Running (Newbs) or those that once were!

I am living proof that c25k works! Started out barely being able to run for a minute, but was able to work my way through the program with some work buddies of mine. Ran my first 5k in 2011, and I'll be running my first half marathon this Sunday. I never in a million years thought that I could be a runner, but here I am!

I have to second everything that lucasmoten said above. I'll add that once you figure out a good pace (for me, the conversation test is helpful - if you can't maintain a conversation with a buddy, you're running too fast), running becomes more about mental stamina than physical. I find myself in constant argument with my brain as to why I should keep going. Music is really helpful for drowning that out!

I'm on week 6 day 1 of c25k ....I took last week of because of a cold but got on the treadmill this morning and repeated one of the earlier weeks just to ease back in - I thought all my previous work would be lost - I was fine LOL....just goes to show how mental it is ! I do agree w/the response about getting proper shoes, it's helped me a lot .....while I still can't run a whole mile I've definitely improved a great deal so the program really works ....stick with it & good luck !!!

C25K is a fantastic program.... i started it last july. I just ran my 5th 5K 2 weeks ago!!!! don't be afraid to repeat weeks, i know i had to... i had never run before and was very intimidated when i started and thought there was no way... but don't give up it is worth it! always looking for new friends who love to run!

C25K sounds like a good app. If I were just starting out I would try it.

Running has been killing my knees. So much that I've falling out love with it. I'm so hurt because a marathon is on my bucket list

Running has been killing my knees. So much that I've falling out love with it. I'm so hurt because a marathon is on my bucket list

Make sure you're getting adequate time for recovery, and have proper shoes. If you've got both of these and routinely have knee issues, it may be necessary to spend some significant time in the gym on both the elliptical (low impact cardio) and strength machines focused on strengthehing your calves, quads, hips and torso. Yoga or other balance can also play a good role here.

Great advice! Need to work on muscle strength especially if your knee pain is on outside of the leg (if on the inside or the back - see your doctor). I struggled for years with knee and IT band issues. When I started working on core, hip, and glute strength I could lengthen my stride and power out through my legs and butt. The pain is gone and running is better than ever!

Feel free to add me too. I was a runner before I could run :happy:

I am an avid runner, I absolutely LOVE running, though recently I forget and need the push to go out the door. I push my daughter in the stroller and we have a half marathon this weekend (3/22). I am really excited for it!!!
Stick with it everyone. Running is a million times worth it!!!! And I love that no matter what happens in my life, those moments I'm running can never be taken away. Some of truly my greatest moments in life I had my running shoes on!!!

I used to run about 8 years ago and ran long distances but never ran an organized race. Started only running and my knees started hurting. Gave up running for what I thought was forever:( Fast forward to July of last year. I was in semi good shape due to other exercises(boot camp, spin, strength training, kickboxing) and I started loosely following the C25k but progressed faster than the program. I ran my first official 5k on August 10th last year and placed 1st in my age group(with my slowest time hahaha). Anyways, ran tons of 5ks after that and then ran my first half marathon December 1st. I've since then ran 6 more and am running another one on Saturday! I love love love running for many many reasons. This is from someone who was overweight from age 8-15 and obese to morbidly obese from 16-21. I have maintained a 100 lb weight loss for about 8 years.

I second the importance of cross training as well as strength training(core work, lunges, squats) for those of us with knee issues. I have not had any pain! I really prefer running or cardio in general but I know the strength training is good for me.

Feel free to add me-- hated running until November and then i started training for a half marathon. Which is in 16 days and last weekend I ran 12.25 miles

i also write a blog about my journey and whats worked for me and what hasn't.