How do all you runners do it?!

Bless your heart!

Are you running on a treadmil or outside? I think if I had to train only on a treadmil, I would have given up years ago! The change in scenery, weather (cool, warm, breezy, drizzly, snowy!) all make for a much more enjoyable & exciting experience!

If you're heading out for 20 minutes, you may not need to eat right before you go... but definitely grab some chocolate milk or other comparable snack afterwards to refuel.

And don't forget, that if you have (let's say...) 2 miles to complete... if you get to the point where you feel like you can run another step, slow down your pace so you can catch your breath. Don't be afraid to take a little walk break!! Moving forward is moving forward!! Then over time, and practice, it WILL become easier... the mileage will improve and your endurance will improve. I PROMISE!! :bigsmile:

Well, water yes - I have read that it helps you to run longer to drink water. If you increase your distance once a week by a little bit then you just work up to longer distances. Personally, my body HATES running, I have no easy pace. It's all hard.

Maybe try running outside, it's not as boring at all as the treadmill. I could not go back to the treadmill after running outside. Hope that helps!

I do not like running at all! I love competing, but I hate running.
I drink water before a run usually. For an official 5k I will stop and drink the water when it is offered though, but usually no more than a couple sips. I drink a 20oz about an hour before I go "run" and will stop drinking and eating half an hour before running. I hate the sloshy feeling.

Books on tapes! They are a life saver for me! If I am listning to music I set certain rules for myself. When certain songs come on I push myself harder during the chorus or I trying running to the beat of certain songs. Just whatever I can do to keep myself from getting BORED!!!

When I was able to run 1 mile without stopping I pushed myself to run 2 miles without stopping. Once I was able to do three miles I would add an extra mile every other week. I can only do 7.5 now, though. Haven't tried more because, lets face it, running for two hours sounds boring.

I like to eat a banana before my runs. I heard somewhere that the potassium is good for you. I dunno, just something i like. After a run I really don't feel like eating, but I force my lunch down (i run during lunch at work, I call it my reccess!).

I'm doing the C25K as well. I haven't never really been a "runner". In fact it wasn't until I was almost 30 that I even considered running. I trained with a friend about 3 years ago for about 3 months and ran a 5K and then just quit running. Yup, just like that! I lost a ton of weight during this time but have since gained it all back plus. While I was running back then, I found that once I got in my zone and had a steady rythmn with my breathing I could really run forever. We would never run more than 3 miles at a time and then one day he said we were going to change things up and when I finished we had run 6 miles!! Never would I have ever thought I would accomplish that! I have since read a lot about running because I want to be that person, lol! You never see fat runners! There must be something to it. I have read that you run longer and faster when you are hydrated. I do not really drink anything while I'm running. If I'm on the treadmill I will maybe take a sip every now and again. At this point I am back up to 12-14 minutes of non-stop running. I find it harder to continue when I stop. I feel like once that rythmn is interupted it is hard to get it going again. I hope to be back at a point where I can run that 5K without stopping. Right now I simply feel like I'm too heavy to last that long. (That may be just my excuse) Nonetheless, good luck!!

Hi
A few years ago I did a half marathon (13. something miles) I trained really hard. I've never been a runner so I basically ran (jogged) for as long as I can, then walked, then ran and gradually over time you can just keep running.... so I can 13. something miles in 2 hours 10ish. I did it for a charity, the Scleroderma society,...my Uncle died of this but the charity really supported him. We started training while he was still alive and he knew we were doing it for him, sadly he didnt get to see us run (my sister and I).

I listened to audio books, or podcasts or just music... I did outside runs and indoor runs on the treadmill.

Hope this helps, its just perserverence really.... good luck. :flowerforyou:

It is definitely LESS boring if you are running outside vs. a treadmill! People/animal watching is great fun. Honestly, I am not always a huge fan of running... but I am absolutely in love with doing races!!! So I put up with running to collect medals, hahaha. I think if you have a goal to train for, you will be more apt to devote your time and energy to reaching that goal. Once you do your first race, you will probably be hooked! Here are my answers...

1. Yes, I drink water while running, ESPECIALLY if longer distances. You need to replenish, or you will dehydrate. Also, for distances longer than 6 or 7 miles, I also bring energy gels or chews to eat.

2. Run outside, or listen to music or podcasts. (Try Phedippidations - it's a running one! IDK if there are any new episodes, but I used to listen in college and still have all my favorite ones saved. Check iTunes!)

3. I ran a 5K the fall of my senior year in college... got hooked on racing, did another 5K, and then in the spring of my senior year I did my first half marathon (2007). (Did my 5th yesterday!)

4. Just working up your distances so you are going a little longer each time. There are LOTS of great training programs online if you do a google search for them!

5. About 20 minutes before - toast or an english muffin with peanut butter. After - something else with protein, usually. Whatever sounds good, haha.

