Jogging and loving it

If you are on a treadmill and running then you are a runner. Eliminate that "J" word from your vocabulary! The person running at a slow 4 mph on the treadmill is still running...

Also...the elliptical isn't running. It is a great cross training tool to accompany running, if I feel an injury coming and need to take a break I will sub in an elliptical workout for some of my runs during the week...but that isn't running.

If you are really starting to like running then I would suggest maybe finding a beginners running group near you...get you out of the gym and onto the pavement. Go to a running store and invest in some kicks that are for your foot fall and running style and you will be set.

As everyone else said, don't say "jogging" or "jogger", you're a runner and you're running:) You can aim to increase the pace of your run, but it's still a run! Increasing your pace is something every runner is always striving to do, even Shalane with her 5 min miles in a marathon!:)

If you are on a treadmill and running then you are a runner. Eliminate that "J" word from your vocabulary! The person running at a slow 4 mph on the treadmill is still running...

Also...the elliptical isn't running. It is a great cross training tool to accompany running, if I feel an injury coming and need to take a break I will sub in an elliptical workout for some of my runs during the week...but that isn't running.

If you are really starting to like running then I would suggest maybe finding a beginners running group near you...get you out of the gym and onto the pavement. Go to a running store and invest in some kicks that are for your foot fall and running style and you will be set.

Currently, my running speed is 4.5mph. At this rate, I don't feel overly exerted and my legs don't burn. I do 2 mins of running, three mins of walking at 3.5mph and repeat. It is working wonders for my confidence. I put the incline to 1 or 2, depending on the response of my body at that given time. I will try outside running soon. I went to a shoe store last week and I have my eyes set on a pair of Saucony running shoes. The running club is great! I'm trying to increase stamina and endurance for life long intramural basketball. Amazing how much stamina you can build up in such a short amount of time when you are consistently challenging yourself at the right pace.

Honestly...you should feel that way after 80% of your runs...well, I am going to say 100% of your runs right now. Once you get time on your feet and you start bringing in speed work then it will fall to 80% (after speed work you SHOULD feel spent lol).

Welcome to the running world...it gets even better...trust us :laugh:

I second C25K. I've been running for about 8 months now. All outside. I was doing 45-60 minutes of a cardio work out, so I figured I could run for at least that much. So I started running when I could already run a 5k, so I started with a 10k training program. I did my first 10K in mid February and my first 10 miler the first weekend in March. I have signed up for the Space Coast Half, which is always Thanksgiving weekend. I'm in maintenance/healing mode right now. Can't wait to start training again!

I used to HATE running. But once I got off the treadmill and out on the road in the wonderful predawn/dawn outdoors....I LOVE it!

Slow and steady is the key. And as a marathon friend of mine told me....a 12 minute mile and a 6 minute mile are still just a mile! Stay with it!

I'm using C25K app. Once I completed my first 20 minute run I think it was week 5 day 3. I completed it almost effortlessly. So I ran additional 5 minutes on top of that. That's the day I fell in love with it. I could barely run a minute at the start. Now I'm into week 7 and I can run almost 30 minutes! And damn near effortlessly!
Also switching from treadmill to outdoors helped ALOT! I'll even go to the outdoor track at the school yard! Good luck!

At runners or C25k'ers welcome to add me

Amanda

I started walk-running 5 years ago to lose weight and have progressed to running half marathons and hopefully this fall my first marathon.

The treadmill is great, particularly for doing intervals and teaching your body that it has another "gear." Personally, I don't enjoy it much.

I much prefer running outside, and if you want to get faster I think the best way to do it is run hills. This is something I couldn't do much of this winter and boy could I ever tell a difference in my recent half marathon.

I echo what's been said here about finding running pals and also having a goal. I love racing. Realize you are only competing with yourself. Also, make sure you go to a good running store to get a treadmill test/gait analysis and fitted for shoes. The right shoe in the right size makes a huge difference.

If you run, then you are a real runner -- regardless of your age, size, or experience. Good luck.

I suggest ditching the treadmill as soon as possible! I hate treadmills with a fiery passion. I've found that I love tracks a lot more for running, either indoor (at a gym) or outdoor (some high schools/college campuses have tracks that are open to the public). Also, you could take the suggestions others have made and just run outside! If you have a smartphone, there are tons of apps that will gauge your distance, speed, etc. for you just like a treadmill would, except you're not basically running in place for however long, and you don't have that weird "ground moving underneath you" feeling after you stop running that you get when you get off a treadmill. :P Good luck!