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Post by sacteach on Apr 1, 2015 22:34:08 GMT
I don't exercise nearly as much as I should and I think that I would like to start running as a regular part of my plan to lose weight and improve my overall fitness (along with eating better, etc). I've done a few charity 5Ks but I've always walked or minimally jogged, but I'd like to actually start running at a decent pace and not tire so easily. I have no intentions of running a marathon (or even a half marathon) but I think running could possibly be something I'd enjoy and there are a lot of 5K and 10K events that I would like to participate in without having to walk.
I bought the Zombies! 5K app to help with incentive as I definitely need some motivation. It's an 8-week program with 3 workouts per week. I live in CA so I will do all of my running outside mostly on sidewalks. Occasionally I may use the treadmill at the gym, but not likely as we have great weather and I prefer to be outside. I don't envision that I'd be doing any trail running as I don't really want to drive somewhere to run, I'll just stick to my neighborhood.
So... with all that in mind... what are things are essential to have/buy initially and what are things that can wait? I know I'll need to get shoes (I currently have athletic "sneakers" that are not running shoes) but should I wait until I've been running for a few weeks to buy them or get them now before I start? What about clothes? I have shorts and t-shirts and some sports bras, but again, nothing specifically for running?
I've tried looking at some online resources for beginning runners but I would rather hear from people I "know" unless someone has a link to a great online resource as well.
Thanks!
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Post by eebud on Apr 2, 2015 0:05:51 GMT
I am not a runner. I am a power walker. What I really regret not doing before I started serious power walking was going to a running store and being fit properly for good shoes. It is about a year later and I still have pain in a toe that I believe I damaged the nerve due to not having good shoes.
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Post by *sprout* on Apr 2, 2015 0:07:39 GMT
Buy the shoes now! To me, they are the most important piece of running gear I own. Make sure you go to a running store to get fitted.
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Shel
Full Member
Posts: 408
Jul 16, 2014 0:32:12 GMT
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Post by Shel on Apr 2, 2015 0:08:55 GMT
I would also say good shoes AND good socks! They really do make all the difference.
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Post by *sprout* on Apr 2, 2015 0:10:00 GMT
Also, buy running clothes - including socks. Never run in anything cotton. I love the C9 line at Target.
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J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on Apr 2, 2015 0:18:32 GMT
The great thing about running is that you really don't need much in the way of gear. Get your shoes now, and socks as well. Then you just need a running bra, some shorts, and teeshirts or tank tops. I've been running my whole life and I've never spent a ton on clothing. Right now I'm running in some bras and shorts from Target. They were on sale. I wash them constantly and they're still great. Just run of the mill, whatever they've got on their racks, running clothing. You don't have to spend a ton on fancy names.
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Post by hennybutton on Apr 2, 2015 0:26:51 GMT
Get a physical. If you're over 40 and haven't run before, ask for a bone density test. I don't know if your doctor will agree to it if you're premenopausal, but it's worth it. I did C25K and ended up with a pubic ramus fracture after 6 months of running. Several doctors told me that it's a fracture they only see in elderly women, but the doctor who finally treated it said he sees it all the time in middle aged women who start running to lose weight. It turned out that I have osteopenia and probably shouldn't have been running in the first place.
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Post by alittleintrepid on Apr 2, 2015 1:56:18 GMT
I agree that you should go to a running store to get your shoes before you begin a regular program. I used to wear whatever cute runners I found on sale and really appreciate how much more comfortable I am in shoes that support my gait properly.
When choosing running clothing, look for items without seams / flat seems in places that may rub together (eg. I can't have seems under my arm pits or will end up with chaffed patches)
Also, you may want some good running earbuds and a few new songs from ITunes!
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,524
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Apr 2, 2015 2:41:46 GMT
Go to fleet feet on J street and get fitted for shoes. Be prepared to spend $130. They can also fit you for a bra, again, not cheap. Those are the two essentials right now. Everything else you can use what you have already. Yes, socks are important, but you can get cheap ones at Target that are good for short distances. Make sure the socks aren't cotton. However, having said that, I routinely run 3 miles in cotton socks without any issue. If you live near me we can meet at a park and run.
