Beginner Runners

Killy250r

I downloaded this app [10K Trainer] on my iPod, which helps get couch potatoes into running. From a 5K to a 10K. I tried Day 1 of Week 1 and couldn't do it past the third jogging time. I felt so down about it that I've not tried it again.

I've never been the best runner. My best mile run was around 11 minutes and that was three and a half years ago. I take too many breaks. The longest time I could go without stopping is around a 90 seconds. I feel so embarassed about it.

I really want to conquer the hills at the park I run at without breaks. Not to mention run a 5K. Any advice is appreciated.

Also, share your stories! I'd love to know the ups and downs of starting you weight loss journey.

emmaskye15

Waaa I cant run either As must as I try my body wont do it!

caseye98

I started the C25K last week. Finished the 3rd day of the 1st week today. I will be doing week one over again. I can do all 8 runs in it which last 60 seconds each but by about the 6th time, I feel like I am dying and I am slower than when starting out on the first run. I am so looking forward though to the day I can actually run this and not jog with it and then do a 5K. I am about 209lbs and 5'3" and definitely not in shape but I am learning that it's not an overnight process. I didn't gain this weight over night. I am learning to eat right too along with it. Trying to stay away from processed but still eating some and staying away from fried foods and soda. But....this C25K I will conquer and you will conquer your 10K...

mammacano

Don't give up! It will get easier. I was never a runner, but I learned to love it and ran my first 5K one week before my 40th birthday. I will now be running my first 10K in November..:0)

georgebob1991

running seriously SUCKS at first. my first run (a couple of months ago now) i struggled to run a mile, stopped 3 times, it took 20 minutes! yesterday i ran 7.8km in 37 minutes! stick with it, it gets a LOT easier. more importantly, once you are good at it, it becomes a lot of fun

micheleyarbrough

You can do it!!

sjakma402

Don't give up. It will get easier. It is amazing how the body adapts each week to running longer distances. When I first started, I could not run for more than 15 seconds without feeling like I was going to die. Started the C25K many times and gave up before finally succeeding. Since then I have run 7 marathons & a 50k. Recently took some time off due to injuries but back on the trail again with hopes of running a 100 miler in 2013.

Check with local running shoe stores to see if there are any running clubs in your area. Also check out Road Runners of America. I have found it much easier training with a group than going out by myself.

http://www.rrca.org/find-a-running-club/

Fit_Vixen

I justed started my 2nd week today. And I just about die everytime I run. HOW, does this get easier?!?! LOL!! If every new week looks tougher. Like I said, I just started the 2nd week today, I looked at week ahead & I was like "oh heck no" lol. If I'm dying now, how can I do next week? lol. I bet if I was to do the first week again, I'd still struggle as well! I'm soooooooo bad with running. And now my shins feel bruised, only they're not, So again, how does it get easier?

liddc

You should try a Couch to 5k app first... it will start out a bit slower but it's a good way of easing into it and getting your confidence up, and you'll be less likely to injure yourself as well!

hg5159

Ditto the previous poster, try a c25K app first. It's designed to start you off slow. If you've never run before it WILL work. I hated running and c25K has worked for me. I ran 4 miles barefoot on the beach last week and I never in a million years would have thought that's something I would do and enjoy. You can do it!!! C25K really works if you give it a chance. Don't feel bad if you need to repeat a day or a week. I repeated weeks when I felt the need. It does get better.

careyannal

I started running in June, and I would run as far as I could (less than a minute) then walk, then run, etc.

I did that for a week, then ran a mile straight for a few weeks.

I have since been upping it by a quarter mile every few weeks and now I am running 1.75 miles without stopping.

For me, that's huge!

Keep it up, it WILL get better, and you WILL be able to run before you know it!!!

ixap

I downloaded this app [10K Trainer] on my iPod, which helps get couch potatoes into running. From a 5K to a 10K.

It sounds like you got the "bridge" app to take you from a 5K to a 10K. But from your post it sounds like you are not yet at the 5K level. Try the C25K app first; the bridge app is designed with the assumption that you are already running 5Ks successfully.

My advice is to do your run intervals SLOW SLOW SLOW at first. Your biggest benefit will come from consistently putting in the miles. You don't need to run fast to get faster, especially as a new runner.

I started running 15 years ago and did walk/run intervals (before C25K existed) on a treadmill - 60 seconds jogging at a 5mph, 2 minutes walking, for 20 minutes at a time. This year I'm shooting for a 22:30 5K. Stick with it, be consistent, be patient!

tommygirl2

I started C25K yesterday. Was able to complete (not going t oo fast). I'm looking forward to tomorrow...sort of:) We can do it!!!

careyannal

Oh, and as an added benefit the "runner's high" you always hear about is real, you will feel great after you accomplish whatever distance it is you set out to do :bigsmile:

Killy250r

That's exactly how I feel; dread for the next running session. I'll probably have to repeat the first few weeks before I can move forward... I'll have to be more positive.

hazel240

"Ease into 5k" is the app I'm using, and I love it! The first week started pretty simple running times were 30, 45 & 60 seconds. Then they creep up... I'm in the middle of week 4, and I'm running for 6 minutes at a time! I still can't believe it! LOL!

