Thinking of taking up running.

[azbob]

I spoke to the SO about this just now and all I got was "This is just a phase for you, it wont last" and "Running won't do anything for you, besides just make you more tired after work"

Ten points for support anyone? LOL

She/He knows how addicted you'll become and is afraid you'll neglect them.

 

[Priapus]

She doesn't know anything about running.

I'll do it to prove her wrong - more importantly, I will do it for me.

 

[azbob]

She doesn't know anything about running.

I'll do it to prove her wrong - more importantly, I will do it for me.

Most importantly, you'll do it for us.

 

[AlmightyBender]

I spoke to the SO about this just now and all I got was "This is just a phase for you, it wont last" and "Running won't do anything for you, besides just make you more tired after work"

Ten points for support anyone? LOL

She doesn't know anything about running.

I'll do it to prove her wrong - more importantly, I will do it for me.

She is completely wrong. Simple as that. You will soon start feeling a higher level of energy both during the day and after your run. Also love that second quote there!

And yes 15 mins is just great. Or even less. The worst thing you can do is make it not fun and painful, cause then you're not gonna be motivated. Take your time you've got the rest of your life to do this.

Then in the coming weeks start adding more time to your runs (little bit per week) until you can run for 40 mins in one go. Only then start looking at at working on speed and distance. And then do a race and you're hooked.

Also I strongly advise getting proper (and I really mean proper) running shoes like Asics Cumulus or Nimbus (or the equivalent for other brands) at minimum if you can. All other models are pretty much cross trainers and won't work long term.

 

[Leimie]

I always say - I'll take up running when I see a runner smiling!

 

[azbob]

I always say - I'll take up running when I see a runner smiling!

Yeah rather stick to the train

 

[Leimie]

Yeah rather stick to the train

Lol. Not you too!

 

[azbob]

Lol. Not you too!

:twisted:

 

[Lordpiet]

"Thinking of taking up running."

From what??:wtf:

 

[Priapus]

She is completely wrong. Simple as that. You will soon start feeling a higher level of energy both during the day and after your run. Also love that second quote there!

And yes 15 mins is just great. Or even less. The worst thing you can do is make it not fun and painful, cause then you're not gonna be motivated. Take your time you've got the rest of your life to do this.

Then in the coming weeks start adding more time to your runs (little bit per week) until you can run for 40 mins in one go. Only then start looking at at working on speed and distance. And then do a race and you're hooked.

Also I strongly advise getting proper (and I really mean proper) running shoes like Asics Cumulus or Nimbus (or the equivalent for other brands) at minimum if you can. All other models are pretty much cross trainers and won't work long term.

I do have running shoes I bought when I started gym. They really helped when I was running up to 4ks or so. Feet did not hurt, which is good.

I think also listening to music helps along the run, too?

So to sum up -

Start with just a timed run - not too worried about the distance, so 10 to 15 minutes for maybe two or three weeks - then go increase a little bit, until i can do a 40 min run.

Also, I won't be running every day as other have pointed out, I will start to neglect other aspects of my life. So do you think doing it twice a week will be fine for now?

 

[Priapus]

From what??:wtf:

Really - out of the whole thread, you're going to comment on that?

Cool.

 

[roskii]

Started a new training regime 3 months ago. Goal is not to get big or anything, just to get enduro fit. Planning on doing enduro events on my dirtbike. Currently play prem hockey but never been much of a fitness junkie outside of hockey.

Some suggestions...

GOALS: Don't set any long-term goals now. You need to just get out and start running. Rather set shorter goals such as training X number of times a week. Review your performance, weight, etc after each month. Set your first main goal for a month. May seem silly but its a good feeling knowing you can accomplish a mass of small goals than setting yourself up for failure with a long-term goal. I personally record each and every session I do. Goal is 4 sessions a week, 3 is min, 5 I know I did well.

DIET: Eating is 80% of your success. Try with smaller things. Don't eat carbs after 4pm, try eat 6 small meals a day, cut out fizzydrinks / fast-food / sugar wherever you can, drink water throughout the day, and especially a glass before you sleep. Read up on Paleo, no need to go full, but some great suggestions, meat / veges / nuts / oils / wholegrains idea. Don't feel like you have to make a complete change. Have a cheat day if you need, but then be behaved for the rest of the week.

