How to get into running...

fatimaaamir

I was horrible at running too, but I improved a lot :-)
I would say, start off slow. No shame in that! Run for a minute, walk for two. Or if that's too easy for you, run for two minutes and walk for one. Repeat that until you've done 21 minutes (so about 7 times).
Keep it up 3-4 times a week and your endurance will improve. Eventually, your goal should be to run the entire 21 minutes without stopping to walk, and you'll easily be able to achieve that in slightly over a month.

JonesJennings

I have mizuno, really impressed.

I havn't heard of those myself, but I reckon with the less well known brands, money stretches a lot further than it does with Nike or Adidas. Not saying Nike don't make a good running shoe, but their entry level shoe does a lot more for the eye than the foot.

Edit:
Worth mentioning, not all unknown brands are any good.

If someone's about to shell out GBP 40-50 for a new pair of trainers, probably worth first spending 2.50 on this month's Running Magazine (dunno what it's called, 'runners world'? 'the runner'? 'the road'? summat like that).

myjourney2

I just started c25k and it is hard but I want to do it so I just push on.

I was fitted for shoes at a running store. They are Brooks Glycerin 9 and I absolutely love them. Lots of support and no knee or back pain whatsoever when I walk/run in them.

With tax (in Ontario 13%) the total came to $203.00. Well worth the price!

Umeboshi

i run about every single day... i hate every minute of it.

This. It's f-ing miserable. People who claim to enjoy running are either lying to you or lying to themselves. BUT, it's a good way to burn fat/cals, so I do it. I think I run faster just to try to get it over with sooner.

If you're making yourself miserable to be healthy, you might be robbing Peter to pay Paul. Why not give Zumba or Body Combat a go? There's bound to be something that's both fun _and_ healthy out there.

Yes!
It's bad for your mental health to do something you hate so much. DANCE for exercise if you must. Do something you can enjoy and your physical AND mental health will thrive.

As for shoes, OMG I got these HOKA shoes with thick foam soles and they are so cushiony and amazing on my feet. I have lots of extra weight on my feet so that cushion helps a LOT with my walking and I'm sure with running eventually.

madamepsychosis

i run about every single day... i hate every minute of it.

This. It's f-ing miserable. People who claim to enjoy running are either lying to you or lying to themselves. BUT, it's a good way to burn fat/cals, so I do it. I think I run faster just to try to get it over with sooner.

I must be a massive liar then, because I genuinely do enjoy it. Granted, the first mile is often hellish, but once I've got a good pace going and my breathing is good, I really like it. Just because you don't enjoy it, doesn't mean no one else can. Running IS a great form of exercise, but if you really hate it, there are lots of other workouts that burn fat and calories that you might enjoy.

weightloss12345678

about 65 lbs again I just started walking at a fast pace and every couple weeks just pick up the pace

BeautyFromPain

bump

Nellanad

Chased by zombies?

Haha, my friend actually works for the company that does all the "run for your lives" zombie races! cracks me up...

this would be awesome!

I would do this. And I do not like running. Zombies are the best incentive. Don't think so? Watch 'The Walking Dead'! lol

isnt step 4 of zombie survival (from zombieland)

Cardio, Cardio, Cardio?

I am hoping to shed some more weight with the elliptical before I start running, I get miserable shin splints which I think is because of my weight...once I can lose some and run comfortably, I will go and enjoy being outside in the fresh air and not cooped up in a stinky gym.

widetobride

Hi everyone! I really want to start running, but I am HORRIBLE at it...I have tried going running before and I just want to die. Are there ways to get into running? Any tips would be helpful

hi michelle,

I am no expert- in fact, I too am rubbish. However, I love jogging, and I now go every day. My ex used to try to train me, but it just made me really angry. Then I got dogs. I had to walk them every morning before work. So at first I just walked them for half an hour and then came home. Eventually, I started putting tracksuit and trainers on, and running to a lampost, then walking to one. Now I jog very slowly, for five miles. My tips for making it more fun are:
:flowerforyou: Get a dog, or borrow one. they are good company, love to run, and are very patient if you are rubbish.
:flowerforyou: Get music you love. i listen to everything from New Kids, to Country, to Rock. I would recommend creating at least 5 play lists, so that you don't get bored.
:flowerforyou: Use www.walkjogrun.net, to plan your routes. it is a fansatic site. you put in your route, and how long it took, and it tells you your speed, calories, how high the hills were- everything. It really encourages me to be faster next time.
:flowerforyou: Don't worry about how you look. If it is safe, go at 0400hrs. I go really early because of my shifts, but it also feels less intimidating, because nobody sees me- even in my flourescent clothes.
:flowerforyou: Don't expect miracles. Jog around the block on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday. On thursday go round twice. That is the sort of progression you can do realistically.
:flowerforyou: On days when you cannot be bothered, just put your running stuff on anyway, and go for a walk. Often, you will end up jogging anyway, but even if you don't, it will keep you in the habit of moving every day, rather than getting out of a good habit, and the longer you leave it, the harder it gets.

