Running for Charity

[Mowbray]

Hello there,

I am wanting to run the Great North run 2006 to raise money for cancer research.  I am starting to train as i am one of the most unhealthy people around.  I am not a good runner, infact i am terrible. i can only run for about 5minutes at the moment. 

I'd like to know if anybody has ran a half marathon who, like me was / is not very fit.  I would like to hear of anybodies stories of how you trained etc.

Also, some info' on how /when you applied for the Great North Run would be fab'.

Thanks for any help / support given.

[Grimalkin]

Hi Mowbray.  I started running exactly one year ago, but didn't enter the GNR as I thought it was a whole marathon - I was really peeved when I discovered it was only half as I feel I could have done that.  Like you I couldn't run for 5 minutes - (even 2!) and hated the idea of it.  I started as there was simply nothing else to do - nearest pool was 1/2 hour drive away, no gym, not even yoga in the village hall... 

Best tips:

1) Start slow - choose a short distance (say 1 mile) and alternate slow running for one minute, walking for one minute and build up from that. In 3 weeks you'll probably be able to do it without the walking, and can start increasing the distance.  Remember to warm up and down. and stretch out. Loads if websites can give training advice - try runnersworld.co.uk or just google 'running'. 

2)Clothing: definitely get decent running shoes - I'd recommend New Balance - from a proper sports/running shop (I investigated the shops then bought the trainers (�75 retail) for �6 + postage on ebay). Make sure you have a sports bra - if necessary!! You'll need lightweight waterproof/resistant clothing and a hat for the colder weather/winter nights that are approaching...Please don't be put off by winter - you feel so good when you're out there instead of cooped up indoors.  One of my best runs was after a light snow at sunset - magical!

3)make a really up beat music tape/ipod selection to keep you going, and use a neoprene 'tune belt' (google it) to keep it from moving as you run. This really helped me - i think it distracts you from how you feel, and stops you getting bored. You do have to keep your eyes open for traffic/dogs/weirdos though.

[sackabona]

your best bnet is to start with a complete beginners programme that gives you targets and goals for every run. www.nike.com have some in the runners section. they usually start at run 1 min, walk 1 min x 10 and then gradually build up from there until you are running for 30 mins. then you can start to concentrate on longer distances or pace training.

the runners handbook (you can get it in any bookshop and it is ace) also has these schedules but to start from scratch and for free go to www.nike.com.

Shoes and kit is important but I'd wait until you get the running bug first otherwise it's a waste of money. A decent pair of trainers will help a lot but if you haven't run before you won't know what kind of support you need or what you prefer running on (tarmac, grass, beach, etc). like any other sport you don't want to be the person with 'all the gear and no idea'. make sure you like it first!

When I started I could barely run for 1 minute but now do 3-4 miles a session 3-4 times a week. It is fantastic and is the best way to lose weight and give you a real mood boost

good luck!

[Grimalkin]

I do take your point about buying lots of kit sackabona, but when I originally tried running it was in a rubbish pair of trainers and felt horrible.  The following year my brother enlightened me, and with the extra bounce of my running trainers I was off!  I can't stress enough the difference it made to me!

[frizzytwig]

I'm jealous, I got a place for this years London Marathon but had to give it back as my knee went on me- still can't run now.  I started training last September doing slow runs a couple of times a week mixed with shorter runs at a much faster speed, I found this really helped with my stamina. By Christmas I ran 12 miles, I was so proud of myself but I think thats what knackered my knee.  So don't be like me and do too much, just take it slowly and build your distance up gradually, the speed will take care of itself.

I wish I was getting up at the crack of dawn to go running, the fresh crisp air, nobody about (except nutters).  I wish you good luck.