Start running?

rmarin18
rmarin18 Posts: 16
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone-
Just looking for some advice on running. I'm usually an elliptical girl, absolutely HATE running, but my new goal is to begin running & actually LIKE it. I started today, running for intervals of 5 minutes, then walking 5 minutes, and covered about 1.5 miles (I know I'm horrible!) Does anyone have suggestions of routines to follow to build up my endurance? How should I go about making a schedule? My main goal is a 2-3 mile run everyday..if I ever make it!

Thanks!
Rebecca

Replies

  • bsexton3
    bsexton3 Posts: 472 Member
    search C25K online. Many use it. I can't run because of my knee but have heard many success stories. Stands for Couch to 5K.

    Good luck.
  • rmarin18
    rmarin18 Posts: 16
    Thanks, I'll look into it. I'm not sure how much I'll be able to do...I've always had bad shin splints when running. I'm hoping it will help me lose my last pesky 10 lbs though!
  • MyaPapaya75
    MyaPapaya75 Posts: 3,143 Member
    I just ran short intervals that eventually turned into longer intervals over time as it became easier ...I have a treadmill so it was like walk 15min run 5 then every 2 weeks I would increase the run
  • Dancinblind
    Dancinblind Posts: 26
    I love running. There is something about being out there and the freedom that comes with it. Shin splints are normal in the initial phase of begining a running program. Make sure you stretch before and after your run. And of course drink plenty of water. C25K is great. I'm starting it myself, in fact here in just a minute for my first run of the program, even though i've been running for months. I have some friends on the program and they have had great results with it. I used to be a long distance runner in highschool but now its more so my "me time". Go at it slow and build up to longer intervals of running verses walking. Best of luck to you!!
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    I was doing couch to 5k, but had to ramp it up a bit because I didn't have enough weeks to follow the program. I went from not running at all for the last 14 years to being able to run 3 miles in 42 minutes after only about 3 weeks of training. You can do it!
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    First 5k SATURDAY! AAAHHH!!!
  • debmac63
    debmac63 Posts: 459 Member
    Are you running on the treadmill? I started out walking a song, running a song, etc. until I was running more than walking.

    Running outside? When I took it to the road a different story. I could run 45 minutes straight on the mill but hardly 1/4 mile outside. I just ran until I couldn't go any further. Did that a couple days and then tried to go to the next light pole or driveway, whatever. After a year or so I had lost 30 pounds and was up to 6 miles on Sundays until I hurt my foot last year. I'm just now trying to get my mileage back.

    Just start out slow so you can try to avoid injury:smile:
  • jbarton163
    jbarton163 Posts: 12 Member
    http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-shin-splints.html

    This site offers good advice for easing your shin splints. I get them too, and I used to never stretch before walking or running (I know that's awful). But once I really started to take time to stretch before and after the workout, they started to hurt less and less. I'm to the point now where I don't get them at all. Happy running! :)
  • HolleeERL
    HolleeERL Posts: 313 Member
    I would start running longer distances at a slower pace. The idea is to reach the distance and not worry about the speed. Once you are used to the distance, you can increase the speed. As for the shin splints, be sure to stretch out your legs thoroughly. That is a common culprit for shin splints.
  • rschmmidt
    rschmmidt Posts: 296
    I just got back inside from doing day 2...Week 1..of "Couch to 5K". Literally, my second time running ever, and I'm 51!
    I'd love to pal up with anyone getting started with this at the same time. Might motivate me to get through the whole thing.
    Would be interesting to share thoughts on how it's going with you.
    Maybe even someday run a 5k?!

    Ruth
    Seattle
  • LG61820
    LG61820 Posts: 372 Member
    I love to run fast, but can't keep it up for long. I don't care so much for steady pace running. Some of the things I do will help you with your endurance. I jog along at a steady pace for awhile, then I sprint just as fast as I can for a (short) while. I skip for awhile which I dearly love. Skipping is easy on your joints, but gets the heart rate up in a quick way. I sprint up hills, sometimes 3 or 4 times up the same hill. I walk when I need to. I have a ball, do it every day on my lunch hour and when I can on the weekends. Part of getting better is just going out an doing it every day!
  • SarahRuth♥
    SarahRuth♥ Posts: 609 Member
    I just completed Week 6 of Couch to 5K tonight. This is my third attempt at this program, and this is the furthest I have managed to make it, and I know I will complete it this time. Today I ran for 25 minutes straight, and though I slowed down significantly at the end, I could breathe through the whole thing. Tomorrow I will be signing up for my first 5K, which is in August.

    I will say, my running has gotten much easier since I have taken up cycling. Cycling has built up my cardio endurance enough that the running almost seems easy now. Couch to 5K works if you stick with it, and I lot of people have been successful with it, but for me I needed that extra cardio boost to be able to easily run for any length. I absolutely hate the feeling of being out of breath, and I would give up when I felt that too often. But on the bike my heart rate goes through the roof and I can still breath, and I think it gave me the boost I needed to be able to handle running too. Now I run 25 minutes easily, and I enjoy it. :)
  • 123nikki123
    123nikki123 Posts: 527
    search C25K online. Many use it. I can't run because of my knee but have heard many success stories. Stands for Couch to 5K.

    Good luck.

    That is an awesome program! You can also get the app for your phone :happy:
  • Tribbey143
    Tribbey143 Posts: 388 Member
    honestly, I was alright with running, not super crazy about it UNTILL I got the nike+

    http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/what_is_nike_plus

    Nike+ is like you're personal trainer, and goes though iTunes....

    I think if you really want to have running be a part of your life and you can afford to buy it (shoes are spendy & vary - but the chip is $30) then buy it. Most Nike shoes are made with nike+ compatibility and all newer/newish ipods.phones can run it...AS soon as I got this, it changed my life and before I knew it, I ran a marathon. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about t. I can't run with out music and this just was the perfect thing for me...it helps with motivation because it tracks all of your runs...and you can push the button anytime during your run and it will tel you how far you've ran, you're pace, how many calories you have burned ahhh! it's incredible!! okay this is hard to explain this video will tell you all you need to know hahah good luck hope this helps!!!

    http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/what_is_nike_plus
  • jmagos
    jmagos Posts: 1
    I would start running longer distances at a slower pace. The idea is to reach the distance and not worry about the speed. Once you are used to the distance, you can increase the speed. As for the shin splints, be sure to stretch out your legs thoroughly. That is a common culprit for shin splints.

    +1
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