Runners

indefinite00

This question is for the runners. How long did it take you to be able to run a significant distance? I can exercise on the elliptical machine for 45 minutes, but can only run for 5 minutes. I went to Piedmont Park yesterday(thinking the packed gravel would help), but still could only run about 5 minutes. I'm going to meet with the couch to 5ker's tomorrow. Just wondering if it usually takes everyone a long time to ramp up, or if I'm just not a "runner."

Spence_

I started in March and could do about 1.5 miles (with bits of walking). Three weeks later I noticed a significant improvement and could do 2 miles (slow) without walking. End of May I ran a 10k (6.2 miles) without any walking, averaging about ten minutes per mile It's amazing how quickly you improve! Just stick at it and try walk, jog, walk, jog for a few weeks.

Oh and this was running every other day

therealangd

I run half marathon distances, but I still can only run 5 minutes at a time. 10 minutes on a really really good day.

I started running in January 2011.

paulwgun

Slow your pace!! I'm a slow runner but did a 10 k race last Sunday
In 01:25:28 3 min quicker than my training run slow your pace and work on endurance the speed will come later :-)

scottb81

In the past when I started from scratch it took about 3 weeks to be able to run 3 miles. Once I got to where I could run 3 miles further distances came very quickly.

indefinite00

Thank you everyone! Another quick question, if I slow my pace and run further, is that as effective(burning calories) as running quicker with less distance?

Im_NotPerfect

I started C25K the tuesday after Memorial Day. I struggled on day 1. I'm now up to running 12 minutes at a stretch (which is a little over a mile). I'm not following the program exactly, but using the concept. I don't run the fastest, but I'm going for endurance at the moment, since I've never been a runner!

madmickie

it takes as long as it takes - for you! Slowly slowly catchy monkey!!

be patient - people you see running like it doesnt fizz on them have been running for YEARS week in week out.

Just do your runs and before long you will be doing stuff that you thought you never could do. Last year I wondered if could manage to run 10k - last night i did 10k in an hour as a slow run. It's all relative. Did i say "be patient"

Polly758

I'm a former cross-country runner and I was pretty quick over shorter distances too-- I had my mile down to under 7 minutes.

That was a long time ago, though I'm still a casual runner. But I drop out of it every so often, and every time I start running again, it's hard, it hurts, and my lungs and heart really get worked up.

What I do is intervals. After I warm up, run (don't jog! only one foot allowed on the ground at a time!) at a pace that's difficult but I want to go at least 1-2 minutes without stopping. Then I walk for as long as it takes to get my breath back, not too slow, not too fast. Then run again. I do this for 30 minutes or so. It usually takes a few weeks to get to running the whole time, then I either extend my time or start to push my speed.

If you've got the time and you think a marathon might be fun someday, by all means do longer slower runs. It won't be as efficient as far as burning calories goes, but just keep running until you get the burn you want.

indefinite00

last night i did 10k in an hour as a slow run.

Congrats!

Trechechus

I used to run for about ten minutes at a time and just recently started trying to run five miles twice a week. I'm slow and walk a bit when I feel like my calves are about to explode. Make sure you pace yourself, keep a positive attitude and just make yourself do it!

SRH7

Come join our club!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

I started four weeks ago barely able to run 30 seconds; now I'm doing 5 minutes repeatedly with walks inbetween. Amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it.

immarungirl

I am on my 2nd week of C25K app on my iphone and I noticed today running on the treadmill I ran faster and for a longer distance. One day I will take it to the street

wiglett

my dietician told me to slow it down because i like to run short and fast so now I go slower and farther. you burn carbs for quick release energy at a higher heart rate, the slower the heart rate, you burn energy from fat stores.

stylistchik

I Used to HATE running. I just "wasn't a runner" and I'd do 5 or 10 minutes and basically get bored and give up. I started setting a goal of distance instead of time and gave myself permission to cover that distance however I wanted, walking, running, or a combination. I started by walking/running and gradually the running got easier and I spent less time walking. This way you don't have to totally give up and you can see your time improve over that same distance as you get better. Plus it motivated me to keep running because the faster I went the faster I was done!

indefinite00

Come join our club!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

I started four weeks ago barely able to run 30 seconds; now I'm doing 5 minutes repeatedly with walks inbetween. Amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it.

Joined! Thanks!

slim_photographer

It took me about 3 months to start running/jogging more than 30 mins at a time. Even following the c25k program I just did over any session that I couldn't do as in the program.
Keep in mind that there's no shame in taking walking breaks.
I ran a 5k in 24 mins years ago, so if I'm not a runner you are neither but if you can run 8 min miles for 3 miles that's pretty good still

macpatti

When I trained for my first marathon, I had never run before. I joined a running group that followed USA Fit's training schedule. During the week, you run a timed run and on the weekends you do a distance run. I think we started out with 30 minutes during the week and the first long run was only a mile. So, you'll build up your distance slowly.

