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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Not sure if I am stupid or not but I have just signed up for half a marathon in April.
Problem is I'm not a runner 
Any advice of where I start would be gratefully received |
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"Not sure if I am stupid or not but I have just signed up for half a marathon in April.
Problem is I'm not a runner
Any advice of where I start would be gratefully received "
Uhmmmmmm use your feet.
That much I do know. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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 ooh well done!
Can you run AT ALL? If not Couch to 5k is a great place to start, and if there’s a local Parkrun near you try to start on those as they’re 5km long and you can run / jog / walk as much as you want …
And the saying is true .. don’t try to run before you can walk! Build up slowly! There are online training plans for such events and it’s worth following them!
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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" ooh well done!
Can you run AT ALL? If not Couch to 5k is a great place to start, and if there’s a local Parkrun near you try to start on those as they’re 5km long and you can run / jog / walk as much as you want …
And the saying is true .. don’t try to run before you can walk! Build up slowly! There are online training plans for such events and it’s worth following them!
"
Me? Run  not really. I've got couch to 5k already, I will have to start making use of it. Was going to look at park runs/walk, good to see I am on the right path though I might be regretting it soon |
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"Not sure if I am stupid or not but I have just signed up for half a marathon in April.
Problem is I'm not a runner
Any advice of where I start would be gratefully received "
One thing be sure you buy a good sports bra. Will be uncomfortable if not!!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Make sure you get good running shoes and don’t try to do a PB on every run.
The couch to 5K is a great tip to get you started. Then move on to the 5K to 10k and so on.
Don’t give up |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I would say:
Couch to 5k, running at least twice a week.
Then regular Parkrun
Then at least one 10k
Then Half Marathon !
That's quite a tight schedule for April but once you start running regularly it's surprising the progress you'll make. Good luck.  |
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By *ohn KanakaMan
over a year ago
Not all that North of North London |
Go and get yourself a proper pair of running trainers from a shop that does a gait analysis. Not as cheap as online but worth every penny.
As others have said, couch to 5km is the obvious starting point. See if you have a local club offering it as part of a beginners/newbie course as lots of clubs councide them with London marathon.
Parkruns are brilliant, even if you walk them just getting out to them will motivate you.
Couch to 5km will see you running for 30 minutes by November/ so just look for a novice 12 or 16 half marathon plan and the timing is perfect.
Collectively, that probably sounds a lot and quite daunting but the timescale is more than doable amd just ficus on couch to 5km for now |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Not sure if I am stupid or not but I have just signed up for half a marathon in April.
Problem is I'm not a runner
Any advice of where I start would be gratefully received "
Absolutely
Invest in a heart rate monitor
Go out for a run 2-4 times a week, keep your heart rate around 120-140
You’ll soon realise this is incredibly slow. Painfully slow. But that’s the best way to get better. Lot of extremely easy runs.
Just stick at that. I went from not being able to run 3 miles to running a half marathon in under 2 hours doing nothing but this. |
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By *ohn KanakaMan
over a year ago
Not all that North of North London |
"Not sure if I am stupid or not but I have just signed up for half a marathon in April.
Problem is I'm not a runner
Any advice of where I start would be gratefully received
Absolutely
Invest in a heart rate monitor
Go out for a run 2-4 times a week, keep your heart rate around 120-140
You’ll soon realise this is incredibly slow. Painfully slow. But that’s the best way to get better. Lot of extremely easy runs.
Just stick at that. I went from not being able to run 3 miles to running a half marathon in under 2 hours doing nothing but this. "
I'd probably suggest ignoring this suggestion.
There is a huge value to easy runs but only doing easy runs will only teach you to run slow.
However a running watch to measure pace (ans if you want also a HR) is definitely a worthwhile, but not essential piece of kit |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Not sure if I am stupid or not but I have just signed up for half a marathon in April.
Problem is I'm not a runner
Any advice of where I start would be gratefully received "
Where is the marathon? I'm sure if you go on their website it will show where you start, it's normally the finish also.   |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm in the middle of couch to 5k program at the moment and I'm really enjoying it. That's the important thing, enjoy it.
I'm not starting from a physically or cardio good place, I used to smoke for one, I'd eat anything I like and I led a pretty lazy ass life tbh. After a few big life changes last year, I wanted to improve myself both physically and mentally. I chose to do the c25k because it's all there for you, the only thing you need is yourself, a pair of running shoes and something to listen to your "coach" on, I use my phone. It's a really good way to get into running at a pace that is good for your confidence and your body. It needs to adapt to exercise, not just your lungs and leg muscles, but your bones and joints also.
I've just bought a smart watch and use strava along with it, I find it makes it more interesting and gives you something to actually see your improvements on. I've booked a 5k for the end of the programme and after that I'll hopefully step up my distance gradually, theoretically from a good base to improve on.
So yes op, I fully recommend the c25k, I think it's a great way to get into running
Good luck with everything op and let us know how you get on |
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From a runners point of view, hubby that is you should get to your nearest running shop ,I mean specialising in the comfort of your feet, not sports direct and like ,the specialising sports shop that measures your feet, get you on a tread mill , analyse your feet pressure points and so on ,a pair of trainers will cost you plus the fee about 120£,seems alot but well worth it ,you can buy your sports direct stuff I've tried it myself with some results but long distance you need comfort I used a place in Bath but there's plenty you can find ,oh and slow and steady ,warm up and warm down |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'd agree with all of the shoes bit - socks too - find some running socks too as blisters are your first big enemy. Leg injuries straight after so look after those legs, you may need to consider knee supports. Just for comfort consider sports underwear - bra and pants will save on chafing that can get to be damn annoying if it accumulates.
Cheapy sports watch with heart rate monitor that can work with a smart phone and map your progress will be a help but not required.
Concentrate on your breathing and feel your rhythm, place your breaths on your footfall etc
Oh and get a lightweight running rain coat - it's gonna get wet soon. |
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