running tips welcomed!

ktaqt3399

Ive never been able to run.....I was always the kid walking the mile in gym. After four monthes on this site my stamina in working out cardio wise is amazingly better.....Except....I still cant run for ****. I want to change this. With us moving to a neighborhood where I feel I can actually Run for a change I would like to take advantage of this come next summer. My cousin runs in 5 k's all the time and I would love to share this experience. I definatly need to build up to that. I want to start Couch to 5k and actually finish it. My mother is getting me some good running shoes for christmas and I would like to wait for those because when I try to do it in the past I have developed bad knee pain due to inaddequate footwear. I want to be successful in this venture....im going to build up on the treadmill. From what I have been told I should work on my stamina first and speed later. My goal is by summer to be able to go for a run around my neighborhood. Im hoping that by doing it in the gym thru the winter I will develop stamina so that I dont feel like an idiot running through my neighborhood in the spring. Runnng is something that definatly is a part of fitness that has always scared me because it has always been such a failure in the past. I want to overcome this hurdle and become a successful runner. I know this will not be easy bieng a out of shape 295 lb woman. I welcome all tips as I am eager to absorb any bits of advice from people who run and I definatly need advice as i am very un knowledgable on it.

nnoifeld

Using the C25K program is a good start. It helps you to build up your endurance at a pace you can bear! I just resumed running this year after taking a break for about 5 years! It takes time, for sure. But don't be too hard on yourself. I picked it up again because my husband ran his first marathon in March of this year and did an awesome job. Meanwhile, I was on the sidelines eating cake. Yes, unbelieveable, but true! However, while watching all the participants, I saw people of all shapes and sizes and fitness levels out there trying their best. And it dawned on me, that if they could do it, I could, too! I primarily run on a treadmill at the gym. Like you, I am petrified of running through my neighborhood, thinking of my neighbors watching me, wondering what the heck I must be doing! In June I ran my first 5k. I finished in 45 minutes, felt like I had to throw up at the finish line, and was utterly exhausted. But I was thrilled that I actually finished! I did not train as well as I should because I had let life and everything else interfere. But with the exhileration of actually finishing, I was excited to work harder. Earlier this month, I completed a 10k. But this time, I was better prepared. I used a training program that gradually increased my mileage at a pace I was comforatble with. Trust me, there will be days when the last thing you want to do is run, so don't feel bad if you choose to walk or do something else instead. Just don't quit. Stay hydrated, have a good pair of running shoes, have comfortable workout clothes and a good sports bra. And above all else, have fun! It's exciting to go to races and you will be so proud of yourself when you cross that finish line!

ktaqt3399

thanks nnoifeld!