Linlin Posted March 29, 2005 Posted March 29, 2005 For some strange reason, I have this desire to learn how to run. Does anyone know of a good learn to run program, website or link that they can direct me to?
clynn Posted March 29, 2005 Posted March 29, 2005 Check out The Running Room. Good for you!!! I've always run / walk but very casually. Until this year and I've been running regularly. I LOVE IT!! I got a new pair of shoes a few weeks ago and it is now ever better! I love that I got a sense of accomplishment after the first run. Since then the gains have been slow, but steady. It is very good for me!
Thinkalot Posted March 29, 2005 Posted March 29, 2005 I have taken to running also...it's great - a challenge and rewarding, and a good escape. there are some good running sites... do a search and you should come up with some. i know of some australian ones. also, another good place to look for info, is books. Some great books for beginner runners out there- if you cant afford to buy one, check your library. good luck and happy training!
johan Posted March 29, 2005 Posted March 29, 2005 You can get a lot of information on the Runner's World forums. You could even find a post or two of mine there under the ultra/trail running category. The mistake most people make is to do too much early. The mental part is 80% of the challenge. If you overdo it, your brain will lock on to how much it sucks. If you ease into it, your mind will crave it. I coached a totally unathletic, very out-of-shape ex-girlfriend this way: 1) We bought her some decent shoes. 2) I rode my bike with her so she wouldn't compare her fitness to mine. 3) We went 3 to 4 days per week at first. 4) I kept a stop watch and we stayed on a strict schedule as follows: 1st week: 1 to 2 minutes running, 3 to 4 minutes walking, repeat, repeat, repeat. For about 30 minutes. This seems easy, but it got her heart rate up and got her muscles used to some exertion. Also it kept her from overdoing it and her enthusiasm stayed high. The walking part is not just strolling, but trying to keep a semi-quick pace. Each week boost the amount of time spent running, but keep some regular walk intervals for about the first 4 to 6 weeks. Maybe go to 3/3, then to 4/2, 5/2, 8/2, 10/1. I suggest keeping the entire run to 30 - 35 minutes for the first 6 weeks. Don't push yourself until all of a sudden one day you'll just know you're ready for more. And then you're a runner. It was really great to see her improve. Initially she couldn't sustain a jog. After a few weeks she was able to run the entire distance comfortably and we both felt very proud of her.
Mr Spock Posted March 29, 2005 Posted March 29, 2005 Buy the best pair of running shoes you can afford. I get horrible shin splints. Running on pavement is hard on your body.
Author Linlin Posted March 29, 2005 Author Posted March 29, 2005 Thanks for the info. I am doing a search right now. I figure I will try it for a few weeks. If all goes well, I will go to the running room for some good shoes. I am not out of shape, have just never run before.
Thinkalot Posted March 29, 2005 Posted March 29, 2005 good for you and johan's advice is good about not doing too much too soon, so you dont get sore or discouraged. I think it's great trying new stuff..it keeps sport interesting. Johan- I am in the process of hopefully moving from doing about 5k runs, to 10k...and once a week aim for alonger run. I have managed to run for about 70 mins, and really surprised myself! i didnt think I could run that far, but I just slowed down and kept going i'll be away for a few weeks in april/may with my wedding/honeymoon, but after that I'll be back into more training, as there is a 10k race, and half marathon coming up, and maybe i could tackle at least the 10k! I like trails so much more than the road though. I have tried to convince my fiance to join me, but he doesnt like running too much.
johan Posted March 29, 2005 Posted March 29, 2005 Originally posted by Thinkalot good for you and johan's advice is good about not doing too much too soon, so you dont get sore or discouraged. I think it's great trying new stuff..it keeps sport interesting. Johan- I am in the process of hopefully moving from doing about 5k runs, to 10k...and once a week aim for alonger run. I have managed to run for about 70 mins, and really surprised myself! i didnt think I could run that far, but I just slowed down and kept going i'll be away for a few weeks in april/may with my wedding/honeymoon, but after that I'll be back into more training, as there is a 10k race, and half marathon coming up, and maybe i could tackle at least the 10k! I like trails so much more than the road though. I have tried to convince my fiance to join me, but he doesnt like running too much. You might consider getting him out for half an hour or so. Maybe run a minute and walk four. And so on... Can you tell me how this thing could possibly be a bunny? It looks like a happy slug to me.
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