Stupid Question

[Lauren]

Hi I want to improve my overall fitness so I thought running would be good because it is free and tones you up all over.

This may sound really stupid but I'm not sure how I go about it...!

Do I just literally go outside and run until I can't any longer? What sort of warm-ups should I do? Do I need special running shoes? And should I wear a jacket of some description? I see runners wearing next to nothing even in the coldest weather but I think that would be too cold for me! Do I run every day or just a few days a week?

Also I am scared I will look stupid!

Hope someone can help!

 

[AlisonM]

Not a stupid question at all and we have some experts here, no doubt one will be along soon to advise. I do know that warming up first is important or you might strain something and you should extend your distance slowly.

 

[ruthelliot]

No doubt more knowledgable folk than me will come along but I would say getting good trainers is essential - I would go to a specialist shop and get them to advise, the wrong shoes will result in all sorts of strains which will only demotivate you. Warming up also important. I used to do run walk run walk for say 2 miles and each time aim to run a little more of the route and once you can run it all up the distance. I'd also say at least once a week do another form of exercise - swim, cycle or something as this will help your running. If you can rope anyone in to run with you I find it helps immensely. Don't be disheartened if you feel your doing well then have a day where you can't run the length of yourself it happens sometimes. Wear a light fleece or jacket that you can tie round your waste if you get too hot - I wear thick gloves just now in sunny Scotland but you'll find what works for you. If you don't have a running partner why not post your planned runs and then progress on here and folk can help motivate you. Hope that helps 🙂

 

[trophywench]

When you get serious-er about running, yes you do need proper 'running trainers' - they have different soles to absorb the impact etc.

To start with just wear anything comfy and loose-ish - eg pair of jogging bottoms, t-shirt and some sort of lightweight shortish jacket - an unlined fleece or something like that this weather. With pockets for JB's and your meter at first. And trainers obviously.

Decide where you are going to go - along my street to this corner, hang a left, go round the square. Or that would be several miles where I live so I walk along my street to the corner, 100 yds ish, walk another 100 yds to get the circulation going then jog until I've had enough, then turn round and retrace my steps. You might only actually jog for a quite short distance. Say another 100 or 150 yds. It doesn't matter. By the time you've got back you've had over half a kilometer walk/jog haven't you?

Note where you stopped though. Next time try to go to the next gate/lamp-post/tree etc. Etc. It's like a competition with yourself!

I'd go every 2 days to start off, or just twice a week. Doesn't matter!

When it gets warmer and your speed and stamina build up, you gradually cast off clothes, but not at all necessary to dress like Kelly Holmes ever - and certainly not to begin with !

 

[Lauren]

Thanks both 🙂 I will definitely look into decent running shoes - I don't want to end up injuring myself! And I'm glad you told me about the 'walk run walk run' thing, I was thinking there's no way I will be able to run the entire of my planned route straight away! Thanks 🙂

 

[Lauren]

Thanks trophy, thats a good way to think about how far to run, also motivational 🙂 So glad I'm on this forum, everyone is so supportive its great

 

[HOBIE]

Well done for trying. I am not a runner (The bus woudnt get away!) but do the odd cycle ride. Decent trainers are good & set yourself some goals. Like 3/5 lamposts,gateposts etc & see how you get on. In a coupe of weeks 🙄😉

 

[rhall92380]

Hi Lauren

Welcome to running!

As others have suggested start with easy walk/runs and buld up gradually. When you need running shoes its important to go to a specialist shop to get a pair that suits your running style - many general sports shops do not have the necessary skills.

You could also try a google search for a local running club - check whether they cater for and help beginners like yourself.

Here's a link to advice for beginners
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/beginners/big-beginner-index/1461.html

You may find the runbritain website of interest
http://runbritain.com/home/

Richard
http://runbritain.com/home/

 

[Northerner]

Running is an excellent way to get fit and also will help a great deal with your blood sugar levels and more than likely reduce the amount of insulin you need.

