NEWBIE RUNNER

jhayd said:

Hi folks,

Just started running, really starting to enjoy it although only
running 5 - 7 kms 3 to 4 times per week, however starting to get pain
below the knees (never had any problems in the legs before). Looking
at getting shoes with extra cushioning however I kinda suspect I might
be a bit heavy for running long term 108 kgs, tall frame, solid build
(not sure how much I could possibly shed probably 13 kgs). I'm quite
sure there are heavier runners around so would appreciate some input.
Anyways I've always been in awe of endurance athletes and was kinda
hoping to work up to a decent half marathon time before the end of the
year if possible. Any suggestions.

How tall are you? Even 95 kgs is heavy for a distance runner. It doesn't
mean you can't run. But you're going to have to ease into a program very
slowly. There are several beginning runners programs on the Internet that
start out mostly walking, then gradually work in the running while
phasing out the walking. Here's one:
http://www.halhigdon.com/beginrunner/intro.htm

What model of shoe are you using now? It's hard to say if extra
cushioning is going to help you. It could be you need a more stable shoe.
If you want to be sure you're getting the right shoe for you, go to a
real running shoe store where they will analyze you stride and recommend
several pairs while they watch you run. Most of these stores either have
a treadmill or they will have you run on the sidewalk in front of the
store while they watch your stride.

Phil M.

Quoted message said:

Just started running, really starting to enjoy it although only running 5 -
7 kms 3 to 4 times per week, however starting to get pain below the knees
(never had any problems in the legs before). Looking at getting shoes with
extra cushioning however I kinda suspect I might be a bit heavy for running
long term 108 kgs, tall frame, solid build (not sure how much I could
possibly shed probably 13 kgs). I'm quite sure there are heavier runners
around so would appreciate some input. Anyways I've always been in awe of
endurance athletes and was kinda hoping to work up to a decent half marathon
time before the end of the year if possible. Any suggestions.

What are you wearing for shoes? This is the most common newbie mistake.

Getting good running shoes is a good start. While you might be a bit
heavier than the folks you see on TV running in the Olympics, there are
folks who run who are as big as you are.

Visit a running specialty shop, stay away from places in the mall (assuming
there such critters in your neck of the woods).
"jhayd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi folks,

Just started running, really starting to enjoy it although only running

5 -

Quoted message said:

7 kms 3 to 4 times per week, however starting to get pain below the knees
(never had any problems in the legs before). Looking at getting shoes with
extra cushioning however I kinda suspect I might be a bit heavy for

running

Quoted message said:

long term 108 kgs, tall frame, solid build (not sure how much I could
possibly shed probably 13 kgs). I'm quite sure there are heavier runners
around so would appreciate some input. Anyways I've always been in awe of
endurance athletes and was kinda hoping to work up to a decent half

marathon

Quoted message said:

time before the end of the year if possible. Any suggestions.

Just a few things off the top of my head (we're the same weight so they may
help).

- Like the others say, get good shoes, and get help choosing them from a
good running shop.

- Take it easy, don't rush into it or you're GUARANTEED to get injured. Like
the others say, download a beginners program, and even if you feel super fit
on a rest day, still take the day off - your body needs to recover.

- Warm up, cool down and stretch. People say distance runners don't need to
stretch before the run, but I find it helps a lot. If you take things easy
at first you'll find out what's best for you. I'm pretty sure everyone
agrees stretching afterwards is essential.

- Any questions, either post or google this ng. There are people with
awesome knowledge..

- Can you see postings on this ng for the last week or two? There's a lot of
good knee advice posted.

Running's a great sport, especially for us big guys. The problem is we do
need to take extra care about injuries as the load from our weight is so
great..

"jhayd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi folks,

Just started running, really starting to enjoy it although only running

5 -

Quoted message said:

7 kms 3 to 4 times per week, however starting to get pain below the knees
(never had any problems in the legs before). Looking at getting shoes with
extra cushioning however I kinda suspect I might be a bit heavy for

running

Quoted message said:

long term 108 kgs, tall frame, solid build (not sure how much I could
possibly shed probably 13 kgs). I'm quite sure there are heavier runners
around so would appreciate some input. Anyways I've always been in awe of
endurance athletes and was kinda hoping to work up to a decent half

marathon

Quoted message said:

time before the end of the year if possible. Any suggestions.