RUNNERS...I need ALL the advice you can give me!!!

neverstray

I'm reading some things, and I have to say something, because I hear similar things from my friends about working out. It might sound a little bit harsh, but it's not intended that way.

You really have to not be wimpy, and just sort of think of yourself as a badass, and get over it.

OK, I said it. But, it's true. Working out, no matter what you are doing, should be hard. It should be difficult. You should struggle and it should be difficult. Otherwise, you're not really working out.

I'm going to say something else that might seem a bit cruel, but again, it's not meant that way, it just is what it is. Walking is not working out. I think it's great that people are moving. And, with the way I run, I can feel my feet and knees giving out, and one day, I'm not going to be able to do this anymore, and I'll probably be a walker. So, I'm not saying it's totally bad, but it isn't really a workout, per se. It's just walking. Walking is easy and anyone can do it. Running takes more effort. Yes, you'll be out of breath. Yes, it will be hard. You might even break a sweat...OMG!

OK, that's all kind of giving you a hard time. But, seriously, working out is supposed to be hard. LOL. If you've ever worked out with a trainer, they'll kick your freaking @$$. That's why people go to them. And, the good ones push you past where you would normally stop. That's a good thing. Again, that's why people hire trainers.

So, be a badass. Get out there. Push yourself. Sweat. Breathe hard. Make that body work!

tebumgarner

Number one tip I always give new runner is to slow down! When I first started running, I thought it was some sort of weakness to walk. What I didn't figure out until I got a GPS watch is that I had to walk because I was going way too fast. I slowed down, and my runs got much longer. Speed will come later. If you get to the point where you want to stop or can't breath, you definitely went out too fast. That's how you should feel at the end of a race, not during a workout run.

Good luck! Running is a great burn!

ball858

I started running last year and since I have completed 5km / 10km and 1/2 marathons

Start off small in 5 min intervals for 30 min:

1 min run - 4 min walk
1.5 min run - 3.5 min walk
2 min run - 3 min walk

and so on until you can run 30 min without stopping.

Set yourself goals, ie.. book yourself on a 5km race (Race for life is great as lots of people) and have something to aim for.
I am doing the same at the moment as I have just come back from injury and have a 10km race booked for 25th Mar and a 1/2 marathon in Sept.

Good luck

CarrieAbbey

I didn't see this and it helps me alot. When you are breathing exhale when you step down on your left foot. When I do this I don't get the stitch in my side (that we all know is extremely painful). It takes a while to get the rhythm but once you do the pain goes away. My daughter (12 years old) enjoys running and runs with me and a track and field group in town. I taught her this technique and she never gets a stitch in her side so she is now teaching her running partners this.

Also, enjoy running outside when you can. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing how far you've run on a map.

Good luck.

mstemen

You really have to not be wimpy, and just sort of think of yourself as a badass, and get over it.

So, be a badass. Get out there. Push yourself. Sweat. Breathe hard. Make that body work!

I agree with this. I used to hate running in high school but have actually grown to love it. Take it slow. I average a 12 minute mile or 5mph and can easily run 3 miles in 36 minutes without being winded at all. Breathe in deep from your gut. It takes time to build endurance so each time you run try going a little further each time. When you can run a mile try pushing for a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half. When you feel like your legs are going to fall off push just a little harder. Before you know it you will be able to run a few miles at a time with no problem.

Deedsie

I don't know if someone has already said this but I would add to get a good pair of running shoes and running socks. I used the aero socks (which are kind of pricey) but I don't want to worry about my feet or ankles getting really sore while running. I also agree with starting slow. A lot of people start out running at about a 8 minute mile pace and they cannot maintain that for more than a few minutes because they have not built up their stamina. It is better to slow it down a bit and run longer so you can build endurance. Once that starts to feel easy then you can slowly start to speed up.

Here is what I do when preparing for a race. I run more miles when I don't have a head wind or extreme temperatures. I run outside if at all possible because I don't pay attention on a treadmill and don't work very hard.

Week 1: Running 12 minute miles, Run 2-4 miles every other day.
Week 2: Running 11 minute miles, Run 3-5 miles every other day.
Week 3: Running 10 minute miles, Run 2-4 miles every other day.
Week 4: Running 9 minute miles, Run 3-5 miles every other day.
Week 5: Running 8 minute miles, Run 2-4 miles every other day.
Week 6: Running 8 minute miles, Run 3-5 miles every other day.

I have a hard time dropping below 8 minute miles so I have added in strength on my days off from cardio so hopefully, I can drop down to below 8 minutes per mile. The minutes per mile is an average. I tend to be a slow starter strong finisher, so my last mile or two are typically faster than my first mile or two.

scentexpress

Not advice as such, but I'll teach you the runner's prayer:

God, if you'll pick 'em up, I'll put 'em down.

Enjoy!

I absolutely love it! Feel free to add me & share your wisdom...I'll need all the prayers & mantra's I can get. Thank you.

crzyone

I started jogging a few months ago.....modifying the Cto5K....but was running on soft/grassy surface. I was excited to be able to jog a little. The first time I ran on pavement I hurt my heel and it has not healed yet. I'm hoping to see a podiatrist soon......I fear I have a fracture.....so, I'm not done well at it. Hope you all fair better than I did.

scentexpress

I'm reading some things, and I have to say something, because I hear similar things from my friends about working out. It might sound a little bit harsh, but it's not intended that way.

You really have to not be wimpy, and just sort of think of yourself as a badass, and get over it.

OK, I said it. But, it's true. Working out, no matter what you are doing, should be hard. It should be difficult. You should struggle and it should be difficult. Otherwise, you're not really working out.

Not offended at all & you are absolutely 100% correct. I wouldn't be where I am now if I had continued to allow myself to be a slacker, a victim or a wimp. I am so determined to un-do & re-do, overhaul, recondition & reprogram my entire way of living & my attitude about health & fitness. Thank you for your candid advice!

I'm determined to figure this out & build my endurance & stamina but I think the mental block has been holding me back. As some of the others have mentioned hitting the wall, I know for a fact that I have not been pushing myself. Not sure if it's fear or what, but I think I kind of panic when I can't catch my breath & my throat is dry & burning from sucking in air. So yeah, I guess I kind of have been wimping out. However, each time I stop I realize I could have probably pushed beyond it.

I've definitely got some things to work on, but I assure you that I will work on them... thanks so much for the advice. Time to go channel my inner 'badass'!!! :happy:

knowwhentoshutup

I'm going to say something else that might seem a bit cruel, but again, it's not meant that way, it just is what it is. Walking is not working out. I think it's great that people are moving. And, with the way I run, I can feel my feet and knees giving out, and one day, I'm not going to be able to do this anymore, and I'll probably be a walker. So, I'm not saying it's totally bad, but it isn't really a workout, per se. It's just walking. Walking is easy and anyone can do it. Running takes more effort. Yes, you'll be out of breath. Yes, it will be hard. You might even break a sweat...OMG!

I have to disagree with you. As someone who has helped plan a large walking marathon event for the last six years, walking is most certainly working out. It is an inspiration every year to see the life changes that occur when people make a commitment and complete a walking marathon. It is exercise, it just is a lower intensity, and lets be honest lots of people can't run because of knee or other joint problems.

I applaude anyone taking the time and giving the effort to exercise, whatever form they choose.