I have recently, well in the past year or so lost a fair bit of weight and I am now trying to keep it off and up my fitness level. I hate running, well I did when I was in the RAF the yearly fitness test was all the running I ever did and ever wanted to do, however, I know this is a good way of staying fit and healthy so fellow goaters I was wondering what sort of basic equipment would you recommend to get started and what sort of distances should I be aiming for when Im just beginning. Also has anyone got any tips to make running more enjoyable!!
-
Welcome to the E-Goat :: The Totally Unofficial RAF Rumour Network.
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.
Virgin runner!!
- Thread starter lisab
- Start date
- 3,475
- 15
- 38
QUOTE=lisab;441396]I have recently, well in the past year or so lost a fair bit of weight and I am now trying to keep it off and up my fitness level. I hate running, well I did when I was in the RAF the yearly fitness test was all the running I ever did and ever wanted to do, however, I know this is a good way of staying fit and healthy so fellow goaters I was wondering what sort of basic equipment would you recommend to get started and what sort of distances should I be aiming for when Im just beginning. Also has anyone got any tips to make running more enjoyable!![/QUOTE]
Legs are normally a pre requisite.
I'll get my coat..
My brother in law took it up later in life and he reckoned that switching off on a long run worked best for him.
Legs are normally a pre requisite.
I'll get my coat..
My brother in law took it up later in life and he reckoned that switching off on a long run worked best for him.
Stuck in a rut!
SAC
- 157
- 0
- 0
I was the same a few years ago. I bought the Nike+ device and wrist band (although most iPods/iPhones have it built in now) and just started running! Only short distances at first but as it became easier I'd run farther, and quite enjoyed being able to see my progress. If your not training for anything but yourself then do what you want, make sure you get a sweat on though. You can also set yourself goals on the Nike+ website which might help you.
Enjoy and let us know how your getting on.
Stuck!
Enjoy and let us know how your getting on.
Stuck!
G
grumpyoldb
Guest
I'm far told old for silly exercises now as my body just won't do it. The only time I run is when the landlord calls "last orders"! 
DT_Xtremez_31:
I got myself an allotment last year, (don't laugh. It's really good exercise).
I also got a mountain bike and now cycle the five mile round trip six days a week. The first week was a struggle but now it's a doddle, and I don't have to dress in silly clothes.
Whatever you do, enjoy it, otherwise it's easy to give up on it.
Good luck!DT_Xtremez_14:
DT_Xtremez_31:I got myself an allotment last year, (don't laugh. It's really good exercise).
I also got a mountain bike and now cycle the five mile round trip six days a week. The first week was a struggle but now it's a doddle, and I don't have to dress in silly clothes.
Whatever you do, enjoy it, otherwise it's easy to give up on it.
Good luck!
DT_Xtremez_14:I think thats what has put me off so far, I used to hate running so I'm thinking I still will hate it! But, I think I would like to give it a go, afterall its relatively cheap (once you have the gear) and you can just go out and do it without much preparation or equipment. I have had a quick look at the Nike+ running website and it looks really useful thanks guys, the mapmyrun website hmmm cant really get my head round that, it seems to be just in New Jersey! DT_Xtremez_21:
DT_Xtremez_21:I hate running - plain and simple. Its boring.
But I do go.
Got my trusty pair of £150 Nikes (decent running shoes)
My trusty Mp3 player with arm band holder
Oh and lots of music I can run to. Most is either dance music or acid house. It has to be up beat with a solid beat you can run to.
I can highly recommend Mapmyrun as well...............
But I do go.
Got my trusty pair of £150 Nikes (decent running shoes)
My trusty Mp3 player with arm band holder
Oh and lots of music I can run to. Most is either dance music or acid house. It has to be up beat with a solid beat you can run to.
I can highly recommend Mapmyrun as well...............
- 4,931
- 107
- 63
1. Get shoes with some trail capability. Roads get to be really, really boring and they hurt your feet in the summer. Use trails and footpaths - even if only for the fear factor.
2. luminescant armlets - motorists are asses.
3. Ron Hills
W
wgaf
Guest
If you can get a training partner!
G
grumpyoldb
Guest
True Blue Jack
Warrant Officer
- 4,438
- 0
- 0
I hate running too so I signed myself up to a half-marathon in October to give myself something to focus on, then picked a training programme that fits my work/life routine from runnersworld.co.uk
5 weeks into the programme and I'm running 8 miles comfortably (not fast, but comfortably).
5 weeks into the programme and I'm running 8 miles comfortably (not fast, but comfortably).
M
monobrow
Guest
You'll probably pay a little more for the trainers, but it's well worth doing instead of getting all sorts of pains from your foot not landing squarely. More expensive doesn't mean they are better for you...
Seriously-meant reply:
Even one of those fold-up things ?
My suggestion would be:
Get a decent footwear.
Study your intended area on a (local) map.
Walk the course a few times first
Then work up to some comfortable speed.
You can worry about GPS and other Gucci bits later on.
Decent shock absorbing insoles.
No matter how much your trainers cost and how great they're supposed to be the insoles can let them down.
I got some from a physio and they are fantastic. I also have another type for my RAF shoes, makes them feel like slippers!
No matter how much your trainers cost and how great they're supposed to be the insoles can let them down.
