I would love to become a Jogger/Runner - where do I even sta

annamc18

I would love to just be able to go jogging but I have a really hard time jogging at the weight I am now - I get so winded so fast that I feel like I cant breathe....

How did you all get started? How did you overcome the obstacles?

Allisonnleigh

Try the c25k! I hate running and that's what I do it helps keep you paced really well, good luck!(:

renkath

I have heard fantastic things about the couch25k program. I have a friend through the social network Daily Mile who lost 100 pounds and started couch25k - and did an iron-man within a year! (an article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/30/weight-loss-success-mark-d-rucker_n_1224275.html)

I started before hearing about it - started out from my front door 10 minutes out and 10 minutes in. Worked up to a marathon. It is addictive. Listen to your body and never push. Pain means no gain when it comes to running. Be kind to yourself.

Join Daily Mile (or a similar community).

craigmdean1974

What I have recommended for other people is to just go out and jog for what you can and walk the rest. Don't worry about distance, speed, time or anything. And the next time you go out, see if you can jog a little farther. Listen to your body. If you are winded, cramping or any part of your body is hurting then slow down or stop. It is not worth it in the long run. Think of this as a long journey. I started off not being able to run 1/8 of a mile without stopping and it took me a good 6 months to get to a full mile without stopping. That was 2 years ago, and now I am about to run my first half marathon.

jennwar874

YES! The C25K is great. I'm doing it now and I'm on week 5. If you are feeling winded maybe modify it a little, for instance jog 45 seconds then walk 30 seconds or more if you need it at first. The program is all about building up stamina. I could hardly breathe after the first 90 seconds I ran, I thought OMG I can't do this, now I can run for 5 minutes and I get excited to get out there.

MDA1540

Parroting the C25k response. I'm on week 5 right now and it's been great for me. Even though the pace has been increasing (originally 1 minute, now 5 minutes) I don't feel any more tired than I did when I first started.

I even managed a straight 21 minutes yesterday at 5mph on the treadmill, which is a huge improvement from where I started. I'm curious to see how that translates to my street running.

bcampbell54

Couch to 5k is a great program.
And, no smart-allecness intended, the best way is to go out and put one foot in front of another, then repeat..
Somebody told me that on here, and I am now routinely running 30 minutes at a time.
Good luck to you!

nateraemom

I'm in the same boat here. Would LOVE to train for a marathon one day. Just unsure of where to start. I'm looking at the couch to 5k program also.

yesthistime

Couch to 5K groups:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/2410-c25k-doing-the-impossible
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4064-c25k-friends

stormieweather

I started by just going out and doing it. When I felt I couldn't run any more, I walked until I could run again. Repeat until you've achieved your goal for the day.

Good running shoes helped a LOT.

For me, I love running at night, with my Ipod. Like I'm the only person in the world...flying along in the dark.

tbresina

I hear amazing things about c25k, I just started by walking 1 block running 1 block etc-in 6 wks I am now ready for a 5k which I have on the 21st. I am addicted!

aNEWmarcus

Try the c25k! I hate running and that's what I do it helps keep you paced really well, good luck!(:

This.. The C25K will really help you start off and provide some great advice..

There's also an Idiot's guide - actually quite good, even for someone like me who used to be a runner years ago:
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Jogging-Running/dp/002862386X

And this may also help:
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/beginners/the-total-beginners-quick-guide-to-running/24.html

Good luck

Lesa_Sass

I agree with everyone else, C25k is a good start.

I also recommend to push through the hate, and trust me, you will get to the point that you hate it and want to stop, make yourself keep going, the hate will turn to love then you will get that runners endorphin high that is so AMAZING. Now it does not happen over night so just be kind to yourself. But what ever you do, do not quit.

Now, time for my run and I am super excited for it.

jpuderbaugh

I too would love to become a jogger. My problem is I am so self-conscious and don't want anybody driving by to see me jogging. And I hate treadmills. HATE TREADMILLS!! plus, I don't have one and will not spend money on one. I would jog on the flat area between my back yard and my grandfather's hay field, but I'm afraid of divots in the grass I don't see, therefore twisting my ankle.

mummum2

What I have recommended for other people is to just go out and jog for what you can and walk the rest. Don't worry about distance, speed, time or anything. And the next time you go out, see if you can jog a little farther. Listen to your body. If you are winded, cramping or any part of your body is hurting then slow down or stop. It is not worth it in the long run. Think of this as a long journey. I started off not being able to run 1/8 of a mile without stopping and it took me a good 6 months to get to a full mile without stopping. That was 2 years ago, and now I am about to run my first half marathon.

^^Just like I started.....so this^ apart from I've been running for a good 6 years now! Go and do it but above all sincerly hope you enjoy it! I LOVE RUNNING!!!

hbrittingham

Yup, C25K. Once you complete it, you'll be surprised that you couldn't run before. I know I am.

