Running??

MariahHubert

If you cannot run (I have a hard time because of my asthma) just fast walk. You need to walk fast enough to get your heart rate up.

I would definitely recommend you download the C25K app!

Muscles_Curves

I finished Couch 2 5K yesterday. I remember when it was difficult to run for 30 secs and now I can for 30 minutes straight. Today I have moved on to Bridge to 10K and it's going great so far. Get yourself a good pair of running shoes and hit the road. If you have no one to run with don't be sad. Turn the pain of loneliness to the glory of solitude.

I also cut out processed foods and ate more vegetables and the weight has been steadily falling off.

Good luck with your weight loss journey

msmith2020

I LOVE c25k. I would not recommend anything else to start a non-runner to becoming a runner. I just stared back (had the flu last year) and I jumped ahead pretty quickly, skipped week5-6 and I start week 7 tomorrow. I honestly love it. I was running at 5mph bc I thought if I didnt run at that, I wasnt running bc it felt to slow. But then I was dreading my 8 min run on Sunday (week 5 day 2) so I turned off the workout and had decided to walk. Well I dropped my speed to a 15.5 min/mile from a 12 min/mile and started to run, though I can walk it, bc its like it feels like you should run, but if you wanted to you could walk it- sort of thing. So as I was running I KNEW I could at least run 7 mins, so I decided to hit that, once I got past that "tired" first 5-6 min I just kept going, impressed with myself and how I wasnt getting so tired (like before). I got to 10 mins of running and felt empowered, decided to do more, then I noticed I had almost run a mile straight without walking, so that became my focus, once I hit that, I was almost at 20 mins striaght, so I changed my goal again.. then I had almost hit 1.5 miles.. By the time I started walking again I had run 25 mins straight, 1.5 miles and it felt AMAZING! so you see.. you just have to find your pace to really get going, and fall in love with it. Don't try going to fast, even "jog" at a slower pace no matter if its a little awkward at first. Give it a go.

Now I'm not really focusing on the c25k training anymore, since I know I can do a min of 25 mins/ 1.5 miles every other day I am going to increase my distance by .5 miles.. Just pick what fits you best, some ppl workout based on time, some by distance. I burn an average of 400 calories working out for 30 mins, now that I do cardio for 60 mins I burn an average of 700. I weigh roughly 170 right now.

Lost 7 pounds my first 2 weeks.

hope this helps! :flowerforyou:

misao1994

A couple months back I decided I was going to be a runner. I have never been a runner before. Running? What's that. I couldn't even run a 1/4 mile if it was to save my life. But I started a modified version of C25K and I LOVE IT. I ran my first mile about 3 weeks ago, but I restrained my groin because I tore it last September playing tennis. So, I took about 3 weeks off and now I'm re-building my cardio back up. I'm at about 10-11 minutes no stopping and I love it. I haven't reached the "runners high" that is so often talked about by athletes, but when I get home from accomplishing another minute of running, it's a high for me. Can't wait to get to my first 5k then 10k! Woo!

Just1Kiki

I started C25K in October 09. I have since run two half marathons, innumerable 5ks, The Peachtree twice, Warrior Dash twice....the list goes on and on. I am currently training for a full marathon. Long story short, you can do it. Persevere. It is amazing what you can do if you set your mind to it. Don't quit. Start off S-L-O-W and then Slow Down even more. LOL. That was the best advice I got. Don't worry about speed. Just run (jog). Good luck. Friend me...I'll try to motivate you!!!

Oh, forgot to mention, I've lost 40 pounds since then and look like a totally different person!!! Not to mention I feel phenomenal.

This is so inspirational! I just googled c25K and I'm starting tomorrow with my AM workout. I always get on the treadmill and do the interval button so just aimlessly walking on randomly changing inclines but with this program and groom myself into a runner. My boyfriend runs 3-4 miles a day and it would be awesome to be able to do it with him. I'm pumped!! I love MFP...it's opened my eyes to sooo many great things

BrianSharpe

Thanks for all the comments. I want to lose weight yes but even more than that I want to reshape my body, if I'm 257 pounds like I am now but I'm fit that's fine with me. I also want to improve my overall health. I have some heart problems so the more I can do to make my heart strong and healthy the better.

