# Running - Give me some advice **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 23, 2012, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132 "2012-07-23T14:06:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2012, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/81 "2012-07-27T05:08:19Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > The problem is, if you can run that distance, you’re going to get friggin BORED doing it. Couch-to-5K is a wonderful program. Seriously, it’s great. But if you have any experience running, I think you’re going to get frustrated with the skill level, and there are better ways of restarting distance running without injuring yourself, while still challenging yourself. Kinda the point of my post was that no, C25K probably isn’t for you if you can already run that distance. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2012, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/82 "2012-07-27T06:21:36Z")
> [@cmosdes](#): > > \*A bad week is relative. Even if you don’t do as many miles as you would have liked or as fast as you would have liked, just getting out and doing SOMETHING is still a good week. Hear hear. Something is always better than nothing > [@cmosdes](#): > > **bengangmo** Good for you for taking it upon yourself to get your nephew moving. Too many people would just say he needs to get more exercise without taking an active role in making that happen. In just 3 weeks it sounds like he has come a long way. Excellent job. thanks - but its not all altruistic, its motivation for me to keep exercising also. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2012, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/83 "2012-07-27T06:26:39Z")
Re shoes: I wore a crappy old cheap pair of tennis shoes when I started out, and had a little trouble with knee pain. The pain cleared up when I bought a new pair of $90 shoes. Maybe the difference was just in new vs. old instead of cheap vs. expensive, but I can afford to drop $90 on a pair of shoes every six months or so, so I do it. Re weight loss: I have to concur that running alone, without diet modification, probably won’t lead to a lot of weight loss… _at first_. But if you keep at it and build mileage, and you have some pounds to lose, you’ll probably see a change. I lost crazy weight when i was training for my half-marathon, and I honestly wasn’t even really trying. But yeah, running has left me in the best physical and mental condition I’ve been in for my entire life. Weight loss is a really minimal part of that. Mostly it’s about feeling strong and healthy and not getting winded going up a flight of stairs, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/84 "2012-07-28T01:15:20Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Hey **Munch** , > > Between my last post in this thread - a little over an hour ago - and now, I went out and did Day One of the Couch-To-5K. I’m sitting here sweating as I type this. 🙂 > > This thread inspired me out of the blue. Day One was harder than I expected, and a hell of a lot harder than it should have been. Of course, I had just eaten lunch and I am way, way out of shape. I’m no stranger to running though; I do have a full marathon on my resume. > > Anyway, go for it. Along with anyone else reading this who might need a little motivation. > mmm Checking in to mention that I completed my first week of C25K; the second and third outings were much better than the first. I am going to take the advice someone upthread said, to stretch it out if you prefer. I’ll do each “week” twice. > [@Munch](#): > > Done. 3.42 k. > > Can’t say I feel like a million bucks, but I got off my ass. I need a shower. Couch-to-5K, you don’t mess around. Way to go, **Munch**! mmm ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/85 "2012-07-29T02:59:45Z")
I added my gear as I noticed I needed it. When I got blisters but wanted to keep going something like [this](https://www.meyerdist.com/Products/Item/STN116/Gels,Felts,Foams/Padding,Foams,Moleskin/) was useful. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/86 "2012-07-29T22:14:07Z")
Thought I posted this earlier - is there a good printer friendly Cto5K schedule? I went to [http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2\_3/181.shtml](http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) but that is very narrow and tall. Yesterday I calibrated my pedometer in my watch - I don’t expect it to be super accurate but it would be nice top be close. I went to the local HS track. Ended up running and waling about 750 meters each. Today I alternated joggong and walking (2 min each at the start, then 2 min jog /4 min walk) I didn’t actuially keep track of time, but around 30 min total. Brian ---
**Author:** ![MyMack\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MyMack\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyMack_1)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/87 "2012-07-30T02:53:26Z")
Well I did the first day of C25K and loved it and then went to do day 2 yesterday and BAM! Got stung on the right butt cheek three times by a pissed off yellow jacket. It was a sucky day and I’m mildly allergic so I gave up. Try again tomorrow. Still advocate the program, but PSA: beware yellow jackets. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/88 "2012-07-30T02:55:11Z")
If it makes you feel better, when I first started once I dropped my water bottle in a pile of dog shit. ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/89 "2012-07-30T10:10:35Z")