TRAINING: For training, do what you enjoy. I personally run for 20-30min on the treadmill / outdoor, followed by 10-20min weight training. Recently been doing interval training, thoroughly enjoying it (run 2min 8.5km/h, 3min 10.5km/h, rinse repeat x5). Use sites like www.exrx.net for exercises, etc. If you prefer biking, boxing, skipping, jumping, whatever gets your moving, do it.

SUPPS: Generally been against this but gave in eventually. Only supp I take is Ultimate Health Pure Whey. 1 scoop a day, using it to get lean, seen results already after a month. Seems for a beginner, some whey and omega-3 fish oil are a good start.

MOTIVATION: You will see results, you just need to get over the hard bit, getting into a routine. Start and then stopping will just delay your results and eventually your gf will be right. You will feel better about yourself and you will be able to accomplish things you never thought you could do. Just set your mind on something and go for it. More importantly, do this for yourself. TNDO Giavanni Ruffin, check him out.

I'm no expert, these are just some of the things I've picked up on. I've seen results, I'm feeling great, you can get there mate

 

[Priapus]

Well I ran 1.55km tonight in 10 mins. Shows how unfit I am lol. But it felt good to be out and exercising.
The app works very well. It updates you via voice every few minutes on your progress.

Will go for another run to tomorrow. Same route.

 

[AlmightyBender]

Well I ran 1.55km tonight in 10 mins. Shows how unfit I am lol. But it felt good to be out and exercising.
The app works very well. It updates you via voice every few minutes on your progress.

Will go for another run to tomorrow. Same route.

Good stuff!

 

[AlmightyBender]

I do have running shoes I bought when I started gym. They really helped when I was running up to 4ks or so. Feet did not hurt, which is good.

I think also listening to music helps along the run, too?

So to sum up -

Start with just a timed run - not too worried about the distance, so 10 to 15 minutes for maybe two or three weeks - then go increase a little bit, until i can do a 40 min run.

Also, I won't be running every day as other have pointed out, I will start to neglect other aspects of my life. So do you think doing it twice a week will be fine for now?

Thats perfect Twice a week is great to start with, but after two or three weeks try push to three times a week. That is plenty and there is no need to run everyday, which would only lead to injury and resentment unless you're a professional runner.

Just keep focusing on how long you are running and not the distance. In the begining your heart and body only care about how long they are active. Once you are fit and ready then you can focus on how hard they work.

 

[creeper]

Well I ran 1.55km tonight in 10 mins. Shows how unfit I am lol. But it felt good to be out and exercising.
The app works very well. It updates you via voice every few minutes on your progress.

Will go for another run to tomorrow. Same route.

I've been running (again) for about 1 year as part of a triathlon training plan. So here are a few tips:

1. Get good shoes. Go to a place like Running Inn (or equivalent). They test your way of running and provide the best shoes. It will prevent injuries and the evil shinsplits.
2. It is stated, but essential. Eat well. Make sure you eat a banana and/or apple an hour before the run. It is natural sugar and bananas contain minerals to prevent cramps
3. Something I'm not doing, but rather run in the morning. It is to do with sugar levels and the correlation to motivation. Afternoons tend to be more difficult to get motivation to run.
4. Get a partner to run with you. The best motivation is someone else.
5. Don't bother with energy drinks, unless you start running longer than 60 minutes. Water, water, water. And keep yourself hydrated (but not over-hydrated).
6. Stretch. Not the stuff you did in primary school. Get a good guide (lots on the internet).
7. Get into what I call, the "zone". It is the point where you have the correct rhythm and pace, your mind forgets how far you need to go and you just enjoy it. Sounds weird, but it occurs it most sports. I get it especially when I swim (but I suspect it is the lack of oxygen ).
8. Get a heartrate monitor. Overstressing your heart when you are unfit isn't healty. I train according to 60-80% of max heartrate, and only peak for no more than 5% of my run at 80-100% of my max heartrate. It is also great to see when the fitness kicks in, that your heart rate lowers. My average hearte rate is now 12% lower than a year ago.
9. Decide your goal. To give you an idea. It took me 6 weeks to get from 5km to 10km runs (excluding all the cycling and swimming). Be realistic
10. A weird thing, but go and run on Fridays. Why? Friday's tend to be the day when we are the "laziest" So, if you can get yourself exercising (even if it is only for 15-20minutes), it will be a motivator for the next week.

This is my experience. It might differ for you, but so use it or don't use it.