I got some from a physio and they are fantastic. I also have another type for my RAF shoes, makes them feel like slippers!
Cake or Death
Flight Sergeant
- 1,072
- 2
- 38
I think the most important is decent trianers that fit well. Everything else is secondary. I have used a various makes nike, addidas mainly. I have settled on asics. The first pair i bought were cheaper than the previous addidas trainers but felt better and gave me less pain. The second more expensive set were better again. I guess its what fits your foot better as we are all different.
- 3,457
- 269
- 83
I used to hate running but now I find it quite enjoyable and that is only because I have a fantastic goal to aim for. So find something to aim for like a half marathon or start off easy with one of those Race For Life events.
- 6,948
- 572
- 113
Start steady
Start steady
If you've not run for a while then take it steady. Starting too quicky too soon will have you giving it up as soon as you start.
Run 1 min walk 4 repeat for half an hour. every 3 runs decrease the walk and increase the run, after 5 miles you'll be doing 3 miles and you won't even notice it.
Equipment:
Ipod shuffle, it's small, light, cheap and all the controls are behind your right ear (you don't need to buy a case as it just clips on)
Good trainers, go to a specialist sports shop use their equipment to assess your footfall - you should buy your first pair of training shoes from these guys as a way of payment, but after that the internet is a better place to get them.
Wicking t shirts, thin thermals, windproof jacket (you're going to sweat so don't worry about the rain, undershorts to make it less painful, and double skin socks, cheapest I've found are karrimore from sports direct.
Any watch will do at first, HR Monitors are a good training aid and if you want to go the whole hog then just buy a Garmin 405cx with foot pod and you'll be able to every kind of analysis you could ever want too.
If you make yourself comfortable and take things easy then running/jogging is a joy rather than a chore (currently not able to run due to physio advice and really missing it).
Start steady
If you've not run for a while then take it steady. Starting too quicky too soon will have you giving it up as soon as you start.
Run 1 min walk 4 repeat for half an hour. every 3 runs decrease the walk and increase the run, after 5 miles you'll be doing 3 miles and you won't even notice it.
Equipment:
Ipod shuffle, it's small, light, cheap and all the controls are behind your right ear (you don't need to buy a case as it just clips on)
Good trainers, go to a specialist sports shop use their equipment to assess your footfall - you should buy your first pair of training shoes from these guys as a way of payment, but after that the internet is a better place to get them.
Wicking t shirts, thin thermals, windproof jacket (you're going to sweat so don't worry about the rain, undershorts to make it less painful, and double skin socks, cheapest I've found are karrimore from sports direct.
Any watch will do at first, HR Monitors are a good training aid and if you want to go the whole hog then just buy a Garmin 405cx with foot pod and you'll be able to every kind of analysis you could ever want too.
If you make yourself comfortable and take things easy then running/jogging is a joy rather than a chore (currently not able to run due to physio advice and really missing it).
Mightierthan
Corporal
- 411
- 0
- 16
As everyone else has said, the right footwear is the most important thing of all.
For me though, I much prefer treadmill running. It's far easier to gauge improvement (or otherwise) as the conditions are always the same - no wind, no ice, no rain, no sunburn. Also, you don't have to keep looking at the ground to see where potholes or other trip hazards are, you won't get chased by dogs or have to run through lung-congesting things like smoke from garden fires etc.
I have my mp3 in my pocket with the lead going up the inside of my shirt and I can just drift off into space once I get started. You don't have to carry things like your id card, keys or water bottle either and if you start with a jacket it's easy to take it off and chuck it on the floor! Also, you can have the music as loud as you like without worrying about muggers or cars sneaking up on you to do you harm.
Whether indoors or out, have your music build in intensity; it will help against you slowing down towards the end when you are getting tired.
I have a little excel spreadsheet (anal I know, but it's what I do for a living at the moment) so I can record how far I've run, how long I ran for and what level on the treadmill. It gives me more impetus to improve each time.
Finally, I recently heard that if running on a treadmill, have the incline set at 0.5 as it will help prevent knee damage. I haven't looked into it further to find out why, but it's worth bearing in mind.
For me though, I much prefer treadmill running. It's far easier to gauge improvement (or otherwise) as the conditions are always the same - no wind, no ice, no rain, no sunburn. Also, you don't have to keep looking at the ground to see where potholes or other trip hazards are, you won't get chased by dogs or have to run through lung-congesting things like smoke from garden fires etc.
I have my mp3 in my pocket with the lead going up the inside of my shirt and I can just drift off into space once I get started. You don't have to carry things like your id card, keys or water bottle either and if you start with a jacket it's easy to take it off and chuck it on the floor! Also, you can have the music as loud as you like without worrying about muggers or cars sneaking up on you to do you harm.
Whether indoors or out, have your music build in intensity; it will help against you slowing down towards the end when you are getting tired.
I have a little excel spreadsheet (anal I know, but it's what I do for a living at the moment) so I can record how far I've run, how long I ran for and what level on the treadmill. It gives me more impetus to improve each time.
Finally, I recently heard that if running on a treadmill, have the incline set at 0.5 as it will help prevent knee damage. I haven't looked into it further to find out why, but it's worth bearing in mind.