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
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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-Good Luck
I am using MapMyRun on Android. I like it okay, but have only used it twice now. It's neat to see my pace and splits and such.
Mostly, I'm using C25K free on Android. I just completed Week 4 Day 1. The 2nd five minutes today suuuuuuccckkkkkeeedd, especially the last two minutes.
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Either way, when you make a plan it's best to stick to that plan.
As was mentioned, gear is important. I'm of the camp that I don't do anything but run in my running shoes. No exceptions.
HYDRATE. The single most important/ overlooked thing in a runners life. Water will keep away cramps, pulls, low energy, soreness - the list is endless. Start with the recommended 8 glasses a day if you don't drink a lot, but slowly move up to 16. DO NOT start at 16 if you don't already drink a lot of water. Look up hyponatremia [mayoclinic.org]
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Anyway, sleep and nutrition are the other biggies for basics. If you can't get it in food, get it in multi-vitamin form. Complex carbs, protein, and some fats are all good for your running. Carbs for energy later in the week, protein for muscle repair, and fat for your joints. Sugar is bad.
And of course, post specific questions. If you have questions on form, or time, or pacing, etc - pay attention while you're running and plan to ask about it after. Although I can preemptively tell you that for now, time and pace are pretty meaningless. Just get the runs in, in however long it takes. The goal for this one is completing a distance. How long that takes is something you can worry about later.
So, I bought a few Nalgene bottles and have been drinking as much water as I feel I can without overdoing it. A coworker of mine as stressed hydration so I've been taking his advise. He's also stressed that I need to ignore speed entirely, and just focus on the actual running. The guy ran over 1500 miles last year and over 260 in January this year, so I heed his advice.
I have good shoes and running shorts and a running a few running shirts, so I think I'm good on gear.
I focus on protein first for nutrients, then veggies, then fruits. I don't eat many sugars/white wheat if at all possible.
Sleep?
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.
My son runs marathons and when he gets serious about doing good in a marathon he will stick to a training schedule.