Any runners who were not good runners before?
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I couldn't run half a block when I started. It has taken me over a year to work up to and past a mile. Slow down, take walk breaks, push hard and it will come with time. Some time after the year mark my body adjusted and now I feel like I could run forever (slowly).0
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I could never run and hated to do it - mainly because I sucked at it. My husband was always into running and would try and encourage me to run with him but I would refuse. Then I came across the Couch to 5k program about a year and a half ago and started doing that while my husband was on deployment. Once I realized that I really could run, I started to enoy running more. It was a love/hate relationship for the first 6 months or so, but now I truly do love going for runs. The key for me, was getting off the treadmill. After I finished the Couch to 5k, I found a 10k training program and started to do that with my husband. We've long since finished that but still try to keep a 5 to 6 mile run in at least once a week and run 3 miles at least two to three times per week.0
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I had always wanted to be a "runner" but never thought I was cut out for it... In the Spring I bought an App called Run Trainer and started from scratch: run one minute, walk one minute, for a whopping 18 minutes total. After a few months of working my way up on the program, I was up to running 45 minutes straight, no problem!! Since then I've switched to just recording my runs on MapMyRun and it's a great way to stay motivated. Running isn't super easy, but stay committed to it and you'll LOVE it. Have fun!0
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I started running a little over a year ago. Prior to that I had hated it my whole life. I had tried to like it but just couldn't. I started a couch to 5K like program that I finished on January 1 of this year. Since then I have run five 5Ks, two 10Ks and a half marathon. I'm running a zombie mud run this Saturday and am signed up for another half marathon in February. I absolutely love running and hate it when something keeps me from being able to do it.
Ease into it. It shouldn't hurt too bad when you're just starting out. If you still hate it, don't do it. There's no law that says you have to run.
ETA: I'm still not a "good" runner but I love to do it.0 -
I started and stopped running more times than I can count. I stopped because I didn't see progress. I was trying to do too much too soon. Once I slowed down and realized it was ok to be slow, I was able to improve my distance. Once I started to see improvements, that's all it took to keep me going. I started out running two minutes at a time. I'm currently up to 45 minutes at a time and hope to do a 10K in the spring. I also find the first 15 minutes of running the hardest. Once I push through that, its easier to keep going.0
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I'm training for a 5k right now with c25k and its a lot of fun! When I first started running I got shin splints all the time. The cure is to GET GOOD SHOES! I went to Fleet feet and they really hooked me up
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ME! I am NOT a natural runner. As a matter of fact my chiropractor recommended against me running because of the impact on my neck and spine. I don't run very fast, so the lift off of the ground was not long enough for my spine to expand and re-set, so my neck compression - which was happening anyway - got much worse.
It turns out also that i have acute asthma, brought on mainly when there is a high level of physical exertion. I needed an inhaler when I ran to keep my chest from tightening up. My body could run, my lungs couldn't.
I am also really slow. I run a distance run of 12.5 min/miles and a short distance at closer to 11. I got teased by a runner once who ran a 6 min/mile and he said why wasn't I speed walking instead? I said screw him. I want to run, so I run.
I am not actively running now, but I have run three marathons, and all of the training miles to go with it.
Just because you aren't a natural at it, doesn't mean you can't. Just do what feels comfortable to you. If you want to run - unless your body is in pain - you should run. Pain should stop you from any activity. I do listen to when my knee starts to ache. I walk instead. Otherwise, strap on those laces and get going!
OH - also - Run because you love it. Running distance is as much a mental challenge as it is physical. If you don't see improvement right away, don't give up. You have to build strength and a routine of training before you will progress at anything. I did the PortlandFit Program to get going and I think they have programs through USA Fit for Marathon running and other training programs. TRAIN IN A GROUP the first time. I can't say enough how much the support of other people helped.
Good Luck!!!0 -
Any runners who were not good runners before?
Present and accounted for!
But seriously, I was the kid who failed Phys Ed because I couldn't run a sub-12-min mile.
I just ran my first 5k in November at just under 12-min/mile.
