Me being ridiculous and indecisive

LiveMore101

So, I've been running the past few months, working up to running a 5K, which I just signed up for two weeks, but now I'm starting to wonder if it's my type of thing. I've been trying to run outside, but it's DEFINITELY harder than a treadmill and I'm noticing more pain in my legs and back. I almost want to just quit running after the 5K, but then I have a slight problem.
I've been doing some Biggest Loser videos too, and those are great, but if I travel around places, I'm not going to be wanting to carry around a bunch of videos and worrying about doing them. The exercise that makes the most sense to stick to is running, because I can do that anywhere, anytime.
But, like I said above, I'm not sure if it's my thing. So, what exactly should I do?

Oh, and once I reach my goal weight and gain a bit of muscle and become toned, so I necessarily HAVE to do a bunch of cardio to maintain that physique?
Sorry, kind of two questions in one, but I've been really stuck on this.

randomtai

Don't do any exercise you don't want to.

RGv2

So, I've been running the past few months, working up to running a 5K, which I just signed up for two weeks, but now I'm starting to wonder if it's my type of thing. I've been trying to run outside, but it's DEFINITELY harder than a treadmill and I'm noticing more pain in my legs and back. I almost want to just quit running after the 5K, but then I have a slight problem.
I've been doing some Biggest Loser videos too, and those are great, but if I travel around places, I'm not going to be wanting to carry around a bunch of videos and worrying about doing them. The exercise that makes the most sense to stick to is running, because I can do that anywhere, anytime.
But, like I said above, I'm not sure if it's my thing. So, what exactly should I do?

Oh, and once I reach my goal weight and gain a bit of muscle and become toned, so I necessarily HAVE to do a bunch of cardio to maintain that physique?
Sorry, kind of two questions in one, but I've been really stuck on this.

You have very little weight to lose. If you're actually planning on gaining muscle, you should start now. Gaining muscle is EXTREMELY hard.....for dudes. It's exponentially harder for women. Why try to get to your goal weight before trying to work on maintaining your muscle mass. You have to work that much harder and eat that much more then.

btsinmd

You can do body weight exercises anywhere.

Of_Monsters_and_Meat

The pain is more than likely your shoes.
Have you been properly fitted at a running store? Those LA gear high tops won't cut it.

Pay attention to how your foot lands. It should be the front or middle of the foot, not the heel.

I get back pain, but lifting helps with that. Also push your shoulder blades together slightly. This will push the chest out a bit and it will almost be like you are falling into the strides. (not really, but the best analogy I can make up right now)

finally, slow down if its hurting. or take a rest day.

ironrat79

I've always been told to build the muscle first and then worry about cutting. I also don't do long distance running for a few reasons 1) I hate it 2) I'm not built to run 3) I hate it...lol. Try short burst, high intensity stuff. I prefer stadium stairs. As long as you get your heart rate up, you're good to go.

neveragain84

Don't do any exercise you don't want to.

This. The exercise program that works is the one you enjoy. Find what you enjoy doing and can see sticking with. Not sure if running is for you? Then find something else. Maybe yoga, Pilates, swimming, etc.

Jenky85

Are you doing the couch to 5k programme? If not you should give it a go...it breaks the run up in to more manageable chunks that get progressively longer. I'm doing it and finding it really easy to progress.

Also I started Stronglifts 2 weeks ago and my legs have gotten a lot stronger and this has made running much easier for me as they don't get tired like they used to.

But as others have said don't do any exercise you don't want to. Running might not be for you, have you tried bike riding if you want outdoors cardio?

deksgrl

If you want to GAIN muscle, you need to eat more, and then cardio on top of that will require you to eat even more. It is difficult for women to gain muscle. If you mean you want to drop fat so that the muscles seem more pronounced, that is a different thing, you would eat at a deficit, and cardio will help.

MeanderingMammal

.... but it's DEFINITELY harder than a treadmill and I'm noticing more pain in my legs and back.

So it's harder to run outside, yes. That improves over time, as with any training you get better at it and your distance/ speed improve. More significantly you'll find with improving your form that the leg and back pain should go, noting that there may be something underlying. without more detail about the pain it's difficult to tell, but form is a common issue for new runners.

The exercise that makes the most sense to stick to is running, because I can do that anywhere, anytime.

I had a similar issue over the last year or so with a lot of work related travel. Running is easy to do as long as I can run from the places I'm staying. I also do some bodyweight resistance training, again no additional kit so it works out nicely.

Oh, and once I reach my goal weight and gain a bit of muscle and become toned, so I necessarily HAVE to do a bunch of cardio to maintain that physique?

You may need to be a little clearer about what you're after. It sounds like you need a balance of CV and resistance training. you won't build much upper body muscle with running and it will take time for your legs and butt to shape up, so you'll need something complementary. As my point above, some resistance work will help, although as noted upthread actually increasing muscle mass is a slow process.

babydaisy81

I could do 5K at the gym, and this is how I trained for my first 5K, but once the weather got nicer and I started running outside it hit me how hard and painful it was actually going to be. I hated it, but once I got out more, I actually enjoy it. I'm not good at it, I have to stop and walk, but myself, I'd rather be out jogging in fresh air then spending time in a gym. And when I'm done, I feel good now, no pain. But I agree if it seems like work and you don't enjoy it, hopefully you can find something else better suited.