I did a little bit of research on "running for beginners" and learned quite a lot about how I can approach my introduction to serious running. I researched methods, programs, equipment (shoes, shirts, jackets, etc) and even how to use running as a method of stress-relief and relaxation. I think what I'm going to do is take it slow and put myself on a very basic beginners program for the first two to four weeks. I'll run three to four times per week at first and increase my frequency as time goes on. I'll start with running a moderate pace for two minutes and then walking one minute, running for two minutes and then walking one minute and so on, until I total twenty minutes of activity. Then, I'll increase the time of my intervals (three minutes running, one minute walking - four minutes running, one minute walking - five minutes running, one minute walking, etc) as the weeks pass by and I become more physically comfortable with the stress I put on my body. Then, as time goes on and my body becomes used to the increase in highly physical activity, I'm going to increase the intensity of my running workouts and shoot for the goal of entering some races sometime within one year from today. I would love to say I'm DEFINITELY going to enter some races before the end of this year but I already have a lot on my plate as far as yearly goals go and I know I would easily put "entering a race" on the backburner should even the slightest scheduling issue arise. So, to be realistic, I'm setting my goal as one year from today.
Anyway, I never realized there was SOOOOO much running gear available - holy fucking shit, dude - SERIOUSLY. I had absolutely no idea where to even begin!!! But, I researched necessary and recommended gear for a person who wants to get into running and I found a bunch of stuff I actually like. Today, I ordered some stuff to help me get started. I wanted to be smart about it though - I don't NEED a bunch of shit right away - I'm just starting out and I'm not going to be an idiot who drops hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a bunch of crap I've never used before. So, I bought some necessary things - necessary for me and my goals, anyway.
FYI - I'm not endorsing any of the following products (like, who the fuck am I to endorse running products anyway, right? HAHAHA) - I just thought I'd share in case anyone else considered themselves a "beginner" with running (just like me) and had an interest in knowing what gear other beginners were using/buying.
Running Shoes - ASICS GT 2000 3 (Green Gecko/Silver/Black)
The shoes in which I currently exercise are not dedicated running shoes. They are athletic sneakers that I have completely destroyed by being so hard on them. I am not exaggerating when I say this - they are literally breaking apart at the seems. I NEED new shoes. So, I researched well-reviewed running shoes and picked something in a comfortable price range. I'm a beginner - no need to spend $200 on one pair of shoes, you know? However, I do need something decent because my calves always feel destroyed after running and I know a lot of it is because of my shitty shoes. And, since I'll want to run sometimes when it's dark (either at night or in the morning), I picked a color scheme that was bright and easily seen.
Compression Sleeves - McDavid Reflective Compression Calf Sleeves (Black)
As I stated, my calves take a beating when I run. And, the weird part is that my calves are probably the most muscular part of my body. I'm not joking when I say they are HUGE - like bodybuilder huge (they're not defined as much anymore, but they're still big ass balls of muscle). Anyway, when I go running they cramp really bad when I'm done and they stay tight and sore for daaaaays. When I was doing research I found that many runners use compression sleeves to help during their recovery. The science behind them is 50/50 (some science proves they work, some science proves they mostly give runners the placebo effect), but I wanted to try them. So, I found a highly recommended pair that wasn't out of my price range. I got ones with reflective material on them to help me be seen when I run in the dark.
Running Jacket - Zoot Sports Men's Wind Swell (Black/Orange)
I have a lightweight jacket that I often use but I wanted to get myself a dedicated running jacket for two reasons. 1) My current lightweight jacket is blue and isn't that visible in the dark. I wanted to get a jacket which would be more visible at night or in the early morning when I'm running down a road that isn't lit with street lights. 2) My current jacket isn't BIG on me by any standard, but I plan on losing enough weight in the near future to warrant needing a new one. However, I didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-tech, lightweight, breathable, water-resistant windbreaker made from highly reflective material so I found a good starter jacket. It was inexpensive and fits the description of what I need right now.
Heart Monitor - Polar FT7 (Black/Silver)
I need to monitor my heart in more ways than one. I need to eat healthy and exercise, but I also need to avoid putting my heart in a dangerous situation by working it too hard. There are many types of heart monitors but I wanted one that was both accurate and comfortable. I found that many athletes and medical professionals use Polar products to monitor heart rate so I researched their products and found one that will give me everything I need. This one is perfect for me. You wear the monitor on a comfortable chest strap and it sends the information to the wrist watch included with the kit. The wrist watch not only shows you your current heart rate though which is why I thought this one was so cool. You enter some personal information which includes your maximum heart rate and, as you exercise, the watch will tell you exactly which range your heart is currently working. There are different settings on the watch and you can pick what you want to track. For instance, if I want my heart rate to stay in the "fat burning zone," all you have to do is look at the line graph on your watch (which displays your current heart rate in comparison to your safe minimum and maximum heart rates) and it will show you if you need to increase or decrease your heart rate. How cool!!! It also wasn't super expensive which was definitely a plus.
Anyway, my stuff should arrive in about two weeks (the heart rate monitor isn't due to be in stock until February 26th and I chose to have everything shipped at once, so I have to wait a little bit). I'm excited to begin this new adventure!!!
I know exactly how your feel Chef. I have been there as well. I didn't have any alcohol problem but the food problem- ding ding ding. I was stopping at drive-thus and eating before I went home for supper. So I hear you. I am a big time emotional eater. Sad, happy, mad, bored,- didn't matter- I ate.
That being said, you are right. You need to find the outlet for your feelings. That is the key. Like I said before- running worked for me. Thank God I found something. You will find your outlet too. I hated running to begin with but the more you do it- the better you get at it and I started to not mind it and now I love it. You just need to find what works for you!!
Couch to 5K works well if you are self motivated. I did a learn to run clinic at The Running Room up here in Canada. I think you have Team in Training down there. Something to look into for sure. They have programs you use to help you get to your goal. Plus there is a support system built in because you are doing this with others learning to run too. I have made many friends this way. It will help you cope with the feelings you are having.
I am not endorsing anything here. Just letting you know what worked for me.
Stay strong. You can do this!!
Thanks for the advice, Cowboy. As I stated already, I'm going to start off slow and then go from there. I'm sure there are all types of clubs or groups I could join up here (outdoor activity, including running, is quite popular where we live), but I'm going to wait a while until I even think of committing myself to a team of some sort. I just don't want to be that guy who shows a bunch of good intention and then never shows up, you know? So, I'm going to get in decent shape first and then look into joining an athletic club of some kind. Exercising in a group, especially when everyone is supportive and is ultimately working toward the same goal, is extremely beneficial.