How did you become a runner?

lauragibson888

Sounds silly right? You become a runner by running, duh..... but I'm serious, for those if you who were never runners, how did you do it?
My schedule is pretty hectic, work full time, two young kids, no gym available. But we do live in the country on a nice quiet road, perfect for an evening run. Problem is, even when I was in the BEST shape of my life (college athlete), I was NOT a runner!
So what are your tips? How did you start? And what shoes would you recommend for a out of shape fat girl with a old knee injury ????

_Waffle_

I read this discussion.

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

Then I tried to do mostly what it says. Definitely check out a good running store (Not Footlocker, Payless, Walmart) and have someone look at how you walk/run to help you with shoe selection. It's worth it. The shoes I had been wearing all summer were annoying my shins and I just replaced mine (with some helpful advice from a staff member at said store) and it fixed my issues instantly. That's probably the best tip I can give you.

Secondly, be patient and take things slowly.

SKME2013

I downloaded the free app C25K and followed it. Then I went onto the follow up program C210K and now I am running 10 kilometers three times a week. I am 49 years old, female and used to be a smoker until a year and half ago. I was not able to run more than 100 meters without running out of breath. Last weekend I participated successfully in the Terry Fox Run here in Vancouver and I ran the 10k without a stop or problem. I have to admit...I am very proud of myself!
Stef.

yc4king

Wanted to see if I could do it after losing my first 25'ish pounds. Turned out I could. What kept me going was constantly being able to do more than I ever thought possible. Running my first half marathon this saturday, shooting for 2 hours with no walking. Previous to this june I don't think I had ever run more than a couple hundred meters at a time, at least not without near cardiac arrest...

I also have 2 small kids and work full time. I run in the morning before work and typically get up around 5, run from 5:15 - 6:15'ish. On weekends one morning I get up at 5 and go for a 1.5-2 hour run.

My wife does not like it, but she appreciates it :P

MeanderingMammal

Personally I used the NHS Couch to 5K podcasts alongside Runkeeper to track my performance. After 12 weeks of that I was able to run for 30 minutes continuously, and then started working up my distance to half marathon now. I've been using training plans on Endomondo to do that training.

As far as shoes are concerned, they can depend very much on your gait, so it's worth spending some time getting that right. My own thought would be to wait until about 4 weeks into C25K before getting new ones, so that you can find your rhythm in the easy phase, but a decent shop will have a returns policy so you could take a punt now.

throoper

I just started going, and kept going even though it hurt and wasn't that fun. Gradually it hurt a lot less and became fun. Now I run 10 - 30 miles a week, have done 6 or so half marathons, etc.

Finding some tricks to make yourself enjoy it really helps. For me, that was finding loops and trails that I really enjoy running on... nice paths, interesting scenery, easy to get to from my house. Also, I keep a stock of podcasts on my phone and those keep me entertained on longer runs.

Be sure that you don't start off too fast... take it nice and easy. They say it takes 3+ weeks for anything to become a habit, so don't give up. And don't be surprised if you're super sore after the first few times. That happens to me every time I stop running for a few months and get back into it. It'll get better.

PS - we're about the same age - feel free to friend me if you want Lauren

throoper

Wanted to see if I could do it after losing my first 25'ish pounds. Turned out I could. What kept me going was constantly being able to do more than I ever thought possible. Running my first half marathon this saturday, shooting for 2 hours with no walking. Previous to this june I don't think I had ever run more than a couple hundred meters at a time, at least not without near cardiac arrest...

I also have 2 small kids and work full time. I run in the morning before work and typically get up around 5, run from 5:15 - 6:15'ish. On weekends one morning I get up at 5 and go for a 1.5-2 hour run.

My wife does not like it, but she appreciates it :P

Good luck on your half!!! I'm running one Sunday too

MamaNatalie13

I downloaded the free app C25K and followed it. Then I went onto the follow up program C210K and now I am running 10 kilometers three times a week. I am 49 years old, female and used to be a smoker until a year and half ago. I was not able to run more than 100 meters without running out of breath. Last weekend I participated successfully in the Terry Fox Run here in Vancouver and I ran the 10k without a stop or problem. I have to admit...I am very proud of myself!
Stef.

That's awesome, congrats on your progress!

I've also never been a runner, I had asthma as a kid and still struggle with it sometimes but it's getting easier now that I'm stronger and exercise regularly. I just started the C25K program last night, it was great. I was tempted to go ahead and run faster/longer but I held myself back because I know I have a hard time pacing myself. I'm planning to invest in some good running shoes after I lose more weight (I stay motivated by treating myself when I reach a short term goal). Does anyone have a preference on a brand of running shoe?

BrianSharpe

I started running because I started playing soccer again and was practically dying on the pitch.....

When I started running I could barely make it around the block, I grew up hating running for the sake of running (probably too many coaches using running as punishment....) but I was determined to improve my fitness.

I started by walking 9 minutes and the running (more like a slow shuffle) for 1 minute, then waking 8 running 2 etc etc until i could run 10 minutes continuously. Much to my surprise I began to enjoy it and eventually (Fall of 2009) entered my first 5K. Since then I've gone on to half-marathons and a handful of triathlons / duathlons.

