Couch to half marathon - Beginners

Debra Yates

27/12/2012 at 08:12

Hi I have never run in my life even at school. I have always been over weight and have had barriatric surgery and lost 13stone in total. I now want to start running but don't have the confidence or know how of starting to run. Have tried it but feels really uncomfortable so think I'm doing something wrong. I live in stoke on Trent and am looking to join a club that does these couch to half marathon training sessions so I'll be with others any one know of any clubs that do this near me.

Sarah Miller 3

27/12/2012 at 09:16

Good morning- we are no where near you as we are based in Eastbourne so can't give you any advice about local clubs but just wanted to wish you good luck. In September we started our journey to the Eastbourne Half Marathon in March 2013. We were non runners and couldn't run more than 1 min runs/1.5 minute walks for the first few weeks but now we are up to 6.5 mile runs without stopping.

The first few weeks are the hardest and the idea of joining a club is a good one as they support you, give you advice and motivate you to go out when the weather is lousy. We started out with an app on our phones - think it was couch to 5K to get us started before we joined the club. Might be worth looking you looking at that in the meantime.

Also the main things to think about are your breathing and your trainers. You can run in anything initially as long as your shoes are the right ones for your feet.

Good luck and keep going!

Debra Yates

27/12/2012 at 09:33

Thanks for your support xxx

Hallam Blue

27/12/2012 at 10:03

The most important thing is to make sure your running shoes are
right for you. Get a gait analysis done at a decent running shop. Then it is a case of combining running and walking, and slowly increasing the proportion of running, and the overall distance. To begin with run every other day, to give yourself time to recover. Make sure you stretch after each session. You might also want to consider doing something else on your rest days - swimming?

I also wouldn't worry, at this stage about the half marathon. It took me about 14months to go from complete novice to my first half. I would target a parkrun : free weekly timed 5k runs all over the country. The Hanley park one looks best for you http://www.parkrun.org.uk/hanley/course . You need to register first and print out a barcode. I'm personally not a club joiner, but parkrun is a fantastic non-threatening environment, and a great way to assess your improvements.

The best thing about starting from scratch is the incredible changes that can come very quickly. Within a month you will be running further, will have lost weight, be more toned, and will feel better. Then the bug will have bitten!

Could you give more details about the discomfort?

Good luck!

Debra Yates

27/12/2012 at 15:26

Thanks will look into the Hanley park run xxx

Runningbella

28/12/2012 at 21:41

Hi Debra,

I'm looking for other newbies to chat to so I was pleased to find your thread!

How are you getting on? I'm starting on jan 2nd. And have just downloaded the couch to 5k programme to my phone!

Debra Yates

28/12/2012 at 21:58

Hi I'm going to get my shoes and have a gait analysis on New Year's Eve so that I start as I mean to go on on on the 1st January 2013. I look forward to seeing how we both get on post after yr first run to let me know how you got on and I'll do the same xxx

Runningbella

29/12/2012 at 08:49

Good luck!

Emily Bratby

29/12/2012 at 19:54

Hi Debra,

Firstly, good luck with getting going. I am also new to running, in fact, I haven't actually started yet but it is my 2013 resolution.

I started last year but very quickly suffered with shin spints which completely put me off so, 17months on I still haven't given it another go. Tomorrow is my 1st day getting started.

I'm looking at joining a beginners running club in my home town (Doncaster) but until I do, my friend who already runs is going to try and help me get going. I'm a little nervous as I am terribly unfit & overweight at the moment and, I've previously had a meniscectomy which means my knee is not fully cushioned when I run.

I'm going to be turning to RW for lots of support & guidance. What have you been doing so far?

Emily

Debra Yates

30/12/2012 at 03:56

Nothing so far it's my new project for 2013. I am going to get my gait analysis done on Monday at a specialist triathalete shop in Peterborough ( I'm visiting my sister). And will be commencing my first run on the 010113. I'm also joining the local gym as I know I'm going to be a fair weather runner so when it's crappy weather I can go on the treadmill. I'm quite excited and have talked a friend into joining me later on in the year when she feels able to. I'll pot after my first run xxx

mandy norris

30/12/2012 at 05:18

Best of luck ladies. Best thing I ever did. I started running in March this year -couldnt even run to the end of the street when I started. Bright red and sweaty mess.

I have since lost 4 stone and feel great. Im now running up to 10 miles without stops and am addicted!

My knees have played up though so I need to "listen" to by body when it starts to ache. I made the mistake of carrying on my run when my knees hurt and I paid the price as i ended up in A&E! I also use a muscle rub after my run which i find really soothes and helps me (a nice natural one like Natural Hero ginger)

Get yourself a good bra as well! --just as important as the good shoes!

Let us know how you get on -really want to hear your progress!!!

DavidMR2

30/12/2012 at 21:29

Couch to half marathon is possible, but you'll need to be dedicated and follow a decent plan focusing on just finishing and not a good time.
Most important build your mileage slowly, and remember rest days are just as important as running days.
As has been suggested give a local Parkrun a try, they are great fun and a great first target of achieving 5k without walking.
Keep us posted on your progress and let us help keep you motivated.

Emily Bratby

30/12/2012 at 21:46

So today was day 1...I went to a local cricket park with a friend who already runs upto 10k & she guided me through what was day 1 of the Couch to 5k (or beginners training plan) from RW.

We did a 5min stretch warm up & brisk walk then did 60sec run followed by 90sec walking, which we repeated 8 times for 20 mins followed by 5 mins cool down.

I survived but I won't lie, it's not something I would explain as being enjoyable.

my legs ached & I was massively out of breath but, I did my best & I will be doing day 2 on Tues.

I'll keep you posted.

Emily x

Gareth Edwards 21

30/12/2012 at 22:02

Emily Bratby wrote (see)

Hi Debra,

Firstly, good luck with getting going. I am also new to running, in fact, I haven't actually started yet but it is my 2013 resolution.

I started last year but very quickly suffered with shin spints which completely put me off so, 17months on I still haven't given it another go. Tomorrow is my 1st day getting started.

I'm looking at joining a beginners running club in my home town (Doncaster) but until I do, my friend who already runs is going to try and help me get going. I'm a little nervous as I am terribly unfit & overweight at the moment and, I've previously had a meniscectomy which means my knee is not fully cushioned when I run.

I'm going to be turning to RW for lots of support & guidance. What have you been doing so far?

Emily

Just to let you know Emily (incase you're unaware) that there's a running club down at the keepmoat in Donny. Im thinking of joining it myself when the nights start to get a bit lighter and the job im working on at present finishes and im not working 11 hour days.

l believe there's also one at tickhill but im not sure of how to go about getting in touch with anyone there.

If you google doncaster athletic club though the one at the keepmoat comes up top of the page.

Hope you start to enjoy the running soon anyway. l know myself how hard it is when you first start out but the fact you have a friend who also runs is a massive bonus as you wont be able to duck out of runs so easily.

DavidMR2

31/12/2012 at 22:35

Hi Emily,
Glad you've taken the first step. Don't worry about feeling tired and out of breath. This happens to everyone when we start from scratch.
Stick to the plan, if necessary repeat certain weeks if it proves a little difficult, no shame in that.
Take your time, the important thing is that you've taken the first steps.

We'd love you to add a comment! Please login or take half a minute to register as a free member