I'd like to start running. Any suggestions for beginners.?

Question

I'm in pretty decent shape but I've never had a running regime before. What are pros/cons for running outdoors as opposed to on a treadmill?? All suggestions welcomed

Answer 1

1. Get decent shoes. You want something that will absorb road shock. Otherwise, shin splints are a real problem.

2. Stretch! Before and after.

3. Start off slow. 1-2 miles at first. While you may be in shape cardiovascularly or from other sports, when you switch, you end up using different muscles. I went from Varsity Swimming to Varsity Cross-Country in High School. My first week was a living hell!

4. Track out different routes in the community. Don't allow yourself to get bored.

5. Find an accountability partner - someone who will keep you going when you want to quit. Another beginning runner.

6. Don't run every day. Alternate so your muscles can recover.

7. I would avoid running with music - MP3/iPod. You need to be able to hear while you're out there. I can't tell you how many runners I've had turn and run in front of my car because they can't hear me. Besides - take time to think and clear your mind while you run. Listen to the wind, the birds, etc. Running is more than just physical exericse - it's good mental exercise too.

Answer 2

Hi.
I'll have to agree with people who say that there is less impact on joints if you're on treadmill.
And it is, probably, better to start on a treadmill. When you have all the info infront of you (cal's burned, time, distance), while on a treadmill, it's more interesting, plus you could people-watch in the gym.
SUGGESTIONS:
1. even when you come from work and sit on the couch, and think you're too tired.... NO!!!!!!! Get up and go to the gym, or outside and DO IT!!! trust me you'll feel SOOO good afterward.
2. Shoes are important, running shoes that fit.
3. Grab an MP3 player or an I-pod, load some "energy toons" and ROCK ON!!!! but get earphones, that don't go inside the ear, get the ones, that sit around the ears- once you starting to sweat, it will mess with the sound.

STRETCH!!!!
Start with 2 miles 3 to 4 days a week.
add a 1/2 a mile every 2 weeks.
Untill you get to about 5 to 6 miles.
Unless you're trying out for the Olympic track team :), you don't need more stress on your body.

MOST IMPORTANG: set up the days you'll do it, and make a it a priority- you have plans to go out: go to the qym straight from work, and then do all the other stuff.

HAVE FUN

Answer 3

the only pro of running on a treadmill rather than outside, is that it is less impact, so it won't hurt your feet or knees as much...but most people don't have a problem with this! So if you want to run outside you should be fine. You will get to know your limits pretty quickly so you can develop your own routine.

Answer 4

An athletic therapist who helped me with shin splints advised me to apply 5 min blocks to artwork as much as working, like this: run a million min, walk for 4 until it incredibly is gentle then run 2 minutes, walk for 3, etc. on condition that I run outdoors and don't stare at an eye fixed fixed, I run for one music then walk for 2 or 3. wish that enables. good luck.

Answer 5

I'd suggest running indoors on a treadmill first. This will

a) help you to get a breathing rythm
b) find your stride length.

Running outsidehas its benefits - the hills and will help you build better muscle endurance. But there are disadvantages of bad weather, bad surface, etc

Answer 6

One foot in front of another.
Start slowly then build up to the level you want to achieve.

Keep at it even after you start to burnout on your exercises routine and see what happens!
That day you don't feel like it- Count to three and do it!!

Answer 7

get good shoes
start slow
listen to your body

treadmills are OK, but they get boring very quickly and dont give you as good of a workout. the only pro about them is you can get some exercise in bad weather.