ChrisP Posted February 6, 2011 Share Posted February 6, 2011 Hey, I was wondering if any of you had any tips of 'learning to run'? I really need to start running, but the problem is i've got into the mindset of 'I can't, and don't know how to'. I'm really worried about starting, because I know I won't do well, and I'll be bright red in the face, and out of breath etc Does anyone have any tips for how to improve? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 In Aber, with all these hills... No Sorry, not much help! Good luck though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhotchick Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 (edited) Hi Chris, This link to an 8 week plan to get you running continuously for half an hour has been around for quite a few years, with a few tweaks here and there. http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-520--9397-0,00.html Take medical advice before starting any new exercise plan! and take it at a pace you feel comfortable with, which might mean sticking at a week for more than a week. Edited February 7, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonne Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 My OH has done a lot of running - he found being in a running club very helpful in the early days - they were a lovely bunch of people from all backgrounds and very encouraging to beginners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I find running a bit then walking a bit for a start then slowly run more than walk until you can run the distance you have set yourself, Then lengthen the distance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedReader Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Hi, Run in England are brilliant for beginners, all the support of a running club & the knowledge that it is specifically set up for people who are just starting out. Their website has details of their local groups, http://www.runinengland.co.uk/ enjoy!! S x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlo Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Last month this link was started and a few of us have decided to start running. I think that the advice about starting running and walking is very good if you haven't done any training. It makes it far more bearable and you won't have awful memories of it for the next time that you want to go out. Then just increase the time that you are running rather than walking. I used to go out with my ipod and run for a song and then walk for the next song. (That worked until Jesus of Suburbia came on which is over 9 minutes long!! ) Then I would run for two songs and walk for one. Now I am going out three or four times a week and doing between two and three miles each time. I even managed to run up the hill to my house last week which I normally walk on the basis that it just hurts too much!! (I am complete wuss!) I still have to increase as I have a hlaf marathon coming up at the beginning of October but I am beginning to think that I may be able to survive it. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I find running a bit then walking a bit for a start then slowly run more than walk until you can run the distanceyou have set yourself, Then lengthen the distance. I agree, set yourself a pace that you're comfortable with, try to run with someone, or have some music with a good beat on your MP3 player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 It sounds like you are feeling a bit self concious about the whole thing. I would get yourself some gear that you feel comfortable in without it making you look like a serious runner. Good trainers are a must though. A baseball hat is good as you can 'hide' your face a bit if you are worried about looking red and sweaty. Build up your general fitness by picking the route that you would like to be able to run. I wouldn't set yourself anything longer that 2 miles. Start by walking it briskly for a few weeks and then walk it as fast as you can for a couple. Finally run and walk it. Don't try going to quickly, run what you can and walk the rest. Set yourself a challenge to run a bit further each time until you can do 1/2, 3/4 and then the whole thing. Don't worry too much about getting faster, just get around. Set yourself small target that you can realistically achieve. You will be able to learn to run The other thing I would also suggest is that you don't 'bounce' along, the skill of running 'far' is very different to the skill of 'running fast' - don't lift your legs too high as you will exhaust yourself. My nature I am a fast runner and using my fast running technique for long distance running is impossible and nigh on killed me when I started out and convinced me I couldn't do it - and I could Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoice Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 When i first attempted a little running i wore comfy old trainers, baggy tshirt and loose trousers (Won't find ME in lycra! ) and carried a little water bottle. I'd set myself a little target like 'jog to the post box' or 'walk for the next three lamp posts' etc it breaks up what seems an impossible distance into bite size chunks and really helped. My will power has not been so good though, if you have a mate to run with you it stops the excuses to not go out. Look at me giving advice! I can barely run a bath let alone a marathon! (I am planning to do the Race for Life this year though. But I'm going to power-walk it with my mum and the dog) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
