[NFS]

I am spectacularly unfit, but started running this week - having been inspired by the Simon Pegg film 'run fatboy run'

I got up at 6:45am and did a mile circuit on Mon and Tues this week, really enjoyed it. Gave me a boost for the rest of the day as well.

I reckon I can stick at this, since it slots into my day really easily. Much better than going to the gym at lunch time or whatever.

I've rested my legs for the last 2 days and am out again tomorrow morning.

I want to get to the point of doing a 2 mile circuit at a brisk jog, every weekday morning.

If there are any runners here .. can you offer me some advice and motivation ?

[zedman]

yeah i go running, started a few years ago to see whether i could run round the block. I couldn't! Since then though i've ran half marathons etc and the best advice i can give you is enjoy yourself when you run, choose new routes, dont always try to stick to flat surfaces - hills can be a nice break sometimes, get some good running trainers (asics?), ALWAYS stretch and don't run in quiet places at quiet times - it's not safe and if you fall and hurt yourself nobody'll find you. And lastly keep it up cos you'll surprise yourself how much longer than 2 miles you can actually run for...

[dxb335d]

I am interested in such a thing, altho i usually cant be arsed.

[NFS]

When I was 18 I ran a half marathon having done about 4 half arsed training runs. I did alright in the end, but the last few hundred yards were a push.

Bit older now and it's amazing how much difference that makes. My legs properly ached after 2 one mile jogs.

I'm definitely going to stick at it though.

As of Monday ... I'll also have gone 4 weeks without any alcohol. I'm going to try to do another 4 - after which I'll probably get absolutely hammered.

[Eazyrock]

Stretch!! When I first started running my left leg would cramp up at about the half mile mark every time.. Wasn't until I started stretching properly before it stopped. Also stay consistent. Missing a day here or there isn't going to kill you, but for the best results try to stay as consistent as possible. I live in the city so if I have my ipod with me I only put one of the ear phones on. Just incase.

[bells0]

Started runnin just before Xmas to lose weight and something to do after splitting from wifey.

Currently do a 3 mile route, that is getting easier and easier. Goal is a 10k run in May, but if i keep at it, will enter 1 Easter weekend.

Motivation is an issue, but once i'm out there, quite enjoy it. Try to get 3 runs a week in, thus no aches or pains [dont attempt it every night!!].

Now if i could only keep off the booze, i'd be super trim!!

Best tip i have is to get some good trainers, and to take it nice and slow at 1st.

[squeezebm]

Nfs,luckilly for me i have a very physical job so running is not needed but i have decided to try and live a little healthier this year too good on ya and don't give up

[booforty]

Can't stand running, I ride my bike to keep fit - more fun too!

[Oli]

I run 4 miles, 3 times a week - just got back into it ater breaking my ankle last year and tearing the ligaments in it the year before!!!!

I just strap my ipod on, turn up some old 90's rave anthems and away I go

I make sure that I do a route that there are no shortcuts, as its quite easy to cut back when you are out there.

Also invest in some 'proper' runing shoes, that have been fitted to your feet, I have Saucony with heel lifters and instep supports, bcause of my wierd feet - make such a difference

[Oli]

Oh and finally dont over do it or you will bore of it quite quickly

[mjh93sa]

Originally Posted by beauforty

Can't stand running, I ride my bike to keep fit - more fun too!

+1 on that. Though I need to do it more often.

You also get to cover more ground and ogle more joggers (though that can be good and bad).

[ironjw]

i dropped 60lbs by running and weight training!

my motivation: look at myself in the mirror real carefully

tired of being fat ... took me about 7.5 months!

[tinka]

ive done 4 london marathons now,countless 1/2 marathons,10k's and a few 10 milers,ive lost a bit of motivation at the moment because i did,nt get in the marathon this year so got the hump,did it last year and it was baking.

anyway as said above vary your route,never set off to fast,keep at a pace where you can hold a conversation,then over time extend the distance and pace,after a while you will notice an improvement,so start raising the tempo a bit, find a lamp post and sprint to the next one,or sprint 30 secs then recover for a couple of mins,then again,it all depends on what you want from it realy.

if i do any kind of organised run,i love the feeling of crossing the line comapring my time with the previous time,seeing if ive set a pb,im competing with myself all the time,try one organised run and you will love it im sure.

blimey im going on a bit here,but its a little passion of mine,running,ill be starting again in march for maybe a 10k,go on you know it makes sense.