I used to HATE running and not be able to do it for longer than one minute. Now I can run an entire 5k nonstop, and could probably go longer than that. Plus, I discovered that I really LOVE to run. It especially feels good after I finish!
One thing that helped me was to 1) do other cardio exercises to increase my endurance... Zumba was the kicker for me, I found a class that is super high-intensity, so after a few months of that, my cardio system had more endurance. and 2) strength training! Working out your legs with weights is great for running. Stronger legs = win.
Other than that, be sure you slow down and pace yourself. Don't worry about being super fast or anything... if you're jogging at 4mph to start, that is OK. You'll be able to run much longer if you slow down! You can do it! Good luck! 0 -
Hated it!
But I had to be taught "how to jog." When running on my own, I was going too fast/landing too hard on my feet and thus making my run feel miserable. I started running 3Ks with a jogger friend, we jogged (at what I saw) as a slow pace, smaller strides and she told me to land on my feet lightly (less impact). I realized a slower/regular pace made for better endurance/breathing and I could run longer!
The 3K was very hard at first, I think it took me 15mins... But it slowly felt more comfortable and then I started doing 5Ks and listening to my iPod as I ran. 5K was very hard, I had to take 1-3 short walking breaks (15-20 seconds) but the breaks got less frequent with practice!
And good shoes make a big difference! Much comfier! I like the kind from Footlocker with gel in the soles.0 -
Me!! I am like you. I ran my first mile about 10 months ago when I was 270 pounds. It was an awesome feat for me. I was always too winded to run distance. The key is to pace yourself. It is truly all in your head. Start out running a really slow pace. I started out running at 4.0 mph on the treadmill. Put on some good music. and do not whatever you do, give up until you reach that mile it's all about controling your breathing and just keeping going. You can do it. I recently am up to 3 miles without stopping. it's a big deal for me. You can do it, I promise you.0
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I would be lucky to WALK 500 meters before tiring out. I now run 10km a day, without stopping.0
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I'm with everyone else. I've always despised running. Up until June of this year, I was literally either working or on the couch. I hadn't worked out in like 5 years. One day, I just started doing C25K, assuming I would never finish it. Well, I did finish it, and now I run 3-5 miles 3-4 days a week! It's basically a miracle and each time I go out for a run, I wonder how it happened. I definitely recommend a C25K app!0
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DON'T START RUNNING until you read about midfoot strike vs heel strike! Consider a minimalist style shoe without heel padding to make it impossible to pound your heel, which is the source of most running injuries. Then start C25K.
I started in June, gratuated in Aug, did a triathlon sprint in Sep, and an 8K in Nov. Now training for a half marathon with longest run to date being 10 miles. Running outside in the minimalist shoes is so different than running inside in traditional running shoes. It's like a whole different sport!0 -
I never liked to run, but I am determined to get back into shape again so I signed up to run a half marathon in March with a friend. I still hate it while I am doing it, but feel awesome once I am done. I run with someone in better shape, so I force myself to keep going each day. You can do it!0
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I've always wanted to get into running, but I suck at it. Even being in sports all my life, running a mile I thought I was going to die.
Now even running 1/2 a mile on a treadmil I feel like I'm going to die. lol. They say slowly work yourself up, but does that really happen?
Anyone like me that turned out to be a long distance runner??
there are a LOT of folks who started off life as being the least likely people to become distance runners but become very accomplished runners indeed...me included!!
The couch to 5k program will take you exactly where you want to go. Once you can run 5k/3.1 miles, it's up to you to go for 10k and beyond our just run for the sheer joy of it. I went from 260 lbs and unable to run for a bus to training for my first marathon inside of 8 months.
P.S: Get fitted for the RIGHT shoes to suit your running gait..this is incredibly important!
I started with the C25K in January 2012, only to prove a point to myself; I could run three miles evening if I hated it. Well, now I am addicted and even though I am not a long distance runner, I LOVE a good 3-5miles as often as I can get it. Love to run in the rain, in the fog, in the early morning dark.
