Any tips for some-one who would like to start jogging/running? Any advice would be welcome, thanx.?

Question

quite fit but have more upper body strength. Always struggled with the running.

Answer 1

sry cant help but id be intrested in the anser to this question

Answer 2

First of all ignore the first advice you had here... Do not stretch before a run!! That's when your muscles are cold and hard... Have a gentle warm up run, then after a mile or so, so some quad, hamstring, hip flexor and calf stretches.

However before you do any of this, go to a proper running shop and have a gait analysis, which is an assessment of how you run and the biomechanics of your feet. Issues like your weight, whether you pronate or are flat footed all determine what kind of shoe you need (i.e. neutral cushion, stability or motion control...). DONT just go into a sports shop and buy expensive fashion trainers only cos they look good. Proper running shoes have superior cushioning etc so you don't ruin your knees when road running.

then look at the beginners running schedules at www.runnersworld.co.uk / or .com

Depending on your current level of fitness you may need to start with a walk-run programme and work your way up to 3 miles. Don't up your mileage by more than 10% each week, to allow your muscular skeletal strength to build gradually and avoid injury.

Another bit is don't go too fast too soon. Don't worry about speed until you can run at least 5 miles steady.

Also if you're a girl don't run on your own with music on as its not safe.

Answer 3

If you read the other answers please don't do any stretching until you are properly warmed up.
If possible get out with a running partner and make a date in your diary to help stick to it, if no partner take some music to listen to.
If you are quite fit start with a slow jog for as long as possible if you get tired don't be scared of walking and then start jogging when you get your breath back. Always try and run/walk for a set time rather than distance, this way as your fitness improves you will be going further and further.Good luck

Answer 4

I'm kinda in the same boat with you, upper body strength struggle with the running. i started going to the gym as a new years resolution and i try to find a treadmill that faces a TV and i set the treadmill at a comfortable jogging pace and just watch TV. it takes my mind off the running part and makes the time pass quickly.

Answer 5

Firstly, a good pair of running shoes... absolutely essential for the feet and also will help protect your ankles and lower legs as proper running shoes sometimes have gel in them and they give your feet support also.

Secondly, take it really slow at first and always warm-up before you go out.

Thirdly, you might find it easier to run a longer distance, and be safer, if you have someone with you. My best advice would be to join a running/jogging club as you'll probably find someone who runs at around the same pace as you. Running alone can be really hard as, if you want to stop and no one is saying "one more mile then we can rest" you might just stop. Also, if you're in a club, you will often get discounts on local races, etc.

Fourthly, try not to stop when you're tired. Just slow your pace down and that way it will be easier to start again.

Fifthly... good luck!

Oh and one other thing. At first it's going to be hard... no doubt you'll get sore feet, blisters, sore legs, etc but after you do it regularly then it becomes easier and you'll get such a buzz when you go "that one extra mile"... it's cheesy but I find it to be true.

Answer 6

Start off slow. 5 minutes every other day for two weeks, 10 minutes every other day for two weeks and so on. Don't think you are weak, just work your way up to where you want to be. but remember any more than 30 minutes running makes your body catabolic and it starts consuming muscle for fuel rather than fat. A good drink to keep that from happening is chocolate milk about 30 minutes before your workout.

Answer 7

if your shythen try going to the gym during the day. Ide say go swimming its the best and does the same thing running or jogginng does .Another thing walking is better that jogging. If your looking for lower body strength try bycicle riding and always try to do any marathon you can; marathons and such will give you endurance x10

Answer 8

A very Important Factor is to make sure you have a very Good Pair of Trainers/Running shoes . Learn the value of "Breathing" correctly,always -- always Stretch your Legs before commencing a Jog or run but do start carefully I.e short distances --- Gradually Increasing within what you feel "Comfortable" -- please remember you are supposed to "Enjoy" it not "Punish" Yourself ---- forget the rubbish about "No Pain -- No Gain" - Just Enjoy it --- Good Luck to you ......

Answer 9

I don't like running myself, but I still do it. Just remember to stretch before and after every run. Also after you have been running/jogging, don't stop abruptly. Walk slowly as a cool down to let your heart slow down in small incriments. Stopping abruptly can make you light-headed.

Answer 10

Start off with short runs on flat ground, (and take an mp3 player with you to relieve the boredom), then build up to longer runs with varying degrees of hills as your legs get stronger.

Answer 11

Hello mate - not much advice to give! mp3's are good, but i always find i daydream when i have one on so don't push myself. i prefer running in the woods, etc to on the roads and especially running machines!

just go for it - don't be embarrased of people looking at you as you go by. enjoy it is the most important thing.