complete begginer needing help

helenlp83

My names Helen and I'm a run a phobic! hehehe Ok so I bought myself the running stuff, a decent pair of trainers, hi vis top, the arm band thing to put my phone/ipod tracker in, water bottle......and I've not been out for a run yet. I went out running once about two years ago (I've had a baby since who is 8 months old) and I just ran.....like you do at school and ran so hard I was doubled over thinking I was going to be sick. So I decided to get me motivated I've entered the ballot for the 2013 London Marathon. I've still not been out running. Can someone please help me with the motivation side of it. I know everyone says after you've been running a while you catch the bug and enjoy it but I need something to keep me going to that stage. I wont be able to go running until about 7pm due to getting home from work late and my daughter going to bed

flabulous4

How far can you run? Or how long can you run for? Would a structured programme like Couch to 5K or Bridge to 10K help?

helenlp83

I honestly don't know the answer to either of them because I haven't been running. I had a look at the cto5k. I think I just keep finding excuse ;-(

flabulous4

Right! Go running (5-minute warm-up walk first) and report back!

meerkat70

I'd second Flabs on the C25. I'm a lazy moo, but I found it motivating, working through the programme. It was very do-able, I didn't over do it at any point and put myself off running entirely. It was a really good way to get started.

Dizzle_65

As you live in the UK a good place to start is Parkrun, these two are near you. They are timed 5k runs that occur every Saturday and are absolutely free. Then look at booking a race maybe 10k for the end of the year. That will help provide purpose to your running. If you get through to the VLM via the ballot you don't want to start training from scratch.

For your training start with powere walking and jogging for a minute or so at a time. Gradually increase te time running as you do more

http://www.parkrun.org.uk/valentines/home

http://www.parkrun.org.uk/barking/

JAHodgkinson_uk

I second Dizzle!

Couch to 5k and Parkrun, perfect combination. You can get c25k apps or if you search c25k nhs the details are there. Parkrun is different to running clubs or other races. It is normal to see people taking walk breaks and coming in upwards of 35 minutes, just as it's normal to see people thundering round in 18 minutes! A total mixed bag of people who are just happy to be out there doing it. You will be made to feel very welcome especially if you let them know that you're a beginner and that it's your first 5k / 1st Parkrun.

Marathon training is hard. You need to have 'built base' before you start or you will get injured and it won't be fun. Very exciting prospect! This year is all about building base for me ready for the Braythay Windermere marathon in 2014.

ukgirly01

I'd get the couch to 5k app, running for me is awful I out myself through it because I want to be able to do it but my brain constantly says "why are you running when you could just walk?"
The c25k broke it up into tiny manageable steps that really helped i can run a 10k no problem at all. I'd also recommend doing some strength work- planks, squats etc they'll make you more stable and prevent injury

JAHodgkinson_uk

That's a really good point! All niggling injuries that I've picked up have been either trying to do too much too soon or because of weak core stability.