[Natalie*]

(Original post by harky)
hey guys I'm just getting into running but I love it. Total beginner apart from when I used to have to do fitness at school. I'm using the "couch to 5k" podcast, it's great, works you up week by week gradually so that you don't get disheartened. Basically improves on your recovery time by telling you when to run and when to walk, increasing the running time with each week. I find having someone telling me what to do really helpful and motivating so I'd def recommend it to other amateurs! You can get it for free on itunes

Can you give me a link to that podcast please. Can't find it anywhere..

[cjdodsworth]

(Original post by Apocalypte)
Also... http://www.mapmyrun.com is *incredibly* useful.

THANK YOU for this link. It took me a while to map the run out, but according to the website my run is 5.93 miles. Im pretty proud to be able to run nearly 6 miles a day.

[harky]

(Original post by Natalie*)
Can you give me a link to that podcast please. Can't find it anywhere..

here you go....click on the subscribe button on the left hand side. good luck!

[harky]

(Original post by Natalie*)
Can you give me a link to that podcast please. Can't find it anywhere..

woops, forgot to copy n paste- here it is- http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/

[alex0723]

How far do you run? - About 35-45 miles a week. 3 Long runs, 1 track session, 1 hill session and 1 grass session.

How long do you run for? However long it takes!

Where do you run? Round the parks near where I live or on the roads when it is dark

What do you listen to? Nothing

Why do you do it? To get fit for races and for the enjoyment!

Do you have any aims? Sub 16 minute 5km by Christmas and to be ranked in the top 20 in the country next cross country season.

[addylad]

Run for a club.

[Happy_Holidays]

I'm just starting to run so don't currently have any set routines. At the moment I just run at the gym but once I can run 5 minutes at a time I want to start running outside. My aim is to be able to do a half marathon next year.

[X.Von.Islam]

(Original post by cjdodsworth)
Does anybody else here run/jog?

I love to run! Ok, admittedly I havnt run for about a week... BUT usually I run for an hour every day, 4-5 days a week. I just worked out that my run is about 5 miles.

When I started out I (thankfuly) looked things up on the internet and followed advice. Instead of being overly ambitious and trying to run for a full hour without stopping like I imagined myself being able to do, I started out by running for 30 minutes, stopping to walk between running. It wasnt long before I was able to run for 30 minutes without stopping, from then on its just been a matter of increasing the distance by a few minutes every day. At the moment I run for an hour (or just over) and have been for a while.
The way I do it is that I run along a certain path (its the cycle path going into Bristol city centre) and each time I run a little further before turning back. I sprint back to my house when I reach a certain point also.

I love the feeling afterwards, the endorphin rush... and I love the feeling of achievment when I reach milestones. But, im not really sure anymore what to aim for. I never imagined when I began, ACTUALLY reaching my target of running for an hour a day.. so I havnt really thought about where to go from here. I could either keep extending the time/distance I run or perhaps run the same distance but try and run it faster? I dunno, what do other people do?

How far do you run?
How long do you run for?
Where do you run?
What do you listen to?
Why do you do it?
Do you have any aims?

etc.

About the same as you.

[manx1991]

(Original post by Happy_Holidays)
I'm just starting to run so don't currently have any set routines. At the moment I just run at the gym but once I can run 5 minutes at a time I want to start running outside. My aim is to be able to do a half marathon next year.

Hey, just thought I'd say, try running outside no matter how much you can do in the gym. When I started last year (and stopped lol) I managed a mile on the treadmill and was so proud of myself and really thought I'd be at a decent running distance outside, but when I got outside I found it alot harder to get the air into my lungs (quite possibly because it was cold) but it's much more difficult!

[Drink And Drive]

How far do you run? About 10km every day.

How long do you run for? 5km in 40 minutes(which I do twice), I have a 1-2 minute break now and again but nothing serious, nor do I bring water with me or eat an energy bar, as I always forget.

Where do you run? Down my street, to the casino, which brings me to the promenade, along the promenade until the end, turn back, go through some ghetto(which is uphill) and I get back to my street)

What do you listen to? I usually listen to: Bruce Springsteen, Huey Lewis, Van Morrison, The Who, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Oasis, The Smiths etc

Why do you do it? I've become addicted I think, the fresh air and to keep myself fit, it's exhilerating.

