Runners - advice for a semi-newbie?

[Deleted]

Any products that you love? Training tips?

I use to run semi-regularly about a decade ago, but not since. For some reason I've decided to start running again at 48 y/o and in pretty terrible shape, but hey, you've got to start somewhere, right? LOL 

So, I've gotten new shoes (Hoka's) and a good bra (She-Fit) what about any other gear? I like to sip water when I run which is easy on the treadmill, but I don't want to really carry water when I'm outside. Are there any good hand-held bottles that aren't a pain to hold? Or I think I've seen like a water belt or something? I'm way out of the loop on this stuff. 

Also, I plan on doing some trail running in addition to asphalt and the treadmill (not right away though). Are my regular running shoes okay for that or would I need something else? 

Anything you want to share that might help me, feel free. I'm basically starting from scratch here. 

Oh, and if it matters, I'm using Couch to 5K to get back in to it. I've used the program twice before and really liked it both times.

[sdlaura]

Good for you! I've been jogging/running regularly since I was 12 years old (so for 30 years). I really miss it mental-health-wise when I can't do it.

It sounds like you're all set and can just get any other items as you notice that you want them. I don't carry water for runs under about an hour. Over that and I try to find water fountains on my route - I don't like to carry water. I like using my Apple watch to track distance and time (I open the little exercise icon and then just click on Outdoor Run or Indoor Run to start the timer). I've always just used my regular running shoes for trail runs, even when I lived in a muddier/icier place.

One of the things I love most about running is how little stuff you need to do it - just good shoes and a good bra like you mentioned, and then I just put one foot in front of the other until I decide to stop  

[bee20]

When you say trails, what type of surfaces are you talking about? If this is a neighborhood trail that is gravel or woodchips your current shoes will be fine.

If you are thinking more of running on mountain hiking trails, I would say you should hike or run for at least a year to get your tendons and other soft tissue strong before you run on more rugged terrain. Shoes can only do so much (although Hokas are great for keeping older bodies safe as you ease in!)

[1confused1]

I was a runner in my past life. I used to use a hand held water bottle for longer runs, but my shoulder/neck would cramp so I moved to a water belt.

[Deleted]

Sept 25, 2023 14:01:14 GMT -5 bee20 said:

When you say trails, what type of surfaces are you talking about? If this is a neighborhood trail that is gravel or woodchips your current shoes will be fine.

If you are thinking more of running on mountain hiking trails, I would say you should hike or run for at least a year to get your tendons and other soft tissue strong before you run on more rugged terrain. Shoes can only do so much (although Hokas are great for keeping older bodies safe as you ease in!)

It would be the same trails that I already hike, so definitely a more rugged terrain. I've been hiking for about 6 months, so hopefully in another 6 months do you think I'll be ready to run those hiking trails? 

[livinitup]

The 2 best things for me were a goal & a group. My goal race was a 5K which seemed impossible as a non-runner. I joined a couch to 5K group with lots of participants and fit in nicely with the older newbies. Feet Fleet seems to have some national opportunities. It sounds like your goal could be to get in shape/increase confidence for day-1 which is a wonderful goal, too. It’s also good for this time of year (at least in my region where races have ended and training groups start in February/March). Having the 5K goal race was wildly helpful and motivating.

As for running with water outdoors, I just use a figure-8 path and leave a water bottle on the trail and come back to it.

[gemini79]

You might consider some combination of run/walk---so it can be really anything: 1 min walk/1 min run for 20-30 min, 2min run/1 min walk--etc. It helps really everyone build up in a sustainable way but especially newer people because what you are really trying to build towards is time on feet and run/walk really does help you do that without over doing it and becoming discouraged. The method is called the Galloway method and that can provide some training tips--it's also really productive on trails.

There are all kinds of things you can use to carry water. The simplest are hand helds. Look at ones like this: www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y5PHK6L?linkCode=ogi&tag=rw-lift-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2142.a.20860369%5Bsrc%7Carb_ga_rnw_d_bm_comm_lft_us_a20860369%5Bch%7C75d2865aa6f48761f1ef8b7b73e89f66%5Blt%7C%5Bpid%7C39399d33-92f6-4f05-8c06-8bcdc7de9c64&th=1

Or this: www.amazon.com/dp/B08SJHK5LV?linkCode=ogi&tag=rw-lift-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2142.a.20860369%5Bsrc%7Carb_ga_rnw_d_bm_comm_lft_us_a20860369%5Bch%7C75d2865aa6f48761f1ef8b7b73e89f66%5Blt%7C%5Bpid%7C68883d51-8da5-4438-b701-f2c76f720246&th=1

One is soft and collapsible and the other is a hard bottle. It comes down to what you want to carry.

The next step up is the waist belt, then the hydration pack. I've been running for a long time and have three hydration packs, two waist belts and so many hand helds it's insane. You kind of just have to start picking out what you like. I'm not a super fan of carrying hand helds--they feel uncomfortable to me and I worry about actually breaking my hand if I were to fall---but I do use them on runs and they do have their place.

