new runner

Group: General Diet & Nutrition

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 399, Messages: 16719

With such a topic so broad we truly try to cover the basics from all angles in this group. Nothing too big or too small. Nutrition is as significant if not more as exercise is to reaching your goals so learn all you can.

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agbailes Posts: 4 Joined: 2003/01/18	2003/01/19, 10:13 AM I am preparing for military basic training and am trying to start running. I am 32 and have never been a runner in my life. Does anyone have any suggestions for starting out. Motivation tips and/or training suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

Philia2 Posts: 4,078 Joined: 2001/10/19	2003/01/20, 02:00 AM In the beginning half run half walk and then slowly work up the time of running so less and less walking. Don't completely stop if you get exhausted but calm down and continue to walk. Good luck! -------------- - Nina :o) Les Victoires éternelles sont celles du coeur.
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2003/01/20, 07:02 PM Also monitor your hr (heart rate) at 32 your max hr is 188. Start of by warming up to about 65% and not going more than 85%. You will find at the beginning it won't take much to get it up, and eventually will take more work. Like Philia said change from running to walking intermitently. Hope this helps. -------------- The trouble with jogging is that, by the time you realize you are not in shape for it, it is too far to walk back! Franklin P. Jones Ivan Montreal Canada
agbailes Posts: 4 Joined: 2003/01/18	2003/01/26, 12:00 PM Thanks for the tips guys...
colgin Posts: 35 Joined: 2002/11/18	2003/01/26, 12:24 PM I have been a runner my whole life. A couple of suggestions. Pick really obtainable goals at first, whether that is 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile or a mile. Whatever you think you can comfortably do. There will be plenty of time to take on more ambitious runs later when your body becomes used to running. Very critical is getting a good pair of running sneakers. Tennis sneakers or even cross trainers are not good enough. Go to a good sporting goods store or runners shop where they can help you evaluate your step/stride and pick for you the appropriate type of running shoe. Any major brand would be fine, although I have personally used Asics for years (Saucony also makes great shoes). You will really feel the difference, not just in your feet and ankles, but your knees as well, when you have the proper support. While there are expensive shoes out there, you should not need to spend more than $70 to get something first rate. -------------- Peter New York, New York
agbailes Posts: 4 Joined: 2003/01/18	2003/01/27, 09:37 AM Thank you Peter.
kirby00 Posts: 238 Joined: 2002/11/05	2003/03/03, 07:46 PM Just another thing to keep in mind... Lots of new runners get injured because they try to increase their mileage too quickly. Alternate running with some other cardio - biking, aerobics, elliptical, etc. (If you're doing cardio on consecutive days.) That way you're still getting your HR up there and used to working but letting your joints take a break from the pounding. Another way to avoid injury is to run on trails/soft surfaces rather than concrete. Trails usually mean pretty scenery too :)
johnguy Posts: 104 Joined: 2003/01/29	2003/03/03, 08:16 PM I used to run a lot in high school. One thing you do not want to do right away is run to much. 1yr ago I did just that trying to get back into it. I would try and run 7k to 10k like I did in High school. BIG mistake. I went a yr or two without running and tried within a weeks to work back upto that. I ran 4-5 days week. So go easy at the start and over time you will increase your dist. more and more. Also get a GOOD pair of shoes that work for you. Find a store that has knowledgeable staff and not some high school kid making min. wage for his part time job. They say if you can make it 6 weeks then you have a good chance of staying with it as long as you want.