How to do I become a runner?

MiniMichelle
MiniMichelle Posts: 801 Member
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello Guys,
This may be a stupid question but how do I become a runned? I have never been a runner and I see people running on the streets and on the treadmill how do I go about getting to that point?

I have heard from some MFP’s about a couch to 5k style program... I think.

Any help would be appreciated :)

Thanks!
Michelle

Replies

  • kdtucker123
    kdtucker123 Posts: 39 Member
    www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
    Try this. Its not was I was looking for but it is similar to what I did. 3 years ago I couldnt run a mile!!! Let net even 10 seconds without thinking I was going to die. I have ran in 2 half marathons since. Im not fast at all but my goal is to lose more weight and get to a 10 minute mile. I love running 5k they are sooo much fun. Good Luck
  • AggieCass09
    AggieCass09 Posts: 1,867 Member
    Hey Michelle!

    To start running go get fitted for proper shoes...this prevents injury

    then just hit the pavement...run till you are winded then walk till you catch your breath. Or you can try the formal c25k program, personally i dont like looking at a watch when i run so i prefer going by how i feel.

    then, pick a race (like a 5k) that is 6 or so weeks away so you hsve something to look forward to.

    with any other specific questions, feel free to ask me. i also write a lot about running on my blog.

    good luck!
  • Marcellus_08
    Marcellus_08 Posts: 253
    I have always wanted to be a runner. But I don't want to run outside, I live in a VERY small town which includes about half of the people I went to school with on my street haha. And I don't have a treadmill:( I suck.
    I hope you accomplish it better then I have.
  • MindyC7609
    MindyC7609 Posts: 33 Member
    c25K.com - best beginning running program out there. It will GRADUALLY work you up to being able to run 3 miles.

    But before you do that, PLEASE go to your local running specialty shop (NOT a big-box place) and get properly fitted for shoes. They will analyze your gait, etc., and put you in the proper shoes for your size, level of activity and range of motion. The worst thing a beginning runner can do is try to start running on those old beat-up Nikes you've had since high school. It will cost you a bit of money, but (and I speak from experience here) staying injury-free will make it totally worth it.

    Good luck!
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    There is Absolutely NO WAY to EASILY become a runner.. It takes lots of hard work.. I have been running for the last year and only now am enjoying it..

    It help to run outside... the tread mill is BOOOORING!

    Get a good pair of shoes.

    and

    START OUT SLOW.. run super slow, no sprints at first, you have to build up your endurance and that is what takes FOREVER!

    Its fun, but its hard. the only way to become a runner is to get out and run!

    if you need motivation sign up NOW for a race that you have to pay money to enter.. that way you are committed. then start training.

    I have heard good things about the C25K program never tried it tho.
  • sam363
    sam363 Posts: 204 Member
    walk a block, run a block. That worked best for me. The treadmill can be a little too boring and I got too caught up in time/distance whereas I could focus on destinations like run to that tree. Eventually I could go longer and longer distances. Good Luck!
  • wdwghettogirl
    wdwghettogirl Posts: 559 Member
    Start small and slow. I started by trying to jog one full song on my mp3, and I thought I was gonna die! I've worked my way up (slowly) and I've done 2 5K's (alternating jogging and walking) and try and jog at least a couple times a week now that the weather is nice. I'm not a full out runner yet (dunno if I'll ever be) but a jog is a good step up from walking. I went out yesterday and upped my speed to a 10 min mile from an 11 min mile... felt good. :)
  • Hernandezedw
    Hernandezedw Posts: 284
    I would start by walking quickly. Get your legs used to it. Walk quickly for at least 10 minutes a day. Maybe after a week, you can start a slow jog. Jog slowly as long as you can, then walk quickly, jog again, walk quickly. Keep that up for at least 20 minutes. When you can jog the entire 20 minutes, you can start doing sprints.

    If you aren't sore from any of this, you can do it every day. If you are more than just a little sore, I wouldn't do it every day.
  • breakingthecycle
    breakingthecycle Posts: 225 Member
    c25K.com - best beginning running program out there. It will GRADUALLY work you up to being able to run 3 miles.

