Attn: Runners - need advice please

[Tinkermommy]

I have been wanting to get into running. No one I know is into it so I was hoping for some guidance on any good resources for a beginner.

My ideal would be to run a half-marathon (especially the Disney one!).

I have been looking at books but there are so many out there, I am not sure which one to choose.

For your runners out there, any advice on getting started? Did you use a certain program/book, etc that helped you out?

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[cepmom]

I started running by following the couch to 5k program.

 

[golfgal]

I would start by seeing if you have a running shoe store in your area, checking in with them to see if they have any running clubs in your area. If they do, sign up for the beginner one. They will most likely have experienced runners guiding people through how to train properly.

Best advice-don't start out too hard or you will be in for a lifetime of injuries.

 

[Green Tea]

First, find the right shoes. What is right for me, or you sister, or someone else here, or you best friend, or what's on sale isn't necessarily right for you. Work with a good running shoe store on fit. (Not someplace like Footlocker--a real runner's store) Talk to them about starting to run. They might even have a program for beginners. Don't start with distances like a half marathon; you truly have to build up distances slowly.

 

[jel0511]

I second the couch 2 5k program. I'm currently doing it. I go through week 8 (28 min run)before we left of vacation. I then fell and bruise my knee bad so didn't run while on vacation. I just started up again and went back to week 6 to restart. It's a pretty easy program to follow and for someone like me who was completely out of shape, it worked!!! I bought the app from the App Store on Itunes and use it to help me when to change from walk/run.

 

[kristilew]

The Couch to 5K program is amazing. You will be running in no time. You can then build up to 10K and half marathon with add-on programs. The basic program is a walk-run interval training deal that works up over nine weeks to running for 30 minutes. For most people, 30 minutes will be a 5K, or 3.1 miles, at a ten-minute-mile pace.

If you have an iphone, there is a fabulous app for the program - C25K that tells you when to walk and when to run, lets you play your own music in the background, and tracks your progress.

There are also podcasts that utilize the training plan and tell you when to walk and when to run while playing a variety of music in the background. My personal favorite is called the Chubby Jones podcast. The music is fun and not overly techno, and Mia, the podcaster, is full of encouragement.

Good luck!

 

[FireDancer]

Keep your eye on the columns section of the DIS. There is going to be a 3 part series about going from being a non runner to completing a Walt Disney World half marathon coming shortly. The first column should be up this week.

You might want to head over to the W.I.S.H. boards. There are lots of people who are using the C35K program or have in the past. One of my friends has just started on the program and loves it.

 

[AmericangirlinFrance]

Couch to 5K is a great way to start!! More doable than "Couch to Half Marathon".

My cautionary tale, however: I started Couch to 5K in ...February? Anyway, I was already in some shape (not great shape though), but wanted to work on becoming a runner. The first few weeks seemed easy so I ran on the "off days" of the program (you only run 3 days a week on C25K) - ended up with a stress fracture from upping my mileage too quickly (on "off days", I'd walk/jog 5 or 6+ miles). My foot still isn't right. If I could do it again, I'd do C25K, but for cardio on off days, do some cross training (swimming or biking) instead of more running to build cardiovascular fitness.

Good luck on your running journey! Woohoo! It really makes you feel so much better.

 

[wvjules]

C25K followed by Marthoning for Mortals. Awesome book! Great tips, humerous and some very up lifting stores. A few quotes even brought tears to my eyes. lol

Good shoes and good socks are a must. I think the socks are just as important as the shoes. I found this out the hard way. I wore a pair of regular gym socks to run in...they sucked! I like my running socks!

On Monday I officially start my Disney Half Marathon training program. Wooohooo!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tinkermommy]

Thanks everyone for the great advice!

I do have good running shoes from a local running store. I will check on running clubs through them. They are very knowledgeable.

I really like what I am hearing about the Couch to 5K program. It seems very realistic and doable.

I will also check out those columns and the WISH board.

And I know it will take training to build up to a half-marathon. So maybe, the Disney one in 2012!

Thanks again!

 

[Buckalew11]

I'm doing C25K and love it! I can't recommend it enough.

I ran the WDW 1/2 in 2007 and it was my first race ever. I wasn't a runner either. I trained a bit but nothing like the C25K program would have prepared me for the next step to be ready for 1/2. Not sure when I'll run again at WDW but I'll be ready.

 

[vettechick99]

I started running by following the couch to 5k program.

I agree. I did the C25k program and was able to train and run the Princess 5k. I went from not being able to run more than a minute or two to running the entire thing. The C25k program goes very slow and it's 100% manageable. It should take 8w to train I think, but I was able to meet the goal in 6w.

Unless you are athletic by nature, I would not start with a half-marathon in mind. Sign up for a 5k and see how that goes. I am happy to stick with running 5ks. Halfs and full marathons are way too lofty for me!