questions

1. You can enter any USMS meet. 2. Bring your books. 3. Can't help with this one--I don't run.

If you're doing this just for exercise, then I don't see why it would matter (on a fundamental level) whether you did your running first or your swimming. I'd say it comes down to your tastes and your schedule. If I weren't permanently disabled by running injuries, I'd probably run first. While we're on the topic of injuries (and since you say you know nothing about running) permit me to add: please invest in good running shoes - a store that specializes in running shoes ought to have a knowledgeable fitter. Warm up and stretch. Hydrate. Use sunscreen. At the first sign of pain (other than routine muscle soreness), stop running and address the pain. Do not try to work through the pain. If you are training for something specific, (e.g., triathlon), then I defer to others, as there is an art to training for such things.

s far as running first or second...if it were me, I would probably run first, as all you have to do is lace up and go out the door. This could make for a less stressful morning, and eliminate the effort of driving to the pool, getting in the pool, etc. But at the same time, if you get the swim with early, then all you have to do later is lace up and go. What about swimming first, and then hitting the tread at the gym? If you are just starting running, please get good shoes...as exrunner insisted. Also, spend a little bit of money on whorthwhile socks, and clothing. It will help you to be more comfortable, and will keep away blisters and painful rubbing/chaffing. And, at first, a good way to start is to walk 5 minutes, and run 5 minutes, and so on for 25 or 30 minutes. Do that 3 times a week the first two weeks. And, if running 5 minutes is to much, just do what you can and build up. The third week, gradually minus the walking time to 4 minutes, and run 6 minutes. Take you time building up, as the running community is littered with hundreds of inured runners, and you don't want to be one of them--trust me! As a general rule, mileage should not be increased more than 10% each week. This increase should apply over two runs. Also, buy a good running book and read it. It could save you from severe injuries...the New York Road Runner's Club is excellent. (that may not be the exact title, but it's something like that, and it is a huge book, that gives you all you need to know). Jerrycat ;)

My preference has been to run (or weight lift) first, then swim after. The range of motion in swimming helps to loosen /stretch out my leg muscles. But I know several people who prefer to go the other direction. (If you do triathlons, it might be better race training to start off with swimming.)

thanks for all the replys. my schedule kinda figured out the run swim thing for me. so i'll be running in the morning an swimming at night. atleast i won't have to go to classes with goggle eyes and the smell of chlorine. i'm not doing any triathalons yet. i'm just starting to run again. i found some knee strap things that keep my knees from bothering me. i think i messed them up spending years doing improper *** kick. i just got some new shoes that i absolutley love. so hopefully no injuries :)

My lifetime running 'accomplishment' when I was in a really good shape was three - ten minute miles. Grade school... well, actually it was highschool, I was one of the fatest kids in school. Never did any athletic sports back then.

Originally posted by Conniekat8 Running? Why would anyone in their right mind want to run??? :rolleyes: I started thinking of running back in grade school gym class, when I came in dead last :eek: for a 50 sprint, but 3rd for the mile. :) I'm a cross-country fan; something about moving on a forest trail in the autumn that is very appealing.

Running? Why would anyone in their right mind want to run??? :rolleyes: okay, okay, I'm just kidding. You go girl :) I'm just jealous cause i can't run worth a hill of beans. I can swim a mile, but I can't run a mile, if I had to save my life. Which mean's I'll probably start running. Keep us posted of your progress... :)