Starting to run, best advice

Xios

Hey guys, this could be a sticky, perhaps a mod can edit this post with all the best answers from the thread.

I've decided to take up running, I intend to take part in races, mini marathons and eventually a full marathon, hopefully in 2011. My motivation is to beat a friend of mines time in the 2009 marathon. I did a little running every now and then, but my interest wained as i got distracted by other things. The furthest i've run in at one time is 4 miles, not a huge achievement. I'll be joining the Lucan Harriers running club in the next week or so as i live 2 minutes away from their track, but i do need gear. I was using some 8 year old runners i got for P.E. in secondary school and tracksuit bottoms with holes in them

So I've a couple questions.

As for running shoes, i'm constantly told that you most definetly need a pair that are of a very high standard, but i have no idea what makes a good running shoe. So what should i be looking for in the sports stores?

As for clothing, i realise that light clothes are best, that let the skin breath, but what kind of material should i be looking for? Cotton or nylon etc.

I see a lot of football and rugby players wearing these kinda tights under their shorts, can't thiink of the name, i call them 'thermals' cause i've something similar for my motorbike. Are these necessary, and do they make running more comfortable?

Where can i go to get all these kinds of things? I'm more for practicality over fashion, but i don't wanna look like a spa either.

How much should i expect to pay for these things in all?
Running shoes-
Jacket-
Shorts/Bottoms-
'Thermals'-
Socks-

I should mention i'll be running in all weather conditions cause it doesn't bother me much.

digme

less than 100 quid

RayCun

The important thing about shoes is that they're right for you - a good fit, support in the right places depending on how you run, and suitable for the miles you'll put in. The best plan is to talk to someone who knows their stuff, and get their advice. Go to a good running store - Amphibian King in Bray is my favourite, or Runways in town, or Elverys.

Clothes - not cotton, you want a wicking material. Get a top in a running shop, or in TK Maxx. Don't buy loads because as you start entering races you'll be swimming in them. Shorts from the same places. Running tights are up to you really, some wear them, some don't. Jacket and socks you can get in Lidl/Aldi every now and again.

carlaboi

Hey Xios,COngrats on taking up the running. I myself took it up over a year ago now and am slightly addicted to it! Have done loads of races this year and jsut did the Half Marathon. Am not doing the Marathon this year but like yourself hope to do it next year. Shoes, I caannot overstate how important it is that you invest in a decent pair of running shoes. Go to a proper running store like Runways on Parnell St or Eleverys and get your gait analysed. Once this is done you will be told what kind of foot you have an dhow you run. You will be told what type of shoe is suited to you. I run in Asics and love them however there are literlaly hundereds of different types and brands of shoe.Running gear, anything other than cotton as you need something that will wick your sweat away from your body. Again you will get al of this in the running shops. Aldi actually do good running gear every so often so keep an eye out for that. Money wise the cost can add up if like me you go a bit mad and buy loads of gear! But €100 or so should get your started that should include your shoes. The inital expense is worth it as you are better off running in decent clothes and shoes. Good luck with it!

InTheTrees

carlaboi wrote: »

Go to a proper running store like Runways on Parnell St or Eleverys and get your gait analysed.

Absolutely essential to do this. Even if you feel fine and have no pain get it done anyway and you'll know you're starting off right and not going to cause any injury etc.

Clothes? I'm a big fan of UnderArmour shirts. Get a shirt that wicks, in other words it pulls the sweat off you. Usually synthetic.

kingQuez

+1 on proper runners; go to a running shop (amphibian king, runways etc.), tell them you need to get fitted for some runners and theyll get you into the right runners to avoid injury.

everything else is personal taste... whatever's on sale in aldi or tk max. its not the most fashionable sport... other runners dont care what you're wearing, and everyone else will already think your a bit special for being out in the rain

asimonov

the great thing about running is that its cheap - so a basic beginners kit should only include

runners (plain looking road runners, colourful racing flats, ones that are somewhere between road and flats, xc spikes (used once), track spikes (never used) and trail shoes....and maybe some minimalist native american style huarache sandal.
speciality socks (possibly with individual toes)
compressions socks / calf guards
tights (full, half, 3/4 length)
arm warmers
a hat / a cap (not a visor...ever)
a head band
compression everything else
singlet / t-shirt / long sleeve
boston or similar marathon jacket
head torch
foam roller
the stick (tm)
the breathing thingy device
the magnetic ion necklace
stuff that is hot that you rub on you
stuff that is cold that you rub on you
vaseline and nip guards
fuel belt
fuel bottles
a water bottle you can carry
arm holder for your iphone
garmin & hrm
stopwatch to check against your garmin
ice packs
oakley's or similar
lip balm
light jacket (ordinary) (goretex) with or without removable arms
hi-viz jacket

its not everything but it'll get you through the winter.

McConkey

^^^^^^ all of this!!

You forgot the detachable flashing lights for night time running though Asimonov....

Xios

Thanks for the replies, i will deffo get the correct shoes from a good store, as for that huge list, i'll just stick with the shoes and simpler cheap things first

As for running, it'll be mainly distance running for me, i've access to a gym and a 400m track, so i shan't be dodging traffic in the dark anytime soon. Of course when i get bored of the same track or staring at a wall, i'll upgrade to a high vis jacket and a backpack with a few bits and pieces

mysillyusername

oh I am getting ready to start the couch 2 5k program. Got my runners fitted and now its all go.

G-Money

mysillyusername wrote: »

oh I am getting ready to start the couch 2 5k program. Got my runners fitted and now its all go.

Very good programme. I'm starting Week 8 this evening all being well. It's funny, at the start I was struggling to do the 90 second, 3 minute and 5 minute jogs. I mean really, really struggling. At the time I was thinking "I'll never be able to jog for 30 minutes, or even 20 minutes".

Now I can do 25 minutes reasonably comfortably and will be doing 28 minutes starting this week.

All I would say is to pace yourself. Don't worry about going fast. It may not be as big of a deal at the start as the jogs are quite short (60 seconds the first week if I remember correctly). But as the jogging time increases, you may find yourself blowing up if you go out too fast. I find it I start out quite slow I tend to have more energy towards the end and can pick up the pace for the last 5-10 minutes quite easily.

Also, don't worry if you have to repeat some of the weeks if you feel you have to. Almost everyone has at some point, myself included.