There was no way I could run 30 minutes or one mile without stopping, so I also incorporated Jeff Galloway's interval running/walking into my runs. So, at first, I would run for 2 minutes, walk for 2 minutes. Do that your first week. Then the following week, run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute, etc.....Before you know it, you'll be running without stopping! Good luck!

fabafter5

It took me awhile to get a good mileage up now I can run 10 miles (walking some). Have you heard of the running group Black Girls Run? My niece went from couch to just finishing her first half marathon! The group is a natioanl organization that gives running support to Sistas. You train together and they are on the sidelines cheering their members on at all the local races. My niece is part of the Cleveland group. I checked to see if they have one in my area and they don't but I inquired about starting one. Check your area!

jon40084

Read no need for speed - it turned my running around. I could only do 20 mins but after reading this I could run forever.

Alysgrma

Bump

LoraF83

I started with only being able to go about a 1/2 mile before having to walk (in late March, early April). Now, I can run 3 miles straight and am training for a half marathon.

Don't worry about your speed.....that will come with time. I started with a 13 minute mile. Today I did 3 miles at 11min/mile each. Your time will improve on its own. Just focus on your distance!

The only advice I have for you is that if you are going to run longer distances, get properly fitted for shoes. The right shoes will make all the difference in your comfort level and ability to run farther. Go to a specialty running store and find out what kind of stride and foot strike you have and buy a pair of shoes recommended for that.

Good luck & Congrats on getting started!!!

HeartME511healthy

This question is for the runners. How long did it take you to be able to run a significant distance? I can exercise on the elliptical machine for 45 minutes, but can only run for 5 minutes. I went to Piedmont Park yesterday(thinking the packed gravel would help), but still could only run about 5 minutes. I'm going to meet with the couch to 5ker's tomorrow. Just wondering if it usually takes everyone a long time to ramp up, or if I'm just not a "runner."

start with your five minutes and add another 5 min everyother day or once aweek. Not sure how fast or how long you want to run for, however adding is a good thing, and at times we have to push ourselves to the uncomfortable to increase... I was only a 3 mile jogger, however I knew I needed to step my game up so I would add a mile per 4 days, then stoped at 7 miles I had a friend @bizeebec150, who wanted me to join her for a half marathon, and I did, her training method for this was to start at 6 miles and add one mile every Saturday come the marathon, I was ready to do the 13.1 miles and to my surprise it was awesome did my first half marathon May 12th in 2 h 40 min

WhoDat5o4

be kind and patient to yourself!! be kind to your body and listen to it! I was never a runner as a kid. I'd struggle to run one mile. Over the years i sort of became a runner able to run 45-50 minutes no stops. one day i decided to push myself and run 75 minutes no stopping to see if I could do it. I did do it, and messed up both knees in the process. Couldn't run 5 minutes without terrible pain. Stopped running for 2 months and went to physical therapy. Just starting again a few days ago with baby steps, 15-20 min max. It sucks to go backwards but I am thankful to God to be able to run again at all.

omma_to_3

It took me about 15 weeks to go from couch to completing 5K. So a LONG time LOL.

NakAttack

I would say slow your pace. I have been running now for just a year...June 2011 C25K grad. I am now up to 5 miles but I do not run it VERY fast. I am an 11'30" mile but can run forever at this pace. I have plans to try for a half marathon in November, but do KNOW that I will not be running the miles in less than 11'00". I am okay with that...I LOVE to run!!!!

Mceastes

Most people start exactly where you are. I sure did. Just be patients, soon that 5 minutes turns into 6 and then 10. It happens over time. Don't push yourself too soon and keep a slow pace. You'll get there!

bholmes21

It takes time to build up. Everyone is different and going from an elliptical to running on the ground is totally different and works you very differently. It took me a few months to get up to being able to comfortably run 3 miles and now I've completed a half marathon and run 15--20 miles a week (on a good week). Find a running program C25K seems to help a lot of people get started and once you get past the three keep building till you get to where you want to be. There are TONS of training programs that give you a weekly schedule on how far to run when to do cross training etc.

hang in there. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask I can TRY to help

theresmynapkin

Anyone can be a runner. I never thought I was because running used to make my vision black out for like 15 seconds or so at a time. Then I bought a treadmill and started doing the walk/jog thing. It took me about a month to be running for a substantial amount of time.

bxbutterfly

i by no means consider myself a runner. i've started and stopped C25K a couple of times..i've also run with BGR(black girls run here in atlanta) which has been very motivating. my bodysculpting teacher makes us run on leg day so with all these things i've seen myself improve. i've been able to run almost 2 miles without stopping. i'm a slow runner and i'm working on endurance. once i conquer endurance then i will tackle speed.

i can say one thing i've come to really like running. the sense of accomplishment really makes me feel good.

happy running

bxbutterfly

I started with only being able to go about a 1/2 mile before having to walk (in late March, early April). Now, I can run 3 miles straight and am training for a half marathon.

Don't worry about your speed.....that will come with time. I started with a 13 minute mile. Today I did 3 miles at 11min/mile each. Your time will improve on its own. Just focus on your distance!

The only advice I have for you is that if you are going to run longer distances, get properly fitted for shoes. The right shoes will make all the difference in your comfort level and ability to run farther. Go to a specialty running store and find out what kind of stride and foot strike you have and buy a pair of shoes recommended for that.

Good luck & Congrats on getting started!!!

i agree with this poster. since you are in atlanta i would say go to peachtree running or Phidippides. i got fitted and its made my running so much better.