Everyone adapts at different rates, take your time and focus on aerobic capacity first and foremost and stay injury free. Most running injuries come from trying to do too much, too soon too fast.

amgreenwell

After using the elliptical for about a year I decided it was time to try the treadmill. I started there and got my endurance up enough to run a couple miles. Once I started training for a sprint triathlon I took to running oustide and now it is my favorit thing to do. I was never a "runner" growing up although I play volleyball, basketball and softball...I just never enjoyed running. Now I try to do it several times a week.
I also like biking and swimming and both have helped with my running endurance.
Good luck to you future runner!!!

r_kraft

Here are two books to look at too;

Marathoning for Mortals: A Regular Person's Guide to the Joy of Running or Walking a Half-Marathon or Marathon

Running for Mortals: A Commonsense Plan for Changing Your Life With Running

Also the C5K, 10k and 25K apps, or some of the running plans from Garmin or runkeeper are good places to start. Also DO find a locale running store, not one of the big chains, and get some advice from the staff. Most are very helpful to new runners. Start slow and build into it. Your Mind will be ready to do more than your body at times. Take time to listen to your body so you and tell when some hurts (sore or tired) and something is an injury. Sore and tired is not the same as injured.

I just added road cycling to go with my running and it has made a massive improvement.

smarionette

I started doing yoga, which helped with joint issues. At that point I wasn't concerned about weight, just moving without pain. Then I signed up for a 5k with my husband who was starting to get into running as a show of support.

As the weight came off running became a bit easier, but wasn't easy (I was probably still north of 200lbs.) That first 5k was over 40 minutes. Considering I would only train/workout at about a half hour at a time it wasn't that bad.

Somehow someone talked me into a 10 mile race the following year. I survived it and was at this point running regularly. Then came the half marathons, tough mudders, trail runs...

TL/DR; I kept at it until it became a habit.

Flab2fitfi

Another vote for Couch to 5k. Lots of different apps out there including ones that has a zombie storyline. Get good fitted shoes as you less likely to injure yourself and go out and enjoy.

SJKirk51912

Growing up I was an athelete, but never a runner. I could run and sprint a basketball court for an hour easy but tell me to run 2 miles and I'd die.

But after the sports stopped, the weight came on and I knew I needed to find an exercise that was efficient and effective. I started running by running as far as I could and then each day I would run just a little farther. It was never far in the beginning but overtime it came to be. Then later, I downloaded the C25K app and followed and completed it. I liked that method much more.

I then stopped running for years and just recently got back into it. I started C25K again but then just decided to do it on my own. I an currently trying to get up to 5 miles and then a 10K.

I run with my dogs, which makes it much more enjoyable for me. And I have discovered that running releases a lot of stress and had become my me time. I work a full time job, and have 2 step-kids half of the week. So I just work my runs around my schedule. Sometimes I only run 1 day a week on really busy days and others time its 3. But 1 run is better than none.

Finishing my first 5K was an amazing feeling. And signing up for runs is a great motivator also! I keep signing up for them now to make sure I don't slack off or stop my routine.

Runs4Wine

Why I started - I wanted to lose weight quickly in hopes of getting pregnant - it worked!
I didn't run a lick after 6th grade when I passed out during gym class from running one lap around the track.

How I started - C25K and built up from there (current max distance 1/2 Marathon)

When I run - in the AM before work outdoors. DH stays home with our son and I run. I won't find time in the evening. On weekends I "sleep in" and start running around 6 or 7am (depending on the distance and events planned for that day)

My Gear - Shoes (from a legit running store), knuckle lights during the dark morning hours & a reflective vest, iPhone in my FlibBelt playing music and my RunKeeper App

Inspiration - Races! I sign up for them to keep focused and getting up in the morning. I'm running a 5K this weekend with my 7YO, a 5K next month with my 7YO and 19.3 (10K & 1/2 in January - Star Wars Rebel Challenge @ Disney).

likitisplit

I started at 40. Heaviest I'd been in my life, exercise induced asthma, never was able to run, etc, etc.

I downloaded C25k on my phone and headed out. I've been a runner for nearly two years now, including finishing a half maration.

GiddyupTim

I do not know, really. I was 19 years or 20 years old and I realized I was a bit skinny. So, I started lifting weights. I had always been very active in sports as a youth, but I had fallen off for a few years.
The lifting led to running.
It was hard. I smoked. First, I went around my apartment building. I did that for about a week or more. Then I progressed to going around the building twice. Then it built upon itself naturally. I just wanted to go further when I could.
Around the block. That lasted for a week or so.
Down the road and back, maybe about a mile in distance. At that point, the progress started to come a bit faster.
Soon, I was up to three miles.
After a few months of that, I happened to move home to California. There is a hill there my brother used to run as a high school soccer player. I went up that hill, and up that hill again. In a bit, I was going up that hill, and up the next climb too.
That was all about 30 years ago. I have never stopped.

likitisplit

I downloaded the free app C25K and followed it. Then I went onto the follow up program C210K and now I am running 10 kilometers three times a week. I am 49 years old, female and used to be a smoker until a year and half ago. I was not able to run more than 100 meters without running out of breath. Last weekend I participated successfully in the Terry Fox Run here in Vancouver and I ran the 10k without a stop or problem. I have to admit...I am very proud of myself!
Stef.

