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morning all, good to be here.
you regulars must get tired of all the new-year newbies, doomed to fail in february but here's one that's hoping not to.
i'm a 36 year old guy living in norfolk. i'm overweight, i drink far too much and i haven't been looking after myself. however, i've had enough of this. my brother runs a lot and has taken part in the local "trowse 10k" near norwich. this year it's in april and yep, i've just signed up to it. really want to get fit, healthier and prove to myself that i can do something like this.
have been looking at hal higdon's training programmes. do you guys like them? anyones better?
what about first time running shoes? any good suggestions...i obviously want a good pair but nothing too expensive.
slightly concerned about my body shape. i'm a stocky guy, used to play a lot of rugby, very broad-shouldered. i'm slightly concerned about the hammering me ankles might take. any words of advice about this?
i'll leave it here for now. looking forward to hearing from anyone out there.
very best regards.
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Comments
How much do you weigh and how tall are you? There's plenty of guys 16 st + that hammer past me in every event, so its definately doable with a bit of training. 12 weeks (it's actually in March this year!) is enough to build up some fitness for a 10K. If you are fairly heavy then some more cushioned shoes may be better - head to a running shop and get some advice there (rather than a generic sports shop). I'd imagine if you quit the drinking and start a sensible eating and training plan you can easily shift a stone before the race.
Can't comment on HH plans myself (still really a beginner myself - started running at an overweight 36yrs old for 3 months a year to train for the Great North Run, 3 years on I did a bit more training and managed a marathon), I followed a runnersworld plan on this site and it worked well for me as my first plan to follow, after 2 years of poorly making it up as I went along - I think the important thing is to start gently and follow a structured plan for beginners you can comfortably keep to. You're more likely to continue if it is enjoyable, manageable and you are not getting injured.
Welcome- for an absolute beginner, (especially if a bit out of shape) it is vital to start really slowly, so a couch to 5k plan before you worry about a 10k plan is probably best.
thanks so much for the replies guys. tricia- you're very right, yes, that will be my plan thank you.
daeve, thanks for the heads up, yes it's march this year! yes, quitting the booze and eating healthily will of course be a huge help. will look into specialist running shops, i hear "sweat shop" is a good one. only ones near me are ipswich and cambridge though...anyone know of a similar style place in norwich?
i'm 5f 10 and 86kg, so...overweight. your advice to start slowly is a good one. every time i have tried to run i've gone out it like a bat out of hell and hated it. makes perfect sense to take it easy and learn to enjoy it slowly.
your achievements are great mate, should be really proud.
thanks again you two, very much appreciated.
If you're worried about the strain on your knees at first James then have you considered possibly getting a few miles in on a treadmill for the first couple of weeks or so.
Maybe consider some knee/leg strengthening exercises in conjuction with your light jogging. Some swimming or just treading water for half an hour each week.
The best advice has already been given though mate, start off slowly, no more than a mile or 2 at first at a very steady pace or interspersed with some walking breaks.
Best of luck though mate and l look forward to reading how you got on in March