I’m new to running. I want to build up to running 5Ks to help support great causes and to help keep me motivated with working out.

I'm Kevin. I'm an adult-onset runner, having set out in August 2011 to see if I could turn myself into a runner at the tender age of 55. My initial goal was to be able to run the entire course of the 3.5 mile JP Morgan Corporate Challenge in May 2012. Along the way I fell in love with running.

Got injured pointing at my first half marathon, two years in a row. Group training the third year got me to the start line, and 2 weeks after the race I was diagnosed with a stress fracture. In 20-20 hindsight, I believe I was training on a hurt foot all through that cycle. I was just too dumb to understand what my body was telling me.

2015 has been a breakout year for me. I started with what I considered an aggressive goal, a series of 4 half marathons in January, April, July, and September. My informal plan was to build long run distance as it was comfortable, with the idea of running my first marathon in September 2016. But after a 20 mile run in March, my pace group kind of pushed me into registering for the Buffalo Marathon the Sunday before Memorial Day. That turned out to produce a BQ finish, which set a major 2016 goal for me. At this point in the year, running 4 half marathons no longer seems aggressive; I ran 5 halfs and one full marathon in 2015. I have 3 half marathons and 2 full marathons on my race calendar for 2016, and it is likely I will add at least one more half.

For 2015, and again for 2016, my top priority running goal is to remain uninjured so I can continue to run regularly. Yes, I want to do well at Boston. Yes, I want to qualify for Boston 2017 when I run Boston 2016. But remaining uninjured is higher priority. This colors my training decisions. If I blow the top priority goal, the other running goals will tend to fall apart as well.

Right now I'm taking the December running challenge thread for a test drive, to see if it turns out to be useful for me. I have set no goal mileage for December, because I think in terms of weekly mileage and not monthly mileage. I am a bit afraid of setting a monthly goal, because having a number sit out there as a goal might convince me to run when I ought to rest, in order to hit the number. That would undermine priority #1, so I won't set that type of incentive for myself. At least, I won't set that kind of priority until the number looks more like something I've done several times and less like seeing how big a solid base I can build before starting the formal Boston training schedule. I keep reminding myself that a solid 45 miles per week base would be better than a shaky 50 miles per week base.

Hi all my name is Luke and I've been running off and on all my life. Its only recently that I've been back at it more often. I aim to compete in my first marathon in June '16 and im excited. Trail running is my ideal type of running and try to get into the mountains as often as I can. I recently did a SkyRunning event and am addicted!

Hello, My name is Dan. I've been on MFP for over 1400 days. Started running about 5 years ago. for 2015 I passed the 1400 mile mark for the year,so I do little running. In January I will start training for my 5th Marathon, which is in June 2016, and my 6th will be in November of 2016. I just found this group and here I am.

KatEmmaMarie wrote: »

I am definitely not the fastest or greatest runner, but I love doing it!

@KatEmmaMarie - Welcome to the group!

Open secret: *None* of us is the fastest or greatest runner. There are three truths about running to keep in mind:

1. There will always be someone faster than you.
2. There will always be someone slower than you.
3. As long as you keep moving, you're lapping the people who stayed on the couch.

Hi, I'm Bronwyn. I'm new to all of this, MFP and running, but have been logging since Monday, and running since then too. Aim is to run a 5km in 30 mins, currently avg 4.18km in about 35 mins.

Hello, people. A brief background on me, recently dropped from 275 to current 190 since July of this year. I bike a ton (urban cyclsist more than roadie). With the weather changing here in Chicago I know I'll be biking less and running is something I've been wanting to tackle for a long time.

So here we are. I started running in December and am very eager to responsibly up my distance and pace as I go along. Have done three runs since December 19th, all around 3 miles, with pace at around 8:30 to 9:30 per mile. I have to run/walk/run/walk/etc, but I'm feeling good with my start.

I'm hoping this group can provide motivation and support as I progress from noob to whatever the next level is. Looking forward to this January challenge.

Gráinne, I used to get shin splint too until I got fitted at the shop for my running shoes. I have flat feet and was recommended Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12. I wore those out and is now using GTS 13. http://www.amazon.com/Brooks-Adrenaline-Womens-Running-120123/dp/B00CMDG54I

Hi all, I'm Lynn and I just found this group. I've been running for 12 years now and, although I'm not fast and haven't even done more than 5 miles at once, I have always loved it.

This is the year when I want to:
1. Get faster: I have my eyes set on a sub-30 5K (after 12 years I am still Queen of the 11-minute mile!).
2. Be more consistent: Hit that 15-20 mpw base and stick with it.
3. Better manage my depression. There is a STRONG correlation between dips in my running log and flares in my depression symptoms.

Five miles down for the month... forty-five to go!

I'm Teresa from central Ohio. I'm going to be 55 this year and refuse to get old!! I started running a couple of years ago, and finished the c25k program in about 13 weeks, but never stuck with running long enough to get any better at it. Last year I had a wedding to plan (mine!), but I have decided that THIS IS MY YEAR to become a RUNNER!! Currently I can only run about 1 to 1.5 miles at a time without stopping. My goals for 2016 are as follows: 1st quarter goal: to run a 5k without having to stop to walk part of it. 2nd quarter goal: to run a 10k without having to stop. 3rd quarter goal: to run 10 miles. 4th quarter goal: to run a half marathon. I'm also looking for more mfp friends that are consistent runners for instruction and inspiration!

Hi everyone, I'm Lou from Adelaide in Australia. I started running about three years ago and have been addicted ever since. I've completed a few fun runs ranging from 5ks to 12ks. 3 half marathons and hoping to complete my first full in August this year. Have mostly trained on my own and finally built up the confidence to join a running group a couple of weeks ago which I'm throughly enjoying.
Happy running everyone.

Hi! I'm Randi and I'm just getting into running. I was very excited to purchase my first official pair of running shoes after the store did a gait analysis but I've yet to take them on an actual run. I am challenging myself to work towards the Indy Mini Marathon. I have a beginner worksheet I'm following and I'm making sure to give myself plenty of time to work up to it. I look forward to learning from you all!

Hello everyone! I am a happily married, empty nester am am focusing on exercise and weight loss to improve my health. I'm a firm believer in the power of plant based foods to avoid illness and chronic disease. I am up to 12000 steps on my fitbit and absolutely love walking! i've lost 15 pounds since 16 Oct 2015 and am thrilled! Looking forward to reading and following this site......run/walk on!!

Hey. My name is Lance. I ran a full marathon last March, and I am running a half this March. I've been a little all over the place when it comes to routines, and it was not until recently that I set up an actual workout routine. I've been sticking to smaller races such as 10ks and lower. The upcoming half marathon is a return to bigger races. I'm also planning on doing a triathlon in July. I would love some support and I will give it back of course! Add me if you would like!