I’m currently working on the C25K program with an end goal that I run an adventure 5k down in my area during the fall. I’m doing okay with the training, but lately the heat has been giving me issues with motivation, as I hate running on the treadmill and it’s hot and wet enough outside that running outside isn’t a good option for me. Does anyone else get bored running on a treadmill to the point where they start staring at the clock, but could run outside, even on a track, for far longer without wondering how long they’ve been out there? > [@Wednesday\_Evening](#): > > I used the Podrunner Intervals First Day to 5k podcasts. One thing I particularly liked was that the music started out with a slow pace so I could run without feeling too winded. I think that was key for me being able to stick with the program. The music gets a little faster as you go through the program. I also liked the feeling of accomplishment as I completed a week and moved on to the next podcast. I also happen to like that set of interval podcasts. I’m still working on completing their C25K program, but I’ve had a few things get in the way (injury, hectic schedules, etc.). Going back to week 4 and working my way back through the rest of the program should do it. For me, I needed new shoes, as I’d worn out my old running shoes (they were easily six years old and last used for trail running) and went for a more expensive pair; after years of sports injuries, I wanted to make sure I had something that was supportive but light enough to not feel bulky. This may not be necessary for everyone, but for me, I needed to go out and get a proper fit, as years of sprained ankles as a teen meant I needed something I wasn’t going to roll my ankles in easily. > [@SmellMyWort](#): > > If you want to track everything the Nano and Nike+ works pretty well, but not as accurate as something with GPS. [GPS tracking is great if it’s a clear day out, but it can be a little wonky on accuracy otherwise](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/20/health/nutrition/gps-watches-may-not-track-runs-accurately.html?pagewanted=all). Trees can also be a problem, so there’s not “best” accurate measure without relying on mapping afterward. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/90 "2012-07-30T13:15:59Z")
> [@nashiitashii](#): > > I’m currently working on the C25K program with an end goal that I run an adventure 5k down in my area during the fall. I’m doing okay with the training, but lately the heat has been giving me issues with motivation, as I hate running on the treadmill and it’s hot and wet enough outside that running outside isn’t a good option for me. Does anyone else get bored running on a treadmill to the point where they start staring at the clock, but could run outside, even on a track, for far longer without wondering how long they’ve been out there? I hate treadmill running as well. I dislike it enuf that it drove me outside earlier and earlier in the day (during summer). I was already an early riser anyway and I just capitalized on that to add running to my morning routine. I started to avoid the treadmill even on rainy mornings and learned to enjoy the rain now. The only time I will do a treadmill run now is in the dark, when I have run out of all other options and need a run. I will tell you it does have it’s place when you are starting out. When I started running as an adult I did use the treadmill to help reach some early goals, like running continuous for 30 min, finding a good pace for me, etc. So don’t skip it altogether, but do go out early in the AM if you can. My 2 cents. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/91 "2012-07-30T13:22:09Z")
> [@nashiitashii](#): > > [GPS tracking is great if it’s a clear day out, but it can be a little wonky on accuracy otherwise](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/20/health/nutrition/gps-watches-may-not-track-runs-accurately.html?pagewanted=all). That article is only about GPS watches, not GPS devices in general. ---
**Author:** ![MyMack\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MyMack\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyMack_1)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/92 "2012-07-31T03:49:10Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > If it makes you feel better, when I first started once I dropped my water bottle in a pile of dog shit. No shit? 😛 Thanks. Today I had a great workout then day 2 run! I’m getting on the bandwagon… ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/93 "2012-07-31T10:37:35Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > I hate treadmill running as well. I dislike it enuf that it drove me outside earlier and earlier in the day (during summer). I was already an early riser anyway and I just capitalized on that to add running to my morning routine. I started to avoid the treadmill even on rainy mornings and learned to enjoy the rain now. The only time I will do a treadmill run now is in the dark, when I have run out of all other options and need a run. > > I will tell you it does have it’s place when you are starting out. When I started running as an adult I did use the treadmill to help reach some early goals, like running continuous for 30 min, finding a good pace for me, etc. So don’t skip it altogether, but do go out early in the AM if you can. My 2 cents. It’s 6:35am and 80 degrees outside already, so I realize I’d have to wake up even earlier to get any semblance of “cool weather” in the mornings during the summer. I will be sticking to the treadmill until I get better with running and the temperature starts to go down a bit. The joy of South Florida is that it never really cools off in the summer; we had a day last week where it was 90 degrees at 9pm, which is unusual, but not so far off that it was “heat wave” unusual. **Munch** I imagine that a lot of GPS devices in general are going to have this issue if they’re made small enough to be running friendly. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132/94 "2012-07-31T10:46:37Z")
> [@nashiitashii](#): > > **Munch** I imagine that a lot of GPS devices in general are going to have this issue if they’re made small enough to be running friendly. 😃 My cycling GPS is slightly larger than a watch but significantly smaller than a phone and it doesn’t suffer from any problems with shielding. It gets a good gps position when inside a house for example. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-give-me-some-advice/629132.md?page=4)