Jogging for beginners

In to vouch for C25K!

C25K is how I got started and I used to hate running. Follow the plan and give yourself time to see if you like it or not. Day 1 of week 1 I thought to myself, "I can't believe I'm doing this! I'm actually running! I feel great!" Day 2 of week 1 I thought to myself, "I can't believe people do this for fun! Why would anybody keep doing this?!" That was three years ago and I have since ran 4 half marathons.

I've started out jogging at about a 3.5 mph pace. I jog to songs, right now I'm up to about 4 songs without stopping. I started out with 1 song. Before I gained the wieght I was very active, but never liked running. Now, I thought I'd give it a try. I'm so excited that I can run, which motivates me to continue running. Starting slow has helped me greatly!

I tried the C25K program, and it wasnt for me.

Some good comments.

When I started my weight loss program, I used walking as one of my forms of exercise. I just kept increasing my distance when I thought I could handle more. Then I got a Wii and Wii Fit and noticed that "running" in the game was a pretty good workout so I bought a treadmill.


I started walking at a rapid pace on the treadmill until that became boring. I increased the speed and got used to jogging and like running, only did as much as I could handle. Slowly I kept jogging longer and faster.

Then the day came when I ran outside for the first time, not realizing the difference between the forgiving surface of the treadmill and the not-so-friendly concrete. I ran up and down the street a few times each day to get used to it.

Finally, when I thought I was ready, I headed out and started running, sold the treadmill, and never looked back.

Music is a must for me, keeps you from thinking about how long you have been jogging.

It may sound silly but I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone.

this i like.

sign up for a race. find a 5k or something that is 6 months from now. it'll give you a goal to be ready for. i don't care if you finish last, and you shouldn't either. the only thing you should be concerened about is running that race and finishing with a smile on your face.

I agree on both accounts. In addition to this,
1. Get a couple of good sports bras, not the pull over your head things but ones that have actual sizes, cover, hook in the back and have adjustable straps ( I like these...http://www.championusa.com/workout-clothes/sports-bras-43553--1/maximum-support-bras/champion-shape-scoopback-full-figure-underwire-sports-bra). Along these same lines, I wear a compression tank under my t-shirt so I don't feel all jiggly. I'm pretty small now (that wasn't always the case), but I have some loose skin and such that feels less cumbersome if it is held in.

2. Get shoes that fit well and have suficient support. I reccomend going to a running store for the first pair to make sure you are getting what you need. After that you can use Zappos or on-line ordering if you'd like, but local shops give runners personal attention and great tips...

3. Go into it with a positive attitude. Change is difficult and scary sometimes, but look at it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. It isn't something you have to suffer through it is something you can do. Don't compare yourself to other. Walk if you need to walk. Many days I run 5-6 miles just fine, but there are still days when I just can't get through 2 without stopping. It's okay.

Like many of the others, I started with C25k and fell in love with it! I ran my first 5k about 5 weeks into the program at over 300 lbs! It's been almost 2 years since I've been running and I've already run 3 half marathons and I signed up for a full marathon in May. I've learned a lot about how to run: run at your pace, learn the proper mechanics to be an efficient runner and that will determine the shoe for you, the proper stretching to eliminate knee discomfort.