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Post by SockMonkey on Apr 2, 2015 2:53:00 GMT
Good shoes. I got all my other gear (bras, tops, compression capris, etc) at Target and Old Navy.
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Post by sacteach on Apr 2, 2015 3:52:46 GMT
Go to fleet feet on J street and get fitted for shoes. Be prepared to spend $130. They can also fit you for a bra, again, not cheap. Those are the two essentials right now. Everything else you can use what you have already. Yes, socks are important, but you can get cheap ones at Target that are good for short distances. Make sure the socks aren't cotton. However, having said that, I routinely run 3 miles in cotton socks without any issue. If you live near me we can meet at a park and run. I'm in EG  I heard there was a running store here right off 99 that I was going to check out tomorrow. Running Zone I think. But I could go downtown easily since I'm on spring break. |
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Post by sacteach on Apr 2, 2015 3:55:53 GMT
I budgeted $200 to get started so shoes, bra and shorts work for now I think. Thanks for all of the input.
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,524
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Apr 2, 2015 4:07:39 GMT
I'm in EG too. I'd be happy to meet you at EG Park. I prefer fleet feet over running zone because FF will allow you to return the shoes after wearing outdoors if you hate them. I had a pair I wore on the trails for a few weeks when I decided I couldn't stand them...they took them back and sent me off win a new pair. Running Zone might have the same policy....if you don't want to drive to Sac it's worth asking.
PM if you want to meet for running. I'm doing a race this Saturday that's going to leave me running slowly for a couple months....and by slowly I mean it will be fast if I can maintain a 12 min/mile.
ETA: I could also meet at Morse Park. EG loop is 1.44 mile; Morse is .65
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Post by Monica* on Apr 2, 2015 11:11:59 GMT
Invest in the separate shoe inserts they sell at the running store (there are different levels of arch support). At first I balked at the extra money but they made all the difference for me in terms of shin splints, etc. Initially they feel a little odd, but the extra support makes a big difference if you're going to be running distances and you get used to that extra support (try the different levels to see what feels best). Now I wouldn't run without them. They take out the insert that comes with the shoe, trim the one you choose to fit, and then that replaces the factory one.
Make sure you replace your shoes/inserts at whatever interval lines up with the frequency/distances you are running. They don't last forever. Also, consider running on asphalt vs concrete sidewalks if you can -- more forgiving in terms of impact.
Have fun!
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Rainbow
Pearl Clutcher
Where salt is in the air and sand is at my feet...
Posts: 4,103 
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Post by Rainbow on Apr 2, 2015 11:29:13 GMT
Get good shoes first.
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Apr 2, 2015 12:45:07 GMT
You have the app so I would say a good pair of shoes (get them professionally fitted) and a good running bra. The best part about running is that you can do it pretty much anywhere you go with minimal equipment.
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Post by chrispeas on Apr 2, 2015 13:50:01 GMT
A good pair of shoes for sure. Go to a store that videos your running on a treadmill. Make sure your shoes are right for you. Like if you need a stability shoe or orthotics as well. I would def get a physical. I am nursing a stress fracture in the Medial Tibial Plateau and a strain of the Popliteus Muscle. I got this after my first 4 days of getting out there. I'm only 51. Doc also wants me to get a bone density test. I also bought a wireless bluetooth headset. You wear it on your neck. It has ear buds. A thin pack to wear for my phone, chapstick and keys. Good luck!
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Post by mcscrapper on Apr 2, 2015 13:58:19 GMT
I agree that a Fleet Feet shop is a great place to start.
A properly fitted shoe is ESSENTIAL. And be prepared to spend $100-130 for a good pair. I would get good socks with the shoes. I'm a fan of Swift Wick socks which are more "compression" type of socks but that's what my feet need.
A good bra should also be high on the list of "must haves" for running.
Fleet Feet also has some great training programs. Our local FF has a No Boundaries program which is sponsored by New Balance - NB = NB. Anyway, they train using interval method and they start with the very basics of running and train you to run your first 5k. I know you said you have done a few 5Ks but learning how to interval and pace yourself is a great way to ease into the sport.
Enjoy the run!
meredith
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I heard there was a running store here right off 99 that I was going to check out tomorrow. Running Zone I think. But I could go downtown easily since I'm on spring break. 
