Running

cjd1029
cjd1029 Posts: 20
in Fitness and Exercise
I haven't gone running for quite a few years now, i am currently using Jillian Michael Cardio Kick box as my main exercise as i find I really enjoy this.

My seven year old daughter has asked me if we can go out jogging together, she wanted to join the local running club but it doesn't fit in around her other commitments, you could say that I'm a little worried about this.

Is it best for us to start out by fast walking, then working our way up to a jog?? I'm not sure where to start.

thanks in advance :)

Replies

  • thepetiterunner
    thepetiterunner Posts: 1,238 Member
    First, I think it's great that your daughter has found such enthusiasm for running and being active - encourage it! :)

    I can only tell you how I started. I was walking about 3-5 miles a day, 3-5 days a week for a couple of months before I really started running regularly. I now run 5-6 days.

    The best thing is to go slow and not go too fast. If you can't keep a light, conversation going while you're running, you're going too fast. Don't try to push it too much with the distance and speed, that will come as you build up stamina and your legs get used to running. There's a 10% rule about increasing your mileage weekly by this amount. There's a "Couch to 5k" program a lot of people like to use, you and your daughter could try that.
  • PippiNe
    PippiNe Posts: 283 Member
    I'd say just start out with a slower jog. Your daughter is young, her legs will not match your pace for long, so stick with a shorter length (maybe 1/2 mile) to start and slowly build your way up from there. You may not get as much physical benefit out of your run together as your daughter does, but it's the bonding time and the healthy lifestyle that you are teaching her by running together that counts.

    My 9 year old likes to go running with me. He can go up to a mile, but I usually run past home when he is worn out and "drop him off" before I go finish my run.
  • cjd1029
    cjd1029 Posts: 20
    Thanks for you advice ladies,
  • jetlag
    jetlag Posts: 800 Member
    Couch to 5k (C25K)
  • blueboxgeek
    blueboxgeek Posts: 574 Member
    If your 7 year old daughter is anything like my 7yr old son, it will end up being a good work out for the both of you. My son doesn't like to do a steady jog. He likes to sprint as fast as he can for a few minutes and then walk, then sprint again once he gets his breath back.

    You end up covering the same distance overall as jogging but it's actually quite fun this way. On our sprints part we will race to a certain point, like to a tree or a bench. First couple of times I let him win..... after a while.... I'm not letting him win... he outclasses me LOL.
  • blueboxgeek
    blueboxgeek Posts: 574 Member
    Oh and I wouldn't worry too much about her, kids have an enormous amount of energy. Just make sure she has enough food to fuel her and let her go for it. My son loved it when we get home and look at our distance and a map on Runtastic. I actually think she will surprise you, most kids are naturally great at running.

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