jogging

kead1987

hey people, i want to start working on my fitness but i cant really afford a gym membership so im going to start jogging. i havent gone jogging before so is it just as simply as putting on a tracksuit and going for a run? im just wondering if you coluld give me some advice, or if theres anything i need to know? dont be afraid to state the blindingly obvious. thanks very much.

Gavin "shels"

I jog every second day, and basically I wear a tracksuit and a decent pair of runs (make sure they're tight on your feet). If possible which it usually isn't but I try jogging in the cycle line as its tarmac and absorbs the shock meaning no shin splints, etc...
Also try and invest in one of those timer things with time, distance, steps, etc... and record it time you go for a jog and try bettering it each time.

siochain

start, one foot in front of the other and pick up speed

get some decent runners

Energizer-Bunny

Ya try and avoid running on the road if possible..quit hard on the legs/feet.

When I go jogging I wear a tracksuit pants, tshirt (long sleeve top inside that and gloves if it's cold) good runners, reflecters if jogging at night, a watch, ipod.

Dont forget to warm up then stretch, and then warm down and stretch. Don't want to be pulling anything.

columok

my brother used to run a lot of marathons and would always say that at the start:

Pick a set loop route and start at a pace that you know you can finish at. Then gradually (day by day) try to run it faster and increase the distance that you run!

Fast_Mover

Ya it's handy running a set route, although it may become a bit boring at times it allows you to compare times/see if your are improving etc..

lucyburn

I usually do my jogging in the gym,on the running machine.I think its to dangerous for women to go jogging on their own especially at this time of the year,because it gets dark so early.

hunnymonster

lucyburn wrote: »

I usually do my jogging in the gym,on the running machine.I think its to dangerous for women to go jogging on their own especially at this time of the year,because it gets dark so early.

Men can get mugged too if that is what you are implying?


I have a personal bug-bear with the word jogging. You are either walking or running. Jogging conjures up images of leg warmers and day-glo catsuits to me. Start calling yourself a runner.

Shoes are the most important thing when you start running. Ideally get yourself fitted professionally, somewhere like Amphibian King in Bray. You said money was an issue so if you can't stretch to this then at least do the wet foot test
http://www.foot-traffic.co.uk/catalogue.php?catID=255&opener=0-251-255
and research trainers online. Go for a brand that produce running shoes not cross trainers or fashion shoes. Good brands include New Blanace, Asics, Brooks,...

Your other clothing is less important. Wear what does not rub and cause chaffing and blisters. If you're a woman a good sports bra is a must. I use the shock absorder level 4 ones.
http://www.shockabsorber.co.uk/bounceometer/shock.html

As for routes. Pick some that will interest you. Start with a short lap of a local area. Ideally include a mix of running surfaces. As you progress, start to challenge yourself more, add some hills, mix up the speed.

Runners world is a good online source for running advice.

Colm_OReilly

Cheap way to improve your fitness

blah

I believe it's pronounced "Yogging", the J is silent

I run circles around Emirates stadium, a pretty handy route, there's some steps around the back too, so I can run up those Rocky style if I'm in the mood.

HardyEustace

Pick a race and then get a training program for it so that you have something to aim for. Otherwise it's hard to motivate yourself. Especially in winter.

HardyEustace

lucyburn wrote: »

I usually do my jogging in the gym,on the running machine.I think its to dangerous for women to go jogging on their own especially at this time of the year,because it gets dark so early.

too dangerous

While you do have to be careful when going out running, I stilll think that you can run in well lit, busy areas up to nine or ten at night without any problems. It's just a question of their availability in your area. If there's a route with a lot of traffic, so there are cars constantly passing you by and a lot of other walkers/runners you shouldn't have a problem.

--amadeus--

I'm with HM - like Yoda (almost) said - "run or walk, there is no jog"!

Can I vote against timing yourself? Certainly I wouldn't reccomend timing every run as this means that your try to push harder every time and you'll get dissapointed / demotivated if you don't beat your previous time. Since you can miss a time for all sorts of - non-fitness related - reasons (wind & weather, what you ate, traffic) it isn't always a good idea. Also pushing hard every time will push you out of teh ideal training zone for enhancing your cardio fitness (the main aim) and it's a horrible fealing which again will make you less likley to keep it up.

Pick three of four routes and run them at a comfortable pace (slow enough that you could comfortably hold a conversation). After a couple of weeks time one of them and then use that route as a timed speed test every week or two to measure progress.

And good trainers are vital.

Good luck!