Is running effective and how to push yourself mentally?

I started doing couch to 5K and when I'm done will do 10K. somehow it really motivates me to keep hitting the goals for each day (i use the iphone app) hope this helps!

When I started running I used music to get me through a mental block. I'm really competitive with myself. when I wanted to stop or take a break from running I would tell myself "one more song, its only 4 minutes just keep going anyone can do anything for 4 minutes" When I got to the end of the song I would tell myself "that wasn't so bad do it again". I've been running for a while now and its become more goal related. Now when I get on a treadmill or run outside I tell myself how many miles I want to go and I force myself to reach my goal.

I'm not sure on a scale of 1-10 how good it is for fat loss, but its great for endurance, increase lung capacity and your leg muscles. I burn a higher number of calories running vs if I were to do the elliptical or a stationary bike. I've recently started in the past two months weight training so all my weightless is due to running and diet 250lbs to 211lbs, I run just a little over a 9 minute mile and usually run 7 miles every other day. Average time is 67 minutes give or take a couple minutes or seconds.

Set mini goals. Add a small amount of distance or try to get a tiny bit faster. Also, Couch to 5K apps are great because these goals are built in for you, but if you can find a group in your town it is even better. I'm doing one now and I love it. I have already looked into a 10K next before I start training for a half marathon. Also download the Nike+ Running App. It shows you how you're improving and has a "power song" button. You put your favorite "pump me up" songs in and just press it when you need a push. I also recommend changing scenery so you don't get bored. Lastly, run with a friend if you can and take it slow. Don't burn yourself out or its easy to give up. You can do this!

I started running at the end of april and am already at up to 7km and can run for an hour. So you can absolutely reach your goal.

I also thought I would never be a runner. Then I started using the tread mill at the gym, just out of curiosity. It really helped me pace myself, so that I didn't go out of my comfortable breathing zone. After a few short sessions at 6.5km/h I started with profiles. At first just 15min at 7.2/9. 9 was to high at the beginning so I reduced it to 8.5 or 8.8. Soon that was too slow ;-)

I'm now profiling on the tread mill for 30-35 min at 7.2 / 10 km/h without any difficulties. I could do longer but I do 45min of strength training after that.

After being able to profile for more than 20min I started going outside too. First just flat terrain and only 15min. When I got too fast or had trouble breathing I walked for a minute or two. Then about a month ago I started running uphill. Slow and steady at 4-6km/h and really small steps. Now I can run uphill for 3.5km if that's the terrain I'm in without having to stop.

So my tip - start slow, very slow (almost a shuffle), when that gets boring increase the speed and or the duration of your session. If you have a tread mill at the gym use it. It's great for pacing and for some incline training. And when you feel you're ready - go outside.

Motivation - being proud of myself, calories burned, seeing the fast improvement.

Have fun!

I've seen better results through running combined with weights than any other exercise. The change in the shape of my legs in particular is impressive.

With weight loss it is still about calorie deficit. So by all means run to increase your fitness, posture, legs and sense of wellbeing but don't rely on it for weight loss (keep your calories in check for that).

To keep motivated (which I struggle with too) I try to change my routes (mainly through parks and trails as they are more interesting) and plenty of good music on your iPod.

Also try some running podcasts such as:

* Chubby Jones: http://chubbyjones.com/couch-to-5k-running-podcasts/
* NHS: www.nhs.uk/livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

As others have said, signing up for a race could be good motivation and perhaps have a look at joining a local running club too.

Oh, and as others have said, find like-minded people on MFP! If one of my friends posts that they have been out for a run it's often the motivation I need to get off the couch and get outside!

Running is a great way to lose fat. When you pair it with lifting, the benefits are compounded. Make sure you invest in a good pair of running shoes. Also, give yourself time to rest, as with any type of exercise.

I find that the best motivator for me is to enter races. Start out with a 5k. Not only does it motivate you to train for the event, but the event itself will motivate you to push harder. There is something of a mental push when you are in a race. Your adrenaline starts pumping and you have an unconscious desire to keep up with people a little faster than you. Eventually you can work your way up to a 10k, 15k and maybe a half marathon (or full marathon!).

I went for a run yesterday and it was like 30degrees (hot for us in UK) and yes there were points where I thought just give up Ed it's not worth it but then I thought 'you've been running for 3miles in this heat, that'll of been for nothing if you give up now' and so I pushed on and then felt pretty good after that.

I only started running properly in the new year and I'm training for a Marathon in October now, if you'd asked me this time last year that I'd of taken up running and enjoyed doing it I'd of laughed in your face.

As people have stated weight training is good to shape up the fat which you lose from the exercise and healthy eating. Go out there and 'own it'.

Even w/o the fitness perks...running keeeps me from needing to choke silly ppl.

I want to start running (again). I sprained my ankle pretty badly a few months ago, but even then I didn't do a lot of running. I was more focused on the elliptical because I never thought running was something I could "do." Well a of recently, I know it IS something I can do. I lift 3-4x a week (Mon, Wed, Fri generally) and do cardio 3x a week (Tues, Thurs, Sat). I usually bike which is fine. I don't mind biking. I may split up running and biking for 30 minutes each, eventually building up to running for an hour and stuff.

Is running good for fat loss when paired with a good diet and weight training?

Also, how does one mentally push themselves to just keep running? I know that mentally, I give out quickly. What works for you to push through the hard spots? How do you just "get in the zone?"

**Diet is the most important to see a change, I'm aware (: I'm just curious about the exercise portion of it**

Thanks so much

Running is a great calorie burner and even better when paired with a lifting routine. When I faced that mental block, I would run a bit then walk a bit and keep going back and forth. Purposely slow your pace so you can run for longer amounts of time and keep periods of brisk walking when the running is too much. Eventually, (pretty quickly in my experience) you see the running times increase and the walking reduce, and you pace gets faster without even really trying.