[Dawnie]

Last May I had a spinal fusion on the top of my spine, I have not ran since leaving school.... a long while ago !! I recently joined a gym and would like to run the Race for Life in July.. I have started to use the treadmill and the bike at the gym but need to build up slowly, can any one give me some advise on the best way to do this, also should I run right up to event, what food should I eat on the day of the event, any thing that will be of help please.. cause I am a complete novice !! :d

 

[Steady Edwina]

I did the Race for Life last year - it really got me into running. Its a really beginner friendly event and lots of women just walk it. If I were you I would follow one of the offical Race for Life walk/run programmes and remember to run at a pace you can comfortably hold a conversation.

I know 5ks sounds pretty daunting to you at the moment but with regards to diet I would just stick to a normal healthy diet making sure you get plenty of fresh fruit and veg. More specialist diets such as carb loading become more important for longer events such as marathons.

The beginners programme will have you running 3 times a week and I would stick to that until you have built up a reasonable endurance base - make sure you stretch out thoroughly afterwards.

Your most important piece of kit will be your running shoes - I would go to a specialist running shop and have your running style assessed so they can recommend the best type of running shoe for you.

Happy running.

 

[Steve]

SE has just about covered it Dawnie...one more thing though. Try to find a running buddy....it's a lot easier running with someone..the time and distance flies by!

 

[carlwhitley]

As for nutrition - the day before you want to be eating plenty of complex carbohydrates - have a look here for a list of those foods. That should give you a good store of energy.

On the day, you want food that releases energy quickly so simple carbohydrates for the day of the race like these.

But, TBH, the body should be able to cope on it's normal intake for the RFL distance - unless you're severely restriciting your calorie intake.

Also - don't go changing your eating habits on the day of the run - you don't want to be runnin on an upset stomach!

Good luck with the race!

 

[twinkle toes]

Welcome to the forum Dawnie and good luck with your mission :d

 

[Dawnie]

Thanks all.. I would love to find a running buddy.. but the only other person I know doing it is walking so looks like I will be on my own, could do with someone to take me out on the road running as well, as I'm only doing it in the gym, but dont feel confident enough to go out on my own. Thanks for the welcome !

 

[Steady Edwina]

Does the gym you are a member of have a running club or do they offer a personal trainer service? You could also look into seeing if the womens running network have a group in your area. Have a look at www.womensrunningnetwork.co.uk

 

[Dawnie]

I will ask them when I'm next there, I think they might, but i was bit worried that they would all be much fitter than me and i would struggle to keep up, its a shame I dont know anyone local to go out with them, i will look at that link you've put up another time, it looks like the site is down at the moment. Thanks again .

 

[twinkle toes]

Dawnie don't worry about them being fitter than you they will know full well how it feels to be a beginner in this running lark, if anything they will positively encourage you to go out with them.

Also don't be daunted by the thought of road running by yourself, it feels odd at first, but once your in your stride nothing else matters, try it out on a short loop it will boost your confidence no end. :d

 

[Steady Edwina]

The gym I go to has a running club and they cater for beginners like yourself through to experienced regular runners BUT they usually charge a bit extra. If there is a womens running network group in your area I'd go to them as they are a women only group and are set up for novice runners.

 

[Bagpuss]

Welcome to the Forum Dawnie, don't worry about being a novice....that will soon pass. I used to (and still do sometimes) were a cap and hide under it, but if I saw someone I knew I used to walk and pretend I was not to trying run! you soon get over it, just keep going, don't do too much too soon, and make sure you enjoy yourself....it will happen eventually!

 

[Dawnie]

Thanks all, had a bit of a set back today, sent home from work with suspected vertigo ! Doctor wont let me drive, so cant get to the gym for a few days, mind you dont feel up to doing anything at the moment, but really frustrated cause I was so enjoying it, and just want to carry on

 

[twinkle toes]

Thanks all, had a bit of a set back today, sent home from work with suspected vertigo ! Doctor wont let me drive, so cant get to the gym for a few days, mind you dont feel up to doing anything at the moment, but really frustrated cause I was so enjoying it, and just want to carry on

Now is your perfect opportunity to try a road run, go on it's not so bad

 

[Dawnie]

oh.. I could do, couldnt I !! Think I'll see how I feel a bit later ! lol..

 

[twinkle toes]

oh.. I could do, couldnt I !! Think I'll see how I feel a bit later ! lol..

In the words of Starsky and Hutch "Do it Do it" (very profound I know ha ha) Hope your feeling better :d

 

[Dawnie]

Have decided to give it a go later on this morning ! Not going to go far, just do a loop, so fingers crossed for me..

 

[Bagpuss]

Hi Dawnie,

If you do have a 'vertigo' type thing, be careful. I had balance problems before Christmas and if I tried to run the horizon moved about all over the place, take it easy.

 

[Dawnie]

thanks all..... I have done it.. I just did a half hour road run... well more of a jog than a run.. but its a start.. thanks for all your encouragement, did have a bit of a problem with the horizon but still managed to complete the loop without walking.. :d

 

[Bagpuss]

Well done Dawnie, you made it out of the door, things can only get easier, keep on going, but take it steady!

 

[Dave]

Well done,there will be no stopping you now.............