(An old mate of mine contacted me asking how to get started running. What follows is my reply to her.)
Yes, I remember you. It' great to hear from you. Do you ever go to any of the get togethers? I want to make one. Hopefully over the summer.
As for running, it's never to late to start. The most important thing is for you to enjoy it. After that it's gravy. Seriously, the key is to find what it is you enjoy and do that. It could be running, walking, swimming, biking, rollerblading. The key to success is having a love affair with whatever you choice ends up being.
Having said that, as someone whose a lifetime member of Weight Watchers, if you want to loose weight it does need to be a cardiovascular activity you fall in love with. Something that gets the metabolism up and burns calories.
The most important piece of equipment for running is the shoes. I would go to a store that specializes in this area rather than a Dick's or Model's. I used to go to The Run Around in Abington. You want a place that will really look over the shape of your foot. Offer a few models and may even ask to watch you jog a little to check out your gait. The good news is you can get a good pair of runners for anywhere between 80 and 120 bucks. After that, I wear comfortable clothes. I really don't bother with the technical gear.
I run on all sorts of terrain. If you have a good pair of runners it won't matter much. I used to run Pennypack Park but now I run my neighborhood and the campus. You may experience shin splints at the start but we all do and they go away.
As far as pace and distance...Start by running at a pace that feels natural. One where your breathing is elevated but your not laboring. Most beginners start out running to fast and run themselves out of breath. Distance is kind of relative. I'd look for something that's a closed loop, like a park trail or a set route through your neighborhood and do that. Probably one - two miles to start. You may find yourself having to mix in running and walking to complete the loop and that's fine. The big thing is finishing it. You're getting the miles in and building up your strength. Soon you'll find your running more than walking.
I have an iPod nano with the Nike+ attachment that tracks distance, calories, pace and time. But really a pedometer is fine. I use the iPod because I like to listen to music. Heck if you know the distance of your route you don't need anything. Just look at the clock when you begin and end and you can calculate things out.
There are other things but that's the most important stuff for getting started. Get a pair of runners that fit, find a route to run, and build up your pace.
If any of that sounds overwhelming let me know. I can be a little long-winded on the subject. Please keep me posted on how things are going and feel free to ask me questions any time.
Jeff
Yes, I remember you. It' great to hear from you. Do you ever go to any of the get togethers? I want to make one. Hopefully over the summer.
As for running, it's never to late to start. The most important thing is for you to enjoy it. After that it's gravy. Seriously, the key is to find what it is you enjoy and do that. It could be running, walking, swimming, biking, rollerblading. The key to success is having a love affair with whatever you choice ends up being.
Having said that, as someone whose a lifetime member of Weight Watchers, if you want to loose weight it does need to be a cardiovascular activity you fall in love with. Something that gets the metabolism up and burns calories.
The most important piece of equipment for running is the shoes. I would go to a store that specializes in this area rather than a Dick's or Model's. I used to go to The Run Around in Abington. You want a place that will really look over the shape of your foot. Offer a few models and may even ask to watch you jog a little to check out your gait. The good news is you can get a good pair of runners for anywhere between 80 and 120 bucks. After that, I wear comfortable clothes. I really don't bother with the technical gear.
I run on all sorts of terrain. If you have a good pair of runners it won't matter much. I used to run Pennypack Park but now I run my neighborhood and the campus. You may experience shin splints at the start but we all do and they go away.
As far as pace and distance...Start by running at a pace that feels natural. One where your breathing is elevated but your not laboring. Most beginners start out running to fast and run themselves out of breath. Distance is kind of relative. I'd look for something that's a closed loop, like a park trail or a set route through your neighborhood and do that. Probably one - two miles to start. You may find yourself having to mix in running and walking to complete the loop and that's fine. The big thing is finishing it. You're getting the miles in and building up your strength. Soon you'll find your running more than walking.
I have an iPod nano with the Nike+ attachment that tracks distance, calories, pace and time. But really a pedometer is fine. I use the iPod because I like to listen to music. Heck if you know the distance of your route you don't need anything. Just look at the clock when you begin and end and you can calculate things out.
There are other things but that's the most important stuff for getting started. Get a pair of runners that fit, find a route to run, and build up your pace.
If any of that sounds overwhelming let me know. I can be a little long-winded on the subject. Please keep me posted on how things are going and feel free to ask me questions any time.
Jeff
Find a time of day to run that is convenient and comfortable. Morning, lunch, after work, whatever.. As soon as it becomes a hassle to keep up your running schedule, it'll stop being fun.
Run regularly. Even if you don't feel like it. Even if it's just 15 minutes on the treadmill or a lap around the block, if you commit to running, say, 3 times a week, just push through and do it. The sense of accomplishment of just sticking to a schedule is a great motivator.
Find food that gives you energy and agrees with your stomach. I always eat a banana 1-2 hours before a run. It's amazing the difference your food choices can make.
I wholeheartedly agree with Jeff about the Nike+. My fiance got me one for Christmas, and I don't know how I ever got along with out. Being able to know your pace and distance at any point really helps give you a sense of your progress.
As for clothes, Jeff mentioned he doesn't bother with technical gear, but I really do like a good, light, wicking (breathes and draws out sweat) shirt. I think cotton gets a bit heavy and uncomfortable when it's wet with sweat, especially on a long run. But experiment with clothes and find whatever is most comfortable for you.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head, other than the most important thing, which is to have fun.
Absolutely brilliant. and the bonus is that doing what you love simplifies your definition of success.