Want to start jogging.... no idea where to start!

I really wanna start running well jogging to start with!
Am i right in thinking its a good all rounder exercise!

any tips on how to get started?? i have some trainers -

i think with me its a confidence thing not to worry about ppl looking at me and thinking omg she cant do that! and just doing it! (and obviously the worry of being attacked sorry to put such a negative on it!!)

Thanks guys xxx
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Replies

  • scott1111111
    scott1111111 Posts: 53 Member
    First thing is to make sure you have a good pair of running shoes. Find a place that will take the time to fit you. Then just start running. If you are brand new you will want to alternate between walking and a jog. Aim for walking for say 5 minutes and then run for a minute. Do that for 30 minutes. Over time you build up the time that you are running over walking.

    Remember to stretch before and after your run, if you are not sure what to do for that look online there are lots of examples. Take it slow at first, don't worry what other people think and have fun.
  • Try the couch to 5k http://www.c25k.com/

    If you have a running room or any specialty running store near you, they also have beginners programs.
  • kkmonroe79
    kkmonroe79 Posts: 71 Member
    I'm doing the c25k program right now. Google it and see what you think. So far it's working out well for me, and I have never EVER been a runner. I'm starting week 3 today. :)
  • jimmie65
    jimmie65 Posts: 655 Member
    Step one - move the right foot forward.
    Step two - move the left foot forward.
    Step three - repeat

    In other words, it's easy - don't get intimidated. Just start running!
  • lauraellie10
    lauraellie10 Posts: 273 Member
    Step one - move the right foot forward.
    Step two - move the left foot forward.
    Step three - repeat

    In other words, it's easy - don't get intimidated. Just start running!


    Thanks lol!!
    I downloaded the couch to 5k! May have to just do it!

    Does Running help with all over body? x
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I agree with the c25k suggestions. It's a good program.
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    Look up couch to 5k. That will hook you up with a good way to get going.

    On the safety front (I'm a little paranoid about that myself), if it's something you really will worry about (to the point of not being able to run), don't run at night, don't run in secluded areas, try to stick to open/visible/populated places. Of course more people can see you there (which is the point), but you'll honestly learn to not give one iota of an eff what they think (really).
  • fiabka
    fiabka Posts: 294 Member
    Hi, don't know where u are but I'm from England & have just come home from week 4 of my 'jogging Club ' - Run England set up 8 week courses for complete beginners to get u started & 'teach' u how to jog - the idea is to be able to compete in a 5k at the end (if u want!!) - its brilliant & after that they also run 8 week intermittent course to follow on if u wish ....... So after all that!!!! Maybe there is something in your area that's the same & it's a way of staying safe too

    Wish I'd known about this years ago !!!!

    Good luck :bigsmile:
  • lauraellie10
    lauraellie10 Posts: 273 Member
    Look up couch to 5k. That will hook you up with a good way to get going.

    On the safety front (I'm a little paranoid about that myself), if it's something you really will worry about (to the point of not being able to run), don't run at night, don't run in secluded areas, try to stick to open/visible/populated places. Of course more people can see you there (which is the point), but you'll honestly learn to not give one iota of an eff what they think (really).

    Thankyou
    and well done on ur weight loss amazing!
  • stumblinthrulife
    stumblinthrulife Posts: 2,558 Member
    I generally start at the front door, then run a circuit and end at the same place.

    Sorry, couldn't resist.

    I'll echo all the c25k advice, it's a great program.

    Back in September I could barely run for the bus without thinking I would have a heart attack. I started walking daily in October, then started the c25k program in December. I now run 5k, three times a week. I sweating and panting at the end of it, but I can do it. If I can manage it, anyone can.
  • lauraellie10
    lauraellie10 Posts: 273 Member
    Hi, don't know where u are but I'm from England & have just come home from week 4 of my 'jogging Club ' - Run England set up 8 week courses for complete beginners to get u started & 'teach' u how to jog - the idea is to be able to compete in a 5k at the end (if u want!!) - its brilliant & after that they also run 8 week intermittent course to follow on if u wish ....... So after all that!!!! Maybe there is something in your area that's the same & it's a way of staying safe too

    Wish I'd known about this years ago !!!!

    Good luck :bigsmile:

    That sounds good
    there is a guy i know who does a running club and accepts complete beginners but i think im just to shy to go along! As i know ppl who go who r amazing xx
  • lauraellie10
    lauraellie10 Posts: 273 Member
    I generally start at the front door, then run a circuit and end at the same place.

    Sorry, couldn't resist.

    I'll echo all the c25k advice, it's a great program.

    Back in September I could barely run for the bus without thinking I would have a heart attack. I started walking daily in October, then started the c25k program in December. I now run 5k, three times a week. I sweating and panting at the end of it, but I can do it. If I can manage it, anyone can.

    HAHA
    thats amazing progress..... im like that i get all red and sweaty and struggle to breathe so it seems lol
    ive downloaded to the program so fingers cross now its lighter when i get home from work i can give it a go! xx
  • I have also started doing the couch to 5k plan. It's a really great plan for anyone hoping to get back in to shape/running. It'll help you build up your stamina. I'm doing a 5k in March and this plan is the only one that I have found to not be overbearing - with only 3 days a week.