A little OT but...... in light of your existing health problems have you discussed this with your doctor?

I know most of them will encourage activities that lead to improved cardiovascular fitness but you may want some specific guidance from a health professional in setting up a program that suits your needs rather than using a generic training plan.

JessieTangerine

I've had a lot of success with c25k, but not without a lot of dedication on my part. That being said its TOTALLY worth it!!!! Growing up, I was that kid who had to go to the bathroom to retch after running a slow mile in gym class. I have always wanted to run, but the combination of not being able to breathe and feeling physically ill made me shun the activity.

C25K is great because it teaches you to go slow and build up to your goals. Gym class was bad because they expected you to already have the ability to run, which I obviously did not possess but c25k teaches you how to run. Now I can run 10miles without stopping or feeling sick. and am slowly upping my mileage so that in a couple years I can begin running in ultra marathons.

I started running in the hopes of losing weight quicker and being able to go faster on my hikes but I have to admit that I actually lose weight more slowly while running. However, I eat a lot more healthy. Usually I am able to say no to a wine at dinner or desert for breakfast because I know that it will negatively affect my running later. Instead of running to lose weight, I eat healthy and lose weight to help my running and to me that is a success. It has also helped with my hiking and has been amazing at controlling my anxiety.

*As a heads up, the day where you do 3 sets of a half mile is the most difficult week in the program. I tried the program 3 times before succeeding and each time I stopped on that exercise. If you feel yourself needing to repeat that day go on ahead, but I wouldn't do it more than a couple times. I guarantee the next day will be easier, just move on to that.

jennifleurb

I started losing weight a little over 4 months ago now and every day of those 4 months I ran every morning, Still do (I haven't missed one day). I started off running 1 minute and walking 2, running 2 minutes walking one, running 3 minutes walking 1. I was going to slowly build myself up but one day I woke up and said "I'm going to run today and not stop till I have to and see how long I can run for". I now run 2 miles in 20 minutes. I am working my way up to going faster and longer so that I can run a half marathon and eventually a full marathon.

With all that being said I have lost 45 lbs in the last 4 months!!! :happy:

In the past few weeks I have added in strength by doing the 30 Day shred. I also eat extremely healthy and don't ever have "Cheat meals or days". I drink 10-14 cups of water a day and nothing else. Hope this helps

Amazing! So motivating! Do you run on a treadmill or outside or both?

kevin3344

Before I found MFP all I did was run....and I weigh pretty much what I weighed in high school.

I ran track back then, but since I've run 5ks, 10ks, a half- and full-marathon. I'm currently training for another 8k and half-marathon. Outside of eating right, running is one of the best things you can do!

I will say though that I've always been a pretty clean eater, so don't forget that aspect of it as well. However, since there is so much good food out there (!) you'll need to up your exercise to see results and running is one way to do it.

Btw, I've never belonged to a gym and I've only run on a treadmill once or twice in my life ....I'm 45 5'11 167 lbs...I think I was 165 lbs in high school...I'll never give up running...!!!! It's my secret weapon

Start out with C25K and after your first 5k keep making new goals...you can do it.

cupcakes_

I do think C25K is a great start, however, I kinda just did my own thing. I walked for a bit, jogged, etc. and slowly built up to longer distances. Believe it or not, I've only been running maybe 4 months or so and now can run up to 6 mi. Trust me, I never in a million years thought I could do it. But....if I can anyone can. I also think it helped me through a weight loss plateau. I read a great quote that applies here: Your mind will give up before your legs do.

You can do it

phoenix8633

I never used to be able to jog/run at all partly because I'm really concious about being seen out in public because I look nothing like a runner/athlete lol and also because I'm not fit at all but I got the courage to do it in the end, so I downloaded the C25K podcasts and started doing it at 5am, I felt great after my first day of it even though it was only 1 minute jogs, I felt like i had made a breakthrough with jogging, I'm now on week 4 which yes it's hard but after I have finished each day I always feel like I have achieved something!

