New running plan to get started...need help!

GirlBookworm
GirlBookworm Posts: 2 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello everybody,

I'm really unfit and I've never really made workout plans or exercised. I'm 5'5 and weigh 165 lbs. I recently started running for 1km everyday in the evening. I generally need to stop 2-3 times to catch my breath. I don't stop for more than half a minute.

Is this an appropriate starting point? I plan to increase the distance every few days. Should I push myself further?

Thank you for all your help! :)

Replies

  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    Google C25K this will give you a good start
  • TheBadToe
    TheBadToe Posts: 246 Member
    C25K will definitely help. I started doing it pre workout to get my heart rate up for lifting... and then I got addicted to running.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Another vote for c25k - I started running at the age of 43 after a lifetime of avoiding it at all costs! :tongue: I used a c25k app on my phone and it worked great! It's an 8-9 week plan and has you running non-stop for 30 minutes by the end. Check it out!
  • mstacey04
    mstacey04 Posts: 11 Member
    Couch to 5K is awesome! It trains you to run a 5K in 9 weeks based on running 3 days per week. I completed this program and am actually doing the second part, 5K-10K now. I did not run at all before I started. It was a very easy progression and I love to run now!
  • dottieketostrong
    dottieketostrong Posts: 102 Member
    I am 53, 5/5, 166 pounds. I started running in March! The first few times, I would run for about 10 min and then had to stop. I now run 45 minutes (5K) without stopping. You will be amazed at how quickly your body will begin to adjust.
    The trick is to find the right pace. You may feel you are going really slow, but your speed will increase as you get stronger.
    Be consistent! Make sure you run at least 3 or 4 days a week.
    Good luck!
  • joanthemom8
    joanthemom8 Posts: 375 Member
    Yep, C25k is great! That's how I started at the ripe old age of 46!
  • aliakynes
    aliakynes Posts: 352 Member
    C25k and also slow down your running pace. You shouldn't be too out of breath when you shift to your walk intervals. It will mean starting off at a much slower pace than you'll call "running" but it will improve over time. The key is to build endurance and get some mileage under your belt. Speed will come later.
  • IGbnat24
    IGbnat24 Posts: 520 Member
    That's just fine. You don't need yo follow a program unless you want to. Try walking as a break instead of stopping altogether.
  • GirlBookworm
    GirlBookworm Posts: 2 Member
    Thank you very much! :)
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,588 MFP Moderator
    just to add, this is a good post someone put up a few months back basically compiling most of the questions beginner runners post in the forums, you might find it a good read

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running

    ~Happy running!
  • becs3578
    becs3578 Posts: 836 Member
    c25k... Loved the program and got me started running a few years back!!!! Great app for the phone.

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