Running out of excuses...

Sweetlux

Okay this IS an excuse, but I’ve convinced myself that since I am 5’2” that I am incapable of running (due to my stubby legs)! I have always wanted to be a runner, in 6th grade I was the 2nd fastest girl in the whole school which was so amazing to me but it was a sprint and I was fast at a shorter distance. I really want to start running long distances, how do I go about doing this? My other excuse is that I am afraid someone is going to kidnap and kill me while I am out jogging by my self! Wow I am full of excuses! Sooooo…Does anyone have any advice for a wannabe runner with stubby legs and an irrational fear of being murdered?

music_lover_103

actually, many people think that an ideal runner must be short. so your stubby legs are just a reason you should run, not a reason you shouldnt. : )

also, carry a cell phone with you if you're afraid, or run through neighborhoods or open (not wooded) parks. if none of that works, get a freaking can of mace. take self defense. and for heavens sake, just go run!

Mindful_Trent

Being short is definitely not a valid excuse! I'm not that much taller (5' 3.5") and recently ran a 10k.
All I can suggest is that you just start! i recommend C25K as a great starter program - you can find podcasts and apps if you look for them with "C25K" - it's an interval program that slowly helps you work up to running longer distances.

As far as the being murdered thing - make sure you're running when it's light out, in a location you consider safe. Have your cellphone with you and tell someone where you'll be. Don't let fear of the improbable get in the way of things you want to do.

MrsCon40

... I am afraid someone is going to kidnap and kill me while I am out jogging by my self! ...

I'd suggest a better neighborhood ... or way better excuses

FitJoani

actually, many people think that an ideal runner must be short. so your stubby legs are just a reason you should run, not a reason you shouldnt. : )

also, carry a cell phone with you if you're afraid, or run through neighborhoods or open (not wooded) parks. if none of that works, get a freaking can of mace. take self defense. and for heavens sake, just go run!

'
or run with a dog. there have been studies where people who ran with dogs deterred any would be attackers just because of the dog.

Sweetlux

I work for a sheriff's dept. and I know the awful things that happen to ppl. especially those who think they are safe! I used to walk a lot and I always carry mace and a phone, and usually take my dog, although she probably would just run away if it came down to it. I was partially kidding about the whole kidnapped/murdered/stubby legs thing I really just wanted to know what I should do to start. I am totally athletic, always have been but I just can't seem to run at length!!!! I've seen ppl mention the whole C25k thing I have never looked into it. That may be a start for me. I have no idea how to use a podcast though????

CakeFit21

DESIREE DAVILA who came in second at the Boston Marathon In April and was the top American woman finisher is 5'2"

fteale

Runners usually are short. Stop making excuses and just get out there. I did and it was the best thing I did last year.

lclarkjr

Start out slow and gradually increase distance over time to build running endurance. The Couch to 5K/10K etc. programs are good for beginning runners to help them build up to being able to run 30+ minutes non-stop. They use run/walk intervals to build you up to your goal.

Sweetlux

DESIREE DAVILA who came in second at the Boston Marathon In April and was the top American woman finisher is 5'2"

Nice! I am definitely going to start training. I have an ipod but how do I do a podcast, wait what is a podcast? yes I live under a rock.

aippolito1

I'm 5'4" and have a long torso so I too have short legs. I've been running intervals off and on (as in, going a few weeks to a couple months without running) for about a year and a half now. I love it! I run early in the morning or during the afternoon. I got a RoadID (roadid.com) that has emergency contact information, my name, says I don't have allergies so if something DOES happen, they know who to contact (sister or bf). I also always have my phone on me just in case I get injured but am able to call 9-1-1 or get kidnapped and they don't realize I have a phone on me, haha!

No more excuses, you can do it! Don't feel safe? Bring a buddy.

CakeFit21

DESIREE DAVILA who came in second at the Boston Marathon In April and was the top American woman finisher is 5'2"

Nice! I am definitely going to start training. I have an ipod but how do I do a podcast, wait what is a podcast? yes I live under a rock.

I used this app on my ipod. I loved it.

http://www.c25kapp.com/

Sweetlux

Thank you Karin I wrote that down!

Sweetlux

Thanks ppl! I think I am going to take my stubby legs for a test run this weekend! Along with my mace, phone, ipod, and my dog; whose name is Luxie...which is where I got the name sweet lux.

UpToAnyCool

Okay this IS an excuse, but I’ve convinced myself that since I am 5’2” that I am incapable of running (due to my stubby legs)!

Of course, you don't have to run if you don't want to :laugh: , but just wanted to point out that amazing ultramarathoner Ann Trason is 5'-4" and Boston champ / Gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson measures in at 5'-3".

I'm 5'-0 1/4" and I don't worry too much about my short legs - I'm not competing against anyone except myself!

Run safe, though! And remember to have fun...if you aren't enjoying it, then maybe running isn't your thing...

Heather75

That is one lame excuse...

cmriverside

C25K - podcasts.....

