getting started with running

A question about : getting started with running

i'm considering taking up running.
i'm moderatly fit as i already attend a couple of fittnes classes. but would like to do a bit more.
apart from the initial outlay for clothing an a good pair of shoes, it's free!!
i dont want to train for any marathon of that sort of thing, just get a little bit fitter.
so could anyone recommend a good running website or magazine to help me on my way, or even personal advice?
thanks.

This Forum Tip was included in MoneySavingExpert's weekly email
Don't miss out on new deals, loopholes, and vouchers
FAQs
Privacy Policy
Past Emails
Unsubscribe

Best answers:

• Hi,
  My husband and I have been doing the NHS "Couch to 5K in 9 week" plan since January. It's excellent. Just download each week onto your mp3 player and go.
  https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Page...o-5k-plan.aspx
• Hi there and welcome to the running club! I go running 2-3 times a week and Im certainly no expert. However as an asthmas sufferer, running has helped no end and I have completed several 10k events and even the great north run! The Great Run website (www.greatrun.org) allows you to set up a training schedule to aim for a distance over a certain period of time and according to your level of fitness. I also have a running app on my phone which records how fast I go and my distance (which can be a help or a hindrance, depending on your view!)
  My main tip is invest in a good pair of running shoes. I frequently go to up and running as they spend time finding the right shoe for you but the drawback is that proper shoes are expensive (I paid Ј100 for my last pair ). However I stay injury free and only have to contend with muscle pains if I do not warm up properly! You could also look into the possbility of barefoot running shoes, I daren't take the plunge but some people swear by it!
  I run by myself but some people prefer to find a friend willing enough! When you feel confident enough, find your nearest park run (https://www.parkrun.org.uk/), which are 5k events run every single week. Might be a good way to socialise, find running friends and aim to achieve certain times etc
  Above all, best of luck in your endeavour! Running is not for some but that is no reason to feel bad. I absolutely love it (after quite a while persevering and not enjoying at certain times) and I am gearing up for the Great North Run in September again!
• Good luck, from another runner.
  I was going to provide some info, but I think whizzybee has said everything I intended to!
  I suppose the only thing I'd add is that if you find yourself struggling to breathe, slow down. Even if it feels that you're going as slow as possible already, try to go slower. It took me quite a few weeks to realise that 'ridiculously slow' wasn't slow enough. A lot of people end up gasping for breath and hating running early on because they get a stitch, struggle to catch their breath and end up feeling dizzy and sick. Once you slow down to the right speed, that doesn't happen. You can work on speed once you've got your distance up and feel comfortable with what you're doing.
• Hello Madlyn from another runner!
  You've had some great advice so far.
  Definitely agree with the poster who mentioned Couch 2 5k. I know lots of people who've used it to start running and they've enjoyed huge successes. And getting involved in your local parkrun is a fabulous idea - if it's anything like our local, it'll be friendly, inclusive and fun.
  You could try this website for advice, support and it's got a great training log: https://www.fetcheveryone.com/ It's not for everyone, but I've been using it for years.
  Some running clubs offer beginner courses. If you're interested, it might be worth making some enquiries. Don't be put off by the thought of them being 'a running club' - the beginner sessions my club organise are for *total* newbies and the right club is a great place for support and advice.
  Ahem, and the final thing I'd say (and I'm assuming you're female) is that a good sports bra is worth its weight in gold. When you're buying shoes, get a decent bra for running too.
  Most of all - ENJOY YOURSELF!
• I just started couch to 5k last week, I will be doing my 5th run today and my 11 year old son has been doing it with me so it has been great fun!
  I used to run but then damaged my achilles so I am getting back into it very slowly in the hope that I won't hurt anything!
  I agree about the sports bra, I have just been to debenhams to get a new one and you get an extra Ј5 off if you get measured there. I went to a running shop to get our trainers which was expensive but well worth it in my opinion, the staff were so helpful and I didn't feel like they were just trying to get me to spend money, they were happy to work within my budget.
  Get some running socks too, they are really comfortable and we haven't had any blisters/sore feet problems at all.
  The only thing I don't like is the walking part, when I stop running and start walking I feel like everyone is looking at me thinking 'she can't even jog, she has to stop and walk' lol I know it really doesn't matter, i'm just paranoid!
