Any runners who were not good runners before?

ARHx0

I've always wanted to get into running, but I suck at it. Even being in sports all my life, running a mile I thought I was going to die.

Now even running 1/2 a mile on a treadmil I feel like I'm going to die. lol. They say slowly work yourself up, but does that really happen?

Anyone like me that turned out to be a long distance runner??

ZenInTexas

I had never really run a day in my life until last spring. Then I did couch to 5k and now I'm training for a half marathon. Don't give up!!! You can do it!

LorinaLynn

I'm not a real "distance" runner ... longest I've ever run was about 10 miles, but I run between 3-6+ miles about three times a week.

Up until two years ago, I hated running and never ran at all. The most I could go was about 10th of a mile. I started with Couch to 5k and kept going.

runzalot81

Everyone starts out that way.

I could only run for 1 sorry minute at a time when I started. Like all beginners, I thought I was going to die.

Now, I train for a half once a year.

obeseto13point1

I agree with most people starting out not being very successful. I was active before I started running, but it took me a long time to actually like it, and that is what I would credit for my success (I ran my first half marathon this year). For me, one day I just liked it, the farther I went I liked it more and more, and now I can honestly say "I LOVE RUNNING!"

MoreBean13

EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE hates it at first. The only people that have always loved it played sports as a kid and never quit, or are liars. And even the sport-as-kids people (myself included) generally have an injury or life circumstance that puts them out of the game for a while, and hates it at first when they get back to it.

There's no reason to sugarcoat the facts- it's hard as *kitten* when you start. You have to push yourself through it, and every fiber of your body will scream "QUIT!", but you WILL get past that with determination. And then you'll feel an unbelievable sense of accomplishment, worth every miserable mile. Even once you get past the hurdle, you'll have occasional bad days....but they end up making the good ones feel THAT much more awesome. Just keep at it, and you will get past the hurdle. I promise, cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.

I would try C25k. I've never tried it, but I have heard wonderful things from people like yourself. Now lace up and get going! :drinker:

lacurandera1

I used to run..about 15 years ago. then I started smoking and hadn't run to the corner until I quit smoking about 3 months ago. I started with a terrible, labored breathing mile, which I had to stop to walk during. Mind you, this was not what one would call "running" it was a jog at best. Over the course of 3 months I have bumped it up to about 4 miles on my longest run. I expect I could go further but...i don't have the time or desire after that.

The fitter you get, the stronger your lungs get, the more you will progress. and yes, you WILL progress. I haven't yet mastered the "running faster" thing, but run longer, i can do. and you will, too.

zx0810r

Not going to become a runner unless you go out there and run.

Run as far as you can then run further, then next time beat that distance. Control your breathing. One day it will click and you will realize you can keep going.

shokes718

Thanks for the posts. I am also looking to start running. I am thinking of signing up for a 5K in March, but want to wait until the end of January just make sure I'm alive by then! It's a bit scary but exciting at the same time.

EvgeniZyntx

I love / hate running.
I was once a bad cross country runner. The only thing I like about it it that it gets me out and I see beautiful landscapes - yesterday I got to run aroun some 17th century fortifications.

I used to run a lot. Then it fell apart. The Couch to 5k program was great, t got me going again, then a 5 to 10 km program, I'm past 10 km but use it for training for a half marathon in a few months.

I still suck, but I go further each week.

Have fun, hope you find your sweet spot.

Eta: What I found yesterday

castell5

When I was 42 lbs over weight I decided "I'll be a runner" and off to the high school track I went. I could barely do one lap without gasping for air, with a beet red face and wanting to unzip my chest so I could breathe!
It sucked, I hated it and to top it off, I got shin splints the next day.
I figured, that's that, I can't run.
However, my daughter told me with the Vibram Five Finger shoes, I wouldn't get shin splints. OH I doubted this of course, but she had a pair so I borrowed them and she was right. No more shin splints so I started running and trying to slowly increase my distances. About 4 months into really trying to build up my stamina, I ran my first 5K. I didn't get to totally run the whole thing, I tried, I did, but I admit, I had to walk "some"... but I did finish it in about 37 mins.
Now I can run 14 laps, that is 3.5 miles so it will come to you, if you persist.

Dalen

dorianaldyn

I have never, ever considered myself a strong runner. I used to get excused from running the mile in jr high school because of "athletically induced asthma." Fast forward 20+ years and now I've completed a handfull of half marathons and will start training for a full marathon in January (race is in May).

Start with a C25K program and you'll be on your way in no time. What has helped me tremedously is doing intervals and gradually making my running intervals longer and longer.

Sabine_Stroehm

I ran in my 20s. Til my knees started aching all the time.

Now, at 47 I started running, slowly, short distances, on a lark last year.

I now run 3-6 miles a few times a week. Usually around 20 miles a week.

Outside in good enough weather, inside when the weather stinks, or my time is short (ie, I'll run on the treadmill at work).

