This running stuff is HARD to do please help me out!!!

I know how you feel. I am about to start on the same track. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing. I will do the same....puff, puff and pant:blushing:

Sorry to 'post jack',© ahhh i just coined that! lol, how often do you guys run? I'm just starting out myself and in to my 3rd week. I was planning on 3 times a week, only doing 2 miles at the mo:grumble:
I have started thinking about going every night. I train in the gym 5 - 6 times a week aswell.

Thanks

Al

Sorry to 'post jack',© ahhh i just coined that! lol, how often do you guys run? I'm just starting out myself and in to my 3rd week. I was planning on 3 times a week, only doing 2 miles at the mo:grumble:
I have started thinking about going every night. I train in the gym 5 - 6 times a week aswell.

Thanks

Al

I run about 4-5 days a week one week then about 1-2 the next and mix in other exercises so it varies. You have to give your body time to rest and if you do it everyday you'll wear it out faster. Especially if you're going for distance. I do circuit training in addition to my run days so - sort of like weight lifting but with aerobics tossed in as well.

yeah, I have been a runner my whole life, but I had stopped for about 5 years and started again about 9 months ago, it was an eye opener to see how badly my wind had become. It will get better. If you have an HRM, then definately use that as your biggest tool and best friend. Start running by getting your heart rate no higher then about 80% and keep it there for whatever you can (if it's 3 mintues, it's 3 minutes) then slow down to a slow jog or walk until your heart rate is back down to about 65%, then start all over again. You do that and you will notice a marked increase in the running time. It will probably take about 3 weeks of 3 times a week to 1 month (depending on your body) to get up to around 10 minutes straight of actual running. the key is to not let the running part stagnate. When you feel like it's "easier" then bump it up (time wise, heart rate should stay around 80% or so, for now at least). Eventually, wind will stop being an issue (probably 5 to 6 months down the road) and it will be muscle fatigue that you will have to start working on.

Best luck!

-Banks

Hey girlie!!!

Well, you so had me beat with your running!!! I started off with 30 seconds running, and 5 minutes whining! 45 seconds running, 10 minutes waddling and out of breath. Now I am up to running a good mile without stopping at all. (YEY ME!) I take a quick few seconds to breathe and check my heart rate, and I am back running within 10 seconds!!! It has been such a turn around! I owe it all to my workout buddies...My husband who drags my fluffy buns off the couch, my son who is 10 and I gave him smack telling him I was stronger than him...FOREVER!!! (BAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!) and my 5 year old daughter who can now run over 1/4th mile without stopping. Oh...and my heart rate monitor!!!

Ya, sure I love the fam. But I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE my heart rate monitor. (Since some are talking about them, I'll give a plug!) I NEVER buy any gadgets. NEVER!!! But my HRM feels like "instant progress" as I am working out. I jump roped for 100 calories yesterday, I go running for 500 calories, I bike for 600. I can also do things like ride with the kids for 75 minutes according to my timer, or see who can go the fastest with the stop watch part. I'm thrilled! It has an alarm, a clock, a timer, a stop watch, tells the complete date, a few other things...Oh and it's a heart rate monitor too! I love it!

The ONLY change I wish I would have made is to get one that can be used with a strap and by itself. When I'm working out, stopping my movement at all to "check it" is kind of annoying. I went for one under $100 because I didn't think I'd use the gadget. Errrr...I do!!! I keep it in my purse just in case we head to the beach from somewhere, or just to see what my heart is doing. It's great!

I KNOW I would have never kept moving so much without this "workout buddy." It is saving my life.

You have to start somewhere and now that you know where you are at, you can set little personnel goals for everyday. Try just adding on 30 more seconds each time you run, or try to get a better time with the distance you run now, or try running for for 3 minutes, then jog or walk for 2 minutes, then run for another 3 minutes, then jog or walk for 2 mintues, and try to go further everyday.
It's what you make of it and just how hard you want to push yourself.

Glad to know I am not the only one struggling to do this. I went to the track last night and didn't run but the time before...well not great. I take the straight section of the track and run that then walk the rest of the way. Only the straight area on one side at this point. I am glad to know it gets easier I have never been a runner.

I'm having alot of success on the couch to 5k program. If you google it, you can find out all about it, but it's a running program and at the end of 9 weeks you'll be able to run a 5k--how fast is another story, but it's a start! I'm on week 7 and that is 3 days of 25 minute runs and never in my life did I think I'd be able to run 25 minute straight. It starts you out running for 30 seconds and walking for 3 minutes or something like that. It's easy to follow and I'm actually having some fun doing it (whoever would've thunk!!! :laugh: )

So, you could check that out if you like!
Heidi

I'm having alot of success on the couch to 5k program. If you google it, you can find out all about it, but it's a running program and at the end of 9 weeks you'll be able to run a 5k--how fast is another story, but it's a start! I'm on week 7 and that is 3 days of 25 minute runs and never in my life did I think I'd be able to run 25 minute straight. It starts you out running for 30 seconds and walking for 3 minutes or something like that. It's easy to follow and I'm actually having some fun doing it (whoever would've thunk!!! :laugh: )

So, you could check that out if you like!
Heidi

Checked this out! THANKS!!! I am going to try this...it seems much better than me trying to get myself where I need to be on my own!

Everyone and anyone who is new to running and really wants to make a go of it - I highly recommend/suggest/okay beg, that you try the Couch Potato to 5K program.

Too many people (like myself!) start out and end up injuring themselves by doing too much (or too little) and then don't try again...there is a logical progression that you should follow to build your endurance, stamina, muscle strength, etc. This program will give you an easy to use program that you can stick with and see/track your progress.

As Shannon said - all runners of any level, age, size, condition are welcome to join us daily in the MFP Runners Club forum!!!

Run!!!