    ITA! and if you have an iphone or other smart phone there is an app that you can download that will tell you when to walk/jog. I love having it on my lil BlackBerry. If I had to look at my watch I would never do it!
  • MiniMichelle
    MiniMichelle Posts: 801 Member
    Ok- So I find everyone is staying start slow and work up- got it.

    Everyone is also talking about shoes... what do we think of the Vibram Five Fingers?

    http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm

    Thanks Everyone!!
  • LilLolo22
    LilLolo22 Posts: 229 Member
    I just started the C25K program last week and I really enjoy it so far. You do walk/run intervals. If you have a smartphone there is a C25K app that queues you when you run or walk. There are also some podcasts out there that you can download that have the queues mixed into a music playlist. I put that on my phone and just hit the road listening to music. :smile:
  • shreddingit
    shreddingit Posts: 1,133 Member
    Theres no rules! Just start and ur legs will get used to it, I went from slow jogger in sep to sprinter in march all on my own, I beat out my treadmill speed in regular mode so I incline it now.
    Shoes are no problem (true facts) run in watever u feel comfortable, shoe companys make up words to sell!
    Only thing if u want to run with no injury or pain, take extra calcium and a good multi, I never had a problem running like I see so many women here...its not about shoes its about form, breathing right and taking care of your joints before hand.
  • adougherty10
    adougherty10 Posts: 50
    I've found running difficult because I am extremely,..um...busty. I've never found a sports bra that fits good enough to let me run (in public at least). Any thoughts on that?
  • natersmama
    natersmama Posts: 157
    definitely take things slow! i messed up thinking just bc my side wasnt cramping and i was breathing good that i could just keep going. WRONG! i ignored a small pain in my shin. i had shin splints all through air force boot camp, so i thought maybe i just had that problem again.pushed through it and now i have a stress fracture. so i cant run til july =( if dr says i'm ok then. so you NEED to start slow. as far as vibrams, they take a LOT of adjusting to. you have to do small distances for a while to get the muscles and tendons in proper shape for wearing long distances. i've read up on conditioning for them and i think it said dont go more than like a half mile to start. and at any sort of pain to stop. i have no doubt you can be a runner, but listen to your body. =)
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    Michelle,

    If you would have told me 18 months ago that I would actually RUN -- I woulda laughed in your face.

    I started off slowly and worked my way up to it. I walked then I started to "fast" walk and when I maxed myself out with that, I started to jog (and I didn't last very long -- a minute or two is all). As I worked my way up, I was able to increase my speed more and more. I'm still not completely back to where I was pre-back injury, but I'm getting there.

    BTW, I'm a treadmill ONLY runner. I can't run outside as it is just too hard on my back. I need the cushy support of the treadmill. I have recently added the incline back in when I run -- whew.. that'll kick your butt!
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    Theres no rules! Just start and ur legs will get used to it, I went from slow jogger in sep to sprinter in march all on my own, I beat out my treadmill speed in regular mode so I incline it now.
    Shoes are no problem (true facts) run in watever u feel comfortable, shoe companys make up words to sell!
    Only thing if u want to run with no injury or pain, take extra calcium and a good multi, I never had a problem running like I see so many women here...its not about shoes its about form, breathing right and taking care of your joints before hand.

    I kind of disagree about the shoes. But, I do have back issues - so perhaps I'm "different". The only shoes I can run in are Nike. I've tried other brands and they don't offer enough support for me to run in them. When I've worn other brands - I end up with horrendous pain in my back -- when I wear my Nike, I'm fine.
  • AngeDawn
    AngeDawn Posts: 1
    Shoes are definitely important... but when you start, don't be too hard on yourself. Run a little but don't over-do it. For example, once you feel like you can run 10 minutes, maybe the next day try 12 minutes, and then when you have that down, maybe try 14. Start out slow too. Speed comes with time.

    I personally find it easier to run outside because you're moving and seeing new things, where on the treadmill, you're in the same place and it can get kinda boring. Music is a HUGE help for me. The beat of whatever song is on helps me set my pace a lot. Something upbeat is good like Black Eyed Peas or Gaga or whatever... I'm sure you can figure that one out for whatever kind of music you like.

    Just remember that you're stronger than you think... don't let those thoughts get in your way!

    You can do it. Good luck!
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