Fitness 2012

[Sheilbh]

Go to a running shop and get good running shoes.

[Josquius]

I've never been able to run even when I was in shape. No idea why, always get a horrifically blocked throat

Anyway. For the awesome factor go running dressed like a superhero.

[Brazen]

Ok, gang. Question time.

My family doctor advised me that I should take to running as a way of reducing my heartbeat rate (which is currently too high and apparently the main culprit in my insomnia problems). As I have never been seriously running before (other than on a treadmill at the gym), I need all kinds of advice - where, how, wearing what, when etc. Bring it on!

Don't worry about buying anything new when you first start out, just wear your usual gym kit. Use Couch To 5K to build up your running. The first link here is the basic text version; scroll down for podcasts and apps you can download to your iPhone.
http://www.c25k.com/

Here are my beginner's running tips:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

Pay particular attention to point one:
When you start out, it's HARD! Even if you think you're fit, running is so different to anything else you've done before you will get out of breath quickly. Stick with it. Can't manage a minute? Go slow. Still can't? GO SLOWER!

While the weather's nice run outside. Time passes far quicker than on the treadmill, it's a completely different action, and you might meet hot guys out running.

[Iormlund]

I've stopped going to the gym because I've got a job in a cafe/bar/restaurant in Somerset House.  My normal gym times I'm too tired because I'm in a job on my feet all day, normally roaming round or climbing up or down our two flights of stairs to the 18th century basement with our storeroom.

Weirdly I feel like this is better than my gym work

That only works for leg muscles, though.

[Martinus]

Thanks, Brazen and Sheilbh!

[crazy canuck]

And if you need more info here is the Sun Run guide for people to go from couch to participating in the Vancouver Sun Run.

http://www.vancouversun.com/2012sunrun/pdf/InTrainingGuide2012.pdf

[merithyn]

Martinus,

I've tried running several times in my life and failed each time but this last one. I think what made the difference this time was that I started out by walking - a lot. After two months of walking 3-5 miles a day, and then upping that to 5-7 miles a day, by the time I started the C25K program, running was the obvious next step.

Even then, I wanted to make sure I was ready. So, I did each week of the C25k twice. I was really comfortable going on to the next level by then, and I didn't feel like I was killing myself for no real reason. I wasn't on a timeline, and I wanted this to stick.

Like Brazen said, it's hard when you start. You have to seriously push yourself to go just that little bit further. Bring a water bottle; you'll need it.

Good luck!

[mongers]

Cycled about 750 km this month, a bit below target. 

[Brazen]

I'm hitting proper middle age in six weeks and need some fitness goals to achieve by then. I've already entered a 10K. Any other ideas? And no, mongers, I'm not getting a bike.

[Valdemar]

I'm hitting proper middle age in six weeks and need some fitness goals to achieve by then. I've already entered a 10K. Any other ideas? And no, mongers, I'm not getting a bike.

A proper bi or thriathlon event? Doesn't have to be an ironman , but just a combination event?

If you don't want the bike, then a bi atholn of running and swimming might be it?

V

[Eddie Teach]

I thought biathlons were skiing and shooting. 

[Sheilbh]

That only works for leg muscles, though.

True but I'm up and down the stairs a lot because our storeroom's in the basement.  So I'm always carrying a crate of some sort one way or other.

[mongers]

I'm hitting proper middle age in six weeks and need some fitness goals to achieve by then. I've already entered a 10K. Any other ideas? And no, mongers, I'm not getting a bike.

Don't worry sister, I've given up on making constructive fitness suggestion for you; but by all means do carry on with your Bridget Joneseque approach to exercise. 

[MadImmortalMan]

The pants I wore at my wedding are too big for me now. 


I am at: college marching trumpet weight.

I think another six weeks of this and I will have to stop it. Already the hypoglycemic tendencies are beginning to bother me.

No passing out on the job!!!111

[Iormlund]

That only works for leg muscles, though.

True but I'm up and down the stairs a lot because our storeroom's in the basement.  So I'm always carrying a crate of some sort one way or other.

I wouldn't like to go without exercising core muscles properly.

If you don't have time to go to the gym or swim I'd suggest some suspension training at home. I'm actually making my own kit right now for a few Euros.