# Question for running Dopers **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 27, 2010, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-running-dopers/530669 "2010-02-27T18:07:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![The\_Tofu\_Kitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e7dd6/32.png) [@The\_Tofu\_Kitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tofu_Kitty)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2010, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-running-dopers/530669/1 "2010-02-27T18:07:09Z")
Running Dopers: I’m looking for some advice or references on running for beginners. I am running for fun and to get in better shape, not training for marathons or anything. At this point I’m not sure I could tell the difference between reliable or bad information if I just randomly went about the internet looking for information. Do you have any good advice for a beginner? Any websites, books, whatever I should check out? ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2010, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-running-dopers/530669/2 "2010-02-27T18:18:57Z")
[Couch to 5k](http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) has been highly regarded by a lot of Dopers, and looks like a sensible way to ease yourself into running. The main thing you have to worry about is overtraining. There is a natural tendency for most people to want to do too much, too fast, too soon. Also, make sure to buy yourself a decent pair of running shoes. It makes a huge difference. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2010, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-running-dopers/530669/3 "2010-02-27T18:20:39Z")
Oh, and in addition to the coolrunning website above, [runnersworld.com](http://runnersworld.com) is a great resource for runners of all levels. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2010, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-running-dopers/530669/4 "2010-02-27T18:22:06Z")
I used Couch to 5K, and it’s a great program. I was totally and completely out of shape when I started, last June, and I was able to get through the program on schedule. It was challenging but very do-able. Additionally, John Bingham has written some good stuff for beginning runners. You may want to find a copy of his book _Running for Mortals_. And, welcome to the club. 😃 I never considered myself athletic in any way, or even fit, before I started running, but now I feel weird if I go more than a few days without going for a run. I’m training for a half-marathon in May! ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2010, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-running-dopers/530669/5 "2010-02-27T18:31:44Z")
Previous C25K threads. > **[C25k (Couch-to-5K) starting week of 9/21--who's in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=483342)** > > Is anyone interested in doing the Couch-to-5K running plan with me, starting next week? I’ve been wanting to try it, but I needed to get a foot problem under control before trying to run again. It’s a three days a week program, and I’m hoping to... > **[C25k--come run with us](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=489824)** > > Our previous thread was getting giant-sized and maybe intimidating for newcomers, so here’s a new thread dedicated to Dopers who want to try the Couch-to-5k running program. Go from sedentary to running a 5k in 9 weeks, give or take a few. I’m on... > **[Couch-to-5K: Anyone with me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=520380)** > > First things first: Couch to 5K is a program designed to get you from being a couch potato, to running 5K, in 9 weeks. I have decided to do it mostly because I am trying to become fit, it costs nothing apart from the price of a good pair of running... Find yourself a good running shoe store and get shoes that suit your gait/stride/biomechanics. A local running club can point you in the right direction. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![RaftPeople](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2010, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-running-dopers/530669/6 "2010-02-27T18:46:59Z")
Great advice I got from a runner when I was just starting was “don’t always run hard, you will grow to hate it if you do, just go out at a moderate pace, run hard on days you feel like it.” ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tofu\_Kitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e7dd6/32.png) [@The\_Tofu\_Kitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tofu_Kitty)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2010, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-running-dopers/530669/7 "2010-02-28T04:35:01Z")
Thanks everyone for all the great info and advice!