6. I wouldn't weight train on the same day unless you are only doing a very short run. I would alternate running days and weight days. If you *were* doing it on the same day as a short run, do it after, so you are warmed up.

Hope this is at least slightly helpful.

Slow down....do intervals...find what you need to do to keep going and enjoy it.

Drinking water depends on weather and distance. Drinking electrolyte replacement fluid depends on distance. I use energy gels after running 45 min on a long run.

I started running farther and faster after I started training with a running group. I had run 25+ years on my own, 5km 3-4 times a week. I did a 10km clinic in the fall and am in a half-marathon clinic with the Running Room Store in Canada. My natural pace has increase my almost 1.5min/km

Who says you have to run non-stop? The store that I train with using 10:1 run/walk intervals up to and including 10km clinics. The half marathon clinic that I am currently running with still uses 10:1 intervals but only for long slow weekend runs.

I eat lightly before a run.

sadly, I still don't weight train.

Hope this helps,

Sue

Running is 80% mental once you go longer distance, I find! And running outdoors is for sure better (in my opinion LOL) Beautiful things to see and fresh air too! You want to make sure you are hydrated before your run. (If I am only running 3-4 miles) I do not bring water with me. Just drink once I am back.
Running for me personally is an escape and time to think or just peace of mind!
I trained for a marathon last year and during my training I listened to music, but during the actual run I went music free (it was weird but I just listened to the crowd of spectators cheering us all on and my thoughts of "Oh man what have I got myself into") LOL

Keep up the running and maybe someday you will come to like it more and the benefits you will see from it!! For there was a time where when I started I barely could run for 5 mins at a time, with time and consistant running it will get better!!!!

Good Luck

I think you would find it wouldn't be as boring if you were outside running. I try to run outside as much as possible when the weather allows since I have to push my toddlers in their double jogger. I run an 8 mile loop so the scenery is always changing. I also have upbeat, fast paced music that I listen to the entire time I run. I can't always run the entire time and sometimes have to stop and readjust my kids. Even with walking part of it I still average a 9 minute mile.
When I first started running 20 months ago I hadn't heard of Couch to 5k. I just started with a mile and every other week would add an additional mile onto it until I got where I am today. I also push myself by trying to beat my previous time every time I go out. I find that not thinking of it as running "8 miles" really helps me. When I'm outside I try to push myself so I tell myself, "okay just to the next 5 mailboxes." When I pass the 5th one I tell myself I can do 5 more and just keep setting little goals. This also helps pass the time. If I have to use my treadmill I'll tell myself, "at such and such a mile, I'll walk for 1 minute." Then when I reach my goal I just push on.
I do drink water while running, if not, I feel too dehydrated.
I usually eat an hour before going out to avoid feeling too full or cramping. I usually try to have a banana or granola bar before I go.
Sometimes I do weight training after but for the most part split my workout up into running in the morning and Insanity in the afternoon.

I still consider myself a beginner runner, but I have a lot of friends who are avid runners and those are some things that I've learned from them.

Ok, I'll try to help. I do Tri's and more biking than running, but have completed a few marathons, and several dozen 10k+ races. First advice...get off the treadmill and get outside. Stale air, and a rubber tread under your feet is no way to get enthused about running.

You say you did half of workout three. Why "couldn't" you finish? My guess is that you could, but you made an excuse and stopped. You need to re-thing this, you "chose" to quit. Your body could have continued.

Answers to your questions are:

Do you drink water while your running?
In your case, don't worry about the water. Just hydrate well before and after. Only worry about hydrating during your run if it's very warm outside, and/or you increase your run times to an excess of 35 minutes or so. In a short run, you have all the fluid you need...longer runs, not so much.

What do you do to keep time from going faster? ( I get so bored, and there is only so much music I can listen to)
I hate to tell you, but time doesn't go faster- no matter how bad you want it to. You need to challenge yourself and remember why you're doing this. What's your motivation? Keep that picture in your mind. Working out isn't supposed to be fun...that's a shortsighted mentality. Think of the future you, slim and fit, or you crossing the finish line...THAT is what motivates you. The reward for the work...but you don't get it right away (the marketing / media don't tell you that part, do they?).

When did you start running further and farther in your running process?
Personally, I ran a few 5k's then moved to 10k's very quickly after. If you're on a 5k plan, don't worry about distance yet. Follow the plan. From what I gather, you quit in the middle of a short workout...so master this training plan, then PM me and I'll help you get a longer distance plan together.

How do you go from running 2 miles non-stop to 8 miles non-stop?
See previous. Worry about 8, after you you get your 3.1 out of the way, and can complete all the training runs!

What do you eat before and after? & how much time before and after your run?
You'll find this is a pretty personal matter. Some people (myself included) like to eat complex carbs (oatmeal) with some simple carbs (banana) just a bit before my runs, others don't like it at all, and get an upset stomach. Post workout recovery is key for runners. Be sure to get some quality protein (fast-digesting), as well as a balance of carbs (simple and complex) very quickly after running. Your body takes a pounding, and though you are doing a considerable amount of cardio work, your muscles need the nourishment as much as after a hard weight session.