    Good luck!!

    Stay positive. Stay motivated.
  • Guamybear
    Guamybear Posts: 1,061 Member
    i just started running.. never ever was a runner..but got some running shoes and now I walk and jog..I noticed in the 3 days that i can longer than my 1st day.. play some good music..that will help too.
  • jimmie65
    jimmie65 Posts: 655 Member

    Thanks lol!!
    I downloaded the couch to 5k! May have to just do it!

    Does Running help with all over body? x

    C25k is great. And running helps you lose weight, but isn't a full body workout.
  • cbeutler
    cbeutler Posts: 667 Member
    New balance has a program called good form running, that plus good shoes, a gym boss timer, and c25k will get you moving
  • kaseymei
    kaseymei Posts: 164
    I'll agree with everyone the C25K program is great for beginners. I was NOT at all a runner prior to completing the program. I now run 30 minutes 3x a week. I would also encourage you to get fitted for proper running shoes. I was experiencing some pain in my hip and feet and found out it was due to my "running" shoes. I have since been fitted properly and have not had any pain since purchasing my new running shoes. Best of luck to you!!
  • beckyboop712
    beckyboop712 Posts: 383 Member
    I've been a runner for years so I can't tell you how to start but some of my other MFP friends are newbies to running and some are doing c25k but I have one friend who just downloaded the "Zombies, RUN!" app over the weekend. It has a program for newbies as well as seasoned runners.
  • deanadimples
    deanadimples Posts: 419 Member
    Step one - move the right foot forward.
    Step two - move the left foot forward.
    Step three - repeat

    In other words, it's easy - don't get intimidated. Just start running!

    I actually had that xmas show song "you put one foot in front of the other...."

    Seriously. Just start. It's THAT simple. I do intervals to start and build from there. I haven't ran for a while (tsk tsk) and today I just got right back on. Alternating run/walk. Eventually doing more run/jog than walk. C25K is good too if you really want structure. But I just go by what's challenging. I run enough it's work but not so much I get frustrated and want to quit.

    For shoes, after I knew I liked jogging, I went to a store that did gait analysis. They gave me different shoes to try and I ran them in the store on their treadmill. I love them!!

    You will be amazed at how easy it gets quickly.
  • richardheath
    richardheath Posts: 1,276 Member
    Does Running help with all over body? x

    What do you mean "all over body"?

    Running will help set up a calories deficit so you can lose weight. It is also good for your heart and lungs. Plus, it gets you out, and clears your head. I love a nice run! But it isn't going to strengthen your biceps.

    If you want a true "all over body" workout, you'll probably want to be lifting weights.
  • fab50G
    fab50G Posts: 384 Member
    There is a really funny book out there called "Run Fat B!tch Run" by a Brittish author named Ruth Fields that got me running/jogging.
  • Another vote for C25k. I'm looking to avoid injury, so the nice thing about it for me is that I can choose to repeat days/weeks as needed until I feel comfortable moving ahead. Even with the repetition, I can feel how much stronger I am and more endurance I've gained in just the last two weeks. And I was NOT a runner before.

    Good luck!
  • kaylou
    kaylou Posts: 375 Member
    Couch to 5k for sure. I never ran as far as the mailbox prior to (and hated every minute of it) Now I can run a 10K! Best way to start!
  • bbuff101
    bbuff101 Posts: 8 Member
    Just go for it... As for the worry of what people think, just keep in mind you're running laps around everyone on the couch!!
  • marathonmom72
    marathonmom72 Posts: 191 Member
    I started with Couch to 5K...that was 3 years ago. My first year I ran a 5K, 10K, and half marathon...after that I was hooked.
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  • Id definately recommend couch to 5k! :happy:
  • courtneywiens
    courtneywiens Posts: 148 Member
    When I first started, I could not run for 30 seconds without stopping (it took me the entire gym class period, all 42 minutes, to finish the mile in high school...yea. Pretty bad.) When I started exercising, I ran really slowly...like 4.5 mph. It still takes your body more energy to run really slowly than to walk, so even running super slowly is progress. I would do a minute on, two minutes off, etc...keep building. You will be amazed at how far you can go after awhile. I've been running for nearly 2 years now and I mix it up with intervals and endurance running. I can now run an hour without stopping. Even if you run slowly, you're still lapping everyone on the couch! :)
  • lauraellie10
    lauraellie10 Posts: 273 Member
    Thank you all for replying means a lot to me xxxx
  • PurpleTina
    PurpleTina Posts: 390 Member
    You say you have access to a running club? Seriously worth considering IMHO. I tried running on my own with C25K, but never really got the hang of it, despite many attempts. Finally plucked up the courage to go to beginner's night and it made all the difference! For some reason I thought I needed to be a certain 'standard' before going, which it turns out couldn't be further from the truth.

    I now run three times a week, and am taking part in my first Half on 21st April; if I can run, anyone can. But sometimes it's nicer with company.
  • LoosingMyLast15
    LoosingMyLast15 Posts: 1,457 Member
    put one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be running out the dooooorrrrrrr!

    lol!

    couldn't resist. i started running a few years ago. i just sort of started on the treadmill at my old gym. everyone was running so i tried it. could barely run 30 seconds. fast forward to today and i'm training for a half in june