Best way to train to run?

[jamesrm]

Hey guys,
Hopefully taking the leap from nonpaid reserve to full time, and am going to the academy it appears in Jan. I am 6 foot 2, 220 (Not overweight, large framed and work out regularly) and overall have never, ever been into running. I need to get to where I can run decently well to prepare myself.

What is the best way to tackle this? Any advice is well welcomed.

Thanks

[Futurelaw89]

hahah funniest spell error. "gym"


If you're not used to running just take it slow. Set a distance for yourself before hand and gradually keep working your way up until you are satasified.







Futurelaw

[The Pike]

This topic has been discussed quite a bit in the health and fitness section.

[DaLAW]

Yeah, its discussed elsewhere on the forum and billions of time on google, etc but basically, I was in the same situation as you having never been a runner and the best advice I can give is to just do it. Just go outside and run, that's the only way you'll build your stamina and get yourself into shape...

[ChiCity]

Make sure you're doing it in real running shoes. If you just jump into the deep end with crappy shoes, you will get shin-splints, and then that will set your training back because you will have to stop running for a few weeks until they go away.

[DACP]

Only advice I can give is put one foot in front of the other in rapid succession, I have to run 1.5 mi in 17:00 for our yearly test, so I try to run 2 miles in 17:00 that way I have extra time to spare.

[lpstopper]

I hate running in the cold, not because i get cold, but because it hurts to breath in cold air when you get winded.

[SleepyCop]

Only advice I can give is put one foot in front of the other in rapid succession, I have to run 1.5 mi in 17:00 for our yearly test, so I try to run 2 miles in 17:00 that way I have extra time to spare.

x2

Just get out there and run. Don't buy into the fancy running shoes, or personal trainers. If you don't like running, go find a work out partner.

-SC

[adeutch]

You don't have to spend $150 on running shoes, but do buy good running shoes. A lot of cities have specialty running stores with employees who can recommend a good shoe for your build and stride. I'm partial to ASICS.
Also, I actually found that my running improved with fewer injuries (shin splints) when I did NOT run every day. Try running maybe 3 times a week and on other days do different types of lower impact cardio like biking or using a rowing machine.
My final piece of advice is try Crossfit. If you start doing Crossfit workouts from Crossfit.com and do them as fast as you can, running will seem easy in comparison.

[SRT936]

You don't have to spend $150 on running shoes, but do buy good running shoes. A lot of cities have specialty running stores with employees who can recommend a good shoe for your build and stride.

Definitely go to a specialty store for your first pair of running shoes. There is a broad array of shoes out there all fine-tuned to specific body mechanics. In order to avoid injury, you need to be properly fitted for the right type of shoe. Most good specialty stores will have both computer pressure analysis and knowledgeable staff that can do a proper stride analysis.

Once you know specifically what kind of shoe you need for your mechanics, you can usually find a decent running shoe for as low as $50-$60 dollars, especially on Amazon.

I hate running in the cold, not because i get cold, but because it hurts to breath in cold air when you get winded.

I use a cotton surgical mask when I run in the cold. It's lightweight and warms the air just enough to prevent the frozen lung pain. You can get them by the dozen at places like Cheaper Than Dirt for only a few bucks.

[jcioccke]

Make sure you're doing it in real running shoes. If you just jump into the deep end with crappy shoes, you will get shin-splints, and then that will set your training back because you will have to stop running for a few weeks until they go away.

+10000000000

That is so true. I learned that one the hard way.

[Social Worker]

James...
When you go buy shoes make sure you get a size bigger. When you run, specially long distance you feet swell and you want to make sure you give them space to do so because if you dont it makes for very unappy hurting feet. Saucony is personally my favorite, i've ran a marathon with them and they are great shoes however like the rest of the guys here, the best advice is for you to go to a specialty running store and try on the shoes. Walk around and get a feel for them. Shoes are so very important when it comes to running.

[SPC-1]

Hey. When I joined the Army I ran my 2mile in 18:36. Now I run it in 14:08. One of the ways that helped me build up to it was these groovy little things called 30-60's. Sprint for 30 seconds as hard as you can then walk for 60 seconds. Alternate this between a 2 mile run. Run every other day. As you get better at the 30-60's start doing 60-120's. Same concept. Maybe every other week pick a day (prob right before your weekend) and do a "long run" MAybe 4 or 5 miles. As those get easier do one once a week and so on.

[Social Worker]

SPC-1
Thats a great idea......Im gonna try it today. Off for my run.....

[hopperja]

Run. Hard.

It's that simple.