Runners: what was it like when you first started?

eapragar

Hello,
Last year I lost 30 pounds for my wedding. After the honeymoon I slipped up some and gained 10 back, but have kept the over 20 off. Now, I'm ready to keep going with my weight loss journey and would like to lose another 30 pounds. The first time, I lost the weight by changing my diet with minimal exercise. Now that my diet has changed, I'm ready to start exercising. I went jogging with my dog last night and jogged for 15 min and walked for 20 min before I was exhausted. I would like to build up stamina and lung capacity and run more without getting winded. What was it like for you when you first started running? How long did you last? Long how did it take you get not get as winded?

beckytcy

I used to hate running, but now I love it. There is hope. I would say definitely start out slowly and gradually work your way up. It used to be a struggle for me to be able to run for 20 minutes, but now I run for over an hour (outside -- the treadmill is still a struggle because it's so boring). Do you have an iPod? Motivating music helps a lot. Good luck!!

Livestrongalways

You should try the couch to 5k app, I've just started a few weeks back and it's amazing how much my stamina has improved already, there's a podcast that plays through your iPod , mobile ect and tells you when to run and when to walk, it's aim is to having you running 5k in 9 weeks if your a little advanced for that stage then move to the next however don't push yourself to hard....good luck x

labtech666

I'm currently working my way through a 'couch to 5k' app on my phone. The first sessions involved running for 1 minute at a time with walks in between. Once the runs got up to 5 minutes I thought it would kill me, but after 7 weeks I can now run for 25 minutes.
Never thought it would happen, but I think I'm becoming a runner!

random_user75

Great post for new runners: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running

Whyareyoumad

Keep at it, over a relatively short time you will build up endurance and distance. Take it slow, add more time each week. Its hard to say specific numbers because everyone is different. I also need to music, try out Electronic Cardio on Pandora.

dshalbert

It gets better each time you go out. The first 5 minutes I don't particuliarly like but after that I get my rythym guing and I love it. Try doing walk/run intervals. That is the best advice for starting a running program. You will build up stamina, distance and speed over time. Just enjoy the process. If you start out too hard and too fast, it's no fun. Buy Runner's World or go on their site. There is a ton of good running tips for beginners.

MinnieInMaine

What was it like? Pure hell!! Especially since I originally started on the treadmill and when I started running outside it was like taking a huge leap backwards. But like anything, with time and practice, you get better. Your lung capacity, endurance, all that will improve. Keep at it!

sarrah_n

It was terrible at first! I couldn't do more than 5 minutes without having to walk. But the more consistent I became in running, the better my cardio got. You will be surprised how quickly you can progress.

Deb_622

I started running to lose weight and it was a huge struggle for me as well - I hadn't done much exercise in years. I definitely started slow and tried to do small intervals where I increased my speed a little bit for a certain amount of time and then decreased the speed - without going all the way down to a walk. I do have a treadmill (with a TV right in front, because yes...they are super boring) but, I've also done the same type of thing outside using telephone poles...run/jog/sprint from one telephone to the next and then jog at a slower pace...then repeat...

The biggest thing I can say, is that you need to push yourself without going overboard - start slowly and build up your endurance. Try to do better and better each time you go out, and as your weight comes down the runs will get easier, and you'll be able to go farther.

Good Luck!

4legsRbetterthan2

Great post for new runners: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running

^^^^^ yup yup- greatttt post she basically consolidated every beginner running post I have seen on here! I have been "running" for about a year and I still liked reading it!

asdowe13

I started out barely able to run for 2 or 3 minutes.
But getting out 3-5 times a week i am able to hammer out 5km without stopping after 7 or 8 weeks
Now I love running.


C25K is your friend.

It is a great way to get into running.
Although if you can already run 15 mins straight you can probably skip the first 2-3 weeks.

The more you run the stronger your heart will be the less winded you will become.

Start out slowly - at first run at a speed where you could comfortably carry on a normal conversation.
You'll find over time that speed increases.

Make sure you have proper fitting running sneakers.

labbielove

Running/walking combo is how I got started, and I also highly recommend the Couch to 5K plan. Getting out there and moving is the key, so whether you're running or walking you're still ahead of the game!

asdowe13

I'm currently working my way through a 'couch to 5k' app on my phone. The first sessions involved running for 1 minute at a time with walks in between. Once the runs got up to 5 minutes I thought it would kill me, but after 7 weeks I can now run for 25 minutes.
Never thought it would happen, but I think I'm becoming a runner!

