Jogging - Getting Started - Jogging

First time jog
If you've never jogged before or haven't jogged for a number of years then it may be prudent to begin with a walk. Like the saying goes, you've got to walk before you can run.

It depends on how fit you are overall. If you're the type of person that is quite active on a daily basis or perhaps you already do some form of other excersise, then you could probably start with a short run.

Walking:
Wear your running shoes and comfortable clothes. Make sure you wear something to keep warm enough and dry enough if you're out in wet weather. A good 15-20 minute walk is enough for starters and you will probably cover at least a mile in this time.

Pick somewhere nice to walk (or jog) a place that you enjoy being in. Once you've completed your first route and can do so without feeling worn out then you can either up the pace a little or increase the distance - it's up to you.

Remember, don't get hung up on times and distances at first. All you are doing is getting used to moving constantly and building up the muscle tone in your legs.

Jogging:
So - you've built up a little stamina and got used to constant walking. Already this is great - you've made a big difference to your overall health even if you can't 'see' any changes yet.

I would say that for starters a maximum of 10 minutes jogging will do just fine. Don't try and do too much at first, your body needs to get used to jogging.

Try and complete the 10 minute jog but remember, if you are feeling tired or out of breath then slow it right down. Too many people make the mistake of setting off at high speed and overdoing it right from the word go.

If you manage to complete the 10 minute circuit then fine - you've already got a certain level of fitness. The following day DO NOT jog again, let your legs rest.

You may find that you feel stiffness or heaviness in your legs the day after. You need this day to let your body (mainly legs!) recover.

Whatever you do, do what you feel is best. Jog or walk at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Don't worry about seeing that whippet like runner speeding past you - they will have been jogging for years.

You're already on your way to increased fitness and muscle tone - and the more you do the easier it becomes.

Jogging Footwear

Jogging Footwear
Picking the right footwear for jogging is very important. Whatever you do, purchase a proper pair of running shoes.

This doesn't mean go and spend a fortune on a pair of trainers - far from it. Just go and buy some shoes that are designed for running.

Over the years I've found that buying end of season stock is a great way to grab good shoes at cheap prices. I've bought trainers that originally cost £60.00 to £70.00 for as little as £15.00.

Who cares if they are not 'the latest thing'? I don't even care what they look like. If they fit well and have plenty of support then that's all you need.

Always break your trainers in before jogging in them too. I usually wear them to walk around in for a couple of hours a day for two days. This reduces the risk of rubbing on the back of your feet and even blisters. Breaking shoes in can make a big difference and is worth doing.

Try on a few pairs before buying. Over time you will get to know what type of shoes you like - you will find that the same 'model' of shoe comes out year after year, albeit in a slightly different form. Again if you have a brand you like, you can stay one season behind and save a small fortune.

Your jogging footwear is important.

Welcome to pound the ground

Welcome Jogging
Hi all, with many years experience as a bit of a jogger, hopefully you'll find some of what I say of use.

I am by no means a professional runner but have always been a regular jogger and find it helps me in my work life and home life. Not to mention it keeps those love handles at a minimum too!

Want to know a bit about training? - It'll be in here
Want to know a bit about footwear? - It'll be in here
Want to know a bit about increasing stamina? - It'll be in here

So, if you want to pound the ground, you may just find some of this information helpfull.

Start jogging, keep jogging.
Thanks,
Gib.