Once I have completed week 9 I'm definately going to keep the jogging up, there's a mud runner course that one of my friends does so there might be a chance that I do it next year, apparantly it's very hard to do but enjoyable.

TrishRyan

I started losing weight a little over 4 months ago now and every day of those 4 months I ran every morning, Still do (I haven't missed one day). I started off running 1 minute and walking 2, running 2 minutes walking one, running 3 minutes walking 1. I was going to slowly build myself up but one day I woke up and said "I'm going to run today and not stop till I have to and see how long I can run for". I now run 2 miles in 20 minutes. I am working my way up to going faster and longer so that I can run a half marathon and eventually a full marathon.

With all that being said I have lost 45 lbs in the last 4 months!!! :happy:

In the past few weeks I have added in strength by doing the 30 Day shred. I also eat extremely healthy and don't ever have "Cheat meals or days". I drink 10-14 cups of water a day and nothing else. Hope this helps

Amazing! So motivating! Do you run on a treadmill or outside or both?

I don't have a treadmill so I run outside. It just starts my day off really well and it really helps me eat healthy for the rest of the day, why would I waste all that time to wake up early and go run if I'm going to ruin it with bad food? That's just my outlook on it

TrishRyan

I started losing weight a little over 4 months ago now and every day of those 4 months I ran every morning, Still do (I haven't missed one day). I started off running 1 minute and walking 2, running 2 minutes walking one, running 3 minutes walking 1. I was going to slowly build myself up but one day I woke up and said "I'm going to run today and not stop till I have to and see how long I can run for". I now run 2 miles in 20 minutes. I am working my way up to going faster and longer so that I can run a half marathon and eventually a full marathon.

you really should take a rest day every now and then. Your body needs them to recover and get stronger and better.

I started running because I splurged on a treadmill $200 for a $1,200 TM at Sears Outlet and I was determined to actually use it. I started with intervals until I could run awhile and then transitioned outdoors. Now I only use the treadmill during really crappy weather and such. My body's gotten leaner and more toned and I just feel better. Eating healthy is still a struggle.

I completely understand what your saying. However, I feel like its just part of my routine now its just like showering or brushing my teeth or breathing haha. I do listen to what my body tells me and if I ever need to take a break I will. I just feel that for right now I'm ok with what I am doing. I still would like to lose another 25 lbs and I think once that happens it will be much easier for me to start taking days off. I really appreciate the advice and I will take it one day

jzammetti

SO, I started running (walking fast) on a tredmill about 6 months ago. I Hate every second of it. All I think about while on the tredmill is "Am I there yet? I hate this!!!!" lol I could not even jog for more than 15 seconds at that time.

So, when I could no longer afford the gym a couple of weeks ago, I was forced to run in public. Amazingly, my first run in public was 3.5 miles at a reasonable 4.5 mph (jog). I could not believe I got so far. THe big differences were that there was beautiful scenery and I brought a friend along to distract me. I didn't think bad things at all!\

So, I am trying my best to keep at it - I still do not love running, but I feel accomplished (WAY more than running on a tredmill) and that keeps me going. My goal is 5 miles by the end of the month.

As far as weight loss success...I have gained about 3 pounds in the last 2 weeks - but everything I read says that is normal for a new running routine and it should go away in week 3 - so I hope to see that come off very soon. AND, I hope I learn to love running because it is so good for me.

hfzimmerman

Thanks everyone for the comments, support and motivation! I would be running outside as I don't have s treadmill and I find looking at the same thing boring. My doctor has given me the okay to do cardio whatever that may be the only restriction she has put on me is if my symptoms pop out to stop what I'm doing and to not do p90x until I've lost weight/ my body is more use to exercising. I also have asthma but it doesn't seem to be exercised induced. I also suffer from PTSD and depression so those that have commented on improved moods is really inspiring to me as I would one day like to be off or at least at a lower dose of my medication. Does anyone have a running shoe they would recommend? Thanks again!

