Advice From Runners...?

I got fitted and bought my shoes last night and am starting my C25K program in the morning! I've never been more than an occasional (read: RARE) runner when I was in high school and was at my lowest weight... Do any of you runners have any advice for a novice? I'll take all I can get!

I just started myself (on week 3 of my C25K), but the advice I have is make sure your clothes won't rub against you and cause blisters. I had a real problem for the first couple of times with blisters on my toes that really hurt and caused me to walk funny. My aunt who is an avid runner recommended Injinji socks for runners, which have helped a lot. I have not had any problems since. The only other thing is to remember to stretch, especially your legs, after. I was a bit freaked out by how tight the muscles on the front of my lower legs wanted to get, and apparently it can be pretty detrimental if you let it get out of control.

Thank you! I definitely need to stretch better that I did today. My hips hurt!!

My advice - nipple chaffing sucks.  A good sports bra is worth its weight in gold.  

Gah! I hadn't even heard of this phenomena until recently! I have a decent one, but I'm definitely going to get a better one!

I have encapsulation style sports bras by Elomi and they're pricey but TOTALLY worth it.  

I'm not a real runner but I do play a lot of tennis. Good running shoes are a must, so that's good that you got fitted for those.  Good socks are important too.  I also bought a roller to prevent muscle strains. It looks like a rolling pin and costs around $20.00. I bought mine at the local running shop and haven't had a problem with my calves or my plantar fasicitious since. When I run I also use the coach to 5k app on my phone. It plays my music while gradually increasing my time and distance.  Also, remember to stay hydrated.  Drink a lot earlier in the day if you know you will be running that evening.  

I saw that "rolling pin"-looking thing in the runner store where I bought my shoes. I'll definitely keep that in mind if I start having trouble!

I am retired due to injuries but ran for several years and I can tell you, I was a junkie!  I got started after reading Fit or Fat, Authors name was Bailey, excellent read for a beginner and will have a huge impact on the way you run.  A few things I took away initially from the book, water is oil for the body, running it is like taking the fat off your body with a butter knife.  Start your run slow, yep slow, for the first two miles, it gets your breathing, body & mind  in sync, (the first two miles were always the hardest for me) then you are good to go for at least 3 more miles...the endorphins kick in, your listening to great music....it's all good!  If you start to get winded, slow down, take a breath, slowly exhale (count to 3 on exhale) a few times, pretty soon you are back to concentrating on the music!   For me a good pair of running shoes, Water and just slow down.  You will build up speed in no time!  ~Cheers

I read this before I went out this morning and remembered it during the running portion of my C25K app. Thank you for the "slow down" advice!