My Fitness Dream: To become a RUNNER!

The first time I tried C25K I failed after a few weeks. I had a hard time when the run/walk segments were switching so often because I kept looking at my watch or the treadmill timer and it made the time go SO SLOW and I hated it.

I ended up finding a free podcast with hip hop music that I liked that some random person made and she did verbal cues when it was time to run or walk. That is what I used when I started C25K the 2nd time and it made it so much easier and more fun for me.

The other thing I do that helps me, but is kind of scary sometimes, is I look ahead and register for the race I am training for way ahead of time. Like if you are going to start C25K now, try to find a 5K near you that is in 9-10 weeks and sign up now! It will give you extra motivation because you've made a commitment.

I'm a 28F and a runner- if I can do it, you can too! Freya Lingerie has some FANTASTIC sports bras designed especially for us larger busted ladies- you can get them on Amazon or Brastop in the US, I believe. If you want to be a runner, start out walking. Jog for what you can. Every day, you'll be able to job more and more.

Great advice here. Just want to emphasize that a lot of people think they can't run because the few times they've tried they go "all out" and crash and burn before they even get started. Take it SLOW. Do intervals of walk/run. Jog slowly to start. (Little more than a shuffle if that's what it takes.) Don't feel like you need to be a speedster. Speed is something you can work on later, but to start, focus on taking it easy and getting used to the motion of running without overwhelming yourself. :flowerforyou:

I also recommend the C25K. I started mid Jan and could barely run the 1 minutes. Now am doing 20 minutes in a row of running. Not at the full 5 K run yet, but getting there (and I had 2 different complete weeks off during that time). --Now, I have to tell you I had tried the C25K early last summer and gave up after a few days. I started at a jogging pace of 5.4....read more on that below. Avoid my pitfall.

Some suggestions that I followed this time....and it has been working

1) Get good sports bra. Worth the investment! I got mine at Sports Authority. For full busted, which I am, you can find some that act like they have underwire and cups with support instead of flattening you and feeling smothered. You can also get hooks instead of trying to squeeze into the kind without! They are worth the extra money. BTW...wash them periodically with vinegar to get rid of sweaty smell.

2) Find a c25K chart and use it. I downloaded the version for 'treadmills". It tells you at which minute to change pace. Great for keeping track.

3) I read somewhere and followed this advice for about 6 weeks. Follow the plan! Be sure to have at least one day of rest between runs AND do not run more than 3 days a week until you can do about 10 minutes at a time without stopping.

4) ALWAYS warm up and cool down with a walk!

5) I invested in some good running shoes that I only use for running.

6) Finally, I was told conversation is key! Even jogging you should be able to carry on a stilted conversation! IF you run breathless you will give up from tiredness AND are more prone to both injury and muscle soreness! A killer to any beginner running plan. A running friend suggested I start my pace at 3.5 for walking (which is slow for me, as I can easliy do 4.0). She told me my warm ups/rests/cool downs need to be just that; any faster and they wouldn't be. AND my beginning jogging pace was 4.5, Which also seems slows when I can walk that pace. I was reminded that while they may seem the same speed the mechanics of walking and running are very different. Walking you always have one foot on ground. With running there is a point where both are off the ground, so it actually will take more energy. (Just this week - week 6, I started upping my running speed to 3.8/4.0 for walks and 4.8/5.0for jogs).

I am 44 years old and about 215 pounds...and I can honestly say I have never ran 20 minutes (that's about 1.5 -1.8 depending on my speed) in a row in my life! Even in high school when we had to run the that dreaded 4 laps around the football field (1 mile) I walked most of it! So, I never thought I could do this.

AND I have asthma.... and allergies.

I also know that when I do get some more weight off the running will be easier. So, that is motivation. By now, week 6, this is begging to become an enjoyable endeavor, instead of a dreaded "have to". I hesistate to use the word addiction. Just don't tell my MFP friends I said that.

The amazing thing is I have had no muscle soreness!

This is an achievable goa!. Start slow but regular.

YOU can be a RUNNER!

Actually, I have been doing strength training, squats, and elliptical on my non-running days. BUT I had been doing the elliptical for about 18 months, so was already doing about 1 hour before I started c25k. It uses very different muscles from running.

Want it bad enough and you will do it.
Get a good bra or three
Have a pair of shoes that fit
and, from my own personal business, socks are also important- if they slip it SUCKS!!!

Lace up your shoes and go! You'll love it!!!

I began with c25k and I HATED running before this now it is my stress relief , you can do it !!!

:flowerforyou: Some fantastic stories and advice in here - a flower for each and every one of you!

You just have to get out there and start. C25K is great, but for me, I just like to go at my own pace. I run until I can't anymore (usually when my heart is racing), then I walk until it slows down, and then I start over again. Sometimes I will run / jog for a song, then walk for a song. Or maybe run as much as I can for a song, then walk til the next one starts. Soon you'll be able to run for a couple songs, etc. I just don't personally like being told when to start and stop. I like to use my body's cues. If I'm in a groove, I want to keep going, and if I'm not ready to start up again, I don't want to feel like I'm failing. My pace is the best pace, IMO.