I think the other things I have for running that are "mine," are headphones, sunglasses, comfortable clothes for a variety of weather situations, comfortable socks, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. I spend money on these things because I absolutely need them to work. I can come back in a bit with more brands etc if you'd like

[campermom]

I loved c25k!

Running groups do wonders! Mine is huge and varied but one thing everyone has in common is support. You’ll get to know who you vibe with. Touch base w a local running store to find one.

I do run in trail shoes. I would find road shoes to be too slippery on leaves and mud. My trails are a little technical but even some pine needles can be slippery on flat trails.

It took me a long time to buy gaiters. They really aren’t necessary-I ran trails for years without them. They are a cover that goes over your shoe to keep debris out of them.

As for a belt it’s mostly trying them on for preference. I like that kind that a bottle fits in diagonally but is kept in the back and not the front. For longer runs I have a camelbak but didn’t get one for many years.

I have a bunch of running stuff on my TikTok which I think you have. Message me if you want the name again.

[VillainV]

The beauty of running is that it doesn’t require a lot of gear! A good pair of running shoes (fit at a running store) and that’s really all you need! Having said that, here are a few things I use a lot:

- AirPods. Probably any Bluetooth headphones are good. I know some people like the bone conduction ones. My AirPod Pros have “transparency” mode so you can still hear your surroundings (important for hearing traffic).

- Goodr sunglasses. A million cute colors, cheap, hold up well for running.

- Junk headbands. Keeps sweat and flyaways out of my eyes.

- Feetures running socks are amazing. They hold up SO well. Apparently they will replace them if they ever get holes, but I’ve had some in heavy rotation for over a decade and they’re still in amazing shape.

I don’t run long enough distances to bring water with me.

[bears]

My favorite running gear is:

-Garmin music watch that plays through my headphones and measures mileage (completely unnecessary but I love not needing to bring my phone)
-Bombas socks
-Goodr sunglasses
-lights for early morning runs--a front one to illuminate my path and a colored light that blinks on my butt
-shoes that fit well (got fitted a few years back and just buy the newer model about 2x/year)
-Gold bond anti-chafe stick (for under the bra)

I don't drink water during outdoor runs since I don't feel like I really need it in runs less than an hour (and last time I ran more than an hour it's because I got lost).

[bears]

Sept 25, 2023 14:25:13 GMT -5 VillainV said:

The beauty of running is that it doesn’t require a lot of gear! A good pair of running shoes (fit at a running store) and that’s really all you need! 

Yes!  

I'd say just go out there--even if you don't have enough time for your full run, get out there and do something. That was really key in getting me back into running after taking some time off and losing conditioning. Don't worry if it's not enough for that day, just do it.

[k3am]

You can check out FB and see if you have a local chapter of She Runs This Town / Moms Run This Town. I found all my running friends from there. It took some trial and error with different meet up runs to find someone who I vibed with and had a schedule that worked with mine, but having a scheduled meet up to run with someone who was counting on me to be there meant that I couldn't make easy excuses to not show up. (Why is that it's so much harder to let someone else down?!?!)

Good shoes and socks. If your Hoka's don't work out, head to a running shop and let them fit you. They'll usually also include a return policy that allows you to return them even after you've run outside with the shoes.

Body glide stick. For wherever you happen to chafe.

Water belt or camelback, depending on your preference. I hate holding a bottle. I don't get any significant mileage anymore, but when I did, unless it was super hot, I didn't bother taking water for anything under 5-6 miles.

Also anytime I run by myself, I map out my trail on the usatf website in advance and leave it pulled up on my computer so that if something went wrong, DH will have a general idea of where I should be.

[laterz]

Fellow 48yo here! I did basic 5k program early this year and then trained for a half.

Things I cannot live without
Shokz headphones - I like them so much better than airpods. They were my reward for finishing the 5k program.
Balega socks
Megababe stick for chafing
Junk headbands for inside running, Sprints hat for outside (I can't tolerate the sun like I used to.)

I don't like hand held bottles and since i was doing longer distances, I got a hydration vest.

I needed to up my water intake overall, and found that I like Gu electrolyte tablets for flavoring. I don't love drinking tons of plain water.

I also did a 10 minute post-run stretch after my runs, and incorporated a 20min strength training video 2x week - both are peloton, but I know there's plenty non-peloton out there. I think the latter really helped me stay uninjured.

Keep us posted on how it's going!

[nicolewi]

I'ma lso 48 and thinking a little about running but I am afraid I will hurt my feet, back, etc!! Do people's bodies hold up okay to running as you get back into it?

[laterz]

Sept 25, 2023 16:00:33 GMT -5 nicolewi said:

I'ma lso 48 and thinking a little about running but I am afraid I will hurt my feet, back, etc!! Do people's bodies hold up okay to running as you get back into it?

Yes - but you have to be a bit more disciplined.  Hydrate, be mindful of doing to much too soon, and strength train.  The latter will help you whether you run or not.  I've also started making better food decisions - not because i wanted to be ultra healthy, but because running on a stomach full of fried whatever sounded like a not-great idea. lol.

[tabithasoren]

Sept 25, 2023 16:00:33 GMT -5 nicolewi said:

I'ma lso 48 and thinking a little about running but I am afraid I will hurt my feet, back, etc!! Do people's bodies hold up okay to running as you get back into it?

