What advice would you tell a new runner?

Go to a TRUE running store, not some random dept. store that sells good shoes and buy. Get a GAIT ****ysis for proper fit. Your feet will thank you. And definately check around for shoe pricing and not buy in the place you're in. Chances are, you'll find them alot cheaper online.

I agree with Sotally ALOT and echo alot of his sentiments.

I too recommend a walk/run method. Galloway swears by this and does this with every race he does.

Don't give up. Stretch and drink plenty of fluids. Do a good 5 min. walking warmup to get your heart going and muscles warmed up and ease into it.

If you really want to become a runner with the potential to do races, start with C25K and find a race local and sign up. Having it on the calendar will only motivate you to train.

Find good gear that is comfortable, wicking and with reverse seams.

Body Glide is your best friend.

Get "The Stick" and a good foam roller for stretching.

And if you're a chick, Running Skirts.

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*Steph*

Half Fanatic # 782

I totally agree!

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Sotally Tober is Runnin' to the Finish Line

Something my coach taught me.

Don't make it a chore. Running should be something you GET to do, not somethin you HAVE to do. If you can't decide if you want to run, run, but allow yourself to turn around early if you want to. If you'd rather clean the litterbox, don't run. It is something you should look forward to, not dread.

Thanks so much for this post! It is the best advice. I will re-read this one over and over as I start getting frustrated with how slow I run! I've only been running since May and I so easily get frustrated with what seems like a lack of progress! Thanks again!

Don't worry about speed at this point, it will come! Go for distance. One day of speed work is good. As you add distance your shorter runs will get faster. Good luck and keep running!

That was a lot of helpful advice. I have been running for a few months and I have found a good pair of shoes for me. What did you mean by Kiss The Cotton Good-bye? What should I get?

this one took me a long time to learn-- about cotton. get any sports shirt at a sporting goods store thats 100 percent poly.
the sweat doesnt stay in it. your not lugging a sweat filled cotton shirt on your body. they rub less.
nike dri-fit is nice and probably the most expensive, but try any brand.
i didnt even know a running apparel section exsisted at my local sporting goods store before i started running. also, search your area for a locally owned, smaller running store. usually really helpful becauses its almost always runners that work there, you dont find that at the big box stores.

go in and be honest. tell them how long you have been running, looking for some new gear because you read that running in tech shirts/moisture wicking material is better than cotton..

they will be more than happy to help you.


also the best advice someone gave me when i started was "slow down"
slow down when your running. IMO when your starting out you should at a pace where you could talk to somebody, you should not be gasping for air, if you are, youre going too fast. the speed will come automatically as you build endurance. its a cool process. you dont even know your getting faster and you are.

next best advice i got was when i asked "how do i get faster?" best answer was pretty simple-- "miles, miles, miles"

run slow, get those miles in, before you know it you will be surprised at far your actually running. enjoy your runs. running is an awesome thing, its going to change your life.

havent heard such good advice in a long time, thanks joe :-)

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Love and have no fear

I tried the walk 5min run 1min for 2 miles at a slow pace and ended up with a stress fracture. what happened? should i have started with i mile and worked up the distance then the pace?

The first thing you have to do is stretch and then walk and after stretch again like a warm-up and warm -down.You have to work with a plan ,and a program that is design for you.Aviod injury as much as you can,patience.I know this will help.The know how is everything......