Where do I begin?

Nikster

I've decided that I'm going to start back running. I haven't ran in 10 years. I started smoking 10 years ago and the running kind of disappeared. It's a bit sad really. I used to be really fit, winning all-ireland medals in athletics and orienteering.
Now I've given up the cigarettes and I've decided that I need to start working on my dreams. It's always been my ambition to run a marathon before I'm 30, and seeing as I'm nearly 26, now is the time to get my act together and get the show on the road!
The only thing is- I have absolutely no idea where to begin. I need to treat myself like an absolute beginner now since it's been so long since I did any form of exercise. I don't really enjoy walking so I would like to start some sort of jogging program. Does anyone have any ideas of where I should start? What should I do to bein?
I bought a new good pair of trainers today to get me going!

shels4ever

Hi there,
Well I was in the same boat as you 4 months ago, I had not run for almost 10 years, but started back with 2-3 easy runs a week. I was doing maybe 1-2 mile to start with and took it really really easy for the first 6 week.
I think you will be suprised at how quick it comes back, but what I found was dont push yourself too hard to start with, start to enjoy your running again and the fitness does follow,
If I were you i'd start to get out manye 3-4 times a week for slow easy runs and see how you feel , after 4 weeks of the you should then be ready to up your training.

I found it great hear on the boards and recieved some great advise...

SUNGOD

check out some of the running logs on the fitness forum and maybe start one yourself , they are great for motivation as you post your daily/weekly training and maybe get support/comments/feedback off other posters.
there is a great "couch to 5k" starting to run plan i saw posted there that i know a few people have used which is very good, not sure of the link but im sure you will find it if you look on the fitness logs.
the best advice for running is just "run" start slowly and do whatever you can 1k ,1 mile whatever and slowly increase the distance, dont even think or worry about speed that will come eventually.
join a local club, running with others is so much easier
good runners, you seem to have this covered just make sure they are the right kind for your feet, and to finish just enjoy it personally i love to run and its the enjoyment that keeps me running so if you keep a smile on your face and enjoy your training its something you can do for many years to come and not a quick fix for fitness/weight loss ,so anyway nikster best of luck with it

geoff29

same as others - id find a 5k route (have a look at mapmyrun) and do it twice a week to begin with. Go slowly - at this stage you will have to take breaks to walk probably - but monitor where these points are - and on the subsequent runs try to cut them out (this will take weeks if not months!). Dont forget to go slow.

Then, when you have cut out the breaks, start trying to go a little faster.

Then, get a stopwatch and time yourself.

Then try and beat the time!!

Then maybe add another session and make it 3 times a week?

Hope you find a routine that works - Best of luck

donothoponpop

You'll probably find catching your breath difficult for anything over a kilometer or so- your lungs will have to get rid of 10 years accumulation of cr@p from cigarettes, so be prepared to take it easy the first while. Three or four times a week should suffice to get you into a running routine, the really important thing at this stage is to stick at it. I was a 20 year smoker until two years ago, had tried to give up many times, and running was the only substitute that worked. If you crave a ciggie in the evening, go for a run, the craving will go. After a few weeks your lungs will feel much bigger, so your breathing and running distances will improve.

I've run a couple of marathons now, never crave nicoteen any more, best thing I've ever done. Best of luck!

-donothoponpop