Muscles_Curves

Thanks everyone for the comments, support and motivation! I would be running outside as I don't have s treadmill and I find looking at the same thing boring. My doctor has given me the okay to do cardio whatever that may be the only restriction she has put on me is if my symptoms pop out to stop what I'm doing and to not do p90x until I've lost weight/ my body is more use to exercising. I also have asthma but it doesn't seem to be exercised induced. I also suffer from PTSD and depression so those that have commented on improved moods is really inspiring to me as I would one day like to be off or at least at a lower dose of my medication. Does anyone have a running shoe they would recommend? Thanks again!

I like New Balance and Nike running shoes, but if you want to try barefoot running I would suggest Vibrams or Skeletoes.

bicoastalgirl

i joined mfp in march 2011. at that time, i was just walking and logging food. i lost 19 pounds that way. i started running in may 2011. i lost another 16 pounds from may to december. i lost the final 11 pounds after i added in some cross training (dvds at home - strength and cardio) in january of this year.

eta: i also have asthma, and it seems to be better controlled if i am exercising (i take a daily inhaler for it).

wombat94

I found running and MFP to be a great combination to reshape my body.

I started MFP on January 5th this year... and weighed 320 pounds.

Three weeks later, I weighed 307 and also started C25K.

In the 6+ months since then, I've dropped another 63 pounds (total of 76 pounds this year) and I have run:

3 5K races
1 10K race
1 10 mile race

A total of over 420 miles this year and I am training for my first Half Marathon next month.

C25K is awesome... trust the program and know that YOU CAN DO IT.

Ted

wingshooter2004

Running is the best way to stay in shape. Throughout my life, each time I have stopped running, I have lost my fitness. I begin running and regain it. Just take it slow like everyone says. When you reach the oint where you can rest while jogging, you have it made. What I mean by this is that you can run at a faster pace and when you begin to tire, you can cut back to a jog and catch your breat, relax your muscles, and get a second wind while jogging, then you are unstopable. You can get there. It just takes time and dedication and listen to your body to avoid injuries.

As far as eating right, MFP is the best thing I have found becuase if you follow it it forces you to make good choices about what you eat. You can get a lot more food throughout the day and not be hungry and still stay under your calorie goal if you chose to eat healthier low calorie foods. I'm at 1400 cal per day, plus I get and extra couple hundred from running most days, and I am never really hungry becuase I have learned how to choose food that fill me up without a lot of calories. You can do it too. Oh, and drink 4 bottles of water each day minimum.

As for shoes, for a heavier person like me, (6' 220lbs) I recommend Aisics Gel-Nimbus 14. They are pretty light and have good cushioning and support. I struggled with platar faciitis for 9 months and these shoes were one key to getting it helaed up while still running.

Good luck. Add me and I wll try to help you stay motivated!!

gracieabem

I agree that 'success' means different things to different people. I feel running has been a great success for me:

- it has made me stronger, physically and mentally
- it has given me time to clear my head (lots of time to think)
- it quite simply makes me feel great
- it has improved my cardiovascular system so much it shocks me sometimes to think back to when I started
- it has set up a great routine for me in terms of a healthier lifestyle
- for me, it is the sport or activity that I love, so I look forward to it on most days (I'd be lying if I said there were days when I had second thoughts about throwing myself out the door, but as time goes on these days are an exception rather than the norm). It's immensely hard to participate in and form healthy habits doing things you don't like, I've discovered that much.

I started running in November and started my weight loss in October. I've lost 92lbs altogether (my ticker shows my loss after joining MFP). I can't really tell how much running contributed to my weight loss (I was also doing a fair bit of strength training up until about a month ago), but even if it had minimal effect the health benefits have been amazing.

johnsnana

I started a few years ago at 130lbs & when I started I couldn't run 1/4 mile. I have asthma which complicated matters. I was up to 2 miles in a month & running 4 miles shortly after. Since then I ran a 1/2 marathon this May & another this past weekend. I went from hating it to loving it. Not so much for weight loss but for having the strength to keep going when I feel I can't go any more. The freedom of getting where I want to go without a car or bike. It relieves stress & just makes me feel healthy. As many others said, take it SLOW, if you do to much too soon & get injured, you defeat the purpose. I am not into the "barefoot" movement, I suffered from heel pain & have worn Mizuno Wave Prophecy's since day one. I love the cushioning & feel. I suggest going to a running store, REI or somewhere where they will watch you run & see what kind of gait you have, then reccommend the best shoe for your specific needs.
Best of luck, you can do it.

davidsgirl145

I Really want to run when I get my weight down. It's too hard on my knees right now. :grumble: But, I fantacize about sprinting off on a cool morning and feeling free! LOL


edited because I don't know how to spell fantasize. LOL
fanticize? fantisize?

