you asked...

I am 28 years old and about 20 lbs overweight and have never, ever been a strong runner. I have a dream to experience a runner’s high. How do I get started and what are realistic steps to progress? I would be happy to run on pavement, but living in Banff offers me so many great trails that I am keen to experience at a whole new speed. Thanks for any insight you might be able to offer me.
- Sara

a runner responds

Sara,
My first recommendation is to find a friend or a beginner’s running group to help get you going. If you are venturing out on your own or with a friend, consider starting with 1 minute of walking and 1 minute of running for 20 minutes. If you cannot complete this, then try a 30 second run with a 1 minute walk. Once you are able to complete 1 and 1s comfortably for 20 minutes, build your time by 4 minutes each run until you get to around 40 minutes. Once you’ve nailed 1 and 1s, try 2 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking (2 & 1s). Again, go out for 20 minutes your first time, and slowly build your time for each run by 4 minutes. Do not run on consecutive days, especially when beginning, but aim to do this 3 times per week. Once you are running 2 & 1s comfortably for 30 or 40 minutes, then you can begin to experiment with longer run intervals, or shorter walk intervals. The trails are fine, and are nicer on the joints compared to the pavement, so take advantage for sure! Beware that you may encounter more hills on the trails, so you may have to speedwalk up these instead of running during your running interval, and that’s fine! You may want to also pick up a copy of “Running: Getting Started”, by Jeff Galloway. Good luck and enjoy your running experience Sara!

Ainslie

you asked...

I am definitely considering overweight to obese, but I know that running can be one of the best cardiovascular workouts there is. Any advice for the extreme novice who’s overweight and utterly intimidated by a running club filled with uber-athletic types? Also – I have diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (since age 3) so maybe interval training. Treadmill or pavement? Shoes? I’m completely lost and most resources I’ve found are for people that are already fairly fit. -Kristine

"Everybody was a beginner at some point" - Ainslie

a runner responds

I would be very surprised if your local running store did not offer a run clinic or regular run group for beginners. Check out www.runningroom.com - they have a ton of locations and offer lots of learn to run programs. If you genuinely have not found something in your area, then grab a friend and read my answer to Sara’s question on starting out with running. Do not hide behind your weight or insecurities. Everybody was a beginner at some point, and I know that wherever you are, there are others out there who are also new. As for shoes, head to your local running specialty store, not a big box sports store. They will be trained to assess your stride and will be able to recommend the shoes that will best fit your feet. Be prepared to shell out anywhere between $90 and $160 for a decent pair of runners! I also recommend the same book for you, “Running: Getting Started”, by Jeff Galloway.

Ainslie

you asked...

Hi there, I have tried to get into running for years off and on and can never seem to stick with it. I am really active, however I want to run as I love being outside and travel a lot so it would be great to be able to go running when there is no gym around. Can you give some tips on how to get started? My calves and ankles seem to tighten up 20-30 minutes into my run and even though I’m not tired or winded I need to stop. Any help would be great! Cheers.
Meagan

a runner responds

Meagan, read my response to Sara’s question for my guide on getting started with running. With regards to the tightness, I would recommend purchasing a foam roller and trying out a technique called SMR (self myofascial release). Start by doing these exercises after every run, or every workout you do when your body is nice and warmed-up. Check out www.my-physical-therapy-coach.com/foam-roller-exercises.html and specifically try the exercises labeled “Gastroc Soleus Stretch”, and “Pereonal SMR Stretch”.

Ainslie

you asked...

I weight train and do yoga, but would like to start running to challenge myself with something new. Any suggestions on how to start? My endurance for running is low and I can usually do ok if I alternate with power walking. Any tips would be great – I need the motivation, and to be told I can totally do it! -Ann

a runner responds

Ann,
YOU CAN TOTALLY DO IT!! It sounds like you’re on the right track with alternating your power walking, and for more info on the beginner’s guide to running, check out my response to Sara’s question. Also, find a friend with a similar goal, or else join a local run store’s run club – there are always beginner’s clinics. Once you are able to run more comfortably, set a race goal for yourself – a 5km or an 8km race is a great way to stay motivated and on track with your training.

Ainslie

Ainslie is the first run expert featured in our Ask a Runner series. Check out her website to get to know her better: http://triplethreattraining.ca/

what is 'ask a runner'?

Ask a Runner will be a recurring feature on lululemon.com featuring great runners from communities all over the world. They’ll be sharing their knowledge, education, and years of experience to answer all of your run-related questions.

meet our first runner: ainslie!

Ainslie and Hudson running on the North Shore.

• I am a personal trainer on the North Shore, owner and head trainer of t3 training
• Along with being a certified strength & conditioning specialist (CSCS, NSCA), I am also a certified Level 1 CrossFit Coach as well as a CrossFit athlete
• I've competed in running races ranging from 5km to 50km, both on the trail and on the road
• I'm a three-time Ironman competitor
• My favourite place to run: Baden Powell trail in North Vancouver with Hudson the Husky
• My favourite post-run fuel: americano and a bag of salt & vinegar chips

how to ask ainslie a question

Share your run-related question for Ainslie as a comment below and she'll answer a handful of questions a few weeks from now. No question is too big or small, so ask away and and stay tuned!

View running gear:

• Run: Willpower Hoodie
• Run: Speed Skirt
• Run: Dash

Location? Check! Torrey Pines State Park in California.

Stretch before the hike?  Check!  Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) is perfect for loosening up your legs, hips and torso.

Natarajasana (Dancer's Pose) opens up your back and quads, and feels so good in the sunlight.

Sunshine and breath?  Check!

Soft waistband and open venting for added breathability?  Check!

Secure pocket for your keys, cash or snacks?  Check!

Drawstring and elastic for support?  Check!

Hills?  Check!

Hit the ground running?  Check!

Too cold this time of year to get outside?

Step 1. Print out a picture of Torrey Pines, lay it over the front of your treadmill!

Step 2. Crank that incline up on your treadmill to 8 or a daring 12, set your speed between a 2.0 and 4.0 and get hiking!

Happy trails to you my friend.  Namaste.

Heather is an educator at our Downtown San Diego Showroom, she is 5'6" and is wearing a size 6 in the bold blue Cool Racerback, senorita pink Run:Swiftly Tech SS, and the black/senorita pink and the january checkmate Run:Speed Shorts.

My First 100 Marathons: 2, 620 Miles with an Obsessive Runner By: Jeff Horowitz

As someone who has an extensive library of running books, I was happy to add My First 100 Marathons to my collection. Horowitz takes the reader on his journey from newbie runner to experienced marathoner. Each recounting of his races tells of lessons learned through both triumphs and disappointments, and how the experience of every one of his marathons has enriched his life.

Each chapter begins with running tips, which includes advice for trail running, injury prevention, race recovery, form drills, and beyond. The book reads like a novel, but is packed with valuable information for both the novice and elite runner. Further, this book is filled with inspiring words that make you itch to lace up your running shoes and head out the door more and more with each turn of the page.

Horowitz lives, runs, writes, and coaches in Washington, DC. I have been fortunate enough to get to know Jeff, and I now count him as an important mentor and friend. He has also worked directly with our lululemon Logan Circle run club! For more information about Jeff Horowitz’s book, check out www.runtothefinishline.com