Running advice?
Ok VegWebbers, I know lots of you like running so I'm after some advice.
Long story short, I started off this year with a possible kidney infection and have been sort of miserable ever since, in between not quite feeling right and kicking around an empty flat on my own. Decided to woman up and get out the house today to investigate the local park, and a brisk 45 minute walk later I was knackered (although quite perky, apparently all that endorphins business isn't just lean-fit-people's propaganda). Clearly I need exercise.
I have some trainers, I have some stuff to wear, I'm just... sort of stuck. I vaguely remember school games lessons stretches but I feel like anything more than an amble might send me into cardiac arrest. Questions:
- running on concrete - yes or no?
- how far should I be running? "Until I'm tired" barely gets me out my front door.
- any advice on warming up e.g. how long, what should I be stretching?
(Oh God, it is so pitiful, I am the laziest person in the world. I petition you all for help. ;D)
awwww- I wish you lived near me, I'd help you out in person! For now, your "trainers" are most likely ok, thought you may need a better pair very soon. Try starting out by run/walking. walk a bit to warm up (5- 10 minutes) then just jog for 5 minutes, then walk a minute (or 2), jog for 5, walk one, etc.
When you jog make sure it is nice & slow, so that you are not gasping for air. Don't feel bad if your jog is barely faster than a walk, who cares? at least you are out there doing something good for your body! That's what matters!
Make sure to rest the day after your first jog, don't try to push it everyday or else you will get hurt.
Also, I'd like to add, if you can find somewhere with a concrete-free surface (even asphalt is better than concrete), that does help. I have knee problems and concrete has absolutely no give to it (where as asphalt absorbs the shock a little better). If you have trails to run on (dirt), even better, but as a forewarning--it will be more of a work out running on dirt than concrete, but your joints will thank you for it.
Good for you! I've gotten out of running the past couple years and am doing some strength training before getting back into it.
Definitely stretch out really well after your run--it makes a huge difference and it just feels good to stretch! Here are some tips from the Runner's World website: http://www.runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,s6-241-287-0-0,00.html
Also, some injury prevention tips from Runner's World as well: http://www.runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,s6-241-287-0-0,00.html
good additions kbuettene ;)b I forgot about stretching!