Running is probably one of the hardest activities to start next to swimming... my team swims 3 times a week and that's it... (feeling a little burned out too)... BUT, I'd like to start running - and was wondering on if you guys have any tips.
I've googled it a bit and a lot of people say to start slow - walk a majority of the time and run in little spurts and build up from there.
Anyways, fellow swimmers - any other advice to give?
Parents
Former Member
Used to run 3 x a week - but started swimming when I was having knee troubles. I still run a little, but mainly on treadmills
1 - I'd re-emphasize what others have said - that stretching is critical - especially after the run. The need to stretch increases with age.
2 - As important as good shoes is a good shoe store. Go to a store that specializes in running shoes, where the sales rep asks you a lot of questions about how far you run, etc.
When you go in, take a pair of old sneakers with you. The rep should look at them to determine the quirks in your stride. He/she should bring you several pairs to try on and let you run around the store, maybe even a few feet down the street, in the pairs you like.
You'll have to decide support vs. light weight (I prefer the support because I have high arches. Once I got Nike Pegasus (or something like that) because they were light as a feather - but they broke down fast and ended up causing a lot of problems.
Finally, get a pair of inserts to replace the inserts in the shoes you buy. The shoe companies skimp on the inserts, so they wear out faster than the rest of the shoe.
Serious runners (more than 15-20 miles a week) only wear their running shoes when they are running. I never followed that rule, but a lot of people swear by it.
You'll pay more for the shoes this way, but it'll be worth it.
Used to run 3 x a week - but started swimming when I was having knee troubles. I still run a little, but mainly on treadmills
1 - I'd re-emphasize what others have said - that stretching is critical - especially after the run. The need to stretch increases with age.
2 - As important as good shoes is a good shoe store. Go to a store that specializes in running shoes, where the sales rep asks you a lot of questions about how far you run, etc.
When you go in, take a pair of old sneakers with you. The rep should look at them to determine the quirks in your stride. He/she should bring you several pairs to try on and let you run around the store, maybe even a few feet down the street, in the pairs you like.
You'll have to decide support vs. light weight (I prefer the support because I have high arches. Once I got Nike Pegasus (or something like that) because they were light as a feather - but they broke down fast and ended up causing a lot of problems.
Finally, get a pair of inserts to replace the inserts in the shoes you buy. The shoe companies skimp on the inserts, so they wear out faster than the rest of the shoe.
Serious runners (more than 15-20 miles a week) only wear their running shoes when they are running. I never followed that rule, but a lot of people swear by it.
You'll pay more for the shoes this way, but it'll be worth it.
