My Forum

Thanks for all the replies, I hadn't expected so much help!

Running from work isn't really an option, the distance might be doable when I get a bit fitter but i'd struggle to get in the next day and would have to either jog in again or walk which would most likely make me late. I tend to work quite long hours at the moment as it is.

I had a quick look at the Garmin watches, they seem very pricey. Are there any recommendations? I'd be willing to get one if/when I can get into running a bit more but would be reluctant to buy one now and then have it sat on a shelf.

Not sure about my running shoes, I went on one of the gait machines at decathlon but they didn't fill me with confidence that they knew what they were doing with it. Only spent a few minutes on their machine and walked rather than ran... Still, will see how I get on.

I'm planning to go for a run on Saturday when theres a bit of daylight so will see how unfit I am. I've also found a beginners running club that is on Monday nights at a nearby park so thought I'd head along to that as well and get a bit of local knowledge/advice.

I'll let you know how I get on

Thanks again

Hi all,

I was stupid enough to agree to run the Birmingham half marathon in October 2013 (it was an ego thing with the brother in law...) and now need to try to get into shape and start some training to be able to run for more than 30 seconds. I've tried jogging in the past, but never really got into it. I'm hoping this is because I was rubbish at it and I never gave it more than a week. I did find it a little dull though. I find that with most exercise that isn't a competitive sport unfortunately.

Anyway, got some tips from here about where to start and still have my old jogging shoes but not sure about where to run. Not many places round here that are lit up in the dark and the local streets are not ideal due to narrow pathways and I think too hilly for a beginner. I also feel a bit self conscious when other people see me walking more often than jogging and pretty red faced/near collapse to go with it.

So I was just wondering if a treadmill is vastly different? Could I still build up the stamina on a treadmill initially and venture into the dark, hilly roads when I can actually job for 10 minutes? I've heard people say a treadmill is completely different and 10 minutes on one of them is nothing on tarmac.

Fairly clueless really so any help appreciated

Thanks