Running...

[BrianSnail]

don't take this the wrong way, but you're probably on the wrong forum.

That probably applies to 99.8% of posts on here!

Sites I've found to be useful from time to time
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk
http://www.humanrace.co.uk/
http://www.britishtriathlon.org (they do stuff about each individual event too.

Ta for the links...

[Cheshire Cat]

Get yourself an mp3 player and start with these podcasts.

Couch to 5K

5K -> 8K

I used these to start, found them really useful, now running regular 8-10Ks quite comfortably. Lost a fair amount of the gut too.

You need to keep it up 3 times a week and if you're serious about doing the marathon you need to start NOW and aim to do a 10K by Sept / Oct.

I'd add to that, tell all your friends what you're planning to do. Don't worry about them taking the p!ss (unless you're emotionally fragile and you might kill yourself if they do). it'll make it easier to make the lifestyle changes that you'll need to make if you have "buy in" and support from your mates, gf, rellies etc.
e.g. they won't give you a hard time if you want to drink soft drinks or skipping the kebab rather than just be suspicious that you've turned strange and contrary.
(not that I'm suggesting your life is a succession of kebabs and boozing, but anyway, you'll need the support and encouragement).

with regard to the 5k-10k runs, i do them pretty regularly outside winter.
If you cycle there's a duathlon (run, cycle, run) in sept in richmond park. If you don't, or if you're not in london, once you start looking you'll have no trouble finding a 10k for sept/oct nearish to you.

[Mich the Tester]

All good advice but go to a running shop (there's one near Victoria St called Run and Become) and get some decent running shoes. They'll get you to jog up and down the pavement and recommend a pair based based on your running style. You'll likely end up with Asics or New Balance rather than Nikes.

It's not about the brand, but what works for you. Nike Air are right for me; Asics might be right for someone else. Some people need lots of cushioning, others who have strong feet and ankles need very little. However, whichever brand you get it's worth spending some money for the right shoes instead of trying to save money by getting some cheapos down at the Lidl.

[cojak]

don't take this the wrong way, but you're probably on the wrong forum.
If you have a new found interest in running there are hundreds of websites with forums about the subject.
google "running" and you'll find them.
much more likely to get useful advice than on here, but please do update with progress.

Sites I've found to be useful from time to time
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk
http://www.humanrace.co.uk/
http://www.britishtriathlon.org (they do stuff about each individual event too.

Best of luck.

OF course he's in the right forum!

Have you never heard of the Hash House Harriers???

They could have been founded by NickFitz! (if he'd been so inclined...)


Here's the London Kennel...

[threaded]

The Scene

GF Snail and I were sat eating breakfast yesterday, the TV is on in the background with the London marathon on.

The Conversation

Me - <shovels in a mouthfull of bacon, with a bit of egg and toast> I bet I could do that!
GF Snail - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...
Me - Burp! I could!!!!
GF Snail - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...
Me - I will!
GF Snail - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...Go on then.
Me - Okay then....oh tulip.....!

The Predicament

I'm overweight by about 2 stone, have done no excercise for 2+ years, and have no idea where to start!!

There have been a few threads recently regarding running gadgets and the like...so I'm looking for advice on where to start (and something more constructive that get your fat arse onto the pavement Brian!), and how to keep the enthusiasm up...I get bored very easily!!!!

TIA

Go see a doctor first for an MOT and tell him/her what you're intending to do. There was a guy over here who thought he could just buy an MTB and join in the races. Massive heart attack, lucky guy probably never knew what hit him. And another thing is mate up with someone, and not just for the camaraderie: one I read the other day was a reporter who was missing for about a week, he was stuck in the woods in Sweden with a broken leg.