Running...?

marycmeadows

I was told in february 2012 that I should do a half marathon. I laughed in that person's face and told them absolutely not, I had no desire to run. well then I did. I started out doing intervals, for many months. In August 2012 I got suckered into training for a half marathon. That first week, the long run about killed me. it was 5 mi. then it got easier. The first three weekends were 5 mi runs..... then two weeks at 6 mi runs.... then added a mile each week on up to 12 mi.... and then there was the half marathon. I came to enjoy those long runs. I ran my first half marathon nov 10 2012, and then loved it so much, signed up for another one and ran that one on 12/9/12! in the weeks between the half marathons I kept training. I am currently participating in another half marathon training that is a few months long but I'm not signing up for another half marathon just yet - this is being used as a jump start on tribal quest training. the real reason I'm doing it is because I LOVE the LONG runs on saturday mornings. they hurt sometimes, but it's much easier to get through those miles with people to talk to.

when you start training, you are to run slow. I mean slow. like 12-13min mile. it will get easier, you will get faster. it's not a race per se. the goal is to run. the goal is NOT to finish first in any race (at least not for me). the goal is to enjoy the physical activity.

teschy123

I would definitely have to recommend the C25K program!! I was like you I couldn't even run .10 mile and now I can run 1.5 miles without stopping I am still a work in progress, but I have come to love it, and I still have days when I do more walking then running!! I am by far the not a fast runner but I get it done and running as helped me shed stomach weight that some of the other cardio workouts would let me do!! GO at your own pace

cmcollins001

Forget Couch to 5K. Forget starting out slowly. Forget about working up to an actual jog...let alone a run.

Here's what you do. Get back to the whole point of running. The core of where all this running started.

Ok, get a big mean dog, some hot dogs, and some good shoes.

Starve the dog for a couple of days.

Put the hot dogs down your pants.

Put on your running shoes.

Go out and let the dog go and then kick him really hard.

RUN!!

:flowerforyou: Glad to help.

WaxMama

I also downloaded the free C25K app. LOVED it and it changed my life! I do actually enjoy running now (I know, crazy) and you'll get there! Just be patient

kjm3579

I started with C25K but the first problem I encountered was with my shoes. I have flat feet and an extra bone in each foot and so went to NB for an analysis and bought the recommended cross training shoes with orthotic inserts. They were stiff and heavy and I felt like I was trying to carry weights on each leg. On the recommendation of a local business man I bought a pair of Vibram FiveFingers (Bikila LS) and tried running in them. The first time I ran in the Vibrams I was able to go 5x further than in the shoes. I just worked up loosely following the C25K program at that point and soon I was doing 1 mile and then 2 miles without feeling winded. My goal was to be able to do a 5K easily and at one point I was running a 5K distance but feeling really run down at the end but that kept getting better til I ran just over a 5K distance and felt great at the end. Once I met that goal I tried to add more distance and my son has challenged me to train for a half marathon. I have run up to 6 miles so far and just recently got away from running for a few weeks due to the holidays and a head cold so am back to working on rebuilding myself up to longer distances again. Now, I'm trying to get up the nerve to enter a race such as the Zombie run in Philly this Spring!

redredy9

Good for you!

I always thought i wasn't a runner. I wasn't sleek and I definately wasnt fast and running hurt but like others have said its 90% mental. I'd go so far as to say 95% mental.

I just wouldn't give up. I pushed through it and discovered that eventually if I ran long enough the cramps in my calves would go away and I would be fine. The more I ran the better it felt and the further I could go. I still occasionally have to run through a mile or 2 of calf cramps but its so worth it. I am still not fast but I've discovered that I do have incredible stamina and my stubborness is a big help! I ran my first marathon in 2012 and am doing 2 in 2013.

Runners aren't just born some of them are built!

I just don't let the pain stop me. HOWEVER it is important to note that there are diffrent types of pain and some of them should not be ignored. If its pain it stabbing pain in the joints, feels like a rip or tear - you should stop. My pain was muscle tightness/cramps.

cheri0627

I have never been a runner. I hate running. I'm slow. I'm SLOWER than slow. I do CrossFit and it's a huge weakness of mine.

