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MyFitnessPal Community

Petrified to run...

alesnie

I have always hated and been horrible at running. Even when I was younger I was always at the back of the pack!

I have decided to face my fears and start the Couch to 5k program tomorrow and I hope I can stick with it! I asked my boyfriend to sign up for a 5k with me and then I will have no choice but to keep at it. I would love nothing more than to become hooked and actually be able to call myself a "runner."

Any tips on becoming a runner? Anyone want to do this journey with me?

Replies

creature275

about 8 years ago I was still very young and It took me about 12 minutes to run 1 mile, but I set out to be something great and I knew I needed to become a good runner, after years and years and years of dedicated work I can now call myself an althete with my best events being distance running and deadlift. after all the years my favorite time was my most recent half marathon, ran in 1hour and 20 minutes so I know all too well how that journey is, its all about dedication and patience dont give up and one day you will be a runner

runmybunsoff

I am a total newbie with running, and was also petrified to run at one point. It just really felt like my body wanted me to just.. start running for some reason, and all I did was gave it ago.Now, I crave it! It has also taught me a lot about myself physically and mentally, like patience, for example. At least you've already signed up for a race, which I am still apprehensive about doing. I think that takes some serious guts! GOOD LUCK!

Melanie_RS

I started to walk at first...I'd walk 5 miles a day. And it took FOREVER! So, I had this brilliant idea that I'd get my walk over quicker if I ran some of it! LOL So, my running adventures started purely out of laziness and wanting to be done with it all faster!

I could only run a block when I first started. literally, a block! But, 10 years later, I'm still running almost every day. I run little runs most days and then one day a week I run a long run of 8-13 miles, whatever feels right at the time.

Just take it slow, learn to breathe that makes sense to your body, learn active recovery (running up hills and then keep running a bit slower to bring your heart rate down a bit) and just keep running a little bit farther every time. Pretty soon you'll have the distance part down and you can work on speed and time!

My biggest fear in life is now something happening to my legs or knees and I won't be able to run anymore.

I don't even LOOK like the typical runner, but I don't care, I love it nonetheless! You will learn to love it too! Not everyone is born a runner, for some people, like me, I had to create it for myself.

good luck!

royalty_mind_1me

Yes let your toes hit the ground first, if you desire to go faster the higher your foot goes towards your buttock, then you will. Dont be intimidated, just move. Its a beautiful thing when you see your at the finish line of your destination. I recommend a running buddy. Someone whom wont be negative and more hungry than you to complete it.

I so miss running. I really got into it in 2007 in Africa, I had much to think about and running blessed me while living there for a year.

Congrats on your new victory in advance, just speak it and believe you will conquer. For miles will be behind you before you know it.٩◔‿◔۶

RAF_Guy

Reward yourself every time you go out for a run. Eventually your brain's synopsis will associate running with rewards and will start to crave it. The reward can be anything from a small chocolate to a nice relaxing bath or shower. It will take sometime, but stick at it and try to run at least 3 times a week. Up until 4 months ago, I hated running, but I now love it and get down if I don't make it out 3 times a week.
I have a great walk to run program that will, over a 12 week period, get you running for 30 minutes without much problem, send me a message if you would like it.
Good luck.

AmyRhubarb

The c25k program is great! I'm a graduate! :bigsmile: I followed the program exactly and amazed myself by completing each week. It wasn't easy, but I did it. I'm still running three days a week, and last Thursday I ran 5 miles - a personal best for distance.

My advice on the program - stick to it. Some days or weeks you may feel like you can go farther or do an extra day - resist that urge! I did walk on my off days (and continued my regular DVD workouts the whole time), but no running. Make sure you've got good running shoes that aren't broken down or worn out. Do some stretching before you start, although the five minute warm up walk helps with that too. I did a lot of stretching after each run, even after the five minute cool down walk. Never had any issues with shin splints or knee pain!

When you get into weeks 4 and 5, don't intimidated by what seems like a huge jump in the running vs walking times! It does seem like a lot all at once, but before dropping back to repeat a day or a week, give that day's assignment a go - you will likely surprise yourself! I know I did! And don't worry about speed, just keep moving - slow running is still running. If you do need to repeat a day - no shame. Working up to it is better than pushing too hard and winding up with an injury, or getting frustrated and quitting.

I have never been a runner, other that when forced back in high school (many moons ago!). I tried running with my husband back when we were first dating (the things we do for love! LOL) but it was torture, probably because I tried to run too far, too soon. Now I'm actually enjoying it, and working on my speed and just focusing on getting out there 3 days a week, and running anywhere from 3 - 5 miles. And I want to enter a 5k race that's coming up next month. I love it because it's something I can do just about anywhere, so will be less likely to fall off the workout wagon while on vacation or whatever.

Go for it - you can do it!

ramrockrac

Go for it! I'm on week 3 C5k and it is hard but I know it will be worth it in the end.
My programme should end on 2nd June and I've entered a 5 k race in Swansea Bay
On 12th June.
Book a race to set a target. Good luck!!