Ok, granted I am no longer fat (grin) but having been inspired by my friend Elizabeth's ever increasing running successes (she just finished a triathlon!), I am trying to learn how to run. I have tried to start in the past, but never had much success due to shin splints, or lack of "stick-to-it-iveness."
Fortunately this time I seem to be off to a better start. About three years ago I bought an elliptical machine and have been working out on that almost daily for the last year and a half, in addition to lots of walking and hiking. About three weeks ago I decided I wanted to actually run (watching the soccer team at conditioning might have been the trigger). So I have been getting out every morning before work and going to the track to work on it, doing running and walking intervals, and trying to increase a bit every day. For the first time in my life I have been able to run without developing shin splints, and am on my way to running a full mile without stopping!
Hopefully I can avoid overdoing it too much, and burning myself out. I am afraid if I have to stop for an injury or burn out, I won't start back up again, and one of my "life goals" is to run a 5k at least once. I am pretty sure I have been overdoing it the last three weeks, after all, I almost fell asleep at the High School homecoming game last Friday... pretty sad, and my knees are starting to ache a little bit, but it is so hard to see myself progress and not try to push harder.
So, any advice for a new runner? Hints on how to avoid overkill? Ways to take care of knees? Best running shoes? Best stretches? Oh, and best of all, what is your favorite workout music? I am trying to put together a fun, upbeat, energetic playlist for my ipod to help keep things fun and give me a pace. Any suggestions?
I'm the last person who could give you running advice. I've always gotten terrible shin splints no matter what I've tried, but I'll wish you luck
ReplyDeleteChristy,
ReplyDeleteSome great running music is Kelly Clarkson's Break away CD. Most of the songs on there are great. I especially love the first three tracks.
And..running outside as long as possible is so much more enjoyable for me!!
Also, it can be a mental game too. Just keep your mind focused on the music instead of how many more laps...
Good luck! I think it's awesome you want to run. I am not a faithful runner...the bike and glide are more my friend. Ü
Thanks for the shout out Christy! :) You're awesome! Congrats on starting to run. When I learned to run, I followed a plan similar to the one it sounds like you're doing (I found it online though...let me know if want the link). I only did the program 3 times a week (did other stuff on the other days...I love the elliptical too!) and followed each work out to a tee. I wouldn't ever let myself do more, even when I felt I could; I think that helped me avoid burnout and injury. As for music, the entire time I was learning to run I listened to the Evanescence "Fallen" CD (it has some GREAT upbeat tunes). Some of my favorites are Maroon 5 and the Killers, Blue October, and Bowling for Soup. And some showtunes too. :)
ReplyDeleteI will email you my work out playlist when I get a sec. You should be proud of your running self! I think the key to avoiding shin splints is starting slowly (like you're doing). It also helps to have good shoes. I recommend Asics Gel Nimbus or anything by New Balance.
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