Do you have any aims? I'd like to be able to run the marathon one day, but for now it's just a bit of fun.

[Juno]

I started with the "couch to 5k" podcast last year (there's alternative music here which I prefered, or if you google there's loads more options) and I recently completed a half marathon.

[Happy_Holidays]

(Original post by Juno)
I started with the "couch to 5k" podcast last year (there's alternative music here which I prefered, or if you google there's loads more options) and I recently completed a half marathon.

Congrats Juno. If you have any advise I'd love to hear it.

[Juno]

(Original post by Happy_Holidays)
Congrats Juno. If you have any advise I'd love to hear it.

My advise: choose a half marathon that is flat. The Robin Hood Half has too many hills.

[manx1991]

(Original post by Juno)
My advise: choose a half marathon that is flat. The Robin Hood Half has too many hills.

Haha, wish I'd looked into that- I think the BUPA Great North Run is one massive up hill then down... and incredibly crowded. The local one though is flatter (I think) but don't think I'll be ready for that.

Anyone got any advice on how I should build up to September? I'm thinking a 5km and/or 10km in a local event at Easter (definately fast though- need sub 30 to even in sight of the last person, around 18minutes would give me a chance of a medal but ya know), I really want to take part in the Relay at Christmas (end to end of Isle of Man, 30 miles, split unequally between 4 people) just because it's as fun or competitive as you make it. What do you think?

[Juno]

(Original post by manx1991)
Haha, wish I'd looked into that- I think the BUPA Great North Run is one massive up hill then down... and incredibly crowded. The local one though is flatter (I think) but don't think I'll be ready for that.

Anyone got any advice on how I should build up to September? I'm thinking a 5km and/or 10km in a local event at Easter (definately fast though- need sub 30 to even in sight of the last person, around 18minutes would give me a chance of a medal but ya know), I really want to take part in the Relay at Christmas (end to end of Isle of Man, 30 miles, split unequally between 4 people) just because it's as fun or competitive as you make it. What do you think?

I'm hoping to do the Great North Run next year. I'd love to do the London marathon - I've heard it's lovely and flat.

[manx1991]

(Original post by Juno)
I'm hoping to do the Great North Run next year. I'd love to do the London marathon - I've heard it's lovely and flat.

Oh yay another TSRer :P I'm doing it with my boyfriend who reckons he can finish it just about already whereas I'm training for a time (2hrs30 hopefully)

I know, the London Marathon definately looks flat but it's just getting in! I couldn't raise the grand minimum sponsership most charities want for a garenteed place Definately an aim though!

[cjdodsworth]

(Original post by manx1991)
Oh yay another TSRer :P I'm doing it with my boyfriend who reckons he can finish it just about already whereas I'm training for a time (2hrs30 hopefully)

I know, the London Marathon definitely looks flat but it's just getting in! I couldn't raise the grand minimum sponsership most charities want for a garenteed place definitely an aim though!

What is the minimum sponsership needed?

[manx1991]

(Original post by cjdodsworth)
What is the minimum sponsership needed?

For the VLM it's around £1,000 for the majority of charities (I've yet to find one that is less but even anything over £100 I think puts too much pressure on raising money) For GNR I know Asthma UK there's no minimum but for most other's it's £100+

[cjdodsworth]

(Original post by manx1991)
For the VLM it's around £1,000 for the majority of charities (I've yet to find one that is less but even anything over £100 I think puts too much pressure on raising money) For GNR I know Asthma UK there's no minimum but for most other's it's £100+

I know nothing about entering a marathon. So, do you need to be signed up with a charity to run the marathon?

[manx1991]

(Original post by cjdodsworth)
I know nothing about entering a marathon. So, do you need to be signed up with a charity to run the marathon?

Well basically, for small marathons you just sign up, pay the amount, and turn up on the day... For bigger ones like the London Marathon (and big Halfs just as the Great North Run) you have to enter into a ballot where it's basically a massive draw and they decide if you get in or not. If you don't get in, or if you really want to run for a charity, you go onto their website and there should be a link on their page to run for them in the London Marathon, with information on if they want you to wear anything specific and the amount they'd want you to raise (normally 25%-75% of this is wanted a month or so prior to the event).

Another option is if you are part of a running club they are normally given/they get a couple of places to give to runners in their club however this will depend on you're speed as generally they're given to the proper racers not the people who want a bit of fun.

Hope this helps