How do I start running?

I always thought that, too....how much I would love to run. And so I just started.....slowly. I think my first run was only 15 minutes but I made sure to run and not stop (the couch to 5K didn't work for me as I can't walk and run together for some reason). I gradually added minutes to that each week as well as days. Now three months later I am up to 40/45 minutes every day (once in a while I take a rest day and just walk). I have three dogs. I run with the bigger one and when I am finished I take the two smaller ones for a 20 to 30 min walk to cool down. So I would just go at your own pace and do what feels good. I didn't burn out this way and now I actually don't feel good if I don't go! Not sure about being pregnant though.....you'd have to monitor your heart rate. Maybe you could start after?

OF course, your OB/GYN should be consulted first, as he knows your history. IF you do get cleared to begin running, C25K is an awesome on line (free) program that progresses you through levels until BAM! one day you're really running.

This link helped me a LOT!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running

Good luck with running and the baby! :flowerforyou:

I agree with a previous poster and ask your doctor. But for after the baby is born I would start with the C25K program. It's very very good and gives you a basic foundation for running. I don't run with music so I'm not much help there. As for the best time of day to run, that is really up to you and your schedule. I currently run during lunch or after work. After next week, it will either be before work or during lunch. It's just when I'm going ot have time. If you live in a humid and hot climate early in the morning may be best. Again, it is all up to you. But if you are serious about running, I would invest in a good pair of running shoes from a running store. It will help tremendously in the long run.

Check with your doctor before you start. There are some good beginner 5K (3.1 miles) and 10K (6.2) apps that you can get on your phone. Also the book running of mortals and Marathon for Mortals are good running books. I went from just running a little to finishing and 1/2 Marathon this year, but as I am a man I did not have deal with being pregnant, so please check with your doctor 1st. You may need to start with walking now and move to walk-run, running after your child arrives. Also visit a good locale running store, not one of the big box stores, to get fitted for shoes. This makes a big difference, and a good shop will help with advice to get you going.

...I started with the free app 5K Trainer and now am on to the 10K trainer. They start you off nice and slow. It was great for me. I lam the same, want to be a runner BUT am not there yet! It is hard but does get easier. I have surprised myself along the way. Good luck

Maybe you should just start with brisk walking until after the baby. You could even do intervals of fast walking with slower to prepare you for running with a C25K program later. And keep in mind its not recommended to run with your infant in a jogging stroller until they are about 6 months old due to their lack of head control. I hope you have a good pregnancy and enjoy your new baby!

Start by walking.... When you feel like running, run a little bit.... Then walk... Don't over do it. It's not worth it. If you injure yourself you won't be able to run or walk and that's counterproductive. Also, you really won't burn that many more calories running than you do by walking at a brisk pace. Something to think about...

Good luck and have fun...
Mark

I will say I have done the C25k. It worked well. It's one of the few trendy things that actually works well. As far as music goes, the biggest thing is stuff you like. I do recommend finding music that goes in the 175-185 beats per minute that way you can use it for cadence (about 180 steps a minute will force you not to stretch your stride too long and put unnecessary stress on your knees).

Now I can't remember EXACTLY what website it was and the firewall on my work computer won't let me check, but I know it's either jogtunes or runtunes. You'll know you're on the right site when it asks for a genre and a bpm rate. But just set to a genre of music you like, a range that will get you in the 175-185 and pick out songs you like.

Hope that helps

If its ok with your doctor...
I used to run a lot and found that joining a running club helped, and was fun. Get to meet a lot of people with the same interests as you who can offer some good advice. Good shoes are a must.

My top 5 things for making running fun (No need to repeat the advice re pregnancy / doctors...)

1) To start with. don't worry about speed or distance - focus on how long you want to be out for... Then use C25K type methods of walking/running so you feel comfortable and can enjoy being outside... which take me to point 2
2) Run outside. If you can, run cross country. Even if its cold and wet, its still more fun than a tread mill, and being off road build up core strength and ankle strength so you are less prone to injury.
3) Run with other people. Or a dog. My long runs are at least 50% just an excuse to have a gossip with my mates. And the dog is just funny to watch .
4) Sign up for an event - there is nothing like having a goal to motivate you. Make the goal a bit of a stretch for you, so if you can already do 30 minutes of continuous exercise (even if its not running) aim for a 10K. If you are starting from scratch, try for a 5K race. Aim to do a half marathon in a years time (yes, you can do this from nothing!!!)
5) Be prepared to invest in good shoes, a running belt for drinks and gels (especially important in hot weather or +1hr runs), a foam roller & massage balls for self massage and a budget for occasional sports massages. You will not regret doing the things which keep you from injury... which also means giving yourself time to stretch after each run (guilty of not doing that one myself).

My advice: start slowly. I haven't run for years, and when I picked it back up a few weeks ago, I went from nothing to 6-8 miles. Within four running sessions or so, my knee was completely strained, and I couldn't walk for days. Just remember to build up to it. Also: pavement sucks. Find a softer place, like packed dirt.

I'd suggest you sign up for a 5k about 6 months from now and slowly begin training for it after you have your baby. Start by walking obviously. As far as music, that's very subjective to your taste. Personally, I have a wide variety of taste. I run to everything from heavy metal to EDM.

I highly recommend couch to 5 km - its awesome. don't know if u can start while pregnant but i would definitely whip out that running pram and start it once u r ready after baby is born!!

Agreed.

I think she probably needs to stop running now if she's already doing it though. I knew somone that was pregnant and ran for the first few months but even she swtiched to walking towards the end. But since she was active the whole time, she got back in shape very quickly after the baby compared to most people.

I am no expert on anything and very new to all of this as this is my first time trying to lose weight.
I began to run by incorporating it into my walks, I walk 3 miles, about 4 times a week. Now, I run sprints in the middle of my walk, I just take off and go, counting the driveways I pass, I don't go far, just fast,
walk-run-walk-run-walk
I have been able to go a bit longer recently.

I would ask your doctor first I'm not 100% sure but I was under the impression that you should only run when pregnant if you ran before getting pregnant.

^^this!!!!