Not sure why I started running again. It just felt right.
I did a lot of HiiT training in the beginning. That seemed to help.

fatfrost

I used to hate running until I starting tracking food and burn. The calorie burn for running is seriously second to none. And since I like to eat, I learned to like to running.

I am now up to about 20 miles a week, usually 2 or 3 every other day during the week and five miles a day each weekend day.

Went from a chunky 245 to a lean 175.

JAllen32

I was never a runner before. I avoided physical activity like a disease when I was in high school. I only started seriously running about a half ago. By the end of this year, I will have done 26 races, in 2012 alone, including several halfs, a 14 and a 16 mile trail run. I'm not fast, but I run, and I get faster. You have to start out somewhere!! Good luck!! You will become a runner!!

xprettyreckless

yup! when I tried running two years ago I had to stop every ten minutes to catch my breath, so eventually I stopped.
I started again last April because a friend convinced me to run with him, and I've been running regularly ever since.
The furthest I've done is 13.2 miles, and I usually do around 5-7 miles a day now with no problem whatsoever.

So basically, all I've done is to run with somebody who was better than me. It's so motivating, and so rewarding!
Just start slow! I know usually people say to run for a while, take a walking break, and then run again. I actually never did that though. Just run very slowly, concentrate on breathing the right way, and you'll get better every day!

dsjohndrow

I was in ICU with congestive heart failure. I started to walk and it took me a year to do C25K. I have run a few 10ks and a 1/2 marathon. You can do it. I suggest joining a running club if there is one locally. At the very least get GOOD shoes fitted by a running store.

bluefox9er

I've always wanted to get into running, but I suck at it. Even being in sports all my life, running a mile I thought I was going to die.

Now even running 1/2 a mile on a treadmil I feel like I'm going to die. lol. They say slowly work yourself up, but does that really happen?

Anyone like me that turned out to be a long distance runner??

there are a LOT of folks who started off life as being the least likely people to become distance runners but become very accomplished runners indeed...me included!!

The couch to 5k program will take you exactly where you want to go. Once you can run 5k/3.1 miles, it's up to you to go for 10k and beyond our just run for the sheer joy of it. I went from 260 lbs and unable to run for a bus to training for my first marathon inside of 8 months.


P.S: Get fitted for the RIGHT shoes to suit your running gait..this is incredibly important!

eatathome

I went from not being able to run a mile (actually, not even being able to run around a city block without stopping to walk) to running a semi-respectable marathon (just under 4:30) in the period of 1 year. If I can do it, anyone can. My advice to anyone who says they "can't run" is to slow down.

I recommend John Bingham's books. I used Marathoning for Mortals to train.

xprettyreckless

oh yeah, and I know you heard this a millions times before probably but make sure to


x) wear the right shoes
x) hydrate plenty before/after
x) wear something you're comfortable in.
x) STRETCH!
x) I listen to music when running outside, and watch shows when on the treadmill. it's super distracting,
and if you run at an easy pace, I bet you that you'll do 5k without even noticing it.

some of these are pretty obvious, but they're all crucial and will definitely help you in becoming a better runner:)

DavPul

Almost no one was a good runner fresh out of the gate. If you want to run, go run. You'll get better at it, I promise. Not only am I a terrible runner, I hate it. It's boring to me and works in opposition to my fitness goals. But I can run 10 miles without stopping right now at a decent pace. How? Because I started running. I couldn't run to the end of the block without stopping a few months ago. But time, determination and persistence are the ingredients that all accomplishments are made from. I have a race coming up in February, and I don't let lack of ability get in the way of my goals.

So if you want to be a runner, go run. If you don't, don't blame it on some mystical ability to run that you weren't born with.

GiddyupTim

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
When I first starting running -- just to run, not sports -- I ran around my small apartment complex, once, and then returned huffing and gasping. Things did not improve for weeks.
But then . . . . somewhere along the line, I went a little further, and it was a little easier, and I have been going as best I can ever since. And, I have no regrets. Best thing I ever did.

wigglypeaches

Happened to me, too. I couldn't run the mile in High School, but I can happily bust out 3-4 now at a moderate pace - and I don't run more than once a week. It really is something you have to build up to, but your body really does adapt.

The trick for me was to be forgiving enough that I didn't dread doing it. Even if I could only do three minutes at a time, I was going to do those three minutes and be proud of the accomplishment. And then I'd try to hold on just a little longer next time. When I realized I didn't have to [read: couldn't] just jump in and run ten miles in a stretch, it was easier to build up and start enjoying my progress.

MandaJean83

I was never very good at running. Even in elementary school, I couldn't run a mile. My endurance was pathetic.

When I started getting in shape last December, I noticed how many people used running as a great calorie burner. I knew I couldn't jump into being a runner, but at least I wanted to try. I did a lot of treadmill walking at higher speeds, and then progressed to C25K. That got me running 30 minutes at a time, at a slow pace. Now, i'm able to run 40 minutes at a time, at about 4.2mph on the treadmill. It's not fast, but I'm getting there!

