For new runners out there

I didn't do the C25K program, but a beginner plan from Runner's World that was to just get you to run for 30 min straight (no time requirement). I started the program June 7, and by the end, I loved it. I ran my first 5K at the end of Sept, and my first half Marathon at the end of Oct (by using a half marathon training plan that I started immediately after the beginner program).

I am now training for my first Triathlon (May 9).

I never considered myself a runner. I was never any good at it. But now, when I'm driving down the road, and see someone running, I get jealous of them. Running is my thing. It's my time. It's only about you and no one else. Once you find that while running, then it just all clicks. Oh yeah, go to a good running store, and get evaluated, and buy some good shoes that they recommend. It feels good to get out in those shoes, because those are the ones built for you!

i'm barely in week 2 of C25K and repeated week 1 because i am a weak runner. i can't wait until i can run 20 minutes straight! don't listen to the voice in your head because you already ARE a runner... do you think you have to run a marathon to be a runner? nope... you just gotta do it, even if it is running a half a mile... so hop back on that horse and get on it! and think of me being jealous of you running for 20 straight minutes! lol

I've only been running a few months. It's hard to get out there after a days work, kid's homework, kid's baths etc.. One thing that really keeps me motivated is that my dog needs to run and if I don't take her, i feel I'm letting her down. She's an Austrailain cattle dog and if you don't work them they get anxious and chew up your stuff. Running seems to really help. My goal is to one day run her hard enough that she pants. Right now we do 8-10 minute miles for up to 4 miles and it doesn't phase her at all.

Good luck

what i would say is that. that negative thought in your mind. and trying changing that negative to a positive. like instead of sayin you will never be a runner say. oh boy you got to be wrong cause i am a runner
or something like that.

and its better to say it out loud. cause then you would be like did i just say that???
cause words speaks louder than action
but then again action speaks louder than your words you speaks.

so it more of a both mix. cause you speak it you would wanna do it. instead of saying well its just one day. i can always do tomorrow but who knows if tomorrow comes. think of it like this. today your last day to live. i want to be able to achieve this today. cause tomorrow will never come.


i hope that helps

don't listen to the voice in your head because you already ARE a runner...

That's the problem...It's been 7 months since I could run 20 min straight, so I feel like I'm back at square one. But it is what it is. I need to just get my head right and start again...Thanks!

I understand how you feel.... I've been "running" now for almost 4 years a few times a week- but I can't even bring myself to call it running. I am a "jogger". I have jogged up to 6 miles at a shot just for exercise and I participated in two 5K races last year (and wasn't last!!) I am currently registered for a 5 MILE race on April 24 - and my goal is to do it in an hour or less, I am very much looking forward to it.

I guess it's the speed thing, I'm not fast... I can go far and it feels good - but I am not fast (I do an 11-ish minute mile). That's why I call it jogging, and I do it for fun and for exercise to burn calories- I am not die-hard into it, it's more of a hobby for me.

But yea, people tell me I'm a runner - but I just don't see it that way!

I have never been a "runner". I am a very slow jogger, but I find it one of the most effective sources of exercise for me. Eight years ago, I signed up for a group called San Jose Fit, a marathon training program. When I signed up, my goal was just to be able to maybe complete a 10K run. I laughed at the idea of doing a marathon. I was in the slowest group, and we did a run walk program (run 4 min, walk for 2). I averaged about a 13 minute mile. In October of 2002, I completed the Silicon Valley Marathon. It took me over 6 hours, but I crossed that finish line and earned my medal. In October of 2003, I completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. Again, over 6 hrs (but faster than the first), but I was so proud and had a great time. In March of 2004, I completed the London Marathon (yes, London, England!), again over 6 hours, but only just!

I wish I could continue the list of accomplishments, from there, I somehow fell out of it, stopped jogging, and gained a lot of weight. Here I am six years later and this last Sunday I completed my first run in 6 years. A 5K that took me over 43 minutes to do, but I'm back out there and I feel great about it. Talk about starting all over again back at square one! I am starting at square one plus 20 lbs over where I was when I first started jogging in 2002 (and that's after losing some weight with MFP)!

I, too, have seen the runners/joggers out on the path and been envious of them and that sense of accomplishment and adrenaline at the end of a run. This morning I did D1W1 of C25K because I want to try and get my speed up a bit and with doing the intervals, I can run the shorter periods of time at a faster pace than when I just start going for as far as I can without stopping. The one thing I think most beginning runners do that makes it miserable for them is running too fast for their ability. Isn't it better to go slower and not hate it than to go faster and never run again because it was too hard? (Maybe I'm just trying to slow everyone else down so I don't feel so bad about my own pace ).

Anyhow, give it a shot, make adjustments (go faster, go slower, go on a treadmill, go outside, whatever) that make it more bearable for you. Trust me, the most unlikely people can complete marathons! I don't know if I'll ever do another one, but I do know that I have felt much happier and healthier since I started back up again!

Good luck!

Just wanted you to know that I just completed Week 1 Day 1-Couch to 5K this evening thanks to all your encouraging words and great examples, i am back on the wagon. THANKS!!:flowerforyou:

YOU ARE very WELCOME