That's awesome, congrats on your progress!

I've also never been a runner, I had asthma as a kid and still struggle with it sometimes but it's getting easier now that I'm stronger and exercise regularly. I just started the C25K program last night, it was great. I was tempted to go ahead and run faster/longer but I held myself back because I know I have a hard time pacing myself. I'm planning to invest in some good running shoes after I lose more weight (I stay motivated by treating myself when I reach a short term goal). Does anyone have a preference on a brand of running shoe?

Don't worry about what works for other people. Go to a running store and get professionally fitted.

Legs_McGee

I played sports as a kid so that involved running. And then I had a very brief resurgence in college - then I didn't run again until I was 33. I went bathing suit shopping, caught sight of myself in a threeway mirror, put the bathing suits away and bought a pair of running shoes instead. And the next day I ran.

I never followed a program - I just ran for as long as I could, stopped, gasped for air, and then when I could breath again, I'd run some more. Eventually I didn't have to stop anymore.

squirrelzzrule22

A little more each day. Even just a tiny amount. That is the trick and that is what makes running fun- challenging yourself to go a little bit further and succeeding is a wonderful feeling.

Figure out if you over or under pronate. I failed to do so and trained for a ran a half marathon with shoes that were awful for me. I crossed the finish line, looked down, and saw that I had bled through the entire front of my sneaker and couldn't even feel it! Now I don't so much as get a blister with my better shoes

stackhsc

ive heard great things about c25k, wish i had known about it when i started.
I started by walking on a treadmill that i was going to sell because we didnt use it, figured i should test it before we sold it.... i liked it, worked up from walking to walking with jogging to jogging, to jogging with running etc. Took it out doors and just do it because i enjoy it now.
I found a few groups of folks i enjoy running with and use them as motivators.
I still enjoy alone runs at times too
Make sure you have good shoes that are appropriate for you THIS IS HUGE!!!! and replace them regularly (equally important, for me its every 450-500 km)
dont push it so hard that you hurt yourself but push yourself beyond your comfort zone
most importantly HAVE FUN

sarahc001

In March 2012 I decided that I wanted to do tough Mudder for my 40th birthday. I spent four weeks doing p90x, then decided that if I could complete a half marathon I could reasonably complete TM. I scheduled the half for August, and after the month of p90x, just wanted to see what it felt like to "go jogging." I hadn't run since elementary school, having been exempt from formal physical education from middle school on due to being a competitive figure skater. I went out and did 3miles. 3 slow miles, but I did it. Two weeks later I was doing 5 but walking up two of the "big" hills. My third time trying five I was able to run the whole thing (again, slowly.) I was just astounded at how adaptable my body was, even at 39 years old.

At the half I couldn't believe how great it felt to cross that finish line, especially after one of the "veteran" runners told me that I really shouldn't be running THAT half marathon as my first, and what was I thinking...didn't I read the web site? He finished 26 seconds ahead of me.

On a more positive note I met a guy with a JFK50 shirt. I asked him what it was for, and he said "50 miles." "Over how many days?" "It's all the same day." "You're s#!++!ng me." "No, I'm not." So there was my goal for the following year- to qualify for and complete the JFK50 in November 2013. I ran my first marathon in March 2013 and entered JFK but decided to do my first 50 in June, just to see if I could.

I'm only just starting to consider myself a runner- I'm not really that fast, but I'm stubborn. I like the challenge. Now I run almost entirely on trails, and the community of local trail runners is a very special group of people. I'm a mid-back of packer and just love being out there.

atsteele

My husband was my inspiration actually. I grew up on a small dairy farm and did lots of manual labor around the farm. We would mock anyone running because who needs to run when you are doing manual labor all day long. (Not that we saw too many runners, mind you.) So anyway fast forward to meeting my husband after college: I was about 26/27 years old. We met and started dating. He worked out and ran religiously at that time. (And still does BTW.) So I said to him one day, Boy, I'd love to run. He says, Well, why don't you start? I said, Well, honestly, I don't think that I have the right body type for that sort of thing. And he says (and I'll never forget this): What are you talking about? "Anyone can run!" So I started running. That was 20 years ago.

bwogilvie

I did it, back in the 90s, with guidance from Jeff Galloway, in Galloway's Book on Running. It's still in print (2nd edition) and he is still helping a new generation of runners.

Couch to 5K is also great, but Galloway has lots of useful advice on training, dealing with injuries, pacing, etc. There are other books, too.

If you find you hate running, though, don't force yourself to continue. Quiet country roads are also great for cycling, walking, rollerblading, etc.

runforestrun35

I literally started by running from one light post to another... Then walk to the next one ...etc, and slowly ran two light posts and walked one.... That was 4+ years ago and I haven't stopped since.... As far as time, you need to figure out if you want to get up and workout early before you need to start your day, or later or even at lunch time.... Make the time, you will be so glad you did it for yourself!!! Good luck to you!!! ????