Thinking of taking up running.

[Russell S]

Also consider joining a running club. South Africa has a huge running culture and clubs are always looking for new members. Go to a few in your area and see how you feel. Running is particularly awesome when you start running with a regular group of people.

 

[patrick]

I'd rather eat less. Running always sucks for me, regardless of how fit I get.

 

[jboyx989]

The best way to keep youself motivated is to train for a specific event like an upcoming funrun. Myself and a few friends have been training for a 15km fun run which is next weekend, and its amazing how it has motivated everyone to get out there and into shape.

I also find it amazing just how quickly the body can increase its fitness. I had been nursing an injury so only started my running training fairly recently, and in only about 5 weeks I've managed to go from 2km up to 12.5km. Once you have some basic fitness going for you, the rest is all mental. Push yourself a bit, and you'll be amazed at how far you can go!

Good luck!

 

[sirhc]

All the best for running, its a great sport, stress reliever. try do some stretching before and after, when I cant run further I satnd and do squats. breaks me.

 

[ele33]

I'd rather eat less. Running always sucks for me, regardless of how fit I get.

eating less would help with the weight but health wise you need to get the heart pumping

 

[Velenoso]

I am also seriously considering this. Starting to become a bit overweight now. Not much junk food and I don't eat a lot, but have been drinking a lot of beer over many years so it's mainly a beer gut I'm developing.

Thinking of running every evening and stopping beer altogether (maybe just drink whiskey?) also I am in a very nice rural setting for the next couple weeks in Zambia so a good place to run.

Is it safe to run if you're a bit heavy (95kg, 1.86m tall)? Not gonna screw up my knees or anything? Or would it be better to lose some weight first with something like swimming/bycicle?

I don't usually have a weight problem when I am in the states or UK because I walk around a hell of a lot but in S.A etc its a problem.

 

[creeper]

I am also seriously considering this. Starting to become a bit overweight now. Not much junk food and I don't eat a lot, but have been drinking a lot of beer over many years so it's mainly a beer gut I'm developing.

Thinking of running every evening and stopping beer altogether (maybe just drink whiskey?) also I am in a very nice rural setting for the next couple weeks in Zambia so a good place to run.

Is it safe to run if you're a bit heavy (95kg, 1.86m tall)? Not gonna screw up my knees or anything? Or would it be better to lose some weight first with something like swimming/bycicle?

I don't usually have a weight problem when I am in the states or UK because I walk around a hell of a lot but in S.A etc its a problem.

Weight is a factor, but shouldn't be a problem for you as you are not that overweight. Injuries occur when you 1) Don't warmup correctly 2) Running technique is bad, 3) bad shoes and 4) trying to do too much. Start with a 2,5km run and see what happens. Find a nice rhythm and monitor your kness, calves and hips for any signs of pain. If there is nothing, then slowly increase the distance. When you reach your desired distance, increase the speed.

To give you an idea. I weigh 92kg (my BMI looks bad, but it is due to muscle) and run 10km every 3rd day. The only reason I don't run everyday is due to swimming and cycling taking up the other days.

 

[MKFrost]

Not sure if it might have been mentioned here but go have a look at apps that train you to run. I have one on my droid called 'Learn to run'. It helps you when you start out and ups the game the whole time. Based on a training plan where you walk for xx minutes then run for xx etc... Almost like a personal trainer.

A couple of months back (while still smoking etc..) I would have been good 'hospital material' after just 1 km, now I do 5km without even breathing hard. Still taking it slow but pretty sure I will be able to do a 10 km run without to much problems

 

[azbob]

your gif isn't gif'ing.

 

[Velenoso]

Weight is a factor, but shouldn't be a problem for you as you are not that overweight. Injuries occur when you 1) Don't warmup correctly 2) Running technique is bad, 3) bad shoes and 4) trying to do too much. Start with a 2,5km run and see what happens. Find a nice rhythm and monitor your kness, calves and hips for any signs of pain. If there is nothing, then slowly increase the distance. When you reach your desired distance, increase the speed.

To give you an idea. I weigh 92kg (my BMI looks bad, but it is due to muscle) and run 10km every 3rd day. The only reason I don't run everyday is due to swimming and cycling taking up the other days.

