Running Anyone?

I personally hate running but make myself do it. I find it boring, but incredibly beneficial to my overall health. Do a google search on C25k (couch to 5k). It will lay out a plan to get started so you don't go overboard to soon. It is a good progressive plan. I did it several years ago to get started. I now log about 20 t0 25 miles a week. Good luck.

I love running..I have gone from not being able to run more than a few metres at a time to running 10km in 10 weeks ....I love everything about it..it decreases stress levels, gives an feel good endorphin rush along with all the health benefits...just go out with a positive attitude and hopefully you will start to love it as much as I do.

Good luck

Definately agree with the running club idea.. I run on my own all week but run with a beginners running group on sunday mornings and they have definately got me to the 10km point this quickly..it helps push you to distances you wouldnt consider doing yourself..along with giving lots of good advice and tips and meeting new like minded friends Our beginners group finishes in a couple of weeks and we can join the 'keep running' group (9-12 km sunday run) as we arent quite up to the main group who run bw 20-25 km on sunday morning - hoping to join that group by the end of the year

I used to run a lot in high school and into college - never a 'star' by any stretch, but I was okay. That seems like forever ago. I really miss it though, and one of my goals is to get back to running shape and eventually run a marathon (a very long term goal). I wish i'd done it back when I was younger and running all the time! But that's all in the past, and it does no good to live in regret. So one of my reasons for losing weight is to eventually be able to start running again.

There's a whole lot of information online and it can be overwhelming, even for someone who used to run all the time. If you're looking to 'try it out', I'd really recommend visiting http://www.halhigdon.com/beginrunner/intro.htm though. It'll only take about 5 minutes to read through the beginner pages (4 of them I think), and there's a lot of other info on Hal Higdon's site, including plans for your first 5k (similar to most other plans you'll find online).

If it turns out you do like running, I'd suggest finding a local 5k race (3.1 miles). Most people enter 5Ks (and other road 'races'), not trying to 'win' the thing, but just for the experience and to finish. If you can actually compete at a high level, that's fantastic, of course, but there's a great deal of satisfaction simply in finishing a 5K, and being able to proudly wear the T-Shirt around town. Plus most running events have a real positive, sometimes 'festival' atmosphere to them, making it fun just to be there and to participate.

For me personally, "Cross-Country" running was always my thing, which basically means I ran on natural surfaces most of the time, including most races I ran in both High School and afterward. Running at a park on a soft surface path is nice, and running on a path that goes through some woods is even more fun - at least I think so. Running on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete roads is my least favorite (it's hotter, and harder on your feet & legs, and you have cars to pay attention to if it's a road, etc.).

I know you want to try it out alone at first, but running with a friend (or a group of folks like a club) from time to time can be a lot of fun, especially if you share a common goal - like entering a local 5k or something. It's also safer and a big encouragement when you get to run with someone else.

This is pretty wordy, so the last thing I'll say for now is just to keep it simple and don't get too caught up in all the details or you can over-think things and get discouraged. Get a good pair of running shoes. Drink water throughout the day and during your runs if you can. Learn a little bit about good running form (try not to land on your heels, but more toward the front of your feet, for instance). And don't try too hard, too fast.

I hope you do end up enjoying it, but I know it's not for everyone and that's okay. For me, I wish I'd never stopped and I'm really looking forward to being a "real runner" again, hopefully soon! Good luck to you!

That's fantastic! And I bet if you can 'trick' a friend into doing it with you, it will be even more fun and rewarding.:happy: Something to think about, anyway.

Make sure you warm up a little beforehand and cool off afterward, and don't push too hard, too early. It sounds like you're already in pretty good health to be able to run 2 miles on your first outing. But it would be very discouraging if you got a quick injury from rushing things a little too much. So take it a little slow at first and let your body get used to running. But I'm glad you enjoyed your run!! That's really encouraging!

I took up running 6 months ago as some family members persuaded me to run with them in a half marathon later this year. I agree with a lot of what has been said - and I too find it boring plus I am not built for running (chesty). However, I am sticking with it and now have fantastic legs, meaning I can wear my cute shorts etc... so there are definate benefits that you will soon see.

The counch to 5k programme is good - I did a variation of it. The trick with staring out running is to break into it gently - dont force yourself to do too much. Job/walk/jog, then reduce your walking, then build your distance, then time etc.... Balance the "OMG I am finding this too much" with "I know I can push myself just a little more".

You definately need to get decent shoes - a bit of a no brainer I know, so go to a shop that will fit you. This is important to avoid injury as well as aid your comfort. I am on my second pair and I knew I needed them as my knees began to ache.

If there is a running club in your area, join that. i go to a weekly predictor run to track my prgress and give myself a goal to beat each week. Also good as a routine habit. I also go to interval training to improve my fitness.

having a goal is good too, as you have already undertaken. If I hadn't this half marathon, I think it more likley I would have given up early on.

After 6 months, I am only just up to 10k, but that is because through getting into running I have discovered triathlon which offers amazing cross training, so ahve to spread my time training for 3 sports as well as core strength etc.

In short, as much as you dislike it, stick with running as it will defnately make a visible impact on weight loss, overall fitness and shape.

Running in adluthood is like eating greens/veg in childhood - not always enjoyed/liked, but we know it is good for us....

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Congrats on doing it!
I plan to start the C25K soon, I need some good shoes. The only ones I have are $12.99 KMart specials that I use for doing the 30 Day Shred. Ascis gels are on sale near me today!!! And, I am looking at getting the Nike system for my iPod. I can tie the sensor onto my shoe laces. Motivated and ready!!!!!!!!
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I can highly recommend Aesics gels - worth the extra. Like wearing turbo charged slippers. But get them fitted properly

Congrats on doing that girl! Running really can be enjoyable! Especially with great music! Like someone already said, halhigdon.com has a ton of great information for beginning runners. A C25k program is great for sure. Don't over exert yourself from the get go, you need to be careful of injuries! Hal Higdon will give you a lot of information on that. I would definitely recommend getting fitted for running shoes instead of just buying some on your own. I don't know where you live but here we have Fleet Feet or Big River Running Company and they will watch you run so they can tell if you overpronate or underpronate and help you find the best shoes for your feet. Keeping your feet happy is a must! Make sure to keep yourself hydrated! Good luck and great job today!!