New Runner's Advice Anyone?

SwindonJogger

Hey Misty,
if you don't already have one then i'd recommend a gps watch so that you can log your runs and distances. It's very motivating to see how many miles you have run in a week and trying to increase your distances/pace.

jofjltncb6

Thanks for the advice everyone. I guess I should have started by saying I've done several 5K's so I'm not completely new to running. However, I would not consider myself a runner because I've never fully been able to run a 5k. I've done 2 mud runs, a color run a trail run and several standard 5K's. I've got a few 5k's lined up in the next couple months. It's not my intent to run the full half. My goal this time is to finish. I know my military friend will run the whole thing. She is aware of my injury issues as well as my need to lose 40 pounds. I know that running is not a magic weight loss pill. However, you don't see many chubby runners.I absolutely love being outside and it's good outside exercise.

I will read through all the detailed advice during my lunch. I am going to do this. Even if I have to walk most of it. She's paid her money and I made a promise. Thank you aarar for posting your story. It really made this seem remotely possible after so many of what I glanced through say it's a bad idea. I have an orthapedic doctor who told me to go for it. I am using a run/walk interval app and good running shoes.

Thanks to everyone who posted. I will be sure to read everyones posts later today in depth.

Given this update, I'm inclined to change my response from this being a Very Bad Idea™ to a Potentially Bad Idea™.

The biggest danger (IMHO) is that you push too hard in your training leading up the the race and run yourself into an overuse injury. The second biggest danger would be that you push too hard during the race itself. (The 34th biggest danger is being attacked by wild animals...in case anyone was curious.)

Best of luck and however this turns out for you, please post an update (in this thread so those of us involved in the discussion are sure to see it). You'll either have a success story (and you'll be able to tell me the grown-up equivalent of "nanny-nanny-boo-boo") or you'll have a learning experience (and you'll be able to inflate my already-overly-inflated ego a little more...er, I mean, you'll have a story to add to my future cautions for ambitious beginning runners). Honestly, I hope it's the former because running/overuse (and really any) injuries suck.

kathyk519

While I won't say that I love running, I love the results and I sometimes crave it - while other times, it takes everything in me to lace up my sneakers and go out.

I have only every done 5ks for races, and my personal max distance is about 4 miles. My goal is always to be able to run the whole thing. That being said, we all have our own goals, so good luck with yours. I think that it will help you lose some of those lbs you are looking to lose, but just remember to be consistent with your exercise - and change it up every so often so that your body doesn't get used to it, as you will not get the results that you want.

bobbijodmb

I think its a good goal to have an it sounds like you are being realistic about it- feel free to add me, we have similar goals. I thought people were a little too quick to dismiss you!

best of luck!

RachelAngel01

Consider checking into a Galloway running program near you. Itis an interval training program. I am easily 75 pounds overweight, and I am currently training for a half marathon in march. I began my training in November, and I completed 8 miles today. I am VERY slow, but I am getting better each week. We run/walk as a group each week and it has been a wonderful experience.