How to become a "Runner"

marthalgutierrez92
marthalgutierrez92 Posts: 62 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've always had this desire to become a runner,

I've seen people on the treadmill run for such a long time and it looks so fun!

At the moment i'm probably too big, but when more weight does come off.

How do I begin building that stamina?

Will I ever get there?

My first goal is to be able to run a whole mile without stopping, I could never accomplish that
not even in jr. high.

I want to prove to myself that I can do it.

Thank you!

Replies

  • soxobsessed
    soxobsessed Posts: 130 Member
    what helped me get started was the C25K app, and I am one who could never ever run a mile in school so I started from nothing
  • throoper
    throoper Posts: 351 Member
    Try the couch to 5k program - everyone seems to really swear by it. I think you can probably start even right now, just take it nice and slow.

    And just fyi, in my world, running on a treadmill is NEVER fun! I'm a runner (6 half marathons, etc) but ugh, treadmill running just gets really boring to me. Those ones with a personal TV you can watch are ok. But running outside around neighborhoods or up and down trails - THAT is fun!!
  • A_Dabauer
    A_Dabauer Posts: 212 Member
    Lots of apps that take you from walking to running :)

    Basics of most of them is walk for an extended interval (like 3 minutes or so) then run for 30 seconds, and repeat for half hour.

    Over time you decrease the amount of walking and increase the running.

    Apps are great as they do the timing for you,
  • dimple_gal
    dimple_gal Posts: 139 Member
    what helped me get started was the C25K app, and I am one who could never ever run a mile in school so I started from nothing

    ^^^This. Every week I am amazed that I can push myself to run a little longer.
  • newhealthykim
    newhealthykim Posts: 192 Member
    Couch 2 5K for sure. I'm competely hooked, and I'm not even through the program already. However, I do recommend that you have a good walking base first. I was walking 3.5 mph for 40 minutes 2 times a week for months before I started.
  • throoper
    throoper Posts: 351 Member
    Also: this thread called "So you want to start running"

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running
  • oneloopygirl
    oneloopygirl Posts: 151 Member
    Go read this OP on this thread:

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

    It is hands-down one of the best "intros to running" I think I've ever seen. I run, run regularly and had been for quite a while when I saw this thread on MFP. She put a lot of time into the post and it's great. I can't recommend much beyond what she says...

    Good luck. I love running and it's a great form of exercise. :)
  • IsaCaliBel
    IsaCaliBel Posts: 99 Member
    I used to look at runners like that also.
    It always seem so fun, running at parks, the beach, bays, at the gym. I was jealous, I wanted to run like that!
    I weighed about 215 lbs or so when I first attempted to run. I used the Couch to 5k program. I was very slow and it wasn't fun, LOL. My legs burned, I struggled to breathe, everything jiggled. I had to repeat some of the weeks on that program but I kept at it. Eventually I finished it and did my first 5k race. I was very slow but I finished it, and was super happy!

    I'm now training for my first 10k race in a month, very excited about. Oh yeah.... the pain and struggles do go away! I really enjoy running now, I can easily enjoy a good 3 mile run! Take your time, take it slow, and stretch!!!

    73529108.png
  • medlaura
    medlaura Posts: 282 Member
    How to become a runner?

    You just RUN, it doesn't matter how fast or low you go.
    Go at a pace that feel comfortable for you and build your endurance little by little.
    :flowerforyou:
  • SJKirk51912
    SJKirk51912 Posts: 176 Member
    How to become a runner:

    1) Lace up shoes
    2) Put one foot in front of another at a faster pace than a walk
    3) BOOM - you're a runner!

    Seriously though I get where you are coming from. And in the beginning it can be somewhat intimidating. But believe me, you are never too big to run! (Unless told my a Dr. not to run.) I started running when I was 285 lbs. It was painful, yes. But after the first couple weeks the pain went away. I originally started running as far as I could. And the next day I would try to run a little farther. That method worked well enough and I ran reguarly, not sure how far though. Then after a break I got back into it with C25K, which I recommend. Now I run at my own pace, distance, length and I've seen improvements with that too.

    Anyone an be a runner! Good luck!
  • marthalgutierrez92
    marthalgutierrez92 Posts: 62 Member
    Hahahaa, thank you all for such great responses. I appreciate it.

    I just downloaded the app :D
  • fit_at_fifty
    fit_at_fifty Posts: 56 Member
    I did the C25K although I never finished it because like previously mentioned I started going at my own pace and distance but it is a great tool for doing exactly what it says and that is getting people off that couch ;) start with fast walking, the more you do of that out in the open fresh air the more you want to do. Good luck and well done on your 17lb loss :)

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