Running

Millykins57

I just started running a couple weeks ago and so far it's going really well. I run a few times a week. Tonight i ran about a mile and a half (thats pretty good for me)

Does anyone on here have any tips, tricks, or advice on running?

golden1215

Listen to music while you do it- it really helps me!

And invest in good quality (i.e. usually expensive) running shoes if you plan to stick with it, it really made a difference for me.

mata8888

I like to keep track of miles and time when I run so I can see my progress.  Look for a 5K race in your area and start training for it.  Anyone can do it and it's motivating to run with all the other people.  Finally, check out Runner's World online.  They have great tips.  Good luck and keep it up!  It will get easier!

Shtallionchick14

Switch up. Sometimes running outside is nice, but I also like running on the treadmill. I like to run at different times of the days. Also don't feel bad if you have to walk. I am currently doing interval runs (sprints for 2 mins, then walking up hill for two mins) and that actually is a better work out that a flat out run.

I also recommend signing up for a race so that you have something to train for. Thinking of it as training rather than "working out" is easier for me. When you finish the race, you will feel so accomplished. I still have my number on the fridge from my first 5k.

cukimerrydoll

I agree - switch it up!  It helps you not get bored or discouraged with it.

If you decide to sign up for a race, add some cross-training too.  I recently added rollerblading, and I LOVE it!  It's a great workout, and it works my muscles a bit differently than solid running.

riverjib

I agree with these tips--find music that keeps you going (and shuffle your cardio playlist!), vary your routine, and invest in good shoes. I always loved running, but I get bored nonetheless, which is why I ended up getting into triathlon. But you can keep running very interesting with practice!

I'm a huge fan of finding local trails, and that's surprisingly easy. I've lived in Manhattan, the middle of suburbia, and rural areas, and I can name equally awesome runs in all three places. Running down Oak Street to Sycamore Lane bores me after I've done it once or twice. You might not feel that way, but I think that most runners experience that boredom, and that's why it's important to keep exploring. If you're out of ideas, MapMyRun.com is a great way to keep it fresh.

Shoes are vitally important. I'm not cheap in general, but I'm not into designer labels, either. I made the mistake of lumping running shoes into the category of "excessively and unnecessarily expensive crap" for a long time. But when I realized that joint pain was holding me back, I finally went to get fitted for shoes that really fit me. I was not happy about spending $80 on sneakers, but it changed my life for the better. A good running store won't try to sell you the $150 pair...they'll let you try multiple pairs that should fit you decently and let you see which ones work. In my case, I found a running store that videotaped you in real time running on a treadmill so that you could visually see which ones corrected any stride imbalance. Do this. Your feet will thank you :-)

MsAlphaBee123

I agree with all these posts!
a good gadget is an Ipod, with the Nike+ adaptor.  It calculates your run, time, distance, and calories burned- and you can plug it right into your computer and see visual representation of your runs and challenge yourself and others on the online forum. I love mine. totally worth the investment. It makes my runs bearable.


And the shoes u choose are ESSENTIAL to SUCCESS-- I switched to a mid-range $ Asics and It made a world of difference from just a low end Nike.
Listen to what River said about getting fitted at a real running store. :-) They were really helpful.

noelle24

Ditto getting good shoes and signing up for a race.

I've found that signing up for a race really helps me get my butt out the door.  Now that I don't have a race to train for and am not trying to lose more weight, I've been struggling with motivation.  Find something to make you get out and run.

For training programs, I really like Couch to 5K.  If you can run a mile and a half, though, that might be too beginner for you.  Other programs I like are the Hal Higdon ones.  They're free, and you can choose either 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Marathon at Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced levels. 

Also, cross train!  It keeps me from getting bored. I just did a weights workout for the first time in two months, and I felt more engergized and excited about exercise than I have in a while.

SarahM2012

I'm a huge fan of the couch to 5k plan. I agree with these ladies they have some really great advice!


link to couch to 5k
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=26