The MOST important thing is to get some good running shoes. When you are starting out you will be particularly susceptible to injury if you don't have the required cushioning of a decent pair of running shoes. Back when I started running 30 years ago I ended up practically crippling my knees because I ran in inappropriate shoes

As has been suggested, if you have a specialist running shop near you, then go there fr advice (NOT JJB sports or similar, they are fashion places and are unlikely to have staff with appropriate knowledge of what would suit you). I have always found Asics running shoes to be excellnt, and if you but 'last year's model' they are often half the price of the latest ones, so big savings can be made.

You need to build up slowly and progressively - run/jog a lampost, then walk a lamppost to begin with - after a while you can run two lamposts, walk a lamppost etc. 🙂 There are lots of good training programmes around to give you an idea of where to start and what to expect. I would suggest looking at some 5k beginner's schedules initially e.g.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/racing/six-week-beginner-5k-schedule/67.html

At first, you will probably feel the cold more, so a tracksuit top and t-shirt or thermal top is a good idea, and either leggings or tracksuit bottoms to keep your muscles warm. As you start running further you will find that you warm up quickly so won't need quite so much - especially as Spring is on the way! And don't worry about what you look like - this is what I will be running in, in 3 weeks time:

😱

You will also need to learn how the running affects your blood sugar levels and insulin requirements, so it's a good idea to check BG before and after. I try to run around 90 minutes after injecting/eating. Anything else you need to know, just ask or send me a PM! Good luck!

 

[Copepod]

Race for Life have useful training plans - aimed at walking / jogging / running 5km and beginners and intermediate plans for running 10km. see http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/health-and-training/training/index.html

When you're ready to do 5km, not necessarily run the whole way, you might like to join a Saturday 9am (Uk except Scotland) or 9.30am (Scotland) Parkrun - free & timed - see http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ A good way to meet runners in your area, who will be willing to help you further.

For diabetes advice, http://www.runsweet.com/ has lots of background information, plujs case studies.

Happy running!

 

[Copepod]

Race for Life have useful training plans - aimed at walking / jogging / running 5km and beginners and intermediate plans for running 10km. see http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/health-and-training/training/index.html

When you're ready to do 5km, not necessarily run the whole way, you might like to join a Saturday 9am (Uk except Scotland) or 9.30am (Scotland) Parkrun - free & timed - see http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ A good way to meet runners in your area, who will be willing to help you further.

For diabetes advice, http://www.runsweet.com/ has lots of background information, plujs case studies.

Happy running!

Regarding lack of clothing - watching The Adventure Show coverage of OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) late October 2011 in Tayside revealed rather more legs than might be preferred, including my partner & his running partner putting up their tent at overnight campsite in pouring rain, wearing just trail shoes, shorts & waterproof top over other tops.

 

[Lauren]

Heehee Northener I love it! You'll be the best dressed I think!

Thank you all for the support, I am going to go to Cardiff at the weekend to buy some decent running shoes (I live in a tiny town and there are no good sports shops here) and I will start running as soon as I have them 🙂 Can't wait, I feel so much more confident now, and I am glad I asked about the shoes first otherwise I would have gone out running in my ancient Converse trainers and probably would have done myself an injury...!

With regards to insulin I think I will put my pump on a temp bolus of 20% (this what I do when at the gym) and just test test test until I have figured out how much I need.

 

[rhall92380]

Don't forget to wear something light coloured / with reflective strips if you may be running in the dark. A high visibility vest can be worn over darkor non reflective clothing.

Richard

 

[Northerner]

Heehee Northener I love it! You'll be the best dressed I think!

Thank you all for the support, I am going to go to Cardiff at the weekend to buy some decent running shoes (I live in a tiny town and there are no good sports shops here) and I will start running as soon as I have them 🙂 Can't wait, I feel so much more confident now, and I am glad I asked about the shoes first otherwise I would have gone out running in my ancient Converse trainers and probably would have done myself an injury...!

With regards to insulin I think I will put my pump on a temp bolus of 20% (this what I do when at the gym) and just test test test until I have figured out how much I need.

Lauren, this place looks like they know a thing or two about running, if you can find it:

http://www.mymoti.com/cardiff/

🙂