No need to "think" you are a runner....... You ARE a runner!

melaniecheeks

Yeah, starting off takes a lot of dedication!

I second the recommendation to follow something like Couch to 5k.

is there a ParkRun near you? These are weekly timed 5k runs. I started them last year - my first one took me 34 minutes, and I had to walk some of the way. Now my PB is 26.34, and I couldn't imagine my weekend without a ParkRun.

SonicDeathMonkey80

Hello,
Last year I lost 30 pounds for my wedding. After the honeymoon I slipped up some and gained 10 back, but have kept the over 20 off. Now, I'm ready to keep going with my weight loss journey and would like to lose another 30 pounds. The first time, I lost the weight by changing my diet with minimal exercise. Now that my diet has changed, I'm ready to start exercising. I went jogging with my dog last night and jogged for 15 min and walked for 20 min before I was exhausted. I would like to build up stamina and lung capacity and run more without getting winded. What was it like for you when you first started running? How long did you last? Long how did it take you get not get as winded?

When I first started, I couldn't run my 1.5mi fitness test without walking. I averaged a 14ish min time. I hated every second of it. Keep at it, run slow easy miles, and take care of your body (listen to it as well), and you'll do great things. And check out the "so you want to start running" post that someone linked to above me. Good stuff in there.

JTick

The first time I ran, I didn't make it to our mailbox (300ish feet) before needing to stop. I cried.

I run my first half marathon next Saturday.

Keep going. It gets better.

gmthisfeller

Never thought it would happen, but I think I'm becoming a runner!

Take my word for it, you ARE a runner!

Charles

shmulyeng

Definitely C25K. From your description, it looks like you're probably at the week 4 or 5 stage but it can't hurt to start from week 1.

shmulyeng

The first time I ran, I didn't make it to our mailbox (300ish feet) before needing to stop. I cried.

I run my first half marathon next Saturday.

Keep going. It gets better.

How long did it take?

JTick

The first time I ran, I didn't make it to our mailbox (300ish feet) before needing to stop. I cried.

I run my first half marathon next Saturday.

Keep going. It gets better.

How long did it take?

I've been running about 18 months now. I piddled around for a lot of 2013, hanging my long runs around 5 miles. I started training for this race in January, and I won't be setting any world records, but I'll finish.

MarKayDee

I just started running recently, it's hard to find the time for a run for me because I work full time and have a very needy two year old, so sometimes he and I run laps of our apartment and sometimes I sneak out in the early mornings/nap time. If I'm leaving him to go for a jog I don't stay out for more than ten minutes, which is about a mile for me, I can jog for 20-30 at a more relaxed pace but when I'm hurrying to make sure the little guy doesn't wake up and then wake up his dad because he can't find me I focus more on my speed.
My goal is to run a 5k in June, I'm not following any specific training program, I'm just listening to what my body has to say about various runs and adjusting things as need be.

1daylate1dollarshort

My first attempt at exercise, about 5 years ago, was running. I didn't do much else. I was on the low end of "healthy" on the BMI chart and it was still terrible....at first.

I started just jogging. I couldn't make it half a block without stopping and gasping for air. It was awful. I kept at it though and after a week, I could jog a block! Then eventually (maybe a month?) around the block a couple of times without stopping to walk.

Then I just started running pretty fast, which was hard.

I ended up loving it. The cool thing about any kind of exercise is seeing an increase in stamina/strength/whatever. It's just cool to see how much I improve over time.

I ran for a while, then got pretty sick and just stopped. I missed it. Now I'm back to exercising, but I haven't started running because of the eternal winter. Can't wait to get back at it though.

Give it a chance for a bit! You might end up really loving it. Any exercise kinda sucks at first (for me, I'm definitely a couch potato)

mojohowitz

It kinda sucked until I actually ran an entire mile. That was a huge win for me.

I started running in a wildlife refuge away from judging eyes where only the otters and birds would see me wheezing, jiggling and hacking. I told myself I would walk and/or run one mile. At first, I ran a few steps and then walked until I recovered. Then repeated. Soon, the running stretches began to grow closer together. Within a few weeks I had ran the entire mile very slowly. But it was under my belt. Huge win. Then I repeated the entire process but went up to 3 miles. After a few months I had that under my belt. Then I repeated the same process with 6 miles, then 9 then 12 etc. Always multiples of three for some weird reason.

Anyway, 10 years later I ran my first marathon. It took me nearly 5 hours but I could not give two sh*ts. I won much more that day than the Kenyan who took first place.