[Black Sapphire]

[QUOTE=mjh93sa;2182843]+1 on that. Though I need to do it more often.

Same as, running gets boring, for me anyway even with with decent sounds on the ipod!

On the subject of keeping motivation, do something you enjoy if it's not running.
I play football 3 times a week plus get in couple of games of badminton and/or squash.
The motivation comes from enjoying the game and loving kicking friends arse's!!

[DervFan]

I used to be a big runner, but scaled-down after doing the London Marathon in 2004. I try to go to the gym 3 times a week or as Oli and do 3 x 4 milers outdoors, although this time of year motivation is very hard

Also since we've had our daughter, what with the daily commute/child care arrangements, it is proving more difficult to find the time.

Initially the best advice I can give is invest in a good pair of running shoes and some proper breathable clothing - now you don't have to go all "Dave Bedford", but it will certainly help, especially when the better weather arrives.

Also make sure that you're well hydrated (don't go running after a skinful ), as this will certainly help performance. If you've got any kind of cold/fever it will put unnecessary stress on your body, so I never exercise when I'm not feeling 100%.

If you've got any friends/neighbours that are interested, having a running partner is very good for motivation, you can thrive off each others enthusiasm, and if one of you isn't feeling like bothering, then there is always the guilt aspect of letting someone else down. My wife used to come out on her bike with me when I was doing my longer runs (10-18milers) when I was training for the London.

Any kind of sustained exercised is good when you get the 'bug'. It can be serious fun and very addictive, (I lost 56lbs over a year) you'll find yourself trying to beat your 'time' every other day. All in all have fun !

[NFS]

Originally Posted by DervFan

It can be serious fun and very addictive, (I lost 56lbs over a year) you'll find yourself trying to beat your 'time' every other day. All in all have fun !

Still a long way off that point, but I'm going to take it slow. At the moment I'm doing a jog for 2 minutes, then walk for 1 minute to recover etc ...

Target right now is just to jog the whole 1 mile route

[BC4J]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

I am spectacularly unfit, but started running this week - having been inspired by the Simon Pegg film 'run fatboy run'

I got up at 6:45am and did a mile circuit on Mon and Tues this week, really enjoyed it. Gave me a boost for the rest of the day as well.

I reckon I can stick at this, since it slots into my day really easily. Much better than going to the gym at lunch time or whatever.

I've rested my legs for the last 2 days and am out again tomorrow morning.

I want to get to the point of doing a 2 mile circuit at a brisk jog, every weekday morning.

If there are any runners here .. can you offer me some advice and motivation ?

I'm going for a run at lunchtime. I'll be thinking of you...

[DaveC]

I can manage to jog about 100meters so I reckon I am qualified to give some advice, seriously, don't run too fast for the first 20 or so meters because by the time you get to 70-80meters you'll really pay for it.

Hope this helps

(Actually not joking, even when I was at school and spent my days cycling, walking and playing football I could never run for any distance - once finished a 1500m - no way could I ever go jogging. I'm 6'5 and I reckon I have the lungs of a shorty - thats my excuse)

[andy69]

only to the toilet after a curry

[Z4 Beemer]

I usually try and do a 5km treadmill run at the work gym at lunchtime 2 or 3 times a week. Usually set the gradient of the machine up a bit to try and simulate "real world" outside running. Sometimes set the program to 'interval training' where you run faster for 2 mins then slow for 2 mins, then fast again etc etc. Also, I never usually go two days in a row.

[SDRX]

i do a 5km run every sunday on treadmill. The incline is set on 1.0% and the speed on 12.4km/h. By the end of it i feel on top of the world but feel like i could eat 20 kebabs!!

Best advice: build up progressively!!

[RockIt]

Do some running on the gym treadmill, but prefer to vary with cycling and rowing machine as I find it incredibly boring.. Much prefer the weights when it comes to exercise. Particularly lifting a pint or 6.