New Runner

Chevy_Girl88
Chevy_Girl88 Posts: 19 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello everyone!

I have been on this site before. This is the first time in awhile if felt this good. I've been running everyday but not realizing that 1.5 k isn't much of a run at all. I'm 140 pounds, 5"5 an dim looking to tone up and maybe drop some weight. ,u weddings in two months and I wanna feel my best.

Any advice?

Thanks
Sara

Replies

  • runningwhilemommy
    runningwhilemommy Posts: 10 Member
    When I started running, I used the couch to 5k plan. it gradually builds you up to running 30 minutes. I also ride my bike, do spin class, yoga and weights.
  • Chevy_Girl88
    Chevy_Girl88 Posts: 19 Member
    I started two months ago and I never really ran further than 1.6k except for Saturday I ran a marathon tat was 5 k and it was easy
  • conniemaxwell5
    conniemaxwell5 Posts: 943 Member
    Couch to 5k (C25K) is a great program to build up your running endurance. Don't be afraid to repeat weeks if you don't feel ready to advance, but don't be afraid to try either. I just finished the program a week ago and it was one of my proudest moments!
  • runningwhilemommy
    runningwhilemommy Posts: 10 Member
    Couch to 5k (C25K) is a great program to build up your running endurance. Don't be afraid to repeat weeks if you don't feel ready to advance, but don't be afraid to try either. I just finished the program a week ago and it was one of my proudest moments!

    Congrats!
  • runningwhilemommy
    runningwhilemommy Posts: 10 Member
    I started two months ago and I never really ran further than 1.6k except for Saturday I ran a marathon tat was 5 k and it was easy

    If you thought the 5k was easy than I would start training for a 10k and then go from there.
  • SpleenThief
    SpleenThief Posts: 293 Member

    Any advice?


    If you're just looking to run as part of an overall fitness plan, 15-30 minutes of running 2-3 times per week is fine. throw in some weights for strength and some HIIT and you've got a good plan for overall fitness.

    If you're looking to run seriously and race, that's an entirely different approach.
  • BChanFit
    BChanFit Posts: 209 Member
    I can confirm that as well - couch to 5k is great for getting started. :) Happy running!
  • alanlmarshall
    alanlmarshall Posts: 587 Member
    I wouldn't run every day. You need time to recover. Gradually increase your distance by alternating walking and running. Food luck :smile:
  • Chevy_Girl88
    Chevy_Girl88 Posts: 19 Member
    Ran 5 k today:) woohoo!
  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    I started two months ago and I never really ran further than 1.6k except for Saturday I ran a marathon tat was 5 k and it was easy
    I would suggest not using "marathon" to describe your 5K.
  • Chevy_Girl88
    Chevy_Girl88 Posts: 19 Member
    Why is that?
  • toothpastechica
    toothpastechica Posts: 250 Member
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon

    A marathon is 42k.....5k is just a race :)
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    Because a marathon is 42.195 km. unless you dropped dead after the 5k, it really is no comparison.
  • Chevy_Girl88
    Chevy_Girl88 Posts: 19 Member
    Lol got it! I'm sure most of you understood what i meant but thanks for letting me know! :)
  • Chevy_Girl88
    Chevy_Girl88 Posts: 19 Member
    Since this forum title does say "new runner"....
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    If you're looking to tone up, running may not be the best approach. Consider heavy lifting.
  • Chevy_Girl88
    Chevy_Girl88 Posts: 19 Member
    Yeah just got some weights so starting weights now too:) thanks!
  • mbrtron
    mbrtron Posts: 45
    I understood that you didn't run a marathon after you clarified that you ran a 5k but until I read that, I was really confused at how someone could run a marathon with no training...
  • Chevy_Girl88
    Chevy_Girl88 Posts: 19 Member
    Any other tips for a new runner?:) thanks!!!
  • ze_hombre
    ze_hombre Posts: 377 Member
    If you're looking to tone up, running may not be the best approach. Consider heavy lifting.

    Yeah, you are not going to tone up running. You can get rid of some extra fat if you need to get rid of some but that is it.

    If you want to continue your running plans, there is the C25K which is great and a continuation program for 10k. Hal Higdon also has several plans for more advanced distances (half marathon, full marathon, triathlons, etc.).
  • ze_hombre
    ze_hombre Posts: 377 Member
    Any other tips for a new runner?:) thanks!!!

    Other general tips.

    1. Go to a running shop and have your gait analyzed if you haven't already
    2. Read up on Chi Running (or similar) that goes into the mechanics of proper stance, gait, and stride. There are a couple of schools of thought, I like Chi best.
    3. Always take rest days between runs until you stabilize in speed and distance. If you start to go for endurance rest days are a necessity. Give your body time to heal.
    4. Look into switching to minimalist shoes. A lot of runners may disagree with me on this, but I found that switching to minimalist really helped. I wear Brooks Pure.
  • Chevy_Girl88
    Chevy_Girl88 Posts: 19 Member
    Thanks so much!
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    I got no tips. Sounds like you don't need any. After all, you are going out every day. That's what you want. Keep it comfortable and easy. The mileage will come soon enough. No need to sweat.
  • toothpastechica
    toothpastechica Posts: 250 Member
    Don't forget to stretch...I find I can increase my endurance and my muscles hurt less when I am religious about stretching before AND after running....common sense but I think its something beginning runners kind of slack off on.

    Get good shoes with proper support.

    Don't run the same route every single time....my endurance suffers when my runs are too repetitive....I have a route I time run once every week, other times during the week I have started to look for other routes. (Same if you do most of your running on a treadmill....at least once a week get off the treadmill and find a trail or park or sidewalk to run on.)

    Sign up for races....short or long to keep you working to a goal.

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