Do you weight train before or after?
This depends on what you're going after. If you want to become a great runner, you'll run more, and do less weight training (and probably a different split / load). If you MUST do them back to back, I'd recommend whichever you want the best results regarding, do first. i.e. is lean mass is key, focus on weight training first (nourish) then run. Or if running performance is key, switch it. Again, this isn't the best process...as the two forms of exercise are focused on difference goals.

Let me know if you need more...

Okay, so I'm doing couch to the 5k and I'm on week 5, workout 3 (20 mins non-stop). I just did half of workout 3 and couldn't finish. I want to know how all you runners do it!! I hate running, I'm trying to get myself to like it and C25k has help. I think I just get bored easily and I can't imagine running for 8 miles. I mean it could be because I was on the treadmill. Did you feel this way once you started running? Here are some of my questions, some may be dumb.

Do you drink water while your running?
What do you do to keep time from going faster? ( I get so bored, and there is only so much music I can listen to)
When did you start running further and farther in your running process?
How do you go from running 2 miles non-stop to 8 miles non-stop?
What do you eat before and after? & how much time before and after your run?
Do you weight train before or after?


Okay, I think that's it. LOL! Thank you!

BUMP!

Hi,
No such thing as a dumb question. I have never done the couch to 5k, but I have been running for a bit, but no expert by any means!
1) Yes, I drink water while running, I have to slow right down and usually get the kind of bottle that has the sport top-that way you can just spray it in your face!
2)I love my ipod for a distraction, but I also have a vivid imagination too.
3)I was barely able to run for a mile (former smoker) and now I'm working up to 6 in just under 5 mos. Wmup mile/coldown mile I do on the treadmill at a setting of 4.5-5, two miles at a REALLY comfortable pace leaves me with the energy to get through the rest at a 6.
4) Again, dont know the C2K, but the plan I followed included easy/long/ and speed work runs. Seems to help so you can go faster and farther, and it changes it up a bit. You can find it at runnersworld .com, I love the site.
5) I don't eat much, but I like an english muffin with peanut butter, but for the long runs I'll do a shake before and after.
6) I will run one day, then weights the next. I guess it depends on what your trying to get better at, aerobic capacity or muscle.

Just out of curiousity, if you hate running, then why do it? If I don't run at least 3 times a week I go to insta *****, but if you hate it, it's just a chore.

First off I am no runner. But here goes:
I am in the final week of couch to 5k, and that day, W5D3, is really hard. just keep trying it and you will get there. the following week you start back at smaller intervals and work your way back up to 20.

Running on the tredmill can be boring and it does not give you as much of a workout if you ran outside. I have read that you can increase the incline to 1 to compensate, but the belt is still doing some of the work for you.
Things that keep me from getting bored: a good soundtrack/playlist that I keep fresh and upbeat, being outdoors and having a "route", listening to my footsteps and breathing as I run (i keep one earbud in). Changing my route/ scene is nice too. I recently ran on the beach and it was AWESOME.

Do you drink water while your running? I drink before and after, i figure im only out there for 30-45 min.

What do you do to keep time from going faster? some ppl i know listen to podcasts. i cant. I need music to keep me going or the sound of my breath. I try not to think about time or distance.

When did you start running further and farther in your running process?
Dont worry about distance until you get up your time. as you increase time you will go further and further. I use runkeeper to track all the stats, but im trying to go easy on pushing too hard. it will come. Obviously, the more you loose the faster you get.

How do you go from running 2 miles non-stop to 8 miles non-stop?
just work on the 3 and then the 3.5 and then the 3.75...

What do you eat before and after?
I wait until at least an hour and a half after ive eaten, but sometimes thats not enough. Some pple say carbs before, protein after. I try to at least eat protein after.

Do you weight train before or after?
I dont, but i would say whichever you want to progress in faster, do first, because you may be too tired for whatever is done 2nd. I think if you can do them at different times, that would be best.

That being said: I used to get way more out of my yoga when i did cardio first. I think it warmed up my muscles and allowed me to push deeper. On the other hand, there were times when the cardio knocked me out and I was too spent to rock the yoga. Every day is different, every workout unique, no matter how routine.

Ultimately, you have to do what is best for YOU. Go ahead and read what others post and articles out there on the web. I have found that only direct self observation and thoughtful decision making has lead me to goals. Maybe start there: what are your goals? why are you running, what do you want to get out of it, and how can you best enjoy the process.

GOOOOOOOOD Luck! You are gonna do great!

Okay, so I'm doing couch to the 5k and I'm on week 5, workout 3 (20 mins non-stop).

How do you go from running 2 miles non-stop to 8 miles non-stop?

If a 5K is truly your goal, that is only 3.1 miles. I just started doing the C25K and I cannot even imagine running 20 minutes nonstop!! lol