So..... running

[jmc41]

Originally Posted by Mondo

Ok, in order to get down to the weight I want (next target 11st), I am going to start running.

I just downloaded Runkeeper on the iPhone, and tomorrow or thursday I will start my routine, but I know you don't go off and run 2 miles at full pelt without stopping, I want to enjoy it as much (since I absolutely detest running lol), are there any guides to get me going?

There is a nought to eight week guide on RW here http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/beginn...edules/30.html, but personally I found it better to do it myself.

The theory is sound though, start off with walk/run/walk. I'd always start with 5 minutes walking to warm up, and then I did something like 2 mins gentle jog, 2 mins walk, 3 mins jog, 3 mins walk, 5/5, 3/3, 2/2, that's 35 mins including the warm up and I used to pretty much get most of the way home (just over 3 miles) in there I think.

One of my major problems was I always went too fast running (one of the main reasons I started was I went out, ran 7 mins, almost collapsed and wondered what had happened to me), took me ages to consistently slow down. So I eventually went from walking/jogging 5-6 times to all jogging without stopping (actually took about the same time as walk/jog/walk/jog etc...) when lostkat told me to just slow down and keep going. So that's my second piece of advice, keep it slow!

I'd also try and do something to keep motivated. In the past I always got home and couldn't face it, so started walking in then had limited choice! Eventually it becomes a habit but it's the first few months that it takes to get there that are hard - and most don't enjoy it that much at first. Also note you may put on a little weight (muscle) to start with, and your legs may ache afterwards for a day or so!

Finally, log your runs. Date, time, distance, how it felt, whatever you like (I also log weather, Fine/Dark/Wet/Windy and if it's +25 or -6), Runkeeper should definitely help here from what I know of it.

GOOD LUCK!