Got any tips for a beginner?
By stagewhisper
@stagewhisper (901)
United States
July 15, 2008 4:19pm CST
Hello, runners! I'm just getting started on the whole idea of running, and I'd like to find a way to get comfortable with the habit of running at least twice a week and work my way up from there (I'm doing yoga and biking on the other days of the week).
What sort of tips would you tell someone brand new to running? What programs or books would you suggest to a beginner? 
There's so much information out there, I can't tell what would be best for a newbie like me who wants to take it slow- at least to start.
There's so much information out there, I can't tell what would be best for a newbie like me who wants to take it slow- at least to start.2 people like this
6 responses
@smile44 (167)
• United States
15 Jul 08
Hey there! I am actually kind of in your shoes right now, except I used to be a runner back in high school/college. I've gotten out of shape though and I'm getting back into it now. There is a lot of advice out there and a lot of it is different, so I know it's hard to decide which to follow. I prefer to start building my endurance by running for time first, rather than distance. You want to build your aerobic muscles first, then you can start worrying about how far you're running and how fast. I believe it's around 13 minutes that your aerobic muscles start building endurance, so you'll want to build up to that first, or if you have already then you're well on your way. So for the first couple of weeks I would just try and run for as long as you can at a nice easy pace. Try to beat your last time every time you go out and run. It might seem slow at first, but one day you'll realize you beat your last time by 2 to 5 minutes! It's a good feeling. You're right to limit it to 2 to 3 days a week, your muscles need time to heal and build. Make sure you're getting lots of protein, that will help tons. Another thing that helps - when you're running, try to find a target (tree branch or something) slightly above eye level. That will help keep your breathing steady and keep you from getting cramps. And make sure you have good shoes! Good luck!
@stagewhisper (901)
• United States
16 Jul 08
So I should just set a small distance to run and work on running that and getting faster each time? My street goes for about a half-mile before it ends, starting from my house; would running down and back (once I build up to running constantly) be a good start?Thank you very much for your advice! 
@smile44 (167)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Exactly the opposite. I would try to work yourself up to being able to run about 2 miles before you start trying to get faster. For example, aim to run 10 min the first day, 11 minutes the second, and just keep trying to beat your time until you get up to about 20 minutes. At that point you can probably run at least 2 miles. Then you can start trying to build up your speed, once you've got your endurance up.
@stagewhisper (901)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Awesome! I was looking for a website recommendation, and this should be plenty helpful. Thank you for sharing! 
@syndibee (799)
• United States
15 Aug 09
How is your running going?
I'm sure you've found all you needed to get started as this discussion is a year old, but there are many other new runners out there, myself included.
I just finished the C25K training program at coolrunning.com . Now I'm training for a 10K. Another great resource is runnersworld.com . I also find beewellmiles.com useful and informative. I like to map my miles on mapmyrun.com I think they have a lot of helpful information as well.
@jannijanni (866)
•
16 Jul 08
Running is about endurance and it's really addictive if you'd ask me :D
i'm not really a pro at it but i constantly run as a cross-training to my sport.
try starting with small distances...moderate your pacing...stop if you have to, and also don;t forget to hydrate.
As time passes, gradually increase the distance and time. You'll be able to get the hang of it soon :D
@stagewhisper (901)
• United States
17 Jul 08
All right, makes sense to me. Thank you for the advice!
@princejayevents (1245)
• Philippines
25 Oct 08
as a beginner, try to limit your time in running. don't force yourself running too far. have daily time record when running.
@pinkfloyd007 (375)
• India
28 Oct 08
If you are smoking just quit.since you do yoga and biking it wont take much time for you to get accustomed.Take your time.Rum slowly and for short distance and gradually increase.Dont go over the limit.Have fun.