If you stick with it, and endure the burning in your chest and your legs, and try to control your breathing patterns, it will get better. The first several weeks are REALLY rough, but then your body starts to adjust and it slowly becomes a bit easier!

Give it a try!!!

juliep1974

I was never really a runner (it always bothered my knees). I was active and have friends who'd run 5ks so I had done a bunch of them but never figured myself for a distance runner. I started getting into triathlons and decided to do an olympic distance last year - this required that I run a 10K. I figured the one and only 10K i'd ever run would be for that triathlon. As I trained, I built up my distance and actually ended up running 10k a couple of times. Then this fall, I decided I wanted to do a half marathon so I signed up for one in February. My knees are not great but I find with lots of stretching, lots of foam rollering and some strength training they are actually feeling ok. I'm not fast but every week I go a bit further. You can do it!

Lesley2901

I would also recommend the C25K. After completing the program I now run 3 times a week, usually between 5 and 10K each time. I'm working on reducing my times for both and enjoying the challenge.

kevinlynch3

Good shoes..go to a running store and get fitted...run/walk method if you are just starting out or try Couch or 5k (C25K)

Never increase running distance by more than 10% a week and listen to your body.

Yes, I used to hate running. Now I hate injuries that prevent me from running.

waterwing

I was the same way a year ago... Couldn't run for beans! A couple weeks ago I ran a 17.2km race and I actually liked it! I would echo a lot of these people in suggesting Couch to 5K but also suggest you get off the treadmill. Go outside.. Treadmills are terribly boring and just being able to see your time flashing before your eyes makes it so slow going. Get a good running app, some good music, some warm clothes (or not depending where you live) and go outside! You'll be a runner in no time!

disasterman

I wouldn't call myself a long distance runner but I can now run 5 miles - most days without a walk break. I'm not fast either; I usually run somewhere between 10 and 11 minute miles. When I started in July I could run maybe 200 feet or so before my first walk break-and I would be so sore after 2 miles that it would be 4 or 5 days before I could run again. Somewhere in those early days I had to take a break for almost two weeks due to soreness.

My training plan was pretty simple - I tried to run 2 or 3 times a week depending on how I felt. I started with 2 miles as my distance and ran for as long as I could, then walked to catch my breath etc., run again...repeat. So, it's taken about 6 months but I would now consider myself a runner. I've completed two 5 k events and have a 5 mile trail run coming up this Spring. Thinking about a 10k too!

katiefridley

I HATED running. Hate, hate, hate. And I think I hated it because I couldn't do it. And that's what motivated me to do it. Why can these other people be runners and I can't? Why can't I be the beautiful, strong woman jogging on the sidewalk, or the Facebook friend to post pictures after all of my races?

So, a little under 2 months ago, I started the C25k program. When I started, I had to really push myself to finish a minute at a very slow pace. Today, using that program, I ran (sloooowwwwly) 20 minutes straight. Me. The over weight asthmatic ran for 20 minutes straight. This is a miracle and this program works. The great part about the program is it is about endurance, not speed. Speed will come in time.

Don't get me wrong. It is hard work. And you are going to feel like you want to quit nearly every single time you run. Just don't quit. Force yourself to get out there for every run. You have to force yourself and not give yourself the option. If you want to stop or give up in the middle of a run, don't. Do exactly what the program tells you to do every single workout day. I use the Zen Labs app for my phone. It is tells you out loud when to run and walk.

I seriously recommend this program. I am not a "good" runner in any sense of the word (13 minutes miles when I try HARD), but I am doing it, I enjoy it, and I get better each time.

mitch16

I ran track, if you can call it that, in middle school. I was a hurdler--only ever had to run 60 or 100 yards at a time. (Yards--that should give you some idea of how old I am!)

I've been physically active for a while--I cycle, I snow ski, I swim, I walk, I do the elliptical. Never running.

In the spring my son had a parents/kids lacrosse game and I thought I was going to die from the running. Right then and there I set a goal to run a 2 mile race over the summer with my son.

I started out with a Couch 2 5K program that I found online, but found it a little bit easy, so I embellished on my own. I started out running pretty slow on the treadmill at the gym and at the high school track, usually about 6 mph. I actually fell off the treadmill at the gym once--luckily it was late so not many people were there to see it.

I ran my race over the July Fourth holiday--2 miles in 19:06 in 85 degree heat. But I finished!

I haven't looked back since then. I ran a 5k in October--finished in a bit over 26 minutes.

I love running now--it's made my weight loss so easy. It gives me time to clear my mind. I get crabby if I don't run! I've actually just returned from the gym where I ran 4 miles in 32 minutes. Yep, 7.5 mph. I figure if I can get to a steady 8 mph I can win a gold medal in my age group in the July Fourth race next summer--that's one of my goals. The other is to participate in a sprint triathlon!

Keep with it--it should become easier with time!