What is the best couch to 5K program/website and running shoes?

[weesignlanguage]

I reallllllly want to try and begin running. My goal would be to participate in one of the runs at the Princess Marathon next year. I am currently about 30lbs overweight and have NEVER run in my life (as a sport.) I know nothing about running but I do know that I need to get a great pair of shoes and start a good program. I have had several friends say to try a couch to 5k program...anyone here used one and where did you get it OR are they all the same? I looked at one at this link:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Is this it or should I be looking for something else to get me started? Also, any recs on shoes??

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I'll start out with this one. Yup, the C25k program you have linked is one that will get you started. The program may be a bit aggressive so if you do use is, do not feel you are forced to proceed with each week as stated. It is ok to repeat weeks until you are ready to proceed. The thing you want to avoid is any beginning injuries.

Many of us usen the John Bingham Marathoning for Mortals book. I'd recommend you look into that one too.

Good question about shoes. Each of us has a different need for shoes and different ideas of what feels right. That said the best thing you can do is to go to your local running store where the persons know how to analyze your fit. These stores are usually the ones that will be most helpful on what will best work for you and can offer some choices.

Take the socks you will be working out in as you try the shoes. Stay away from cotton socks. They will rub your feet and cause blisters. Go for a style of running sock that will wick away the moisture. If the shoe is not feeling comfortable right away, don't think you can make it work. It does not break in.

Have fun with your journey. Let us know how you progress. It is always fun to hear from new participants.

Oh, and you do not have to run the entire event in which you choose to participate. Many of us are walkers or run/walker or many versions of walk and run. Have fun with it. Join in and share your training. There is a link on the events side of WISH where you can use to ask all the questions and share your training as you progress toward your event. We have a weekly walker/runner thread as well. Hope to see you there.

 

[VernRDH]

I second TigerLily's recommendations. I did a similar C25K program, and took my time with it. I read John Binghams book (I keep it by my chair and when I get a free moment revisit sections of it).

Shoes-I cannot stress enough how important it is to get a good fit by a running store that knows their stuff. I went to one store locally, who basically sold Brooks sneakers, they do not fit me, but by golly that guy was determined to put me in a pair of those shoes. I left quickly and never went back! I am a New Balance girl, got wide feet, I can wear almost any of their shoes with no problem and I get a new pair every three months. That is important too-don't overwear your shoes, as it can affect your running and make things uncomfortable.

Good luck to you and remember to enjoy your running! For me, it is my therapy, my time to decompress and think. Keep us posted about your progress!

 

[3DisneyKids]

My fabulous teammates already said it all!

HAVE FUN with learning to run.

The only thing that I will add is that in addition to c25k and the Bingham books, I got a running coach. Yup, I was 30 pounds overweight, had never run in my life, and got a running coach. He was affiliated with the local running store where I went for my first real fitting for running shoes. Very inexpensive. $75 to get me trained for whatever my goal was. (It was a Half Marathon.) He gave me training plans, schedules, deep tissue massages when needed, and met with me in person or on the phone whenever I had questions. If you have someone like this affiliated with your local store, then I strongly recommend paying the extra money to have a personal coach and your disposal!

 

[weesignlanguage]

Thanks so much for all the great advice! I weighed myself today and I have gained 5 or 6 lbs in the last month or so...ARGH! I recently have lost around 50lbs in the last year and a half and so now I am determined not to gain it back. I have a few quick questions:

1. Can I lose weight while running?? Or will running cause me to gain weight b/c of the build of muscle? What have your results been?

2. What type of diet can I use when running? Right now my diet is (when I am sticking to it...argh) high protein, low carb, low cal, low fat. I buy special groceries that are high protein-shakes, chips, heat up meals, etc. Any advice?

Well...I'm back to work but this afternoon I plan on going and buying my first pair of running shoes! Wish me luck!

 

[FireDancer]

Leigh,

I agree with the other posts about the books and programs. Another good idea is to pick up or subscribe to Runner's World.

The shoe question is good but because everyone is unique there is no way to give you a recommendation here. If you find a good running store in your area they can measure your foot, give you some options, and even let you try them out on an in store treadmill.

The weight question is also good. First, running burns calories, so running can make you lose weight. While you will develop muscle from running it isn't going to be to the same extent as weight lifting. Besides, gaining muscle while burning fat is what you want, isn't it? Muscle is living tissue and your body needs to maintain it. You will burn more calories per hour just sitting around for each pound of muscle you can add.

 

[MickeyNikiNaka]

Thanks so much for all the great advice! I weighed myself today and I have gained 5 or 6 lbs in the last month or so...ARGH! I recently have lost around 50lbs in the last year and a half and so now I am determined not to gain it back. I have a few quick questions:

1. Can I lose weight while running?? Or will running cause me to gain weight b/c of the build of muscle? What have your results been?

2. What type of diet can I use when running? Right now my diet is (when I am sticking to it...argh) high protein, low carb, low cal, low fat. I buy special groceries that are high protein-shakes, chips, heat up meals, etc. Any advice?

Well...I'm back to work but this afternoon I plan on going and buying my first pair of running shoes! Wish me luck!

If you want to lose weight you need to make sure that you're running for AT LEAST 20 minutes, anything less than that and you're not targeting any fat.

As for Diets, I don't know what you're doing or how far you're running. My advice to you would be go see a Doctor and get things sorted out. It's worth the time, or at least it was for me!

And in terms of shoes, I went to the Running Room and I would really suggest doing something similar so they can assess your feet and can fit you with the perfect pair of shoes. They may be a little pricey but trust me, it's worth every penny!

 

[weesignlanguage]

Well, I followed your advice! I bought Running for Mortals which is a beginner's guide written by the same author as the Marathoning for Mortals book. It is a wonderful read and I'm learning tons already. I am following his run/walk to 5k program. Today I ran 30 minutes w/ 3 min walk/1 min jog. It was great! The best part is the fact that I have a WONDERFUL new pair of shoes. I went to our local running store and they watched me walk and assessed my feet. Then I tried on several pairs of shoes. I went in promising myself that I would not look at the price or the style (how it looks) but buy it strictly b/c it feels great! I bought a pair of Adidas running shoes, a great new running bra, socks and shorts! Best part was it was all together only around $110.00! Thanks for all of the great advice! I have several friends here that want to start running too and would love to do the Princess next March. We all are members of Facebook so we are starting a group to keep each other accountable and encouraged!

Thanks to all of you for your great advice in helping me get started!

 

[cwnhokie]

There is also a couch potato to 5K thread on here.

 

[weesignlanguage]

Thanks...I will find that thread....if you can post a link just in case I don't find it!

 

[TifffanyD]

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