Some newbie questions

MissFitz

Hi all,

I have recently taken up running. I took part in the 8km Simon Fun run last weekend and have signed up for the Aware 10km run in December. My speed is terrible but at the moment I am not too concerned as I am just happy to have gone from not being able to run, to being able to run 8km

I currently train 3 nights a week. I go more by time rather than distance. I do 2 x 30 min runs and then one longer 40 min run, aiming to build this up over time gradually. I have also started an Astanga yoga class for flexibility and toning/stretching and might try to put in one swimming session a week too.

Is there anything you would advise me on that I am doing wrong / not doing at all? Specifically in relation to building up stamina and speed?

Also, can anyone recommend a breathable light rain jacket for ladies? I also think I need to buy some type of gloves as I nearly got frostbite tonight

Probably a dumb question, but what benefits are gotten from compression clothing and do I need to worry about that yet?

Thanks

rainbow kirby

Maybe throw in a fourth night of running if you can? That said, the cross-training that you're doing is quite beneficial. It may be worth following a training program for the 10k in December, the Hal Higdon 10k novice program is what I used last year for my first 10k, and it worked well for me.

Probably best to just focus on building up stamina for now, the speed will come with time. Put in the good work now over the winter and it will pay dividends for your winter and spring races.

Don't really have a jacket recommendation, though for a basic one they have some running gear in Aldi at the moment and the jacket is €18 iirc. In terms of gloves, I've never really bothered with much more than a cheap Penneys pair of gloves, they are so cheap they are practically disposable. I actually think nights like tonight are great for running, nice and cold and crisp

You probably don't need to worry about compression clothing yet, but someone else will probably chime in with a list of benefits. More important really to make sure that you have the right shoes.

MissFitz

rainbow kirby wrote: »

It may be worth following a training program for the 10k in December, the Hal Higdon 10k novice program is what I used last year for my first 10k, and it worked well for me.

Cool, thanks I'll check that out, looks good.

Yeah it was nice to run in the cold tonight, I found it easier to control my breathing. I didn't feel cold apart from my hands which went a bit numb :eek:

I should also prob mention that I got gait analysis done and bought a recommended pair of runners. When I first started, my feet would get very sore but proper runners have sorted that out

RoyMcC

Top advice from RK there. You are doing everything just right imo. I'd just add that (unless you are already doing so) keep a running log.

goofygirl

Great stuff to hear.

By the way, two years ago my very first race ever was the Simon Community 8k. And then my very second race ever was the Aware 10km in December.

And now I have done 5 half marathons and am eagerly awaiting the Dublin City Marathon next weekend . Be prepared for running to become far more addictive than you ever thought possible.

MissFitz

Thanks Goofygirl

My goal is to someday run a marathon but at the moment it's hard to imagine that ever being possible!! Although, I am seing how this can easily become addictive, it's like my body is urging me to run sometimes and I find my sleep pattern gets messed up if I don't stick to my routine.

Best of luck for next weekend

B00MSTICK

rainbow kirby wrote:

More important really to make sure that you have the right shoes.

Sorry to hijack/semi-revive but what runners should I be looking at? Any recommendations?

I've just started running in the gym and my crappy €25 runners don't cut it!

RoyMcC

B00MSTICK wrote: »

Sorry to hijack/semi-revive but what runners should I be looking at? Any recommendations?

I've just started running in the gym and my crappy €25 runners don't cut it!

Some will say get a gait analysis done and let the shop recommend a suitable pair. Maybe they're right. In any event, starting out you should invest in a good shoe. Not many people go wrong with Asics Gel Cumulus, neutral and cushioned but you will get various opinions.

I'm still toying with the idea of weaning myself off cushioned shoes and heading back towards nature with a minimalist shoe (which encourages proper running technique) but, as a beginner, proceed as in para 1.