Stories of when you started running

Started a new running program on dirt track roads in Spring where I walk the dogs, was totally getting into the c25k program when stepped on a stone whilst looking at the dogs and ended up sprawled out on the road with water bottle in one direction and mp3 in another and nasty scraped knees.. calves... palms etc.

Totally put me off for 5 months but starting again and enjoying the c25k again, works for me but stay at a certain level until not totally dying before moving on, running for 15 mins at a go, still baby steps but getting there (and happy Labradors!). Going to have to start road running soon as the 5k loops I use aren't long enough anymore.

So basically don't let the set backs get you down, never a natural runner so I plod, but enjoy the fresh air and ability to do what I want outside a gym

I started running senior year of HS to lose weight, then kept it up through college to help cardio endurance for crew. I've started and stopped through 17 years and four pregnancies (usually have too much hip pain after about 24 weeks).

When starting again after an extended break, I usually add 1 min/.1 mile to my runs and gradually build up stamina. After I can comfortably run 5 miles a few times a week I start fixing my eye on a 10 miler or half marathon and use Hal Higdon's beginner or beginner/intermediate plan to get there. Works every time! I've done 5 halfs and a bunch of shorter races. Last fall I ran a race series (two each of 5k, 5 mile, 10k, 10 mile, half)--then I got pregnant again, so I'm just now getting back at 3 mo pp. 4 miles today! I'm hoping for a late winter/early spring 10k and then maybe a late spring/early summer half. We will see how my plantar fasciitis heals up.

I love racing not bc I'm fast (although I'm the fastest I've ever been--9:26-9:40 min miles!) but bc it's motivating and I love being "a runner" after being overweight and unathletic through my childhood. Love seeing all the ages, sizes, and shapes that come together and high-five you at a race

I will never forget the moment I became a "runner". My husband and I were walking our dog around the neighborhood and we were just talking. We got to one of the long straight streets and I asked my husband if he thought I could run the entire length of the street without stopping. He was supportive and said it was about .25 of a mile. I told him I was going to try, so when we turned onto the street I started running (more like jogging). I remember feeling the wind in my hair and my feet hitting the ground hard, from my body weight. I didn't even get half way before I had to stop because I was so out of breath. I realized that day that I wanted to become a runner. That I wanted to be able to run that entire street without stopping. I can now, easily, run 3 miles. This was back in 2011. I weighed 166lbs at 5'2. I trained using the C25K program and dropped down to 130lbs by 2012. Something I didn't know about running, is that it can be hard on your knees/bones. I wasn't doing any cross-training at the time, so I injured myself and was out of the game for 6 months with a broken foot. I now still run, but not everyday like I was. I cross-train with spinning, stair master, and I am taking up swimming (which I am very excited about!).