ALW65

:bigsmile: Run, hfzimmerman, Run! Like others, I could only make it 1 minute when I started C25K. I still can't run a 5K, but I can alternate jogging/walking and finish in 35 minutes, which I think is a pretty darn grand improvement! When I am running more regularly I do lose weight faster and I can also see an improvement in my resting heart rate and my recovery time (read "time from gasping for air to breathing normally again") with running intermittently. I've done 2 5K's now and I'm plotting the next several out for Aug and Sept.

Despite all these good things, I think the sense of accomplishment I feel when I cross that finish line is the best thing to come out of all this. I went from being that woman who couldn't do anything but gain weight and got out of breath on a flight of stairs to the woman who can conquer a 5K!!!

PS - Get some decent running shoes as they made a huge difference for me (first time in my life I didn't get shin splints when running), and if you have much of a chest search the message boards for the many good threads with suggestions for great running bras. I could not run without my Enell lock-n-load bra!

KJanae87

Ive had great success with running and useing mfp to track calories. Ive lost 40lbs with running being my only form of exercise, u can check out my before and after pics in my profile. The newest one is in the orange tanktop,ive lost 5 more lbs since then.

I started with c25 in April and finished that and still run intervals and long runs too 3x a week. Good luck!

JessieTangerine

Although I recommend going to a running store to get fitted, if there isn't any locally runnerswarehouse.com is a good place to look. They have a large selection, decent return policy, and free shipping. You can use the promo code runblog10 to get 10% off. But really, if you have a running store, go there first. Nothing worse than being injured because your shoe wasn't the right one for you.

hfzimmerman

I found running and MFP to be a great combination to reshape my body.

I started MFP on January 5th this year... and weighed 320 pounds.

Three weeks later, I weighed 307 and also started C25K.

In the 6+ months since then, I've dropped another 63 pounds (total of 76 pounds this year) and I have run:

3 5K races
1 10K race
1 10 mile race

A total of over 420 miles this year and I am training for my first Half Marathon next month.

C25K is awesome... trust the program and know that YOU CAN DO IT.

Ted
[/quote

Wow that is awesome!! Thanks for the inspiration

jmsladky

I got to week three of c25k and got awful shin splints and now i am scared. I have heard that my shoes arent correct so be sure you have correct shoes. Maybe someone can give us both advice. Cause they sure do hurt

hfzimmerman

Everyone has provided me with great comments and encouragement. I have already downloaded c25k now I just need to get great running shoes. I'm very excited to start!

Sherylmarlee

I was never EVER a runner...was always athletic, but, running was never for me. I just sucked at it. I found that I hated the monotony of running at the track and definitely didn't care for the treadmill. When I would try road running, it seemed to kill my knees. Although, I am sure, form may have been quite an issue there. Hiking was always a passion of mine. One day on the trails, I decided to "jalk"...lol "jalking eventually turned to jogging and I think I have finally breached the "running" marker. Anyway, I have become addicted to trail running. I literally turn into Forrest Gump. I could just go and go. I never feels like exercise and seems so much gentler on my joints. In short, don't give up on it...you may find that you prefer one way vs another. Regardless of where or how...it is such a benefit mentally and physically imo.

TMF1123

I always wanted to run but because i was a smoker (for more than 20 years) it was impossible. i quit smoking in april 2011 and started eating. long story short a year later i've put down the food picked up my running shoes an in august i logged over 114 miles mostly jogging with nike gps+. my goal for august is to increase my time to be consistently below a 12 minute mile for the entire month. i'm running on the street, so it's hard on my knees, so i may take the advice of some in this thread and try a trail. go to a running store and have them fit you for shoes - you're worth the investment. have fun!