That's the thing I also checked my BMI and it says very overweight or whatever but I mean I'm not a huge guy by any means. I got a friend as well who trains quite hard at the gym. He's 105kg and shorter than me. He doesn't look overweight?

What the hell does BMI say for some of these people we get over in the states? BMI = Heart Attack

 

[creeper]

That's the thing I also checked my BMI and it says very overweight or whatever but I mean I'm not a huge guy by any means. I got a friend as well who trains quite hard at the gym. He's 105kg and shorter than me. He doesn't look overweight?

What the hell does BMI say for some of these people we get over in the states? BMI = Heart Attack

Read up on where BMI comes from. It is not always a good indicator of fitness and health. BMI is only ONE number and should not be seen on its own. Pretty much the same as reading too much in a percentage (e.g. something grew with 100% means absolutely nothing if it isnt in context). So, your BMI, fat percentage, cholesterol and heart rate during exercise should all be used in combination to determine fitness. There are other measures, but this is good enough.

Edit: My BMI is 28 and I promise you, I'm not fat at all

 

[Anony-mousse]

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

I don't know what SO stands for but this is huge BS. The quote that running won't do anything for you is so dumb I can't believe anyone would try to discourage you like this. Anyone who want's to get up from the couch and go for a run earns my respect because it is healthy for both body and soul. Your heart will be so thankful for running as well.

When you start running I strongly advice not to overdo it in the beginning even if it feels easy. Let your knees and ankles get used to running. If you overdo it you can cause damage. Get yourself a nice pair of running shoes, I mean a nice pair, not this crap for R300. A good pair will set you back R1000 - R2000. Besides supporting your knees and feet it will motivate you to use them.

There are apps like Couch to 5km's or something like that, it is a VERY good way of getting into running.

So whatever SO stands for, I hope you will prove this person wrong for being so negative and discouraging.

 

[ClintZA]

SO = significant other. But yes, that is total crap. I cannot believe a partner would discourage exercise in any form. As many have stated, besides the obvious physical health benefits, you will not believe the effect regular exercise has on your mental health. It is not for no reason that many discussions on anxiety and depression recommend exercise.

 

[Anony-mousse]

SO = significant other. But yes, that is total crap. I cannot believe a partner would discourage exercise in any form. As many have stated, besides the obvious physical health benefits, you will not believe the effect regular exercise has on your mental health. It is not for no reason that many discussions on anxiety and depression recommend exercise.

Thanks for the clarification, it actually makes the statement worse.

And yes, that's correct. Many psychologists, if not all, recommend physical exercise, especially running, in acute phases of depression or anxiety attacks.

Due to kidney stones I wasn't able to run for quite some time. After the stone removal it was the first day of fast walking today, it was only for a few hundred meters but it felt SO GOOD.

 

[Mila]

One tip.
Great shoes.
I started up again on Friday. My shoes are run down, my feet is still sore. my Christmas box to me will be a decent pair of shoes.

 

[DA-LION-619]

Hi, are the soles on running shoes normally heavy(New Balance) also what's the difference between training & performance shoes?

 

[Anony-mousse]

Hi, are the soles on running shoes normally heavy(New Balance) also what's the difference between training & performance shoes?

No, the soles are usually not heavy. Depending on the type of shoe it can vary though, so for crosscountry running shows the sole will be heavier.

Performance shoes are much lighter but don't offer as much support.

 

[Velenoso]

So I started yesterday! My fiancées been at it for a week, my lazy ass only started yesterday.

I managed to do 1km yesterday only, did 1.2 today. Will try for 1.4 tomorrow. I must say, not feeling TOO bad, usual stiffness in the legs, etc but feeling positive and looking forward to tomorrow.

 

[Anony-mousse]

So I started yesterday! My fiancées been at it for a week, my lazy ass only started yesterday.

I managed to do 1km yesterday only, did 1.2 today. Will try for 1.4 tomorrow. I must say, not feeling TOO bad, usual stiffness in the legs, etc but feeling positive and looking forward to tomorrow.

As I said in one of my previous posts you do not want to overdo it in the beginning, your legs need a recovery day as well.

 

[Velenoso]

As I said in one of my previous posts you do not want to overdo it in the beginning, your legs need a recovery day as well.

You reckon I'm overdoing it?