[Rich]

So I want to start running a little bit more than I currently do. Outside as well, I don't get on well with treadmills.

ATM i'm just aimlessly running around without too much of an idea of times and (more importantly) distances. Quite like the look of those iPod graph things... I have a 80gb classic but I assume I need a new nano? And some Nike+ shoes as well?

Also - if anyone can spare any wisdom... are there any training programs out there for improving a 5km or so distance? i.e. if I run 2-4 times a week, are there certain distances/paces that I should push for.

Thank you very muchly.

[Chet]

Rich, on Mar 27 2008, 03:51 PM, said:

I have a 80gb classic but I assume I need a new nano?

I think you probably will mate.

Rich, on Mar 27 2008, 03:51 PM, said:

And some Nike+ shoes as well?

Nope you can attach them to any shoe (to the laces). I daresay they Nike+ shoes will be a little more accurate though.

Rich, on Mar 27 2008, 03:51 PM, said:

are there any training programs out there for improving a 5km or so distance?

CrossFit

[Gubernatrix]

Rich, on Mar 27 2008, 03:51 PM, said:

Also - if anyone can spare any wisdom... are there any training programs out there for improving a 5km or so distance? i.e. if I run 2-4 times a week, are there certain distances/paces that I should push for.

To improve at 5k I would suggest the following sessions:
1. Longer run e.g. 4-6 miles to build up base fitness, running stamina, get legs used to impact etc. Don't push the pace, take it steady.
2. Interval training, e.g. hill sprints, 400m intervals etc to build fitness and speed
3. 5k once a week, aiming to improve your time a little each week.
4. Your choice!

Obviously there are other permutations, but this sort of thing works. What works best for me is intervals. For example, I'll do 3 x 500m with a few minutes rest in between, each 500m interval aiming to beat the previous time.

[Rich]

Cheers guys, much appreciated.

Will swing by the running shop tomorrow and check out sone new trainers...

[Rich]

Just signed up for the New York marathon in November. So I guess I should try getting those trainers...

Always thought i'd try a marathon one day, so I though f**k it i'll give it a bash...

[Chet]

Rich, on Mar 28 2008, 04:19 PM, said:

f**k it

Those are the two most dangerous words in the English language

[Gubernatrix]

Rich, on Mar 28 2008, 04:19 PM, said:

Just signed up for the New York marathon in November. So I guess I should try getting those trainers...

Always thought i'd try a marathon one day, so I though f**k it i'll give it a bash...

Wicked! Very brave, good luck with it. New York seems a long way to go to do a marathon - are you going to be there anyway?

[Rich]

Nah, I've never been to America before... and I always wanted to go to New York... plus it has always been a thing of mine to have "run a marathon" before... so I thought why not.

Gonna raise $2500 for charity too so its not all bad.

Might even get a FKUK t-shirt on for the occasion!

[Paul]

You can run a marathon on only 3 training sessions a week.

[Rich]

Let's hope so then...!

[Chet]

Rich, on Mar 28 2008, 08:32 PM, said:

Might even get a FKUK t-shirt on for the occasion!

[nickyhusky]

Wow, Rich; that's brave! What are you going to raise money for?

Get Runner's World Magazine; it always has training plans and stuff in. At least you'll be an educated runner who knows to do lifting and stuff as well.

We could have an FK trip to New York to watch/support Rich...

[Rich]

Not sure what i'm gonna raise money for yet - there's a few charities which I might run for, not sure which yet; not that it makes too much difference as everything is a good cause.

I shall get runners world mag. Although i'm not going to turn into a marathon runner, just really want to do it at least once. Probably will have to eat loads and loads to maintain my wee weight with the training sessions in the run up to November.

[Paul]

Have you thought much about how you're gonna do it yet?

[mrbourgot]

Paul, are you posting at 5 in the morning??? Why???

[Paul]

Was up for shooting a student film at sunrise!

[Will]

You able to get to Croydon at all? I work in a running shop with people that have run lots of marathons and know all about this kind of thing far beyond what I do. Point is come down if you can. Will be worth your while, probably could get you abit of a discount aswell seeing as its for charity and all. If you can't don't worry will try and help with any questions you have.

You don't need to get the nike+ you should take a look at the Suunto and Garmin range of watches and HRMs good quality stuff more detailed than the Nike+; if you are serious this is the way to go.

Also make sure you get a proper pair of running shoes which are fitted for you using a gait analysis most good shops will do this for you for free. Hope this is of some help to you.