Taking up Running

[DeborahS]

Hi

A friend of mine is REALLY trying to encourage me to take up running.

I am a fairly "curvy" lady and this exercise lark will be a bit new to me.

Was wondering if any of the regular runners on here have any advice for me?

Deborah

 

[Minniespal]

I started running when I wanted to lose weight. Ended up going on to lose 150 pounds over 18 months. Pace yourself, take your time, drink lots of water and make sure you have proper shoes/support

 

[carolfoy]

and make sure you have proper shoes/support

..... and a darn good sports bra!

 

[Minniespal]

..... and a darn good sports bra!

That's what I was meaning as well. Wasn't sure if you could say Bra

 

[carolfoy]

 

[scottishsue]

Florence, that's an amazing weight loss - maybe I need to try that !!

I only want to lose around 2-3 stone before my hols in October.
HELP !!!!

 

[Minniespal]

Florence, that's an amazing weight loss - maybe I need to try that !!

I only want to lose around 2-3 stone before my hols in October.
HELP !!!!

Sue ~ I used WW and just started gentle exercise until I started to get fit and then increased it.

 

[scottishsue]

Guess I'm up for the running then, because I gave up WW as the weight wasn't moving much at all.

(Now where's that Mars Bar ?????????? ...............)

 

[Minniespal]

Guess I'm up for the running then, because I gave up WW as the weight wasn't moving much at all.

It certainly will start moving if you start running.

At one point I couldn't eat enough to maintain all of the exercise I was doing

 

[tennisfan]

Finally I get to use the knowledge I learnt at uni

Like all exercise, you start slowly & gradually increase over a sensible time frame. Don't push yourself too much at the beginning. Start by walking and increase the pace over time.

When you exercise make sure your replenish your carbohydrates to help your recover, within 2 hours of exercise is proven to be an optimal. Hydrate frequently, especially in warm/hot weather try Isotonic drinks to help as far too much water can be dangerous.

Make sure you stretch/warm up properly! and make sure you strech/cool down properly after exercising.

If possible try running on grass and avoid concrete if you can as this could be bad on your joints.

As mentioned before good running shoes are needed & they need to fit properly to help support the foot. I have treated many people who did not follow this simple advice and injured themselves.

The best bit of advice, exercise with a buddy/partner as you are more likely to stick with it as you will support each other.

Good luck

PM me if you have any other questions as I studied a fair bit of this at uni (fitness regimes, nutrition, injury rehab etc), I will try to help


Forgot to say, well done Florence that is a great achievement

 

[DeborahS]

Thanks everyone - will take heed of your advice and will go down to JD Sport and get some advice on running shoes and a "pair of supporting hamucks"

Will definitely start off slow (like walking!) and build up gradually.

Like the idea of running so much that I can't eat enough to maintain, but I am a long way from that.

Thanks guys,
Deborah

 

[wilma-bride]

I have tried running before but just couldn't get into it. I like to power walk on the running machines at the gym but just can't run.

Florence, 150 lbs is a fantastic achievement. Isn't that 2 lots of photos you owe us then? I seem to remember you promising us some 'before' and 'after' pics when you reached target

 

[DeborahS]

150lbs deserves a medal! Completely amazing

Am not too bothered about loosing weight, but being a bit fitter for our trip to Disney in September would be cool (not that I am planning to run around the lake at Epcot though! )

Deborah

 

[CustardTart]

I don't know if this is of any interest, but there's quite a good programme called 'Couch to 5k' which is designed to get the beginner running.

Here's the podcast site and here's the original site...

Down in the WISH section of the forum, there's a group of people trying it out.

Good luck!

 

[AlanUK]

Good luck with the running The best piece of advice I can give is one that has already been stated, which is to get the best shoes you can afford.

Have a look and see if there is a sports shop in your local area that specialises in running gear rather than just go to one of the big high street sports chains. There is some amazing technology around these days that can be used to match your running style and technique to the proper set of trainers. If you are going to be out running on the roads your hips knees and ankles will only thank you in the end.

I hope it goes well

 

[BingsingsWaltDisney]

I started running when I wanted to lose weight. Ended up going on to lose 150 pounds over 18 months. Pace yourself, take your time, drink lots of water and make sure you have proper shoes/support

150lbs you are offically one of my HEROES
I am in awe of you

 

[oceanscape]

150lbs????? Oh my goodness. What an achievement!! Congratulations!! Your before and after pics must be incredible.