Any newbie runners on here?

lilrhody

I'm new here - and fairly new to running - so I wondered whether there are others like me on the site.

I started to run using the Couch 2 5K Plan - but never made it past week 5 without getting injured or off track. After a bad injury in the spring (torn ligaments in my ankle) I started running again in August and finally worked my way up to running 10 minutes and walking 1 minute. I now run 5K twice a week with a longer run on the weekends. Last week did my first 10K race since my injury and am signed up for a bunch of 5K and 10K races over the next six months.

I'm definitely a "penguin" and never will be a fast runner - but at least I'm out there moving. I've definitely seen it pay off in terms of losing inches.

Any other "newbies" out there?

ashley0616

I am hoping to be a newbie runner here soon! It's of course winter in Colorado - why do I always get motivated when it starts snowing?! - but I'm hoping that it will be a mild enough season that I can get my girls out in a double jogger a few times a week to run. My issue is that my knees, hips, and ankles hurt a lot when I try to run so I think I need to lose a few lbs before I start up a program. I really want to run a 1/2 marathon in May, but I'm not sure about where to start. I used to be a runner. Once upon a time I did probably 5 miles 4 days a week and I loved it, so I'm really looking forward to running again. I'm like you, VERY slow but I still get the running high and I looked and felt great when I was doing it consistently. Good luck to you, maybe we newbs can start some sort of check in where we keep each other motivated, give tips, etc.

SparkleShine

I started trying to run several times but I end up with horrible shin splints and stop! How can I overcome them?

jillybeanruns

I ran in high school, but after high school hit my share of right ankle and knee injuries - including torn ligaments in my ankle so I feel your pain. Stopped running pretty much exclusively for 7 years and I decided to come back slow and started C25K at the end of February. Finished C25K in April and have run 6 5Ks, 1 8K, and 2 10Ks since. I've had to take over a month off (a few days to a week here and there) to deal with injuries but increasing my mileage and pace steadily (and following training plans) has been really beneficial for me. I'm already signed up for a 1/2 marathon next year and looking for a full marathon in the fall. If you incorporate speed/tempo runs and not just short and long runs into your training, you will definitely see an improvement with your pace and your race pace. Good luck!

MonsteRawr

I've been running for a little over a month now, and I really love seeing what my body and my will are capable of! I started out doing 2.25 miles, now I'm averaging 3 with a long run of 4.25. My current goal is to eventually be able to run to my husband's work in the park and back (6.5 miles). I'll never be a speed demon either, but I'm enjoying the battle.

(Plus, I totally dig what it's doing to my calves!)

missyhse

I started trying to run several times but I end up with horrible shin splints and stop! How can I overcome them?

shin splints are often caused by wearing the wrong shoes, make sure you have proper running shoes and stretch (tight hamstrings also affect shin splints)

UpToAnyCool

:laugh: fellow penguin here! i'm hovering at Wk 9 of the orig. C25K and almost ready to move on. I initially could run the full time, but not complete the 5K during the 30 mins, so I'm working on doing that consistently. I've decided to start the Podrunner 'Gateway to 8K' to mix things up a bit. I'm not just a penguin, but I tend to get kind of mindless and content about the run, so I think that will help me since it's also an interval program!

Good for you on the races - I'm working my way there mentally...

@Jacki70 - might be a shoe issue?
also, i am totally not the kind of person that would EVER think they would like running - i took my time w/ the C25K program. if i didn't feel ready to 'move on' to the next week then I repeated that week. Not sure if this is helpful, but good luck!

lmell

I hope to be back at it soon,right now I have to get the walking down..lol
I use to walk/run but got out of the habit/gained weight & now I"m too out of shape/breath to do it.

AnaNotBanana

Newbie runner here! I finished the C25K at the beginning of October and ran my first 5K. I signed up for another 5K that is taking place next Saturday. I'm friends with the Couch to 5K program on Facebook. They are always posting articles with lots of good information. For example, I thought I was ready to start working on my speed since I've already completed my first 5K but they suggest that you don't start working on speed until at least a year of running on a regular basis to prevent injury.

lilrhody

YAY - fellow newbies!

I've been thinking of adding speed and hill training to my routine - but tonight ran (5k) for the first time since my race on Sunday and am in serious pain - I think I have shin splints. I have great shoes, so they aren't the issue - but I think my body just still is trying to adapt to all this activity!