Newbie

[Tw199y]

Hi Guys

Complete newbie here. Stayed away from fitness all my life and now starting this journey.

Going to start at the weekend when I don’t have my daughter so can get out in the morning and start.

Should I start on soft or hard ground?

[Hidden]

Welcome to a new journey! I found it ‘easier’ to begin on hard ground but wherever you start-start SLOWLY and stay jogging SLOWLY! And enjoy it! 🏃‍♂️😁

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

Hi, I'm only 3 weeks in so not very experienced. I've tried both and I'm preferring soft ground even though it can get a bit muddy/slippy where I am. I just find it more interesting and much quieter than the A road that runs through my village.

You've got plenty of runs ahead of you to explore what's best in your area.

Good luck!

[la_fouinard Graduate]

I can only speak to my experience on this one. I started aiming for soft ground before finding I kept getting issues with my hips and other aches and pains. When the ground was too saturated for anything other than tarmac I shifted to tarmac and those aches and pains disappeared. They got replaced by new ones but nothing consistent now.

The big difference I think was running on uneven ground vs. even tarmac. I’ve found I have to take it really carefully when changing distance/route on tarmac but it works better for me than soft ground I think.

You could try swapping around for a while and see what feels better?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.