The best part is trying to beat your pace from the last workout, or feeling that the running segments are getting a little bit easier. I'd suggest you move down to a 5k program. You might find it more suitable for your level.

Fit_Vixen

I am using a Simple C25K app. Today I ran the 1st day of the 2nd week. I'm pretty sure I will have to repeat this week before I move on to week 3.

veraa62

I've also started the C25K app - on week two but will be repeating it next week I haven't ran/jogged in 20 years but plan to complete my first 5K Run on 10/6 with my sister!

Killy250r

The 10K starts the same the C25K until I reach 5K. The difference is that it finishes at 10K. If that makes sense.

Thanks for your advice. I guess, I feel the need to keep up with my brother... I'll go a lot more slower so I don't get tired out too quickly

rozeltf

Only advice I can offer is keep doing the program. I had a herniated disc last August, could barely walk, felt better this Spring lost some weight and started C25K on June 14. Struggled running 90 seconds in Week 1. Just ran a 5k race this past Thursday 36:34

lleesmann

Honestly, with running once you master the breathing it gets a lot easier. You just need to keep going and don't get frustrated. You can do this!

Killy250r

I'll have to download it. It's seems easier than the C25K.

Nefetete

Know what u mean ... I am using the 5k runner app & no matter what I try can't seem to go over 2 min without being out of breath and side pains. Will try ck25 hope that works better as I am not willing to give up my goal of running the 5k
rat race next year.

Keep at it ... In this case being pig headed is a good thing

Killy250r

Ugh, it's so hard trying not to breathe through my mouth. I'll be a lot more persistent next time.

Pebble321

If you can't run all the intervals - then run what you can and walk the rest.
Aim to run a little more each time. It really is as easy as that.
Don't try to run too fast - better to build up endurance first, speed will come later.

If you give up as soon as you start you'll never succeed!

PS. I breath through my mouth. Not a problem for me.

Killy250r

Persistence: that's the key. I'll have to keep myself motivated. Like you, I really want to run a marathon next year; it's to do with marine conservation. What exactly is the rat race?

EnchantedEvening

Ugh, it's so hard trying not to breathe through my mouth. I'll be a lot more persistent next time.

There's nothing wrong with breathing through your mouth, as long as you learn how to pace it and not hyperventilate. When I'm really into cardio, I often inhale through my nose and sort of blow/puff out through my mouth. It keeps my oxygen level high (your muscles need that). Inhaling through my nose keeps my throat from drying out, and exhaling through my mouth helps me power through the tough parts. It's better than screaming.

chelledawg14

Every single time I run - and that is 5-6 days a week, the first mile is always the worst, Seems it takes me that long to get my stride . If I just don't feel it (and some days I don't), then I'll alternate running and walking. One day a week I'll do a 5-7 mile run; the other days 2-4, but it may be doing all running or half/half. I don't ever get mad at myself, I just know the days when I can make it all running, I feel like I've accomplished so much! Hang in there and keep on trying!

Pebble321

Know what u mean ... I am using the 5k runner app & no matter what I try can't seem to go over 2 min without being out of breath and side pains. Will try ck25 hope that works better as I am not willing to give up my goal of running the 5k
rat race next year.

Keep at it ... In this case being pig headed is a good thing

Run SLOWLY. It it feels like you are already running slowly - run slower!
I think this really is the key to building up distance.

oOMusicBabii

C25k is a wonderful program.

I've tried it a couple time but I've realized that there are a couple weeks I need to repeat 2 or 3 times before moving on. Sometimes you just need to repeat and alter the plan a bit. Also, I agree with everyone that says run slower. If you can run longer and farther at a slower pace then do it. Once you can maintain that long distance, then you can speed up.

Keep going and I bet you will succeed.

xxvogue

I was gonna' make sure that you were really starting with C25k and not bridge to 10k, but it sounds like you are!

I just want to say, it DOES get easier. I remember my first week of c25k, I could finish it, but it was SOOO hard. I think you might have better luck if you do the jog x seconds, walk, walk, walk jog x seconds, walk, walk, walk, jog x seconds. So, alternate every "run" with a walk. Try that for a week, then try running on every run.

I remember when doing c25k, the first time I ran 8 minutes without stopping and the first time I ran a mile. I called everyone I knew. I stopped running for awhile, but when I picked it up again my endurance was a lot better. It stays decent, I was running 2 miles (in nice weather). In the current Florida heat I make it 2 miles, with some brief walk breaks, I will be at a 5k by the end of next month as a personal goal.

You can do it! Just keep plugging away and repeat weeks if you need to! That's 100% OK.

And yes, breathe through your mouth!! Most people ideally inhale every 3 steps and exhale every 3. Some do it in 5. But you should be at least breathing in for 2 steps or so to insure you're not hyperventilating. My own pattern is 3 steps inhale, 2 steps exhale (3:2). The military recommends this pattern for extended running, but a 2:2 pattern for sprinting (and most elites run a 2:2 or 3:3). I know that a 3:2 can prevent side stitches, so that's probably why it's recommended.