 

[GhostSixFour]

I'm starting as well. Have a little doggy that have been couped in our house recently- neighbours tried to poison her- so I'm taking her runnning in the afternoons, good motivator. A dog jumping on you to go running.

 

[drnaphtali]

I've been running (again) for about 1 year as part of a triathlon training plan. So here are a few tips:

1. Get good shoes. Go to a place like Running Inn (or equivalent). They test your way of running and provide the best shoes. It will prevent injuries and the evil shinsplits.
2. It is stated, but essential. Eat well. Make sure you eat a banana and/or apple an hour before the run. It is natural sugar and bananas contain minerals to prevent cramps
3. Something I'm not doing, but rather run in the morning. It is to do with sugar levels and the correlation to motivation. Afternoons tend to be more difficult to get motivation to run.
4. Get a partner to run with you. The best motivation is someone else.
5. Don't bother with energy drinks, unless you start running longer than 60 minutes. Water, water, water. And keep yourself hydrated (but not over-hydrated).
6. Stretch. Not the stuff you did in primary school. Get a good guide (lots on the internet).
7. Get into what I call, the "zone". It is the point where you have the correct rhythm and pace, your mind forgets how far you need to go and you just enjoy it. Sounds weird, but it occurs it most sports. I get it especially when I swim (but I suspect it is the lack of oxygen ).
8. Get a heartrate monitor. Overstressing your heart when you are unfit isn't healty. I train according to 60-80% of max heartrate, and only peak for no more than 5% of my run at 80-100% of my max heartrate. It is also great to see when the fitness kicks in, that your heart rate lowers. My average hearte rate is now 12% lower than a year ago.
9. Decide your goal. To give you an idea. It took me 6 weeks to get from 5km to 10km runs (excluding all the cycling and swimming). Be realistic
10. A weird thing, but go and run on Fridays. Why? Friday's tend to be the day when we are the "laziest" So, if you can get yourself exercising (even if it is only for 15-20minutes), it will be a motivator for the next week.

This is my experience. It might differ for you, but so use it or don't use it.

+1 on the heart rate monitor. I went from completely unfit (in the start, I struggled with 2km's) to finishing my first 70.3 Ironman in the beginning of the year. Trained for 6 months, and I have to say getting a heart rate monitor made a huge impact in my training. Just do some research on how to use it.

I would also like to stress getting goals. Commit yourself financially to a major event, and tell people you are going to do it. Even better, try to get someone of similar fitness to register with you with who you can compete against. It was a huge motivator which lead to me getting in great shape. When I was having down days, I would just imagine myself on the track with my brother running/cycling infront of me and how I pass him and beating him .

 

[roskii]

+1 on the heart rate monitor. I went from completely unfit (in the start, I struggled with 2km's) to finishing my first 70.3 Ironman in the beginning of the year. Trained for 6 months, and I have to say getting a heart rate monitor made a huge impact in my training. Just do some research on how to use it.

I would also like to stress getting goals. Commit yourself financially to a major event, and tell people you are going to do it. Even better, try to get someone of similar fitness to register with you with who you can compete against. It was a huge motivator which lead to me getting in great shape. When I was having down days, I would just imagine myself on the track with my brother running/cycling infront of me and how I pass him and beating him .

+11111 Also grabbed myself a heartrate monitor, Polar RS300X. Training in zones has really up my performance, and has provided me with an extra boost of motivation. Great investment, and if you with Discovery Vitality, you can use it to earn points per training session, get to that Diamond status

Big ups to you for doing a 70.3. My brother does Ironman, it's on a whole other level!

 

[drnaphtali]

+11111 Also grabbed myself a heartrate monitor, Polar RS300X. Training in zones has really up my performance, and has provided me with an extra boost of motivation. Great investment, and if you with Discovery Vitality, you can use it to earn points per training session, get to that Diamond status

Big ups to you for doing a 70.3. My brother does Ironman, it's on a whole other level!

Thanks . I can really recommend this event for anyone. It is really well organized (they close down part of the N2 for the race!), a great venue, and the support is amazing. They make every athelete feel like a superstar. And you do get a great feeling of accomplishment when you run over the finish line.

I will be doing a full IM when I am abit older. Want to get a few 70.3's behind my name first. Will hopefully do one next year in America when I go to visit my brother there. Very bummed that I cannot attend the one in SA next year as it is sold out! A very popular event.