Shoes are so important!! Best thing I did for myself was to get fitted correctly. Made all the difference!!
Also know that your endurance will be able to run a longer distance before your muscles will. Lots of ice on your knees after each run will help and patience. Patience - I have none and it benched me for about 10days so my knees could recoup.
Never give up and if you need to walk, walk and then run again. Repeat as often as necessary.
Good Luck!0 -
Yes, when I was 20 I started running to work off the freshman 15. I could only do a minute or so at a time at 5 miles per hour alternated with walk breaks, for maybe 20 minutes. Slowly I decreased the walk breaks and then slowly I increased the speed. Five years later I ran a marathon. Fifteen years later running is my favorite thing to do, and I'm still getting faster.
PS - NOT a natural runner either - I remember being one of the last to finish the mile run in grade school, every time, and getting made fun of for being so slow.0 -
It does happen. I never used to be able to run a mile much less a half a mile. Now I can run about 4 miles at a time!0
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Yes, when I was 20 I started running to work off the freshman 15. I could only do a minute or so at a time at 5 miles per hour alternated with walk breaks, for maybe 20 minutes. Slowly I decreased the walk breaks and then slowly I increased the speed. Five years later I ran a marathon. Fifteen years later running is my favorite thing to do, and I'm still getting faster.
PS - NOT a natural runner either - I remember being one of the last to finish the mile run in grade school, every time, and getting made fun of for being so slow.
That's how I did it too...run till you can't, walk till you catch your breath, run again.0 -
C25k is a great place to start. Just go for it and keep working on it. Around April of this year, I could barely do a mile and now I can do much longer distances. I did 7.5 miles yesterday! It gets easier once you keep going and the weight comes off.
Also, I don't know if it's both or one or the other but my training regimen is TurboFire and heavy weight lifting at the gym (plus a few other little things) and my stamina and endurance is really increasing through my program. Maybe those will help.0 -
i recently started running. i can only do about 2 minutes before i have to start walking again but it's definitely an improvement from a week ago when i was only doing 30 seconds! keep it up! i find it's all in the breathing. i try to keep it steady while i'm running, breathe in through my nose hold for a count of 4 and then breathe out through my mouth. keeps you focused on the breathing opposed to the running.0
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In high school, I couldn't run a mile in under 12 minutes for my PE class. 10 years later and 40 pounds heavier, I ran a 5k in 32 minutes. I have asthma too. I highly recommend a couch to 5k program. I've taken a break from running for the winter (cold air+asthma=disaster for me), but I plan on running a 10k in the summer.0
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Yes, I'm now into running and was never before. I'm in my 30's. It does improve over time, yes. As long as you stick with it. Get into a routine. Don't overdo it, just keep plugging away and your endurance will improve. My leg muscles were fine to handle the runs, my cardio needed improvement... so that's why it feels like you're going to die. Your body has to become more efficient at using the oxygen you breathe in. Just takes time.0
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ME!!! I was that kid in high school who walked the WHOLE MILE...absolutely hated running...made fun of runners when I'd pass them on the street...then last fall I got a wild hair and on my regular exercise walks I started trying to run as far as I could...not very far at first, like maybe a minute straight, around the block. But I kept at it until I could run 3 miles in about 30 minutes on average...over the last year I have gradually increased my mileage (my longest runs now are 12-13 miles at a time) and speed (from about 10.5 minute miles to about 8.5 minute miles now, depending on how long I'm running). I wish I could go back and tell the old me how amazing it feels, how fit I am now (fittest in my life!!) and how it gets easier all the time. I think the reason I was able to keep at it, though, was definitely having a running partner. It makes a huge difference to have someone to motivate you and vice versa. Good luck, though, I am proof that you can get there...and it is definitely worth it!!!0
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happened for me too! I'm still not a fast runner, i'm slow and steady with 30 second stops here and there (average 11-13 mins a mile) but I get 'er done! I don't do anything longer than a 5k and don't aspire to, I'm just happy getting my exercise outside. In high school? I was always getting yelled at for not running (walking in the back of the crowd), would end up doing the stupid bi yearly fitness test mile thingie over a couple of times because I wouldn't run most of it. HATED RUNNNIIINNNG. Now? I still don't LOVE it to be honest. But after doing the couch to 5k program in March, i can actually DO IT! I really like getting outside and now having to do dvds all of the time. I run a couple to a few times a week now, 2 or 3 miles at a time- just enough to get a good 30-45 mins of exercise. Go for it! couch to 5k works. Gives your body time to adjust.0
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I couldn't bring myself to run more than a mile, and I felt like death was knocking every time. Then I signed up for Team in Training and registered for a full marathon. It wasn't the prettiest marathon I"ll ever do, but I did it. The coach and mentors really helped (along with the all important consistent training). Now I do triathlons!
