Biking to Running

I currently do almost an hour a night (4 - 5 nights a week) on the exercise bike.  I want to start running in the morning instead (I am figuring on the couch to 5k program) so that I get a better all around workout and burn calories in a shorter amount of time.  I think I have equipment squared away.  I am getting running shoes and insoles, I have workout clothes including underarmor so my legs don't chafe and sunglasses, and I have a camelback for water while I am running. 

I am wondering if there is anything equipment-wise that I should still get.  I am also looking for any tips on making the transition from a low impact workout to a higher impact workout. 

Thanks in advance.

follow the Couch to 5K program.  Build a good base of running so that the muscles you use for running are strengthened (see sticky note at top for good exercises for runners too!).   Once you have built up your endurance, you can swap one of your shorter weekday runs out for some HIIT, intervals, and/or fartleks.

Take it slow and don't assume that just because you have gotten good at biking you will be good at running at first. That and have fun!

I am doing Couch to 5K currently and I cannot recommend it enough.  One thing that is important, however: listen to your body.  Rest when you need it.  And no matter how well you are doing, DO NOT overdo your runs.  Stick to the schedule. I have found that the program is *really* well planned for a beginner to running (for example, the running intervals increased just as my body was ready for more!)

The only additional thing I would recommend, as far as "equipment," is getting a hold of the podcasts for C25K - that really helps to time your runs and follow the schedule.  The ones I am using are made by Robert Ullery, and you can download them from here.  But there are others out there with different music choices... just do a google search and you will find several. 

Good luck!   I hope you enjoy running as much as I do!

Agreed with the other posters here... Make sure your shoes aren't just good shoes, but good shoes for you.  A running store is a great place to start, rather than buying of Amazon or someplace.

Also, as someone else said, just because you can bike for an hour doesn't mean you can run 5k.  You're better off taking it easy to start, and work your way up.  It's your joints, ligaments, and other load bearing parts that need to adjust to the workout, not your cardio system (so much).

I started off this spring with swimming, then added biking, then finally running.  I started by walking for 40 minutes or so, then took a "learn to run" clinic" at a local running store.  Running was/is by far the hardest, but it's also one I enjoy doing.  I can do it without having to travel to the pool, I don't need any special equipment like a bike, stuff like that.  So put in your time, and good luck!

Clint

My suggestion is that a camelbak is probably overkill.  If you just hydrate a little more 30 to 45 mins before you run, you should be just fine.  One of the most common problems in running today is Hyponatremia (basically overhydration)

Other equipment you might find useful:

MP3 player (There are some hazards involved with running with headphones on though.)

Watch - (One with a heart rate monitor would be great)

You said clothes, but one thing I've really come to love are actual running socks. (Many have built in arch support)

A Pedometer or gps watch.

I would recommend easing off on the big purchases like a gps watch/heart rate monitor, until you know if this is something you really enjoy doing.

As for transitioning to higher impact. 

Take it slow.  Gradually increase distance (no more than 10% increase a week)  Listen to your body - There is a difference between good pain and bad pain.  When there's bad pain, stop and figure out why before you hurt yourself any more.  Run off the road.  Trails, dirt road, the track are all lower impact than pavement.  I like trails because it's lower impact and more fun.  Take rest days to let your body recover.  I run 5 days a week, 3 on, 1 off, 2 on, 1 off, repeat.

I agree with what everyone has posted. 

As for equipment... proper shoes, a sports watch (not necessary, but nice)

A water bottle for any run over 5k. Good quality running shirt and shorts (chafing is not fun). 

Someone mentioned this but, SOCKS!!!

I don't like the cotton or thicker socks... the thin, sweat-wicking kind are the best.

And sunglasses... even in the morning it can be bright! (plus they make you look hard-core)

Original Post by tryatri:

Someone mentioned this but, SOCKS!!!

I don't like the cotton or thicker socks... the thin, sweat-wicking kind are the best.

And sunglasses... even in the morning it can be bright! (plus they make you look hard-core)

Oh yeah... definitely socks and glasses! You may need rain gear too.. (I live on the west coast  lol)

I really appreciate all of the helpful replies.  I got some running shoes and socks from a running store as suggested, and I am planning on following the couch to 5k pretty closely.  I was a little apprehensive towards starting running, but I am feeling more optimistic. 

Don't sweat it! It is a lot of fun and it's very rewarding... it's also very addicting!