Good luck and have fun xx

widetobride

i run about every single day... i hate every minute of it.

This. It's f-ing miserable. People who claim to enjoy running are either lying to you or lying to themselves. BUT, it's a good way to burn fat/cals, so I do it. I think I run faster just to try to get it over with sooner.

I am not lying. i love it. you need cheesier music, louder clothes, and a couple of beagles, love!!!

ejohndrow

I haven't done it, but as many people have suggested, I've heard C25k is a great start for beginners. Also I'd suggest finding a way that you enjoy running. Personally I can only handle the treadmill for up to 20 min (on a good day) and I watch the timer, and just can't wait for it to end. But when I put my ipod on and run outside I can go a good 5 miles, sure it's tiring, but it's more natural and I'm not constantly thinking about how much I hate it. Another thing I like is listening to cadences while I run. I tend to want to use up all of my energy at once when I'm on a run that doesn't involve interval training and cadences help me to slow down and keep my jog at a steady pace when needed, allowing me to increase the length of my runs.

Basically, find a way you enjoy it, and push yourself to get better, but don't overdo it either.

jsmith0644

I ran for years in the Marine Corps 3, 6 , and 10 miles, but we won't start there. First let me tell you, when I started running all those years ago I hated it,now I wish I had never stopped. Here's what I do now that I havenot done it for years. Run for 1 minute and walk for 1:30. Do that for a half hour session and raise the bar whenever you can. I won't even count it until I can run 3 miles in 24 minutes. Then I'll start counting it, thats my reward for the achievement. Hope that makes sense. BTW, my goal 16:45, I may never run that fast again but I'm going to try.

AmyRhubarb

Couch to 5k worked great for me. I was never a runner, but started the program Jan 31st, and followed it religiously. I'm still running 3 days per week, anywhere from 2 - 5 miles depending on what else I am doing that day and how I feel.

I just registered for my first 5k race! :bigsmile:

TrueBlueBruin78

First I started by walking almost everyday for two months with a daily goal of four miles. Then I set a goal of covering two miles because that was a known distance between my home and a local landmark. I tried running as much of it as I could and walked the rest. I did that 5x/week for weeks with very gradual increments of .25-.5 miles. After a few months my longer runs started increasing by one mile every couple of weeks. It all started with "I'll try this,,,". If I didn't hate it, I'd keep doing it or gradually pushing myself.

That is the way to start. I suggest what this poster did, do what you can but you have to try, always trying to finish better than when you started.

maddymama

Look on the net to find a local 5K race that's about 10-11 weeks from now. Register for it. Now you have motivation and a goal.
Then get fitted for good running shoes at a store, it's worth the time and money.
Download the C25K app. Do it. I added a week or two to it, because of illnesses and vacation and bad days, or life in general. You might have to repeat a week or two, but the time is still built in. Try to run outside if you can. It's much more enjoyable than running on the treadmill. Don't let the longer days psych you out. Just go slow and do it.
For the record, I started C25K in January 2011, ran my first 5K in March in 2011 (when I still had a few weeks left to go on the program), finished the C25K in late April/early May. I run 5Ks all the time now, and run 3-4 miles a day 4 or 5 days a week. It's a great way to get into running.

michellexoxo90

Thanks so much everyone that posted on this! I never thought so many people would offer advise(: I just want to let everyone know I have decided on the couch to 5k! I bought the app for my phone and did my first day this evening!!! Is it embarrassing to say it was actually a little difficult for me? Haha I did it though... the whole thing and I feel so good!!!! That's always my favorite thing after working out, just how good I feel! Also I took some advise I got on here and bought some Asic running shoes and so far I love them! Thanks so much everyone I really appreciate it(: Also I am new here if anyone wants to be my "running," friend(: