- what are best shoes? My knees are slightly starting to hurt

You'll have to try several different types. Stablity/highly padded shoes make my knees hurt instantly and make me feel like I'm running in quicksand. I discovered that Altra Escalantes are perfect for me. You also have to make sure there's enough room in the toebox so try wides.

Also - you need to make sure that you're not overdoing it if you're getting knee pain. I run pain free because I only run 2x/week and cross train 3x/week (weights & HIIT.)

- what should I eat / drink b4 / after running?

I only drink water, and only in the summer. Otherwise I just get up and go, then eat my normal meals. You're probably not doing long enough distances to really need to change your eating patterns.

- my fingers sometimes swell during/after running. Is this normal? Will it stop once I’ve been running for a while?

I get this too mainly in the winter. I don't think it's a big deal.

If your knees hurt, you need to strengthen your hips and core. Do exercises like planks and clamshells with bands regularly.

Yay! I love to run but I've really done a job on my feet by getting old. Running store is essential.
My fingers are swellers, too. I make sure I don't run (or actually, do any exercise) with my rings on, just for comfort.

Oldie runner here just wanted to say: Good for you newbie runner! Enjoy every run! And give your permission to walk and take breaks when you need to. I run pretty darn slow, and stop every once and awhile to stretch or just regroup - but to quote Pink, "I can go for miles and miles if you know what I mean."

^^ strike that "with." trying to type too fast.

Anonymous wrote:
Another piece of advice I would give is to do lower body strength exercises in addition to running - squats, deadlifts, hip thrusts, stair master etc. I started incorporating these into my routine the past few months and it has made a huge difference in my running. I feel so much more power pushing behind me especially on the hills.

Adding on to this, I'd suggest looking up a core workout for runners video and doing something like that regularly (I like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxVLxxgUseA).

Really helped me with - no longer get some of the nagging little aches and pains that would pop up.

Lots of great advice in here. And in the shoes, don’t be shy about going back once you’ve been wearing them if you are experiencing issues. Much better to resolve those early with inserts or different shoes vs. repeatedly injuring yourself.

You might also enjoy the book Anatomy for Runners. My PT recommended it for me and it’s very good. Especially some of the self diagnosis and exercise suggestions to keep you going.

Have fun!

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all the helpful information / advice. I have started running and I am VERY committed to keeping it up and plan to run my first race hopefully in spring. Questions I have:

- what are best shoes? My knees are slightly starting to hurt
- what should I eat / drink b4 / after running?
- my fingers sometimes swell during/after running. Is this normal? Will it stop once I’ve been running for a while?

Excited about my journey and positive changes in my life!

- Get fitted at a running store. Tell them about your knees. I wear Brooks Ghosts and know a lot of “casual” runners like myself who also wear those.
- depends on how long you’ll be running for. It’s only when you start to run 60+ minutes do you have to start worrying about much more than just plain ol’ water before and after, and during in the warm weather.
- totally normal, like a PP mentioned I will wash my hands with cold water when I get back after a run.

Good luck, keep it up!!

Following and inspired!! Thanks OP

Go to a running store like rnj sports. Buy what they tell you to. I run as soon as I wake up in the AM before eating. Protein drink afterwards and then continue as normal for the day. Weird about the fingers swelling, maybe the weather?

Not OP but in same boat... following

The best shoe really depends on the individual. Go to a running store and try on some different brands. ASICS are my go to.

No need to eat before a run but drinking coffee can give you a boost.

The hand thing is normal. I always wash my hands in cold water for a couple minutes after my run which seems to help.

Another piece of advice I would give is to do lower body strength exercises in addition to running - squats, deadlifts, hip thrusts, stair master etc. I started incorporating these into my routine the past few months and it has made a huge difference in my running. I feel so much more power pushing behind me especially on the hills.

Good for you. My advice for starting out is to avoid hills. Because we drive cars we a programmed to think hills are no big deal. But they really eat up your energy and willpower. So start easy and aim for slow, steady progress.

Go to a running store and get fitted for shoes.

For starting out/low miles you don’t need to eat anything before. Make sure you drink a lot of water the day before.

Yes the finger thing is normal.

Thanks for all the helpful information / advice. I have started running and I am VERY committed to keeping it up and plan to run my first race hopefully in spring. Questions I have:

- what are best shoes? My knees are slightly starting to hurt
- what should I eat / drink b4 / after running?
- my fingers sometimes swell during/after running. Is this normal? Will it stop once I’ve been running for a while?

Excited about my journey and positive changes in my life!