Beginner Runner

leanneakaliz

Hi Guys

I have always found running really hard and hated it throughout pe sessions at school.
Last year I found that a ton of people have lost so much weight through running and my boyfriends dad told me about all the marathons he has done etc since then ive really wanted to try it.

I have been training for a 5k for the last couple of weeks and would love to do a 10k at some point this year. Since I have started training I love it and hope that it will soon become just another part of my life rather than seem like exercise

Is anyone else just starting out ?

Sharing support and motivation would be great

melaniecheeks

Godd for you on sticking to it and setting goals!

I ran a couple of10ks last year, plus a relay leg of the marathon (about 6 miles). This year I've signed up to do a half marathon!

MichelleADB

I used to absolutely hate running and I refused to even try. Then, my family betrayed me. My husband started signing up for 1/2 marathons, marathons and Tough Mudders. Even my kids got into the action with 1 miles, then 5Ks and now 8Ks. It got to where every vacation revolved around some type of run. They even turned Disney World into a run. What else could I do but join them? I can't say I LOVE running yet, but I do think I'm addicted. I even managed to whether out a 10k and I'm working towards my first 1/2 this year. Now, the whole family looks forward to our running weekends. I also have to admit that I have liked the weight loss and toning that comes along with running.

Dean33

Best thing is to find a great friend/running buddy/running group. Much easier to stay motivated and enjoy running if you have friends around you to help push through the tough runs. If you can keep it a fun social activity and a party of your lifestyle, rather then having to exercise, and you will be just fine!

Also having a race or event to train for, or volunteer at, always give you something to aim for an look forward to A marathon seems impossible, but if you start with a 5K and slowly build up your distance ANYONE can complete one!

D

aswearingen22

It's hard to describe to a nonrunner why we runners love to run! There's the runners high, stress relief, there's the feeling of pride and accomplishment, there's the escape by ourselves and just living in our own heads for a few hours each weekend during our long runs, being able to do it wherever you are without any equipment, there's being part of the runner's community which is AMAZING, there's races which are so fun and the reward for the long hours of training, there's being a PART of the race and knowing you aren't just the spectator but the athlete, there's being able to run and keep up (or outrun!) your kids. It's all amazing.

Advice for starting out...

1. Stick to a training plan (c25k, c210k, etc). It'll increase your mileage slowly so you don't get injured.
2. Sign up for a 5k, then a 10k race. It'll keep you motivated to keep at it.
3. Recruit a friend to join you. It's so much more fun to run with a friend and you're less apt to skip a run if someone is counting on you. If not a friend, join a local running group, check out your local running store and race company's to find one.
4. Keep in mind it does get easier. Whenever I take a break for a few months from training (inevitably each summer, even though I say I won't!), when I start back, even a few miles feels hard again. Your lungs burn and it hurts. But at some point, your body figures it out and it doesn't hurt anymore. You just get in the groove.
5. Running is very mental. You're head will be telling you to stop, but your body is perfectly capable of still going. Try not to listen to your head. Tell yourself you're strong and CAN do this.
6. If it's too hard, slow your pace down. You'll naturally get faster the more you run. Keep the pace easy enough you could carry on a conversation. I read someone on here giving the c25k advice "if you can go any slower, you're going too fast". Keep it easy and doable and you'll get faster.
7. Have fun. It's ssooo addicting! Pretty soon you'll be talking about which half marathon you're signing up for!

AddieOverhaul

I just starting running in the summer. I'm asthmatic so always avoided it. When I started out I could barely run for one minute. By November I could do 20 minutes no problem, walk for two, and do another 10-15 of running. And, most importantly, I started to love it. I didn't run for about 6 weeks due to a flu and the holidays so I just started a clinic at the Running Room (last night!) to train for a 5k race. I'm really excited not only to improve my fitness, but to meet new people and become a part of the running community.

leanneakaliz

Thank you so much for all your support and advice

tamcrit

I have run 7 half marathons and multiple 5 & 10 K's. I am currently registered for Carlsbad Half on January 27, Women's Half (San Diego) on February 24, San Diego Half on March 10, and Hooley's to Hooley's Half on March 17....I may be dead in April...lol. I will be 45 next week and have only been running since 2010, with some injury timeouts last year. So, if I can do it, anyone can!! Good for all of you who are getting into it...you WILL get addicted, but it is good!! Enjoy it!!