So I downloaded Zombies, Run! on my phone. I have enjoyed the story and that makes running better. They now have a 5K trainer app, which I think I'm going to try next. (I just want to find out how the story ends, or I would probably have gone back and started with that. It wasn't out when I started.)

My recommendation, find something you enjoy listening to, be it good music or audio books or an app like Zombies, Run! and just do it. Maybe you'll find that you really don't like it and you move on to other things. Maybe you find that you like it. Start slow. Do what you can do and work from there. When I started, I could barely run 200m. Now I'm running for 45 minutes at a time. (That was almost 5k.) Slow is better than not going at all. Speed will come eventually, or so they tell me.

jahenry17

I agree with everyone that the C25K prgram is the way to go. I started there and went from never running to doing 1/2 marathons in 6 months.

I also agree that running is 90% mental. Personally, the first 2-3 miles of every run are miserable. Once I get warmed up, I feel like I can run for ever.

Also, remember that a 12 minute mile is the same distance as a 9 minute mile. Slow and steady wins the race.

Good luck!

-Jennifer

texasladysv

Like... just jogged last week cause I thought I couldn't! But I DID! I'm still hurting in shins, but will slowly progress to more running!! We are stronger than we think!

Jedi_Jewel

Everyone has given you great advice. I just wanted to throw in there that once you run that 5K, you will catch the bug and be hooked!! Organized running events are so much FUN!!!! And the running community is awesome, no matter how big or small or how fast or slow you are!!

Starlage

Another vote for Couch to 5k! It really does work when you stick to the plan and be consistent with it! I did it back in March 2012 and went from someone that kinda hated running and got out of breath instantly to someone that can run regularly now- still not a distance runner and don't really want to be- but I enjoy mixing my exercises up by getting outside once or twice a week and run a few miles. Give it a try! You'll be surprised.

triciaj66

Hi their !!! I could only run for 2 minutes when i started.... I got to 15m than I just kept adding time maybe 3-5m a day.. I can run for about an hour without stopping. I would love to go longer but i stopped running to do insanity.. I think getting to the first 15m is the hardest... I know having good form and controlling your breathing is important. breath in through your nose and out your mouth... i lesten to music I think that is a big help.. its all in your mind... you can do it !!!!!

Deedsie

Sign up for the race today. It will be the best thing you have done for yourself this year.

The running people I meet at races, on MFP and in running groups are the nicest, kindest, most helpful, most motivating and generally great people that I have ever met. I couldn't figure it out until I realized that running is the best natural high that I have ever experienced. They are so great because they are so happy. I ran my first half in October and I'm addicted.

kaylaskupkakes

Yall are so amazing, I can't say it enough. Today at the gym I followed the advice of a poster and just covered the display so I couldn't see how far I had gone and I just ran until I couldnt any more and I almost did a whole mile! So it really does help to just be able to push yourself without looking at distance! Thank you so much for all of your advice, and I will definatley be getting the C25K app soon! And I will also be signing up for the 5K race, because if I can do one mile, I can do the rest! And I have a few months to train, so I know I can definatley do it. And even though it wasn't easy while I was running, the feeling I had after, when I was standing there breathing hard and red faced, was amazing! I felt so accomplished and proud of myself, and it was wonderful! Thank you! I will keep yall updated

SRH7

I started running last year using C25K and if I can do it anyone can! I struggled with even the 60 second runs at the beginning and still run at a slooooowwww shuffle, but I do enjoy it and I love not only the buzz I get afterwards but the great calorie burn you get (not to mention the tone in my legs and bottom!).

You really could do with a 'trainer' cheering you on so my recommendations for podcasts to download (free on iTunes) are:

* Chubby Jones - really fun, good music: http://chubbyjones.com/

* NHS - music's a bit bland for my taste (but you may like it) but the website is great for hints and tips: http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

And join our group on MFP! http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

Scalvak

C25K, definitely! I was NEVER able to run, skipped gym classes in school, felt stupid when I tried to run, couldn't breathe, and probably looked stupid too. But I always had an interest in it. I decided one day that I would try the C25K and that I would finish it and if afterwards I hated running, I'd never do it again. If I wasn't going to be a runner it would be by CHOICE, and not because I COULDN'T, you know?

So I did. And I can run. And I absolutely love it now. If you want to run, you CAN! Good luck