Squidgeypaws007

C25K all the way! When I started I needed to use my inhaler a LOT, now I can run (not fast, but it's still running) without even taking my inhaler out with me! xD

I HATED running before, push through that - it becomes addictive! I've popped my C25K experience into a blog if you want to know any more

valenief

Well I have asthma really bad but after having my son I decided I was going to start running/jogging. So I did just that loaded him in the stroler and headed out that first day was crazyness..... I ran maybe 500 feet and was about to frickin die.....But you know I keep at it and no matter what the next day I would run 1 step farther than I had the day before. In about 3 months I was running a MILE!!!! In 6 months I was running 2!!! Now I can run....5!!!! Just keep it up!!!! And your body will adjust!!!

blgerig

I used to HATE running and had never run more than a mile in my life. I started with couch to 5K two years ago and have now completed three half marathons... it really is just a great program to get active and get into the habit! And I did not fall in love with running right away, it was probably only a year ago that I actually started to enjoy it. For me, it helped to sign up for a race as motivation. I knew I had paid the registration fee and I better be able to run it!

penrbrown

Do the Couch to 5 K Program! (google it and also if you have a smart phone look for c25k apps).

But even as you do it remember to PACE YOURSELF. GO SLOW. REALLY REALLY SLOW.

Snails will probably run past you laughing their *kitten* off but you have to start this way to get your body into it. Slow and steady start and you'll be a runner in NO time.

sweetheart03622

Best running advice I ever got - run INFINITELY slower than you ever have. I did that and went out and completed a mile non-stop. Normally, I wasn't able to run more than 2 minutes. Now, I've completed 2 half marathons and am positively addicted to running!

valenief

I too would love to become a jogger. My problem is I am so self-conscious and don't want anybody driving by to see me jogging. And I hate treadmills. HATE TREADMILLS!! plus, I don't have one and will not spend money on one. I would jog on the flat area between my back yard and my grandfather's hay field, but I'm afraid of divots in the grass I don't see, therefore twisting my ankle.

It's amazing how many ppl will start running after they see you trying or that how it has been for me there has been 6 ppl in my town or little area that have started running I guess they think if she can do it so can I!!!! So you may inspire someone and not even know it!

fastbelly

One more vote for the C25K. It will get you there, I went from not running 200 yards to completing a half marathon using this program.

picassoadagio

4 years ago, I did C25k. I went from a not being a runner to completing my second 1/2 marathon a week ago. Now, I'm onto a marathon this fall.

annamc18

I will definitely have to try the couch to 5k program!

I realize a lot of it is in my head too lol

i know one thing though - I will need a LOT of motivation - so I am glad all of you are here to help out!

SassyCalyGirl

when I started running years ago I could barely make it 2 minutes without feeling like I was going to die. I just kept at it and added 30 secs each day. Now I run 6.2 miles daily. Getting ready for my first half-marathon on June 2nd.

Actuality

What I have recommended for other people is to just go out and jog for what you can and walk the rest. Don't worry about distance, speed, time or anything. And the next time you go out, see if you can jog a little farther. Listen to your body. If you are winded, cramping or any part of your body is hurting then slow down or stop. It is not worth it in the long run. Think of this as a long journey. I started off not being able to run 1/8 of a mile without stopping and it took me a good 6 months to get to a full mile without stopping. That was 2 years ago, and now I am about to run my first half marathon.

Love it.

kimmianne89

I run! Well attempt to

I started not being able to go more that like 30 seconds haha
I go walking with the dogs and do running then brisk walking then running then brisk walking.. each time I do running I can do it slightly longer. I can do 5 minutes now haha :P One day I'll be able to do a full hour or something

Sox90716

1. Pick a good training program. I've heard good things about Couch to 5k.
2. Go to a running shoe store and get properly fitted for shoes.
3. Keep a log of your daily runs for motivation/training. Strava and Running Ahead are both good.
4. Have fun and good luck! See you on the road!

tabbydog

I am going to repeat what everyone else has said, C25K. I started that way 2 years ago and I am running my first half marathon next weekend. Sign up for a 5K to motivate yourself. Also, when you start on the program do your running intervals really, really slowly. Make sure you are running slow enough that you can complete the amount of time for the running bits. That might be so slow that you feel like you could walk faster. That 's okay, you can work on speed later. If a week seems really difficult for you, repeat that week before moving on to the next one. You have time, so take the time to build up slowly so that you don't injure yourself. Good luck!

paperbagprincess

I would love to just be able to go jogging but I have a really hard time jogging at the weight I am now - I get so winded so fast that I feel like I cant breathe....

How did you all get started? How did you overcome the obstacles?

I know women who have an easy 40lbs on me and can kick my *kitten* at running.

Don't limit yourself and ur abilities... I know thin ppl who can't even run half a Km without dying.

Try a Couch 2 5K app on ur phone if you can. They help you progress to running a full 5K. If you can't do that, there are a TON of sites that have similar systems online that do the same thing. You can also sign up for a Running Clinic. Those are great for the social aspect. You could end up meeting new running friends who are learning to run just like you.

Good luck to you!