Before getting back into running in my 40s, I started a strength training program.  I feel it has really helped my legs not breakdown now that I am consistently running.  Even though I prefer running over strength training, for me they go together now.  I only do strength 1-2 times a week and run 3-4 times a week (3-5 miles each time).

[stephm0188]

Handheld bottles alter your form. I have a Flipbelt with a waterbottle and I like it. It doesn’t bounce, and I have room for my phone as well.

I also swear by my Shokz headphones. I run exclusively outdoors and like to hear my surroundings. They’re so light I forget I’m wearing them.

If I could go back in time I would tell new-runner me to slow the eff down and keep the majority of my runs at a conversational effort, and to lift some heavy weights a few times a week. Both those things changed my running for the better.

[bee20]

Sept 25, 2023 14:06:05 GMT -5 @sameoldstory said:

Sept 25, 2023 14:01:14 GMT -5 bee20 said:

When you say trails, what type of surfaces are you talking about? If this is a neighborhood trail that is gravel or woodchips your current shoes will be fine.

If you are thinking more of running on mountain hiking trails, I would say you should hike or run for at least a year to get your tendons and other soft tissue strong before you run on more rugged terrain. Shoes can only do so much (although Hokas are great for keeping older bodies safe as you ease in!)

It would be the same trails that I already hike, so definitely a more rugged terrain. I've been hiking for about 6 months, so hopefully in another 6 months do you think I'll be ready to run those hiking trails? 

Yes, definitely!  There are so many smaller muscles in your feet, ankles, and legs that are strengthened by hiking and really stressed by trail running, so the hiking is more important for that part than the running.

The other injury prevention is to start running on the flats or uphill before running downhill.  You have more time to work on your foot placement and balance before you add the extra impact and velocity of downhill running. 

As for water, they sell trail running vests and while they work for some people, but even with moderately sized chest (Cs) it's not comfortable for me to have water and gear over that part of my body.  I just wrap everything in a fleece layer inside my smaller day pack and cinch up all the straps so it doesn't bounce, but I don't sip water while I go, just when I take breaks. 

[sadlebred]

Please always carry a phone or a way to call for help in case something happens. Garmins won't do that AFAIK. If you have a cellular Apple Watch, that would work. You NEVER know when you will need to call 911.*

I was hit by a car in Dec. on my bike on a multi use path. I was glad I could yell "Hey Siri-Call 911!" and get help.

[shauni27]

I am jealous! I loved running and it was such a good mental thing for me. But my back won't let me run anymore

I think everyone has it covered, I am just here to reiterate good socks and body glide/anti chaffing if you are doing any long runs.

I also used to use a water belt but ended up switching after a few years to a hydration pack (https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-Rogue-Light-Hydration-Gibraltar/dp/B08QV26VZY/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=hydration+pack&qid=1695729995&sr=8-9) that I preferred. Like you, I like to be able to sip water and if it was warmer than 65 degrees or I am running for more than 25 minutes, I always needed water with me.

[Deleted]

Thank you everyone so much for your response. So much great information here. I did my first C25K workout yesterday and I am definitely feeling it today. So many muscles that don't get used walking and riding my Peloton LOL

[ans1999]

I love my spi-belt with clip on water bottle. It fits my phone/key and doesn't bounce like other belts I've had. 

ETA: Days I don't feel like running, I do a pelaton run/walk workout. They are great and all types of lengths. 

[Susie]

I'm 41 and training for my first half marathon in 9 years, since pre-both-kids.  I have one long run left until race day on 10/8 (omg!  I think I'm really going to get there!).  These are a few of the things that I really love...

I recently invested in a hydration vest for carrying water.  I needed it for 5+ miles in the summer, although now that fall is here I really only need it for long runs.  I don't like hand held, and belts are kind of meh (and weren't holding enough for me).

Good socks, good shoes, good sports bras, and chafe-free shorts are key.  I wear longer compression style shorts until it's cool enough out for crops.  I like Athleta ultimate stash, which fits my phone in the pocket.

Compression socks (or sleeves) for recovery, now that my runs are getting longer.

Agree re: Goodr sunglasses!

Aftershokz bone conduction BT headphones.

...AND... a physical therapist who is also a runner and has been invaluable to helping me find stretches to address chronic issues that were popping up, and help prevent them from holding up my training.  

[Deleted]

Susie, bears, VillainV,

Thanks for the recommendation, I just ordered a pair of Goodr sunglasses. I need something to keep the sun out of my eyes but can't wear hats outside because I get way too hot.

[mrsslocombe]

I run 2-3 marathons a year. There are many people that only start running at 40+. I've met people who only started in their 60s.

I use a camelback for longer runs (shorter runs I just use the water fountains). The waist belt gave me absolutely horrendous chafing.

A foam roller (I prefer the Trigger Point ones).

Body glide doesn't cut it for me on the boob line, I have to use Aquafor.

I use a visor instead of a hat, much more comfortable.

If you have a running store locally, they have group runs/training and you will find people there of all abilities/experience levels.