How to Start Running

Jackie9950

I know this might sound silly to others but my goal has always been to be able to get up in the morning and go for a 30 or 45 minute run. I haven't been able to run since high school and I just stopped trying. Might sound like a dumb quesdtion but what is the best way to work up to running, how long do you think it will take to get to that point, and hs anyone went from sedentary to running before. I would love to hear your stories. Thanks!

kate0309

Definitely try the Couch to 5K program.

http://www.c25k.com/

It's amazing how you can go from barely being able to run for 1 min to running 30 min straight. Good luck!

LenaNicole15

Bump!

abigailhutch

Have you looked into doing the C25K? It's "couch to 5k" and its a cool run program that you can download free playlists....It starts with walking & jogging and each week you increase your run time a little more so that in the end you can run a 5k! Its super cool!

Nigelmouse

I'll second the couch to 5k programme, it's got me running 5k multiple times a week and when I started I couldn't run for more than a minute.

carolinedb

Couch-to-5K! It's awesome, and definitely worked for me!

hemd1234

look for the app called "couch to 5 k".. it has an awesome program that you can print out. google it. I've known people to use this and go from not being able to walk a 5 k to running one!
It starts off very basic and increases just a little every day...

vanessaclarkgbr

Another recommendation for C25K here too!

pinstripepirate

I second C25K. I've never been a runner in my life, and I'm on week 7 of the program now (meaning I can run for 25 minutes straight! That's a huge accomplishment for me). Stick with it, you can do it!

patricac

Someone posted it, but the C25K program is wonderful. I went from never running in my entire life, to running a 5K non-stop. I used to hate running. I am now training for a half-marathon. Love the program, I don't think I would've gotten to running without it.

DanOhh

Ditto on C25K

CallieDerenthal

i am NOT a runner... hated it even when i was a kid! but i started the C25K program last week and it seems to be working great so far. the thing i like best is that it's really easing me in, giving me small goals to work toward.

MJH2011

I agree.. C25K really does work. They have apps to help as well or you can just follow the program. In no time you will be there!

Faintgreeneyes

I didn't do a Couch to 5k program when I started running, but it is a really great tool! I honestly just got on a treadmill and ran at a comfortable speed until I felt like I couldn't, and then I would walk at a nice pace to keep my heart rate up. I then just continued to try and add a little more distance every time I got on, until I was doing a solid 30-40 mins.

Intervals are great, run for 1 min, walk for 4 min (which is what the C25k does) and build up your stamina that way. You can do it!! Once you get your lungs and legs in good shape, its really a mental game after that! Good Luck!

u2fergus

Definitely try the Couch to 5K program.

http://www.c25k.com/

It's amazing how you can go from barely being able to run for 1 min to running 30 min straight. Good luck!

Yes, this! I never thought I'd be able to run and now I can. I can't say enough nice things about C25K.

momma3sweetgirls

One foot in front of the other! I've heard good things about C25K, but never did it myself. I'm too impatient! I just ran. I'd never been a runner and managed about 19 minutes the first time I ran. I'm sure it was at a snail's pace, but I kept my feet moving. Each time I just tried to beat my last time.

Angie80281

I've heard great things about C25k, but I've never tried it myself. I myself went from hating running to training for a half marathon, so trust me, it's possible. The best advice I was ever given was to take it slow. You should be able to hold a conversation when your un, at least at first. If you can't you're going too fast. If that means you run a 20 minute mile, so be it. If you do too much too fast, you'll burn out and end up hating it. Also, make sure you have the right equipment... good shoes, water, hat/visor/sunglasses. Don't let external factors ruin your run.

qkiley

Just graduated C25k this past weekend. I have never been considered a runner, ever. C25k is a fantastic program!

alliefairy

I've recently started running and this is my favorite article:

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Learn-to-Run-in-4-Simple-Steps.htm

Hope this helps!

Jconner30

First... Go to a running store and have someone watch you walk. If you pronate, supinate or have a neutral stride, their are shoes that accomidate each type. DONT just go down to a shoe store and get a pair of shoes that say RUNNING SHOES - you will get shin splints and f' your feet up!!!

