lot of questions, and were very helpful. I remember hearing that the average pair of running shoes will last 200-300 miles. Maybe some of the more experienced runners can confirm this.
I went from running almost nothing to doing 3 x 10k, 1 x 5k, and 1x 5 mile runs last year. DW did a half marathon last year. 5 years ago she was 100 lbs heavier and couldn't run more than 1/4 mile without having to slow down.
Good luck, TR. Kick that 5k's ass!
I've kicked around starting C25K, but I need the weather around here to cooperate first.
The shoes I had been wearing were too small and too narrow for my feet. They had me try on 4-5 pairs before I found the ones I eventually bought. They were very patient, answered a lot of questions, and were very helpful. I remember hearing that the average pair of running shoes will last 200-300 miles. Maybe some of the more experienced runners can confirm this.
I went from running almost nothing to doing 3 x 10k, 1 x 5k, and 1x 5 mile runs last year. DW did a half marathon last year. 5 years ago she was 100 lbs heavier and couldn't run more than 1/4 mile without having to slow down.
Good luck, TR. Kick that 5k's ass!
Also, and this is kind of a thing with me, the people at those stores generally get a class or two on what's "proper" as far as foot strike, form, etc and they aren't experts by any stretch. At least at the chain stores.
When it's a local, running specialized shop, you can get people who know what they're doing, but the chains almost never get it right. So just keep an open mind and keep getting info elsewhere to make sure what they tell you is true and not just to up-sell or make it seem like they're knowledgeable to get you back in the store.
And that's why I'm a walker.
Also, and this is kind of a thing with me, the people at those stores generally get a class or two on what's "proper" as far as foot strike, form, etc and they aren't experts by any stretch. At least at the chain stores.
When it's a local, running specialized shop, you can get people who know what they're doing, but the chains almost never get it right. So just keep an open mind and keep getting info elsewhere to make sure what they tell you is true and not just to up-sell or make it seem like they're knowledgeable to get you back in the store.
The store told me to come back in about a year to get re-tested to see if my stride has changed.
The winter months suck because I don't like running on a treadmill, and it's either too snowy or too dark outside to run safely.
I have issues breathing correctly when running. Friend told me to rub Vick's Vapor Rub under my nose. Breath in through my nose and out through my mouth.
Also told me to chew gum to keep from stopping and drinking water if I'm trying to make time, etc.
I also got a Epson Pulsesense to monitor to my heart rate. I use it as a gauge, so if I am feeling like shit while running, if I'm not maxed out and in the 90-100% range of my heart rate, I can keep pushing. If I am that high up, I stop and walk it off, get it back down and pick it back up again and repeat.
Also I find apps like Runkeeper and Zombies Run helpful to give me something to go by. Like "Hurry run. If you don't, the zombies are going to eat you."
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I finally decided to get a good pair of running shoes and I went to a running store. They put me on a treadmill and it turned out I had a noticeably pronated foot when I ran. It bumped me up to a 'stability shoe' which unfortunately is heavier but at the same time, felt really good and corrected my foot so it landed properly.