  I really love running though, it is a great hobby!
• WOW, thanks for the advice!
  lots to take in so i'll read all replies slowly sit it sinks in.
• had a look at the c 2 5k site, and that is just what i'm looking for, but without sounding daft, how often do i do it? as it doesnt say, or is it done as often as i want?
  and also, can anyone give me some good warm up and cool down exercises.
• You would need a really decent sports bra, wicking socks, something reflective if you train at dusk or in the dark, trainers that have been fitted to you following a gait analysis. I have my new running clients spend Ј30+ on footwear, I don't even spend Ј100 myself there is no need the technology really is not that different. Anyone who is more serious/ doing long distance I have purchase two pairs of mid priced shoes and rotate so they dry out and the cushioning recovers.
  Last year's model is a great way to save money, again the technology is rarely that different. The best three brands are Mizuno, Saucony and Aasics - which you go for depends on your foot shape and gait. Never put your running shoes in the washing machine, they are fit for nothing but the dustbin if you do.
  NHS apps, Jeff Galloway website, Runners World, Zombies run app. Most people go out way too fast, initially you are not trying to get your heat fitter you are trying to get your joints accustomed to the new activity. You should complete the session comfortably, don't skip weeks because it's easy. Run no more than alternate days so two to four times a week, time will be dictated by the programme you are doing. If you want to train four to five times a week do a completely different activity.
  You should warm up low impact so elliptical trainer if in the gym or brisk walking or stair climbing. Never ever warm up higher impact (jogging/ running/ anything where both your feet leave the floor at the same time) regardless of fitness level. This gets the cushioning fluids flowing around your joints as well as warming your muscles, ligaments and tendons.
  No special warm up exercises, stretching temporarily weakens the muscles which in most cases is the last thing you want. Never stretch cold muscles. Any pre-run stretching routine should be tailored to your personal postural imbalances, preferably so should a post run regime. Any stretches should be held 30 seconds, released and repeated, you won't increase flexibility with a ten second stretch. You probably need to do calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, inner thighs if you overpronate, chest if you have a desk/ computer job or drive regularly.
• Ooooh I'm glad I found this board. I'm just looking into starting running myself. I don't even have a pair of trainers, and I don't think my converse will be much good for running. I almost picked up a cheap pair for Ђ7 yesterday in Penney's (Irish Primark) but they didn't have my size. Should I stretch for a better pair. 30 quid is not too bad if they will last. Where should I go? There are a few sports shops in my area but I am not sure what I am looking for. Would it be cheaper to buy online?
• I'd recommend getting yourself an MP3 player for running if you don't already have one as it takes some of the monotony out of running, or use a smartphone for music as there are also some apps that can track your runs if you are interested in that. (GPS watches and/or a heart rate monitor can be bought fairly cheaply if you want some real time info when running)
  Running data may not be for everyone but I like having it as a guide to the progress I am making and when to ease off a little more.
  I'd also recommend looking into running on fore foot or midsole rather than heel strike if that is how you run as it is not the best way to run.
• The c25k phone app is brilliant if you like listening to the radio or music or talking books or whatever while you run as it tells you to change from running to walking, and works out how far you've gone but otherwise leaves you undisturbed. All advice for beginners suggests you shouldn't run more than three times a week for the first few months as your muscles need time to recover and build strength.
• I go against the general advice about getting trainers from specialist runneing shops. I run middle distances(6 or 8 miles three times a week) and have no problems at all with cheap trainers as long as they feel comfortable. The ones I have now cost 20 quid and has lasted for well over a year, that is almost 1000 miles and will probably keep me going for another two if not more.
  I think that all this running gait analysis etc that you get from specialists just gives a placebo effect feeling where because you think it is helping, you think it must be helping.
• I guess maybe I am just lucky and don't have any skeletal - muscle problems which can be exacerbated by bad running shoes. It sure does save money though.
• I really don't see that Ј30+ is that expensive anyway, it's not even like you have to pay for the gait analysis on top.
  It's not simply volume that is the problem, it's very often changes in routine that trigger injury - more, faster, more often, new. Tow of the biggest predictors of injury are previous injury and consecutive days training.