The three major brands of marathon running shoes are: Brooks, Sauceny, New Balance, and Mizuno. I know I may be leaving a couple of the other brands out. I LOVE the Brooks shoes! LOVE them! They offer the best cushoning and I have not had shin splints ONCE!!!

As per getting up early, I would recommend you get something with a blinking light so that cars can see you. I went down to Academy and got a red light that uses a AAA battery. It was in the bicycle section.

Start out by walking a mile with occational running. Keep at it until you can do it w/o stopping then increase your distance! Dont be afraid to walk because eventually, you will be able to run 4... 5... 6 and beyond w/o stopping.

I have heard great things from C25K program, I never used it - I just started out walking with occational running in the mix. Also, try out the website: http://www.mapmyrun.com - you can create routes and log your time.

I started in April of this year running and on Nov 13th, I am running my first marathon! San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon - 26.2 miles

mamafrahm

Definitely try the Couch to 5K program.

http://www.c25k.com/

It's amazing how you can go from barely being able to run for 1 min to running 30 min straight. Good luck!

This!

richardholt2011

I loathe running - but want to get to a state where i can do it, even if i choose not to! My advice would be to start in a gym (a cheap one!) and do a few minutes on a treadmill, then gradually build up until you can do half an hour slowly, then gradually faster. That gives you a safe environment in which to progress. At the moment i am concentrating on using an exercise bike - will progress to running later on perhaps

WilliamsPeggy

Intervals. jog 2 min./walk 2 min. Then increase your jogging time by 1 min. but keep your walking time the same until you are up to run 8min./walk 2min. intervals. You can do it. Good luck & enjoy your workouts!

taem

I started walking in April. I walked a mile a day and then increased it as I felt comfortable. I started buying apps (C25K, nike plus, HRM) and you know, I didn't need any of that. Your determination to walk/jog and a good pair of runners is what you need, period. As Nike says, just do it and you'll be fine. I lost over 60 pounds now and when I go for my walks (I still walk), I don't bother using my nike apps or gps watch or hrm. I could have saved money. If you really want to start jogging, there are plenty of free online methods and techniques, I would look them up and try it if you really want to.

Good luck to you (and save your money).

indianaangel

I am currently doing the C25K program and am about to start week 2 tomorrow. Feel free to add me as your friend and we can keep in touch with our progress! You can find free programs on iTunes for you iPod that include music that changes every time you should walk/run. I really like mine!

kendrafallon

:bigsmile: I'll join the rest , C25k - it's how I started

wareagle8706

Amen. Couch to 5k best way to go!

tmtolbert

i have heard awesome things about the couch to 5k program, but i actually like to use hal higdon's training schedules. he has one called 30/30 which i did to start and then moved up to the 5k program and actually finished a 5k on saturday in 31 minutes! i have heard that jeff halloway has great training schedules too and incorporates walking breaks as a part of his running plans.

shonasteele

love couch 2 5k! and remember, baby steps! go at your own pace, don't feel like you have to be going fast to be doing your body good. do what you can and keep plugging away. the benefits are SO worth it! my confidence and mood have improved greatly since i started running because i feel empowered and proud of myself! good luck - you'll love it!

A_New_Horizon

Toally agree with the others - C25K. I have NEVER been a runner not even in high school. I started the C25K and now I love to run. Now, I haven't been able to do it because of the change in weather/season. It gets dark too quickly for me to run right now, but I will start again in the spring/summer. I will probably start with the C25K Program again. You can do it!! I am living proof of it. It is a 9 weeks program that goes from the couch to running a 5K. Best of luck to you.

newvictoria

HIi,
I will have to check out the C25K, sounds very cool.
My story is I had not been able to run since a car accident in the 80's, then my health fell apart.

Just start out slow. I walked first, always increasing my pace/distance. My fitness regimen consisted mostly of biking, weights and hiking. When i decided to add running, I initially would walk , then would run for a minute or so, then longer until I could run for 15 - 20 minutes, before I knew it, I was able to keep a nice pace for half an hour. You will too. Good luck girl.