Any tips for beginning runners?

Question

Currently I weigh 320 pounds, and I'm continuing to lose more weight. Over the weekend I attended a Marathon (10 miles) and saw all the different types of people running and decided to focus on a 13 mile run in September as being one of my target goals.

Currently I do lift weights on a regular basis, and do a lot of high incline walk and sprints on the treadmill (usually an incline of 10 at 3mph for an hour). But right now, I would liketo change my routine up totally to build for this marathon, again, any tips to get start or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

first of all. if a race is 10 miles. then its a 10 mile race.  a Marathon is 26.2 miles. if you have ever ran one you will want to count every bit of that and defend the name marathon!

my best advice is one i give to anyone starting running=

walking is the best training to be able to run.

you are 320lbs and you want to start training for a 13mi race?

its not impossible.  but can you walk 13miles yet? you need to train for that first.

why so much high incline on tread? think about it. what muscle groups does that train? are you training for an uphill race?  uphill is good for cross training. but most of you walking/running needs to be level. just like the race will be.

once you can walk 13miles and not become injured then you can graduate to starting training to be able to run that distance. by then your joints/tendons/ligaments/muscles will be strong enought to start the training.

but start with 1 mile and take your time.

1 full year of training may be enough for you to finish a 13 mi race.... maybe

why not set an easier goal?  maybe a 5k (3.1mi) race in about 6 months? that is reasonable.

harsh but true

also, get a good beginners book on running.

what do we know anyways..>?

Answer 2

I would walk and when you're comfortable doing that, do a minute jog and than walk more.  Keep building up slowly until you can jog at a comfortable pace.  You may also want to get into a pool.  Aquajogging is a fantastic workout with no impact.  I might also suggest starting with a smaller run, like a 5K, and once you succeed at that, you can move up.  Best of luck!

Answer 3

just start off by walking in the park because if you begin to runn large distances you can hurt your ankles. eat healthy and stay active.

Answer 4

First of all, congrats on the decision to run the race. My best advice to you is to get a training schedule (you can get one for a half at coolrunning.com or runnersworld.com) , print it out, post it to the fridge, get a friend to join up with you and go for it. You need to make sure to start out at your level though. So maybe go out and do a walk/run and see where you're at physically. The last thing you want to do is get a schedule that is too harsh straight away because chances are you won't be able to keep up with it and will possibly quit. So yeah- get a schedule, get a friend (my husband is the best running partner I could ask for) and go for it!

Answer 5

Lol, a marathon is not 10 miles, its 26.2