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[Commander Marklar]

Stupid question, how're you measuring yourselfs?

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[MonkeyWrench]

I've decided I'm going to start running, has anyone got any tips for a beginner, or point me in the direction of some good websites? I'm doing self-resistence training at the moment, which is working wonders, but I want to shift a few more pounds of fat.

[Ish]

Most important thing: get a decent pair of trainers. Its best to go to a specialist running shop where they'll check how you run and advise accordingly.

[rumbletum]

I've decided I'm going to start running, has anyone got any tips for a beginner, or point me in the direction of some good websites? I'm doing self-resistence training at the moment, which is working wonders, but I want to shift a few more pounds of fat.

Cool Running is quite a good website, also has a good plan for new runners Couch to 5k Running Plan

[Matt]

Stupid question, how're you measuring yourselfs?

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LOL. Well a tape measure tends to help Someone has a proper medical measuring instrument, but we just stick to a tape measure. Helps to get someone to do it. Around the largest part of the arm, obviously

[MonkeyWrench]

Most important thing: get a decent pair of trainers. Its best to go to a specialist running shop where they'll check how you run and advise accordingly.

Yeah a friend told me that too. I've just ordered a pair of puma running shoes for the time being and then I will probably go and get a decent pair once I get paid.

Cheers for the links rumbletum!

[oracle]

i started runing this week and already can feel the improvement

i tend to do a 30/40 min slog after work every day (or other day depending) and give myself the weekend off to heal

[Spagoli]

I've decided I'm going to start running, has anyone got any tips for a beginner, or point me in the direction of some good websites? I'm doing self-resistence training at the moment, which is working wonders, but I want to shift a few more pounds of fat.

I'd say best begineers site runnersworld.co.uk best place to get shoes from virginrunner.com dont need to spend much on a technical pair of shoes just get last years colours and can get a decent pair for 50-60 something like Asics 2110 are great but as already said goto a shop first to see what style support cushioning motion control or neutral you need. Only other investment at the start worth it is a decent thermal wicking top to stop you freezing or over heating and thats it, nice to haves tights gloves and if you really get into it Heart Rate Monitor or GPS Speed/Distance watch (best thing I ever bought). All in all get yourself to a local club they will give you encouragement and you can see yourself move up the ranks there as you have fun.

I did my 18.5 miles long run today 2hrs 28 so pretty spot on was tough though after yesterdays cross country still i'm sure it did me good!

Recipher, saw your weight and though blimey thats high for your speed then saw your height and it all made sense! No wonder you cant shift more, that said I bet your size helps a lot in the tri's most of those fella (the top ones) are easily over 6'.

I need a massage may have to settle for hot bath though :-(

[recipher]

My weight is what it is - I think I'm about as "light" as I can be without being unhealthy. I could probably lose a couple of pounds off my stomach but that's neither here nor there.

My height/weight means I'm good at some things and struggle with others. Going up steep hills is difficult, since, although I probably have a relatively high power to weight ratio, that drops away as soon as the road goes up. If the angle isn't too great then I can power up it. My long legs are good levers for cycling. If it's windy, then I do ok too - smaller riders/runners have problems with wind. Theoretically, I could be a decent swimmer too, if I ever sort that out.

I went out today with a small group for a 50 mile ride in 30mph winds. 2 of us had no problems riding into the wind, the other 3 were way back. They were all much smaller and were turning smaller gears. I took masochistic pleasure in riding at the front in the wind as much as possible - I was feeling good though - another day, I'd have been crying.

[Rossco]

FWIW, an extra inch or two on the arms makes a huge difference. When I was 16, I compared arms with some of the big guys - smallest is 17.5, and honestly they look about 10" bigger than mine! It's amazing. Once you get over 18", well it's a different planet.

Very true, small increases can make a big difference on arm size. Today working bi's, I thought mine were looking huge compared to normal, feels good. And one of the gym dudes I talk too was saying how much my size is improving.

Trying to work a bit harder on my tri's at the mo to fill my arms out on either side, and I think I'm seeing a difference already.

Pushing past 14" on my arms just now, I think a realistic goal for the end of the year is 16" if I work hard. That may be pushing it though, I'll see how far I am mid way through and work out if its possible for me.

[Matt]

2" naturally in a year is a huge ask. Thing is we're all different, with different genetic potential.

Most important thing is eat a lot!

Yes I know I always say that - that's my motto! Any excuse for a binge 8)

[Rossco]

I know, I love being able to binge and not feel bad about it or anything, when everyone else around is so fixed on weight watchers etc.

2" is alot, but you gotta set yourself high goals so I need to work hard to get there. If I only reach 15" then I'll still be happy with the increase anyway.

[Commander Marklar]

LOL. Well a tape measure tends to help Someone has a proper medical measuring instrument, but we just stick to a tape measure. Helps to get someone to do it. Around the largest part of the arm, obviously

Worded for comedy affect. I never thought I'd be asking a bunch of Interweb guys that though What I meant was like, obvioulsy around the arm, but I take it you're tensing up? Before or after excercise like, arm bent or straight, etc...

[Ish]

All this talk of measuring arms has just had me measuring mine. They're pretty relaxed as I didn't go to the gym today but am currently 15 and a bit inches. I'll aim for 16 this year.

I'd also like to bulk up my shoulders a bit - particularly the bits that "slope" into your neck. Can't remember what they're called. I made quite a bit of progress there last year and I'd like to keep that going as I was very weedy there to begin with.

Chest wise I'm fairly happy. In fact its kinda oversized for the rest of me. I'm not a particularly strong bench presser but I've always had a large chest.

[Nijo]

12 inches. Woohoo! \o/


I can do a 1-arm pull-up though... that's gotta be worth something.