Running??

When I started MFP, I was just walking. I AM NOT A RUNNER!!! I downloaded the C2 5K app on my iTouch, and I LOVE it. It's like having a personal running trainer with me. And when I'm done, MAN does it feel good! I started small...running for 1min straight felt SOO tiring. Now I'm up to running 8min sessions. (Not a HUGE thing, but certainly a far cry from where I started). I feel as if it's made a BIG difference. Not only do I feel better, but my body shape is, well, shaping up! lol Good luck!!!

I just started running last week, I downloaded the couch to 5k app too and its worth it! I feel so good when I'm done and it paces you so you can get used to it so its 100% doable. I never thought id be able to run lol

I hated running, and couldn't run more than 30 seconds when I first started. I found out about Couch to 5K and that helped greatly! Now I run a couple miles every night or so and feel great! I think if you incorporate some HIIT into a few workouts you'll get results! Good luck to you!

Success with running? Depends largely on your definition of success.

I've lost weight through running and eating more sensibly (at my heaviest I was around 235, now I'm down below 200 and would still like to get to 180 or so). The real benefits of running are in the form of improved overall health. My blood pressure is down, my cholesterol numbers are great and, perhaps most importantly, my sense of well being is much better than it used to be.

Running is one of those activities that all you need is a good pair of running shoes, somewhere to run, a sensible plan to keep you injury free and the determination to get out the door and do it (or get on your treadmill if that's your preference).

I run about 35 miles a week now. I count that as a success, given that when I started I could run for about 60seconds.

As Brian said above, you need to define your terms. What do you mean by 'success'?

In weightloss terms, yes, running helps you to lose weight.

In fitness terms... running builds endurance, and improves your cardiovascular fitness. My resting heart rate is in the mid 40s, and my recovery rate is great. When I started running, I used to have to lay down for an hour, panting after a short run. I am now pretty much breathing normally within a minute of finishing a long run. I can run for 13 miles straight, and will feel tired afterwards, but not completely floored. I'd count this as great success.

In terms of general wellbeing, running reduces my stress levels - I no longer take beta blockers to manage anxiety.

Perhaps best of all, running gives me a greater sense of self-efficacy, and more trust in my ability to do things. It makes me feel capable and increases my faith in my body.

Were these the kinds of successes you were referring to, or just losing a bit of weight?

I took up running just over two years ago. Growing up playing sports, running was always a form of punishment. Miss a shot? Go run. Lose a game? Go run. So, it was built into my mind that running was punishment, so it took me a while to break through that mental barrier. When I started I oculdn't even run a mile. But, by slowly but surely increasing both mileage and time ratio of run to walk, I built up over the course of the first nine months to running my first half marathon (very slowly, but I finished).

Now, I'm completely addicted, and just like others have mentioned, there are so many health benefits I've seen. I used to get sick quite often and have been almost completely healthy over these past two years. My recommendation has always been not to increase mileage too quickly, otherwise you run the risk of injuries, so by following my own advice, I've been injury free. I'm happier, and from a weight loss perspective, I'm down 65 pounds. I'm still going - I've got three more marathons on my calendar over the next 6 months, and I think I can get down to my ultimate weight loss goal by the end of the third race.

If you need any tips or suggestions, feel free to reach out.

I find I can run for much longer if I eat much more than usual the day before.

Success, how? With weight loss I assume?

Eating habits are the only thing that affect my success. If I'm not eating right, I don't have success, regardless of how much I run (or any exercise, for that matter).

I dreamed I was running last night. (I do not run) It was amazing. I was just gliding. Those Olympics. They get a girl dreaming. I have, seriously, been considering attempting to at least jog. I walk nearly daily. I love walking. Running? Intimidating. Best of luck. You are young. Start now. No hesitation.

When I started a couple of months ago, it was pure torture... Now I love it! It's my favorite form of cardio, and I don't run to lose weight anymore. I run when I'm extremely happy or sad, frustrated, overwhelmed, or when I just need to clear my head.
Running = therapy.

This is an awesome and inspirational post! Way to go girl!

I have started running, I HATE IT, but I do it,,,makes me feel more accomplished. I run at a high school track which is much easier than the track at a local park that is concrete and has many ups and downs. I started (7/2) walking 2 - 2.5 miles monday through friday, then slowly adding in a jog (slow as in, the beginning I could only jog 1/2 a lap and then walk 1/2 lap),,,every 4 days I doubled what I was jogging. my initial goal was to be able to run 1 mile straight by the end of the summer. My accomplishment: I am upto 11 laps (2.75 miles) as of last wednesday, averageing 12.5 mins per mile.

Now, for example, I can just pick up and run a mile without even thinking about it.....makes me feel incredible:happy:

(oh, and I am an asthma patient, and I have been able to accomplish this without any inhalers) now thats feeling good.

weight loss: 8 lbs for july

good luck and slow and steady wins the race, your pace and small challenges so you dont get burned out.

and dont forget your rest day!!

Hi there! I used to weigh 226 lbs and set a goal for myself to 1) lose weight and 2) complete a 5k. I did both and in the process fell in love with running. I'm now down to 151 lbs and run 6 days a week and am currently training for a half marathon in October. Eating habits change with the type of running you do, but, set a date pick a race and sign up. The easiest goals to achieve are those that are set. Don't worry about weight while you're training, don't touch a scale nothing. Wait until after your race and see what you've accomplished. Weight will decrease, and, after finishing a road race you'll feel so beyond motivated any other goal you thought was unattainable is within your reach!

For sure! I started almost 10 years ago and went from 160 lbs to 125 lbs. It's important to eat healthy or the extra effort starts to feel like a real drag.