Beginer Running??

louise_w

hey guys.. I am totally new to running, like I only started about a month ago. At the moment I feel great and can't wait to get a bit better. At the moment I can't go very fast or for very far but I am enjoying trying! Am a chronic asthmatic which I think is holding me back! Does anyone have any advice as to how I can improve? My eventual goal is to run a marathon!

louise_w

even I would like to meet another beginer to train with! Am going to buy runners tomorrow if anyone can advise me on that? I know I have a high instep and that asics are good??

rainbow kirby

If you could get to a specialist running shop that would really help - they would be able to give you some proper recommendations on shoes.

Best way to improve - just keep going! I don't know if you are following any sort of plan, but I found Couch to 5k very helpful when I was starting out last year. Also, enter a race - having that date marked on your calendar is a powerful motivator to train.

osnola ibax

Hi Louise, by high instep, I'm thinking you mean, high arches. Asics do runners with support for high arches. I also have relatively high arches and use Brooks gts 8's. I love them. I would suggest you get a gait analysis done at a good running shop, some people think they may be an industry cash cow but I believe it worked for me in ascertaining the correct runner.

Could I also suggest you read this thread which dealt with the issue recently

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055500489

best of luck with the training and your mararhon goal. Keep up the training, it becomes more enjoyable and addictive as you go on. I've only been running since January myself. Consistency and smart training is key. If you are an absolute beginner, might I suggest the couch to 5k programme available on www.coolrunning.com

the programme has accompanying pod casts which set out the intervals, pace etc. E.g. Run for 2 mins, walk for 2 mins etc.

I don't know how asthma affects running but I'd imagine it makes it tougher so big up yourself and best of luck, loadsa support on a/r/t

RoyMcC

Hi Louise,
In addition to the above good advice. You should forget entirely about speed for the time being; you'll be surprised how long you can keep going at a slow pace and that's the real key to becoming a runner. In time you can work on upping the pace a bit.

Best of luck.

TheTubes

RoyMcC wrote: »

Hi Louise,
In addition to the above good advice. You should forget entirely about speed for the time being; you'll be surprised how long you can keep going at a slow pace and that's the real key to becoming a runner. In time you can work on upping the pace a bit.

+1

slow and steady is def the way to go until you are comfortable on longer runs.

louise_w

hey cheers for all the great advice so far.. I feel all encouraged now!! got asics gel's anyway and they are good! Quite excited about them actually for a knock-down 80 euro! Had a good run this evening but am not crippled with shin splints!! lady at gym said there is no treatment, they feel a bit better after icing. Does anyone have any tips on how to cure painfull shin splints?

louise_w

yeah also couch to 5k is great, I was using it anyway and this is my 4th week and I can really find myself improving!

RoyMcC

louise_w wrote: »

lady at gym said there is no treatment, they feel a bit better after icing. Does anyone have any tips on how to cure painfull shin splints?

Lady at gym = pretty much correct. Here's a handy link http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=234

ss43

louise_w wrote: »

hey cheers for all the great advice so far.. I feel all encouraged now!! got asics gel's anyway and they are good! Quite excited about them actually for a knock-down 80 euro! Had a good run this evening but am not crippled with shin splints!! lady at gym said there is no treatment, they feel a bit better after icing. Does anyone have any tips on how to cure painfull shin splints?

Are you overstriding i.e. do you land with your heel well in front of your body? That sends all the impact back up your leg and can (not necessarily in your case) cause shin splints. It's better to land slightly in front or directly under your centre of gravity (hips). Your leg shoud be swinging backwards when it hits the ground.

Practical tip: try take quicker steps, this shortens your stride so you're more likely to land under your centre of gravity.

If you're not overstriding, then this is all irrelevant.

logane

try and stretch out before your run in particular focus on your calves and shins. (see http://www.ehow.com/video_2364753_stretch-shins-cross-country-running.html for a good stretch)

Try and also run on a relative flat course. If the probelm presists try running on a track, beach, grass ( softer surface)