How much do I need to ease into running

JulieAnn72

Last fall I did a few weeks of C25K but I wasn't very motivated and didn't get far. I think I ended during week 4. I didn't do anything all winter and then about 10 weeks ago, I decided to join a 30 Day Shred challenge. I did the challenge over 6 weeks and then immediately started a four week Ripped in 30 challenge. That ended yesterday.

My body is so different than it was last fall, and I feel great. So today, I decided to try running/walking. I didn't do a C25K routine. Instead, I walked for about .3 miles to warm up and then started jogging. I managed to jog for an entire mile without slowing down to a walk. When I finally did slow down to a walk, it was mostly because I was worried about pushing myself too much.

So, given the fact that I'm in decent shape now that I've made it through the two Jillian Michaels workouts, and also taking into consideration that I haven't really run much in the past, am I right to be cautious and not overdo the running right away, or would it be okay for me to go out again in a couple days and try running longer?

I'm only doing 2 miles at this point. I figure when I get to the point of being able to run the 2 miles, I'll increase slowly until I'm doing a 5K.

kellykw

I say just listen to your body! Push yourself a little, but not too much, and don't worry if it's harder some days than others. Just keep doing the best you can and you'll get to 5K in no time. Congratulations on your success, by the way!

BflSaberfan

Just listen to your body. Nobody here can tell you what too much is. A 1 mile run to you maybe very different for someone else.

jennalink807

Do what feels right for you- your body will tell you if you need to rest or slow down. Have a blast running! I just started last year and I've been hooked! Now this October I'm running my first marathon. When the bug bites you, it doesn't let go! lol

I would recommend getting fitted at a running store for proper shoes- wrong shoes can lead to injury if they're affecting your form negatively.

JulieAnn72

Thank you for all the responses. So I guess as long as my legs aren't aching and I can still breathe, it's okay to keep running. I'll definitely try running more next time I get out there!

I would recommend getting fitted at a running store for proper shoes- wrong shoes can lead to injury if they're affecting your form negatively.

I actually got fitted for running shoes last fall when I thought I was going to start running regularly. That's one of my motivations for trying to run again - I don't want to waste these $100 shoes!! LOL

_Waffle_

I walked for about .3 miles to warm up and then started jogging. I managed to jog for an entire mile without slowing down to a walk. When I finally did slow down to a walk, it was mostly because I was worried about pushing myself too much.

So, given the fact that I'm in decent shape now that I've made it through the two Jillian Michaels workouts, and also taking into consideration that I haven't really run much in the past, am I right to be cautious and not overdo the running right away, or would it be okay for me to go out again in a couple days and try running longer?

What you're doing sounds great. The general rule is to not add more than 10% to speed or distance within a week's time. There's nothing wrong with doing this two days in a row or every other day once you get used to it. Just take it easy and don't think about the speed you're running. What you're doing focusing on miles is exactly the right thing to do. Stick with the 2 miles and you'll be able to do this without walking within a month I'll bet. Then just do as you said and add a bit more distance here and there and you'll be up to a 5k distance before long.

Pick a race some time out in the future as a goal. That helps a lot with motivation. It doesn't have to be next month or even this summer but nail a date down on the calendar and say "I'm doing a 5k by this date."

JulieAnn72

Thank you so much! I'll keep the 10% in mind. I'm considering signing up for the Electric Run in September. Maybe I should just go ahead and do it now!