Running FAQs

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  • Quote: Hi newbie here
    just a question so when I run my gums start to itch quite badly and my throat. Feels like its closing. Also after I run I cough and weaz(sp) am I running to hard or what?
    thankks
    It sounds like exercise induced asthma. My daughter is a runner and went to the doctor and he prescribed an inhaler that she only uses right before she runs and that corrected the problem. It's not like regular asthma as she is fine when she doesn't exercise.
  • Quote: Okay so I just started running again (haven't done it properly in many years) and I am frighteningly unfit! I used to run cross-country and now I can't even run for a couple minutes at a time! I found I got a cough from it and all this phlegm.. is this normal? I put it down to just being really unfit but is there anyway to prevent it?
    I was running in wellingtons in marshy fields which probably didn't help. I'm planning to invest in some trainers although I'm very confused by which to buy.. also can't really afford to pay more than £40 and all the reviews and advice for trainers seems to relate to trainers more like £100 which I absolutely cannot afford. I know I have very high arches though (high enough that I'm supposed to wear very expensive arch supports which I have lost :P) and am straight legged so I think I need a cushioned shoe with gell/air support in the heel? I had a pair of nike Air's many years ago and they were brilliant.. they seem to have somewhat gone up in price since though >:| Can anyone recommend something cheaper but similar? (Before anyone suggests a running store I live in a very isolated area so there's no way I can get to a specialist running store.. even getting to a sports store would be difficult and I'm unfortunately looking to buy on Amazon which I know isn't ideal cos really you need to try on the shoe)
    Living in a remote area myself--you can find all kinds of shoes on the internet--just google the kind you're looking for. Some sites even give you a printed form to measure your foot so you don't get the wrong size. Also you can type in running shoes for those with high arches to see what comes up.

    As far as the wheezing--it's probably because you haven't run in x amount of years--but the good news you do have prior cross country training which would come back fairly quickly on how you used to do it.
  • Looking for some tips from experienced runners. I'm new to running. I've been at it for about 6 weeks now and am truly enjoying it. I was very dedicated to the program I am doing but then got sick. At first it seemed like a mild cold and while I'm sure it's nothing serious it's dragging on. I'm congested (which makes me feel dizzy) and coughing a lot with no relief. I ran throughout the first week but have taken about 4 days off now and honestly am stressing out over it. When do you all decide if you're too ill to run? Should I be pushing through this and running or is it better to take a rest when needed. I'm itching to get back at it.
  • So I weigh 388 now, but I'm having real trouble losing through diet alone. My weight fluctuates terribly even when I'm eating the same way every day. So I'm hoping exercise will give me a needed boost to the weight loss. At my weight, is it totally insane to begin a running program? And obviously I'd be starting VERY slowly, mostly walking, etc.
  • Definitely take some time off! I usually take a day or two off as soon as I start feeling a little sick - trying to push through an illness will only make you sicker. You won't be able to push as hard during workouts, and you will end up having to take even more time off to recover. It's always better to rest a day or two early on than to overdo it and waste a couple weeks! I would say with this cold, hold off running until you feel better, then ease back into it - short, easy runs until you feel 100% better. Good luck, and I hope you heal quickly! **I just saw that you posted back in June...oops! I hope you're better by now!**

    Quote: Looking for some tips from experienced runners. I'm new to running. I've been at it for about 6 weeks now and am truly enjoying it. I was very dedicated to the program I am doing but then got sick. At first it seemed like a mild cold and while I'm sure it's nothing serious it's dragging on. I'm congested (which makes me feel dizzy) and coughing a lot with no relief. I ran throughout the first week but have taken about 4 days off now and honestly am stressing out over it. When do you all decide if you're too ill to run? Should I be pushing through this and running or is it better to take a rest when needed. I'm itching to get back at it.
  • Hiit
    HIIT is a great option if you dont have much time! Just type high intesnsity interval training into google to know more, I just started so Im not the most knowledgable. Its handy on busy days though!
  • Im 251lbs and starting to run! Its difficult on my knees though, any suggestions?
  • Running & Weights
    I love running on the treadmill, and set the incline at 1.5 and increase the speed .5 every minute until I reach 5.5, then back down to 3.0. Trying to get up to 45 min at this pace. My question is should I add weights Mon, Wed, Fri and drop my run to20min or stick with weights everyday and stick with 30 + until I reach 45 min?
  • It depends - what are your goals? Do you want to run a 1/2 marathon or are you just running for some cardio?
  • I just skimmed over the C25K site, and I honestly can't wait to get started! This will definitely be useful in maintenance!
  • Hello! Because I'm training for a 10km (6.2mile) run on 26th of October (*** that's close, in 10 days!), I started to run as often as I can. In september I ran 1 or 2 times per week and on 7th of october I started running 4 times per week. My average speed now is 7-7.5km/h (4.4 – 4.7 mph) Do you think 10 days left is enough to get to a point where I can run 6miles if so far I only ran 4miles (6.5km)? Do I have too much on my plate? Should I run every day or every other day from now on?
    I will go no matter what happens – I just want to finish it running proudly not walking!
  • This is a good thread. All I can say is beware of shin splints. They can hurt if you put too much pressure on them. When mine get bad I usually just use a brace.
  • Oooh. Never seen this part of the forum before.

    I run 4 miles a day plus.

    One of my few running fears is being cut short and sh!tting myself. It happened once while on a trail run. That was really messy and embarassing. And almost happened a few weeks ago but I was lucky enough to find a public building.

    I know not to drink coffee before a run or to eat anything big.

    Any other tips to avoid the ultimate running error?
  • Oh this thread got bumped at a good time. I'm on Week 4 of Couch to 5K and otherwise am not a runner. I'm in pretty good shape otherwise. I haven't had any pain during the C25K program, until yesterday. Shins were on fire during the first jog, so I walked the rest. Both shins, during running, but haven't hurt at all since then.

    Seems there's a lot of differing opinions out there on shin splints and their cause, but the general consensus says it's likely because I'm a new runner doing too much too soon (I didn't think I was pushing myself too hard but I probably was...). I found some exercises that are supposed to help strengthen me to prevent shin splints, but any other tips are appreciated.

    Taking a day off and will take things very slowly on Wednesday! I'll read through the thread and see if I can find anything
  • awesome thread. I run fairly often, but this was very helpful and motivating.