New Runner!

[mishka]

Any tips for a new runner? Specifically, what kind of shoes do you recommend, and how would you suggest getting started? I can't seem to run far without losing my breath, not even half the block!!!

I'd really like to participate in marathons. I'm super new though, and I don't want to hurt myself, or start with too high hopes and discourage myself.

So any/all advice is so needed and welcome!

Thanks in advance!

Mishka

[Gizmo]

Any tips for a new runner? Specifically, what kind of shoes do you recommend, and how would you suggest getting started? I can't seem to run far without losing my breath, not even half the block!!!


Hi Mishka,

I was in your shoes more or less 5 years back. Since then I have built up a very good capacity, though never attempted a marathon.

When it comes to shoes I would go with some comfortable Nikes, Adidas, Asics. I would stay away from the cheaper marks as they do not always have the correct support for the feet. But go to your local sports store and ask them for a beginner walking/jogging shoes.

Then for a plan to get fit, as it seems you are getting fairly fast out of breath. I would first go to the dr. as it can be something more serious as being out of shape. After you get the go ahead of the doctor, I would start a fairly slow tempoed build up program.

I would for the first week try to walk two times around the block in moderate tempo, do this three times a week, the next week try four times a week the same distance. Then I would increase to three times around the block for two weeks. In the forth week I would walk moderate tempo around the block and then for the second round I would walk fairly brisk, and then the last round moderate tempo.

As you progress you will increase the rounds and increase the speed. It might seem like you might never get to run a marathon in this tempo, but I feel one shouldnt start running a marathon, but start slowly and build up your running capacity.

But I am no expert, just my advice.

[iWish]

Couldn't of said it better Gizmo. Mishcka what I would do is just jog a little. Try playing a sport just to make your endurance a little longer such as Basketball or Soccer. Now the shoes I like to wear when I run is so Addidas. They make some pretty nice running shoes. I wish you best of luck!

[mishka]

Thanks for the advice! I used to have a pair of Asics, oh I loooved them! I think I'll definitely go with them again.

Another friend said she started running by running for a minute and walking for a minute, then running for a minute, and walking for a minute. Or if it was too hard to start running again she might walk for 2 minutes, then run for 1, and alternate until she could run for longer, and keep increasing the time she ran until she just recently ran a marathon!

What do you think of this advice?