Please help a beginner with tips...

[Andre]

Hey all, I have never been able to run under a 10 minute mile my whole life, im about 22 and 190lbs, so im pretty heavy. Im at a point where I want to change my lifestyle, so im starting adam's diet and HGM. Ive been trying to do some HIIT on offdays, with walking and jogging. Could anyone give me some tips to where I can reach my goal of 8min or under mile? Ive read that a good pair of shoes should be the first start, and im saving my money to get some. Any help would be appreciated, thanks much...

[gobbla]

There are a couple of threads on this forum already concerning the same thing but a little personalized info never hurt right? [img]smile.gif[/img]

If you don't mind me asking, how tall are you? 190 at 6' or so isn't that heavy at all. 190 at 5' is pretty big

I know this is going to sound corny and you've heard it a thousand times but you're doing what needs to be done right now. You made a consious choice to be in better shape and you're making efforts to educate yourself and make gains towards your goal. No matter what "program" you're on or anything else, that is the key in my oppinion.

Tips:
1. Shoes really are important. You need to decide what kind of running you're really interested in. If you're going for speed, the shoes aren't AS important (read as still important) if you're going for distance (anything longer than 4 miles a pop) then you REALLY want to keep track of your shoes because they will save you from a whole lot of pain. (back, knees, ankles, feet)

2. Best way to get better is to do it. You're going to hurt and it's going to suck. Since this is a new thing your body isn't used to it and it's not going to like it but you have to work thru the soreness and that "I'm going to puke and die" feeling. If you're going to run...make sure you do. No free rides, no excuses. Get out there and do it.

3. Don't be afraid to go slow. If you're not feeling up to really pushing yourself...don't. Getting out there and doing the distance is more important than giving it everything you got every time. This should be a long term commitment, not a one night stand. It's a give and take.

4. Do a bench mark every month or two. Get a distance that you feel comfortible with and give it your all. Every month (or every other month) your should have some progress. The reason to only do it once in a while, is that you don't feel discouraged when you're not shaving off time every time you run. You ARE going to get better at it, but it takes time. Give yourself time to get better and you will see improvement.

misc:
You're going to reach your goals. It'll take some time and effort on your part but you will get there. Good luck to you.

[ODB]

Just to add something from personal experience. If you are overweight for your height, start easy and if you are running on varied terrain (up & down hills, uneven road or sidewalk or off road) you might want to check with your Dr about braces for your knees and/or ankles. At your age I ran on a steel flight deck for 3 years. Although I was "skinny" I tore up my right knee due to the ship amking unperseptable pitching. I still run but use an inexpensive brace. All thing being equal, I wish I had worn it then so I wouldn't have to now.