how to get the courage to go running? :(

mikeyrp

ok, i have a question. i just finished my first day of C25K. Is it normal for your shins to ache during and after? it isn't my calf muscles aching, it is my shins.

Normal - yes - good - no - what you have is shin splints and its really common - its caused by 'heal strike' which is basically the impact from when the heal hits the ground. Look here for more, good information

http://www.webmd.boots.com/fitness-exercise/shin-splints


There are a few things you can do to prevent this.

1) Invest in a good set of trainers. Trainers only last 400 odd miles and if you are a regular runner that is only 4-6 months. They never look or feel like they are worn out until you try running in your new pair!

2) There are running techniques which reduce heal strike - I am personally a fan of 'Chi Running' but there are lots of good books and website out there which offer alternatives. The main thing is this - try an land in the middle of your foot - not your heal!

Generally after I start to get them I have a few days rest, take some ibuprofen, ice pack, hot bath... sorts itself out in no time

LorinaLynn

I have never looked at someone who is running and thought something negative.

I'm another gross sweaty person, but I have to admit there was a time I thought something negative. :blushing: It was about 90F, and I was just finishing my cooldown walk, and saw some guy was running in a sauna suit. I thought, "Dude is CRAAAAAA-ZEEEEEE!!!!!"

rileysowner

I have not read the whole thread, but think of it this way. Who cares if a bunch of people who are sitting on their butt most of the time and gaining weight see you sweaty and working at getting healthy. They should probably be out there doing the same thing.

Emily4H

I actually walked for 6 months first - I was walking like 25 miles a week and pushing my time each week. One day I just decided to run, not for distance - for time. I ran for 30 minutes, hell I had been walking for 90 many days. I was amazed how easy it was. And thats how I started running.

Sadie98072

I have never looked at someone who is running and thought something negative.

I'm another gross sweaty person, but I have to admit there was a time I thought something negative. :blushing: It was about 90F, and I was just finishing my cooldown walk, and saw some guy was running in a sauna suit. I thought, "Dude is CRAAAAAA-ZEEEEEE!!!!!"

lol yeah that is pretty crazy. Dehydration would have to be an issue in that case wouldnt it?

kburns0709

I agree with the couch to 5 k people! I started that program and im going to have to repeat the first week, but there is no way that you can look more disgusting when you run than i do! i promise the only thing people think about when they see someone running is how they wish they were in better shape and how they need to run

pumpkinmoccasin

I love seeing people out for a run. I think "Wow, how motivated they must be to get outside and do that!" because I'm just not to the point where I can make it very far even at a light jog. I love to go out and walk and I wear my exercise clothes and dorky hand me down tennis shoes, so honestly what's the difference? I need to get over it too, I'm with ya!

jojospero

I agree with everyone! Just do it! Put on your iPod and go! I've been running for a few years. Try to have a goal to run a 5k to motivate you. It's a great feeling crossing that finish line! You'll be proud of yourself!

pitbullmama

bump

runningathena

Couch to 5K... best way to start out slow and easy so you don't get hurt early on and hate running forever!

I started out doing very little and now I'm training for my second marathon. I used to hate running and now it's a huge part of who I am.... but I love the junk food too much

YOU CAN DO IT! There is a great community out there waiting to meet you. Races are so much fun and runners are generally really nice, laid-back people!

ocnldy

Thanks for everyone posting. I enjoy running but get burned out easily. I am excited to try the C25K myself, will start day on wednesday morning

2hdesign

I did couch to 5k last year and it worked like a charm! Once I'm through my surgery recovery, I plan to use it again.

I also second going out early in the morning - most neighborhoods it's a ghost town and if you do see someone, they are likely to smile at you, knowing you're doing something good for yourself!

MereMe

Do C25K! You can download the app on a smartphone. It times you and counts down to when you should walk or jog. It starts out slow and works up to running. You mostly walk and jog and can speed up to running when you are ready. You can do it! I have not even jogged in the past 15 years (and NEVER have been a runner at all!) and I think the program is fabulous! I wirkout on a treadmill so that I can see how fast I am walking and jogging and can "sweat in private". Lots of great success stories with Couch to 5K and I plan on being one of them! Best wishes to you!