My advice. Shoes. Shoes Shoes. Get the right shoes. Talk to a professional. It makes ALL the difference.

zanne54

Another vote for the C25K app. Don't make the mistake of trying to go from not running, to running non-stop for a long time. That's pretty much a recipe for injury and failure. The C25K app is great because it allows both your cardio and muscles "rest" time in between running sets.

I hadn't run for 30 years since forced cross country in grade school. I also have/had exercise-induced asthma, and running had always been my trigger. Once I moved from Obese 1 into only Overweight in BMI, I started the C25K app (I decided to wait for a lower weight to lessen the impact on my hips & knees) and was amazed at how quickly I progressed. Yes, the first few weeks sucked hard, but it did get a LOT easier, fast after that. Still a challenge, but totally doable. I ran my first 5K last fall in a time of 32:37, which I was VERY happy with! I'm now part-way through the extension 10K trainer, with my first 10K coming up in a few weeks.

If there's any advice I can give you about learning to run through C25K, it would be this: if it gets too hard - SLOW DOWN your pace, but don't stop running. Concentrate on running the time first; speed and distance will come later, once you've got your base endurance.

gmthisfeller

What was it like for you when you first started running? How long did you last? Long how did it take you get not get as winded?

When I started I weighed 209 lbs. I am 5'7" and 65 yo. I started as you are, first by walking. When I could walk a mile and feel comfortable, I ran the distance between the last 2 mailboxes on my street, say, 20 yards. The first time I did that I had a "near death" experience! I lived.

As I got comfortable with that distance (yes, just 20 yards) I added another mailbox, and so forth.

Today, just about 1 year later, I am 135 lbs, and I run 4.5 to 5.5 miles 6 or 7 days a week.

I love running. I HATE the first 1/2 mile or so...I HATE it....but after that I find physical centering and emotional healing. I have great shoes, wonderful music, and a supportive family.

Starting March 30, I will begin training for a half marathon. I will be including body weight strength training as the "cross training" in getting ready.

You can do this!

~Charles~

Eric_DeCastro

a lot of walking and sucking wind. but the more I did it I noticed it didn't get any easier, I just got stronger and now I can run 4 miles (maybe more) without stopping and sucking wind. 4miles is still hard to do, but I'm just stronger and more healthy since my first day.

vmclach

15 min of running? That's great! Excellent. When I first attempted to run, I set the treadmill on 6.0 made it maybe 1 min. I had to walk. I remember watching everyone else around me on the treadmills running for MILES at a time. MILES! I just wanted to be able to run 1 mile! It took me a very very long time to be able to run a mile. I was incredibly slow. I could never have my treadmill even CLOSE to the speeds of anyone around me. Eventually, within a year, I worked up to running 10-20 min without stopping... Another year went by, and I challenged myself to run 4.5 miles. I remember feeling so accomplished that I rAn 4.5 miles in an HOUR. I continued to try to run... 3 years later, I signed up for my first "race". Then it became a whole new obsession... Now I have ran ~5:30 mile... Sub 20 5k... 7:05 pace for a 1/2 marathon & 4 full marathons. It didn't happen overnight. Celebrate every little step. Only compete with yourself. It's amazing what you are capable of

eimaj5575

I hated running, but forced myself to do it. Started 1 min runs and 2 min walks. Thats was about 3 years ago and now I can push to 5 miles or so but a regular workout run is around 3 miles. It takes time and I can only say from my experience is that I fell in love with running. I dont know if that will happen for everyone but it did for me. Just keep at it, maybe you'll end up loving it. Good luck!

likitisplit

A year and a half ago, in November, I started the C25k app and ran for 30 amazing seconds. By October of the next year, I finished a half marathon.

You're getting a lot of good advice in this thread and you should listen to it.

All I'd like to add is...believe in yourself. KNOW that you can do it.

One thing that runners struggle with is underestimating what they can do. I spent 7 weeks sure that I would be forced to quit at some point. Sure that I just wasn't capable of running. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing at first, because it led to me just taking a single day at a time and doing what I could do that day and that's how I overcame the odds against finding the time to do it. But it did hold me back after a certain point.

linnipopz

I have just not long started C25K and its taking its time but its working. I only do it at the Gym though on the treadmill and I am still struggling with my breathing and also how I put my feet down. I am in agony at the moment but I think thats more to do with the squats I tried to do the other night before the treadmill, but I am determined to complete a 5K at somepoint this year. I am to scared to go out jogging myself but once the weather pics up and the lighter nights get lighter I think I might have to bite the bullet and move my butt outside!!