So you want to start running

emma_simmons87 wrote: »

Looking for advice on running please. My grandad passed away at the beginning of the month so my 2 cousins (who run often) are doing a 10k in august to raise money for the brilliant hospital. They asked if I would like to join them and I have jumped at the chance. All his 3 grandchildren together to make him proud. One thing though, I have never ever ran. Well maybe 10 years ago at school. I have read up on it and what to do as a beginner but I'm finding it really hard. To begin with I did 30 secs jog then 30 secs walk. I've been doing it 3 weeks every other day. Today I made progress and managed to jog for 1 min then a small break and so on, I even cracked 1 min 30 sec. I'm just a bit unsure if I'm going to be ready in time for august. My cousin said as long as I can walk 6 miles I should be fine. But don't really want to finish and everyone has gone home lol. Anyway, thanks for reading and any help appreciated.

You can follow a Couch to 5K plan (C25K), then move to a 10K plan. They'll give you structure for pushing yourself (but not too much). The biggest thing with trying to go a longer distance (time) is to slow down your pace. The goal is to run at a conversational pace. Easier said than done in the beginning, but keep at it and you'll hit it.

A little bit further each week will get you to your goal. And don't worry about everyone leaving before you're done. Won't happen. You can look up the official cut off times the race has and make it a goal to run/walk by that time. Plenty of people run/walk races. Or even walk the whole thing.

emma_simmons87 wrote: »

Thank you for your replies. I feel a lot better now. I have definitely seen an improvement in the last 3 weeks so I'm on the right track

You should definitely try doing C25k, it's helpful, and I've noticed a big difference in only 2 weeks. You can also join our conversation on the C25k thread for motivation! It'll really help you keep on track. http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/32679850#Comment_32679850

W1d1 of c25k completed. Omg I'm so pleased with myself

Well written blog about running

Bump, since this thread appears to no longer be stickied for easy access.

This content has been removed.

Oh, and I'm not sure if this a comedy or tragedy, but that thread says this in the OP...but it is also a closed thread.

If you wish to suggest topics for this category, please post it here.

bump.

I've seen a lot of questions about how to get started running, today. Feels like this old post could use a bump.

shanaber wrote: »

@diannethegeek - maybe you need to give those asking the URL to this... just a thought. They can read through to see if any of the information answers their questions or they can post the questions here. Like several runners on here we have it as a favorite so we see when someone posts to it.

I have each time. It's not uncommon to bump a post for further visibility for others. Obviously I'll stop now that I know it bothers the posters here.

I love this thread! I have been referred here a few times over the years for all of my running enquiries! It has helped me a lot! I used to get shin splints in both legs and when a good physio and the advice here, I have learned to slow down my pace, change my form, be more mindful on how my feet are hitting the ground and now.. I have posterior shin splints just in one leg, though my physio is working on it and tells me it is much better than last time (if I can say that about shin splints.. lol) I can now run 3-4km straight and it has taken me years off on-again off-again running.. It's been a difficult relationship but I am absolutely loving it now that I know I can actually run this far! The info in this thread is amazing! And if you do have any pain, rest!! Don't push through it unless your physio or doctor tell you it is safe to and it is not leaving you in absolute agony! I cannot recommend finding a good physio who specialises in running injuries enough too! (If you need one, that is ... hopefully not!!)

I signed up for a zombie run 5K on 10/30. It's on a golf course, at 8pm (so it will be dark), and it is timed.

Here is my brief history with running:
-Earlier this year, I started to train for a 5K in April, time of 30:00
-Did another 5K in May, time of 28:43 (or 28:53? I don't remember seconds)
-Didn't run for awhile because I was hiking a lot instead, then family issues (dad died, mom had to move, etc.), then went back to class (FT grad student and still working FT), blah, blah, blah

Last weekend, I decided to go out on a trail run / walk. I am certain I walked much more than I ran, but for 7.3 miles, I ended up with an average pace of 4.1 mph (ETA: it was 93 degrees and humid, so that also contributed to more walking/less running). With this 5K coming up again, I need to get back into shape, so to speak. I'm going to start running a few times weekly starting this week.

Here is my question:
Obviously we will all have flashlights or headlights, but I really don't think I can run as fast as during daylight. Also, costumes will make it more challenging, as will terrain. Given my previous times, what should I aim for as a goal time on this?

Running in the dark with headlamps while costumed sounds like a good event! It also sounds like a good time to ignore goal time and focus on having a *good* time.

@midwesterner85 - I would train as @ThickMcRunFast outlines but then run it for fun and enter another daytime race for an actual goal time. It will likely be faster than your zombie run time unless the zombies actually end up chasing you My first race I had no goal time or expectation. I knew it would be a PR because I had never raced before and I would only get better from that point forward.

There is one piece of information I am searching for. I've never been able to breathe when I try to run. I feel like I'm having a heart attack even at short distances. Is there something I can do that will help this? I would really like to be able to move faster than a brisk walk. Thanks in advance.