One month in, and running gear for beginners.

Even though I feel it has been much longer, today marks my one month anniversary since I started running! I feel I've come a long way in such a short time, although I think last night's run has taught me a lesson. I'll explain why in a while.

Before I started running, I read up on all these training plans, and what equipment and clothing I should have. Maybe I was using these as an excuse to start, after all, when a top running website says that you must have the correct pair of running shoes or face injury, all while linking to a shop selling said shoes for over £100, who was I to argue?

Well, I didn't exactly argue. I guess I just couldn't afford a new pair of expensive trainers or the latest GPS watch. So, instead, all I bought was a Casio F-91W watch for it's stopwatch ability, and a couple of pairs of running shorts. I run in the same pair of £30 Nike trainers that I've worn as my everyday casual shoes for the past year (OK, they were marketed as running shoes, but £30! Not £100!), I use some old T-shirts and my trusty Casio watch as a time keeper.

So, as a beginner, speaking to other beginners, my advice when it comes to running gear is this: Do not fall for all the marketing disguised as starter guides on websites. To start with, you do NOT need all the fancy equipment and clothing. Only buy these as and when you feel you actually need them, not because a specialist from Nike or Addidas says you need it.

What about the training plans? Yes, I have obviously completely dismissed my original training plan(s). But that's because I'm an idiot. I can only say, please start with a training plan. If you feel it is too easy, then skip a few steps in the plan, or completely ignore it if you must, but you must start slowly and find your level gradually.

But, why am I saying this when I didn't stick to mine? Well, didn't your father always say, "Do as I say, not as I do?" OK, well that's not going to cut it. The truth is, last night I may have pushed myself too much. Granted it was an okay run, and I felt good afterwards, but I don't think I'll be running for at least a week because of it.

This week's stats:

Run 1, Monday:
Distance: 4.3km
Time: 25mins
Avg. Speed: 10.3km/h
Avg. Pace: 5.8mins/km

Run 2, Thursday:
Distance: 10.4km
Time: 70mins
Avg. Speed: 8.9km/hour
Avg. Pace: 6.7mins/km

Both of these look quite impressive. Monday's run had my best pace yet, my plan was to have a shorter run while trying to increase my pace, and I guess this was successful. However, Thursday's run was a bit of a struggle. In the last half kilometre I felt my legs trying to cramp up so had to walk the rest of the way home, and today my knee has been in agony and feels slightly swollen; I think I will rest it for a week!

My lesson learnt this week? Slow down!