Where do I start?

smurff

Let me begin by saying I am not a runner, but I am hoping to be! I'm 27, female, and will be able to get to local gym 3 or 4 times a week. I'll be starting for the lowest level imaginable...lets just say I can run 500 m at a push at the moment. What I'd like to know is what kind of a target should I be setting for 2010. Would it be impossible to be ready for a 10 k by Easter or a half marathon later in the year? What are the chances that anyone in my position would be able run a marathon in 12 months time? The challenge for 2009 was hiking, and it went well. The challenge for 2010 is running. All suggestions including training, targets and gear are welcome.

jinka

Sure, its possible. If you can get out and walk/jog to start until you can run a complete session.Then build a couple of goals,like races 5k/5m. Lots of low key races on. Main thing is to stay motivated, get out 4/5 times a week and find somebody to train with will help. Get some decent running gear,stay warm and safe and enjoy watching yourself get fitter by the week. I know lots of people who started like yourself. The hiking will have helped too.

neilc

Hi Smurff,
I don't think it'll be a problem for you. I re-started running last May for the first time in around ten years. I started off with runs of around a 2 miles three to four times a week, the first couple of times were walk/runs. After a few weeks I started Hal Higdons novice marathon program, which enabled me to finish DCM in October. Two things I would advise, first is take it slowly and not build up the milage too quickly. I overtrained and got injured which meant I had to completely stop running for the three weeks before the marathon which meant I missed my taper. I really needed a better base before training for a marathon. Secondly enter some races, I did the Dublin half marathon. That experience really helped in the marathon itself. Hope this helps.
Neil

paulocon

Can only second what has been said on here. Like you, I got into hiking initially and from that decided to start back running (after a long time) at the age of 34. You'll already have some level of fitness from the hiking and you'll find that the running will really help when out walking the hills! Recently ran up and down the access road to Kippure (something of an achievement for me) and am planing to have a run up a couple of local 'mountains' over the spring/summer.

Just take it handy and build up the mileage slowly and steadily. The temptation is there to overdo it initially but be careful not to do that. There's plenty of 5km/10km races on which will give you something to aim for.

Best of luck with it and enjoy!

Nialloooo

at the end of the day you should enjoy your running, some days will be brill some not so, i was the same as you in 08 and finished two marathons that year but never enjoyed them, but this year i did a couple of 10k's and the race seires in phonix park and few local half's and the one marathon and i did i really enjoyed it, i guess im trying to say, yes its possable for you to do it but sometimes its better to enjoy running and see if marathon distance is what suits you, dont just do it because its a marathon, treat a 5k,10k half all the same way there all majoy personal achivments

RoyMcC

Good advice above. Mine would be

1. Get off the tready and onto the road
2. Follow a Couch to 5k programme (see coolrunning.com, for example)
3. Make your first target a non-stop 5k or 30 mins (may take 8 weeks) then see where you are. But once you hit that first target then a 10k is only around the corner.

Good luck.

annieee

RoyMcC wrote: »

Good advice above. Mine would be

1. Get off the tready and onto the road
2. Follow a Couch to 5k programme (see coolrunning.com, for example)
3. Make your first target a non-stop 5k or 30 mins (may take 8 weeks) then see where you are. But once you hit that first target then a 10k is only around the corner.

Good luck.

Great advice. I started running 4 months ago, from a far lower fitness base than you probably - I was literally on the couch. I've never run on a treadmill, straight onto the road.

Couch to 5k is great. My first goal was the Rathfarnham 5k. Next is a 10k. Set yourself a goal, enter something to keep you motivated.

After I completed the couch to 5k I joined a club. Maybe not for everyone, but gets me off the sofa for training nights, I look forward to them, great to run in a group.

Best of luck.

airscotty

Personally I found joining a club to be great. Gives you the motivation to get out and you'll push your-self harder when ur around like minded people. Others might be at a higher level at the start but its amazing how quickly you'll gain on them if you stick with it. Good luck

village runner

smurff wrote: »

Let me begin by saying I am not a runner, but I am hoping to be! I'm 27, female, and will be able to get to local gym 3 or 4 times a week. I'll be starting for the lowest level imaginable...lets just say I can run 500 m at a push at the moment. What I'd like to know is what kind of a target should I be setting for 2010. Would it be impossible to be ready for a 10 k by Easter or a half marathon later in the year? What are the chances that anyone in my position would be able run a marathon in 12 months time? The challenge for 2009 was hiking, and it went well. The challenge for 2010 is running. All suggestions including training, targets and gear are welcome.

google "fit for life" in your area.......If you cant pm me and i will get you a contact in your area.
Marathon is def achievable in 12 months(10 if its dublin)
You would be up to racing 10km in april(running 10 mile as a long one)
I like your target. I achieved my first marathon on hte back of 10.5 months training and have never looked back. You will always have base of fitness then. If time is on your side(no kids etc) a bike ride once a week the day after your long one would benefit you and your training.

If you could pick up someone else as a training partner is great(hence fit for life)

best of luck with your goals.
Therefore achieving a time would be achievable if you are driven by that.

cloneslad

gotta agree with the above. Get off the treadmill and onto the road. sure it may be wet and miserable but it's a lot easier than running on a treadmill, and you get a nice mix of hills and flat plus it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

you only have to leave your house to go out for a run rather than
leave your house,
go to the gym,
get changed,
find a treadmill,
wipe the machine,
set the pace,
continually look at the distance covered,
look at the same wall all the time,
see the same person next to you trying to run that little bit faster than you.

Good look with it and be sure to increase your distance slowly, don't rush it as you could injure yourself easily. 10% increases per week is a nice way to build up.