One thing I'll tell you is, there has never been a time when the first mile of a run felt good. It always, always takes until somewhere in the 2nd mile for me to get a rhythm, and not want to stop immediately. Just gotta push through until it starts to feel 'good'. Hope that helps!0 -
I just started Couch to 5K today. I was astounded at what I could do just on day 1. Sometimes we set mental limitations on what we think we can do. Although I at some points I didn't stay on pace for the intervals (took longer than 90 seconds to recover; closer to 2 min), I made sure I pushed to run (really jog) my entire 60 seconds each time. I was so tired and legs achy at the end but I wasn't dead! And that's what matters. I'm a heavy stout lady w/ a bum knee and I'm doing Couch to 5K. If I can do it, you can to. So let's do this! I wish you the best of luck!0
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I was really horrible at it my whole life, but I started small. About 2 years ago, I started by literally lightly jogging .75 miles one way, walking for a block and then jogging home. I did that for about 2 months, 3x a week. Then I went up to 1 mile one way, one block walk and stretch, and then run home.
I moved to the other side of the country and had built up a tolerance to about 2 miles one way (4 round trip). I decided I would explore my new area by running there. Within a month I was up to 5 and 6 mile runs round trip and by 2 months I could go about 8-10 miles. It was crazy how after I had a really good base (about a 1 1/2 years worth of running) I could just add miles like nothing. I started joining races just because I wanted to see if it was something I could do.
2 years after I started running I finished my first Marathon! I had never even dreamed that was possible when I first started out. I wasn't very fast, but I finished it and that's what mattered to me. And trust me, If I can do it, anyone can.0 -
I was never a runner...when I graduated from Air Force basic training the tall guys had to pick me up by my arms and carry me across the finish line. Use to also get shine splints really bad.
Thanksgiving day I ran 9.25 mile in 1 1/2 hours!!
I started this whole thing thinking it was never going to work so I was being lazy!! Stared out at 3.0 mph on the treadmill for one hour. After two months I increased it to 3.5 mph for an hour for 6 months then I increase it to two hour at 4.0 mph for about 4 months. After this I started an alternation program that ran between 6-8 months after this time I started outside running.
The current treadmill sequence is as follows:
Time MPH
0-5 4
5-8 5
8-9 6
9-14 4
14-17 5
17-18 6
18-23 4
23-26 5
26-27 7
27-32 4
32-35 5
35-36 7
36-41 4
41-44 5
44-45 7
45-50 4
50-53 5
53-54 6
54-59 5
59-62 4
62-63 6
63-68 5
68-71 4
71-72 6
72-77 5
77-80 4
80-81 6
81-86 5
86-89 4
89-90 6
90-95 5
95-100 4
100-115 5
115-120 4
This averages 5.0 mph for 120 minutes.
I also have a sequence in place that averages 6.0 mph that I plan on doing later down the road....my outside running averages 5.5 - 6.0 mph.
One phrase I keep telling myself through all of this..."pain is only temporary!!"0 -
Haha, me! I never thought I could run! I started running a little over 3 months ago and I am doing a 10 mile canyon trail race next month. The best advice I ever read was to run as slow as you can at first. If you are dying after a half a mile, run slower! Good luck!0
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