Runners - need advice please....

I don't run. It's just not my thing. BUT, I know it is such great exercise and the weather is getting so nice out. I've been working out with p90 and p90x for almost 4 months and I think my endurance can handle it so I thought maybe I'd try today. But I don't even know where to start!!! Do you take your ipod? Where do you put it? What do you wear? Do you plan your route in advance? Any help/tips/advice are appreciated!

Re: Runners - need advice please....

I got the nike thing for the sneakers that hooks to the ipod and tells you how far you have run, and took it to the track with me and followed the directions to calibrate it. Now that it is all hooked up, running outside is so easy!

Now, I just pick the distance I want to run and then hit the streets! I run until I am about half way through my distance and then turn around and run home.

Re: Runners - need advice please....

I'm training for my first 10k and i plan my routes on mapmyrun.com so i know my 3 mile route, 5 mile route etc.

But if you are just starting out running, i would just get out there and run! Run for as long as you can and then if you need to stop and walk for a bit, walk. Then when you recovered a little start running again. In the beginning go for time not speed or distance. Aim to be out there for 20-30 minutes and try to run/walk and each day try to increase the running time more and decrease the walk time.

Re: Runners - need advice please....

I wear an armband to hold my ipod. I can also shove my keys behind it as I just detach the front door key and leave the rest behind.

I would recommend just getting out there and exploring your neighborhood. Do not feel bad if you can't go as far as you would like, you will build up quickly.

Create a route around your neighborhood and strive to run a bit longer each time you go out before walking. You can set small goals such as running to the next street light/tree and try to increase it each time. Def run-walk-run-walk until you build up your endurance. This will help you improve and don't worry about speed, it will improve as you get used to running.

Depending on weather, I wear dry-fit t-shirt, pants, shorts, or long sleeve shirts.
Dryfit is absolutely essential in my book.

I also wear a headband to keep my hair under control.

Message edited 3/18/2012 9:37:14 PM.

Re: Runners - need advice please....

I don't listen to music when I run anymore but I used to. You might want it at first.

Do you live near a park? I am so addicted to running in Central Park that I hate running elsewhere. It helps me to have other people running with me as well in the park as opposed to dealing with traffic and cars on streets.

As for mileage, start low. If you are okay doing a mile or two, do any extra mile or extra half a mile next time you run. A rule of thumb is not to increase by more than 10% or so each week--you don't want to be injured by going too far too fast.

I also would sign up for a short race---I actually only started running after a friend convinced me to do a 4 mile race last April. I had no idea if I'd finish it and I ended up walking some of it but it got me motivated to start running. That race was less than a year ago and yesterday I completed my 2nd half marathon and didn't walk at all. So you have to start somewhere!