60 seconds to teach a beginner - Beginners

Sean Fishpool

17/08/2005 at 12:06

It's an editorial conceit, we confess, but we've written an occasional series of 'shallow but helpful'guides.

Our first one is for beginners (the link is above). What would *your* one-minute guide say?

Sean, RW

Im.Rio

pirate

17/08/2005 at 12:21

Take it slowly - tortoise not hare
Buy appropriate shoes
Set goals that are aceivable
Find a partner
Have fun

heebiejeebie

17/08/2005 at 12:26

plan when you want to run so you will have time to do it
don't give up if you have to have walk breaks
don't give up if it feels hard and don't look for excuses not to run
join a club
expect to be tired at times

teddyoops

17/08/2005 at 12:27

Start slowly - even if you think you're going too slow, you're probably not

Get good shoes!

Choose your first race carefully, so you're not put off by the speedy runners

Listen to your body - if it hurts, rest!

vary your routes so you don't get bored

Enjoy yourself and feel smug that you're getting fit and not sitting in front of Eastenders eating crisps

hammerite

17/08/2005 at 12:28

1. Put one leg in front of the other quicker than walking, it's called running.
2. Try not to do too much too soon (but just making yourself breath hard/sweat is not necessarily too much!)
3. Start on soft surfaces.
4. Don't go out and running gear until you know you enjoy it and want to continue further.
5. Set targets.

'kk' aka 'knackeredknees'

17/08/2005 at 12:30

It's not a crime to walk.

In fact it's positively beneficial sometimes.

17/08/2005 at 12:36

Proper shoes
start slow
increase slowly
persevere
walking is GOOD
rest days are a MUST

Gumps

17/08/2005 at 12:39

There are better races to do than the commercial, overpriced races (I'm not going to name). Try a local, lower key race. Not only are they cheaper, but they are normally better organised and friendlier.

NogtheNog

17/08/2005 at 12:43

The only other thing I'd add is to try to stick with a plan - or to a goal, and that if you don't feel like going out for a run, go out for a walk in your gear anyway and you'll probably end up running!

360°

17/08/2005 at 12:44

Don't do it. It will take over your life.

Piers

17/08/2005 at 12:46

How about the slightly more off the wall ones:

1. Always plan your route so you know where there is a toilet that you can use in an emergency.

2. Tonic water is brilliant for easing cramp, gin not included :-(

3. Cheap kit is just that.... cheap, not inexpensive.

4. Motorists, pedestrians and (deep intake of breath) cyclists are not as considerate as you would hope.

5. All the people who pass comment when you are running are just jealous.

Jags

17/08/2005 at 12:54

Dont push too hard too soon & enjoy

NogtheNog

17/08/2005 at 12:54

Even at your slowest, you're faster than 95% of the population!

WildWill..... pirate

pirate

17/08/2005 at 13:04

Improvement is about consistency, don’t push too hard so to injure yourself or over train and thru constancy you will achieve

Haddie

17/08/2005 at 15:40

Never be afraid to stop or walk - It's a real buzz the first time you are able to run past points where you used to have to have a breather.

Keep things in perspective - if you were ever going to run at "Olympic Gold" pace, you would have not spent the last few years on adiet of beer and curry. Relax and enjoy realistic targets.

Find a friend to run with - it's great to have someone to pull you through when the lure of the sofa gets too strong. It works well for them too!

Don't buy a stopwatch.

17/08/2005 at 16:32

PROPER SHOES - PROPER SHOES - Did you hear me PROPER SHOES!!

Then - start slow - run/walk - enjoy

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

17/08/2005 at 16:53

girls get a good sports bra!
slow and steady wins the race
walking is good
when starting take at least 3 rest days a week
get a plan and try to stick to it but remember it is not a crime to wander and repeat if required
Paula radcliffe is unique so don't expect to copy her!

Mrs Viking pirate

pirate

17/08/2005 at 17:53

Dont think I could say much different to whats here already.

I definately agree with the good shoe thing it made a big difference to me.

Patience is a virtue!!

Walking is nothing to be ashamed of.

Find an achievable aim to work towards.

Dont use a watch or concentrate on time use distance as a guide instead!

Mrs Viking pirate

pirate

17/08/2005 at 17:55

Oh and as pixie said, get a good sports bra (if your a girlie)

Starchampers

17/08/2005 at 18:51

I think one of the most important things that I do not think (correct me if I am wrong) anyone has mentioned...

S-T-R-E-T-C-H!!!!

Thoroughly too or you will end up with very tight inflexible muscles which will be more prone to injury!!!