Help me start running

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ConstantStruggle
ConstantStruggle Posts: 89 Member
in Food and Nutrition
How do I start running? I have always walked a lot and pretty fast (4 mph+). Last couple years I have started jogging part of those walks (usually down hill or on the flats). But.....I can never run more than a mile at a time, and that's on a really good day!!. :) I know that problem sounds pretty sad to most of u but it's true. Am I just not pushing myself hard enough, not breathing right, are there secrets or do u just get out there and go??? Any help/comments...good or bad are welcome. B) Thanks!!!

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  • IsaackGMOON
    IsaackGMOON Posts: 3,358 Member
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    Couch to 5K plans are quite popular on MFP. You should definitely check one out.

  • ConstantStruggle
    ConstantStruggle Posts: 89 Member
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    Couch to 5K?? I'm sorry...what is that?
  • Tubbs216
    Tubbs216 Posts: 6,597 Member
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    http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
    http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx
    https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/couch-to-5k-running-app-training/id448474423?mt=8

    As you can see, there are lots of versions. Basically they are all graduated introductions to running.
  • ConstantStruggle
    ConstantStruggle Posts: 89 Member
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    Thank you
  • TrailBlazinMN
    TrailBlazinMN Posts: 209 Member
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    Running should be natural. We are built to run. The way many people run (heel striking with running shoes while taking long strides) is not natural.

    I would recommend try running with a shorter, quicker stride. Land on the balls of your feet or midfoot. Run through the grass barefoot for a few seconds like you did when you were a kid or just walk barefoot. Let your feet touch nature!

    Start off slow. If you can run a 10 minute mile and that's your fastest time, try to run at a slower (12-14 minute mile) pace.
    Walk when your stride/power output seems to slow. When you catch your breath and can give a good effort, run again. Repeat until you feel like your run/jog interval is much shorter than when you first started.

    The Couch to 5K plan that @IsaackGMOON mentioned seems like a good place to start but don't get caught up in the numbers. If you can't keep up with the plan, don't push it. The last thing you want to do is hate something that we are naturally born to do.
  • IsaackGMOON
    IsaackGMOON Posts: 3,358 Member
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    And if you are to start running, please go to a running specialist shop and have your gait analysed. This way you should get a pair of shoes which fit your feet... continuing on with what @TrailBlazinMN said, getting your foot strike is definitely worth it too. Mid-foot or toe-striking is really how we are meant to run instead of heel striking.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,179 Member
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    AIm for small running intervals in your walks, and keep increasing run vs walk every week. This is the basic idea of mose beginner plans, like c25k. You can either start with c25k or other similar plan, or just start with a comfortable pace for you, like 1minute run every 3 mins walking and work from there.
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
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    I started running by using the NHS couch to 5k app a few years ago. Within 6 months (To the day) I went from running for 60 seconds to running for 60 minutes. It is a great plan and I'd recommend it to anyone.
  • helenbenzie75
    helenbenzie75 Posts: 95 Member
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    I started running my using a couch to 5k as well, it's a great programme. I completed my first 5k last year and was over the moon! I try to run at least twice a week, I do find that if I miss a run or two it affects me hugely.

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