When should I try to start running?

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I joined a local gym at the end of March. I've been going at least 4 days a week and I do 40 minutes of elliptical and 40 minutes of the treadmill. I just walk the treadmill but I want to start burning up more calories. I've never ran, I have good shoes, no physical or health problems but for some reason I am scared to start. Any advice?

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  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
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    I did it by gradually working my way up speed-wise. There will come a point where you can't even fast walk anymore because it'll be too fast. I started slowly jogging at that point and just kept pushing myself til I was running.
  • HealthyEscape
    HealthyEscape Posts: 255
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    Try Couch 2 5K. It;s a great easy start for new runners. I am doing it and love it!
    http://www.c25k.com/
  • LovelySnugs
    LovelySnugs Posts: 389
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    couch to 5k. it's a good way to sort of break your way in slowly.

    http://www.c25k.com/
  • fuzzymel
    fuzzymel Posts: 400 Member
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    Intervals are a great way to start.
  • smuehlbauer
    smuehlbauer Posts: 1,041 Member
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    Nike says it best - just do it!

    You don't need a program. Just run. When your tired stop. Next time try to go longer.
  • MindyC7609
    MindyC7609 Posts: 33 Member
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    Try Couch 2 5K. It;s a great easy start for new runners. I am doing it and love it!
    http://www.c25k.com/

    +1

    Totally would have been my recommendation to you too. Good luck! I used to hate running, and I just did my 3rd half marathon, so you NEVER know what you can accomplish! :o)
  • SoFancySoBlessed
    SoFancySoBlessed Posts: 224 Member
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    BEFORE I STARTED RUNNING I DID POWER WALK FIRST JUST TO GET MY HEART PUMPING.....I WORK FOR AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON AND HE SUGGESTED TO POWER WALK FOR 3 MINUTES AND RUN FOR 1 MINUTE, ALTERNATE THE TWO, JUST TO BUILD UP YOUR STRENGTH AND GET YOUR KNEES USED TO IT. I HAVE BEEN RUNNING EVER SINCE :bigsmile: DONT TRY TO OVER-DO IT SO SOON OUT THE GATE, TAKE YOUR TIME!!!! :happy: HAVE FUN!!!!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
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    Look up the Couch to 5k plan. www.c25k.com

    It's a guideline for beginners to start running. The first week, you run one minute, then walk for 90 seconds, and repeat 8 times. The next week, you run a little longer, then a little longer, and longer until you're able to run for a half hour.

    It works and it's awesome. :smile: I started in December on the treadmill, and I'm able to run more than 5 miles now, training for a 10k in July.
  • chrisyoung0422
    chrisyoung0422 Posts: 426 Member
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    Nike says it best - just do it!

    You don't need a program. Just run. When your tired stop. Next time try to go longer.

    Fully agree! It worked great for me and now I am up to 5+ miles in a clip. :bigsmile:
  • lynnmarie60
    lynnmarie60 Posts: 325
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    I can't stand running but it burns some good calories so I start off jogging then get into a run.
  • McGruber03
    McGruber03 Posts: 113
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    I am 33 years old, became a 'runner' in December of 2008 and have ran 3 marathons, 3 half marathons and some shorter races. I am 5'6", 155 lbs (not skinny, actually at the high end of a normal BMI). I already exercised, but I wanted to do more. I started running 1/2 mile, then went up in 1/2 mile increments, then mile increments. It took me 10 months to train and complete my first marathon, but it took me an entire 3 months to get to 3 miles. So, my advice as a novice runner (who is still very slow, but can do a long distance) is to start low and go slow. Don't try to start with 3 miles...start with 1/2 mile and go from there. Listen to your body and quit when you are in pain. Good luck!:happy:
  • lisapickering
    lisapickering Posts: 374
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    Nike says it best - just do it!

    You don't need a program. Just run. When your tired stop. Next time try to go longer.

    Agreed!! Just do it!
  • TankGirl71
    TankGirl71 Posts: 241 Member
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    Scared of what? Put your sneaks on and get your fanny outside. Walk for 2 minutes, then do a slow jog until you get uncomfortable. Walk it off. Lather, rinse, repeat. Before you know it, you'll be doing a mile without stopping. And then two. And then a 5K. C'mon, it's like pulling off a bandaid. Just do it!
    I look like a wounded wildebeest when I run, but I still get out there and do it several x a week.
  • jessica05h
    jessica05h Posts: 17
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    I'm a product of the C25K myself. I hated running before I started the program and now I am averaging between 10 and 15 miles a week. The program tells you when to run and when to walk and before you realize it you're running a full 5K. Once you are able to run this distance I doubt the elliptical will be a big enough challenge. I've stopped working out on the elliptical altogether because I do not find it as good of a workout as running. GOOD LUCK!!
  • TankGirl71
    TankGirl71 Posts: 241 Member
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    OMG, I didn't realize you were British. I shouldn't have said fanny. OMG I said it again! I didn't mean what you think I meant! :-)
  • MrsM1ggins
    MrsM1ggins Posts: 724 Member
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    wounded wildebeest

    :laugh: That's a good one. :laugh:
  • MrsM1ggins
    MrsM1ggins Posts: 724 Member
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    OMG, I didn't realize you were British. I shouldn't have said fanny. OMG I said it again! I didn't mean what you think I meant! :-)
    To be honest she'll have difficulty if she tries to leave it at home, so you weren't wrong when you said she needs to take it outside...
  • bubblybabeuk
    bubblybabeuk Posts: 216 Member
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    Hi I am from England too, go to itunes and download NHS Couch to 5k podcasts, they are free!!! I have just started Week 2 and I can tell you they are fab , you are talked through the whole thing with encouragement and tips. Make sure you have some good fitting running shoes and go for it!

    Mandy x
  • redfroggie
    redfroggie Posts: 591 Member
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    I look like a wounded wildebeest when I run, but I still get out there and do it several x a week.

    OMG I almost spit my coffee out! And as for the fanny comment I grew up in the US and just moved to the UK so I got exactly what you meant LOL. You should of seen the look on the shop girls face when we were in London at a gift shop and I asked if they sold fanny packs. Priceless I tell ya!

    Ok I will check out the C25K stuff, thanks everyone. I may just put it on my ipod today!
  • redfroggie
    redfroggie Posts: 591 Member
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    To be honest she'll have difficulty if she tries to leave it at home, so you weren't wrong when you said she needs to take it outside...

    You have a valid point here! LOL