You don't have to use the podcast, all it does is prompt you on timing. You start with interval run / walk. You can use a timer, a watch, or you can just estimate (like thirty steps is about 30 seconds).

Don't worry about the podcasts so much. When I started the C25K I didn't use any technical assitance. It worked fine. Don't get all hung up on being a perfectionist. Just run.

RyvreTam

Apps, podcasts, and a water backpack is how I started running. I haven't been doing it very long, but I can't run with out all of these things.

I use Adidas's miCoach app. I haven't looked into C25K because I already had this one. miCoach has a ton of programs depending on why you want to run. It's gps based to tell you if you're going too fast or slow (there is a test to set your personal pace). I recently finished "Learn to Run" and have started "Run a 5k". I can run for 20 minutes straight, something I had always thought I would never do, or want to do.

I can't say I love running, but I love my podcasts, which I will only listen to when I run or walk. It is like talk radio, or listening to friends sitting around talking, but on the subject you choose. In iTunes, there is a section in the store for podcasts. You can browse, or Google the subject you want to hear + podcast to find out which ones people think are best and search them in iTunes. Then you subscribe, which will update your iTunes when a new show is published.

Lastly, my water backpack. The popular brand is Camelback, but I have the Costco version. I love this thing. I hate carrying a water bottle, even when walking. Plus, I drink tons of water so it would have to be a really big bottle. The backpack has a sealed pouch inside and a tube coming out of it. Mine is lined to keep it cold, has a bunch of loops to place the tube in a good spot, and tons of pockets. It also has some nice straps for holding it in place when I run. AND bonus, the extra weight for more of a workout. I never leave the house on foot with out it.

Side note: My Blackberry is basically attached to my hand, I have really depended on it for all the tools I use for my weight loss and love to talk about it. If I can help anyone set theirs up for their journey, feel free to message me.

Sweetlux

That is one lame excuse...

This is one lame reply!

Sweetlux

Okay, once again thank you to those of you who were very helpful! I found a running partner and I start training monday!!! hopefully I like it

12by311

Okay, once again thank you to those of you who were very helpful! I found a running partner and I start training monday!!! hopefully I like it

I don't have anything else to add other than ease yourself into longer distances. Don't go out and try to do 3 miles right off the bat....you may get frustrated and give up. You can do it! It's so addictive

arc918

Get out there!

Other safety tip (assuming you are running on the streets) - ditch the ipod so you can see and hear traffic.

Sweetlux

I can tell by your marathon list that we live pretty near one another. Maybe I will sign up for one with you one day:)

Sweetlux

I can tell by your marathon list that we live pretty near one another. Maybe I will sign up for one with you one day:)

Jenscan

Ok, you know what? I think you're cool because you came on here, admitted you had excuses, and now you're taking it on. Way to go - and best of luck! I jogged a bit for the first time the other day myself. Just enjoy!

CakeFit21

So, did you go run???

TourThePast

Nice! I am definitely going to start training. I have an ipod but how do I do a podcast, wait what is a podcast? yes I live under a rock.

What people are calling "podcasts" are music mixes that you download and put on your ipod in just the same way that you put all your other music on there.

The only difference is that these tracks are about half an hour long each, and the music for each week changes every time you go from walk to run, at the right times for the intervals for that week.

So, nothing complicated at all, and nothing you aren't already doing with your other music.

Sweetlux

I did it!!! I ran my little heart out for thirty minutes! I felt so amazing and I covered about 3 miles plus 5 min. warm-up and cool down! I did great up untill the last 8 minutes or so my side started hurting but I pushed through the pain. Grrrr! I was a little slow. It may even be considered a jog. but I don't care I DID IT!!! can't wait for wednesday for my next run!

CakeFit21

Congratulations!!! We all knew you, (and your short little legs!) could do it!
Welcome to the world of running!

RyvreTam

I did it!!! I ran my little heart out for thirty minutes! I felt so amazing and I covered about 3 miles plus 5 min. warm-up and cool down! I did great up untill the last 8 minutes or so my side started hurting but I pushed through the pain. Grrrr! I was a little slow. It may even be considered a jog. but I don't care I DID IT!!! can't wait for wednesday for my next run!

Congratulations! Sometimes on the weekends I don't even wait for my "next" run. I just go out again a couple hours later!

MissKim

I work for a sheriff's dept. and I know the awful things that happen to ppl. especially those who think they are safe! I used to walk a lot and I always carry mace and a phone, and usually take my dog, although she probably would just run away if it came down to it. I was partially kidding about the whole kidnapped/murdered/stubby legs thing I really just wanted to know what I should do to start. I am totally athletic, always have been but I just can't seem to run at length!!!! I've seen ppl mention the whole C25k thing I have never looked into it. That may be a start for me. I have no idea how to use a podcast though????

I have the app for c25k on my phone, i'm thinking about checking it out. i too am short with chubby legs as far the the fear thing though, just run where you feel comfortable or get a friend to do it with you. and carry some mase