Need help to start running

[moonwish]

Hi folks,
I'd really like to start running, but I'm so out of shape and I get hearthless after only few minutes. Any suggestions how to start and how to build it up? I'm extremely lazy as well + I hate going out if the weather is cold (and it is as we still wear our winter clothes...) - so many excuses lol.
I have no equipment as heart rate monitors and stuff - and I can't buy any right now - so what do you suggest in general? Just go and run those 2 minutes I can? :help

[spirittalker]

Maybe you should start out walking very briskly. That's what I was doing and I feel the runn coming on sometimes when walking. Just get out there and build up to it.

[Esther]

Try running slower, and then have a walk break after ONE minute, then try it again, and again. As soon as you feel out of breath, have another walk break. Once the breathing is back to normal, run (as slow as you can) another minute.

Have a look around and find a couch to five-kilometer (c25k) plan. They are supposed to take about 8 weeks to complete, but it's taken me a good six months to get half way through it

As for equipment, a decent pair of trainers, a bra that doesn't fall off and trousers or shorts that don't ride up or rub are all you really need to start you off. I have a heart rate monitor, but all it's really taught me is that I have to run slower, so now I mostly don't bother and just run as slowly as I can as it's the only way I can stay in my target zone, and even then I need loads of walk breaks. I also wear a track suit as I've found that's the only way to stop the locals stopping to offer me a lift - they see the track suit and know I'm supposed to be exercising.

Let us all know how you get on!

[Isabeau]

The Couch to 5K program turned me into a runner. I had never ran in my life before that. It's an eight week walk/run program that will have you running 5K by the end. If you need to stay at a level longer, you do! You don't worry about speed. Checki it out, I think you'll like it. You don't need a heart rate monitor but I definitely would suggest a good pair of shoes. Good shoes for your feet doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive, either.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

There's a link to the program. Have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

[ttdriver]

I concur:

1. Get new shoes specifically for your feet. Go to a store that specializes in running shoes and have them watch you walk/run. Running shoes are designed for the individual's own pronation/overpronation (whether your foot turns in or out when you walk), whether you need more less cushioning, etc. Do not buy a basic 'running shoe' .. you really need to find the right one for your feet.

2. Invest in a heart rate monitor. They have models in every price range and you need not spend alot to get the features that you need. Like anything else, you get what you pay for, but why spend money on features you won't use ... shop on line and at ebay.

3. Start out walking and gradually build up your speed and miles. When you can do a mile or two with relative ease, then pursue the couch to 5k program mentioned earlier. Its awesome.

I started out just walking .. that was 3 and a half years ago when I was 46. Now, I'm in the process of running 1,000 miles this year and looking forward to my first half marathon next January, a month after I turn 50!!

YES, IF I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT TOO!

Betty

[2big4mysize]

up get some good shoes so you can prevent any injuries before they happen and you don't need expensive ones just ones that fit your feet and your style of running.


The ccouch to 5K program is a great place tio start and all you need is a watch with a second hand. once you get hooked you can get the fancier stuf like the heart rate monitor but to just start all you got to do is read the site and then go out and start.

Happy running.