Help me start running

I did a c25k a few weeks ago and loved it! At first I had trouble running 1/4 mile/3min straight now I run 4-5miles 3 times a week!
I highly recommend it!

Another one for C25K. There are lots of free apps and downloads that cover the runs, find one that you like and go with that, I preferred the ones where you are just told when to run, when to walk and when you are half way but other people like ones with music or motivational commentary.

I was really nervous of running outside when I started but found that of the people who actually noticed what I was doing there was not a single negative comment and almost everybody had a smile and a "good morning" for me.

Take it slow, even if at first it feels like you aren't moving much faster than walking, C25K builds up your stamina and cardio fitness, speed and distances over 5K can come later. Don't beat yourself up if you "fail" a run - just do that day or week over until you are happy to move on.

And most of all enjoy yourself!

I'm half way through C25K and loving it. This is my third attempt - i keep stalling at week 7, but I think that's because I'm a smoker. Another thing I need to work on.

Still, I can run 10 mins straight now - I never thought I'd be able to do that!

i did the c25k from zen labs
there is the zombie run which is similar.
Ingress is sort of a capture the flag

i just started running last year. i just finished my first half marathon.
my recommendation is go to a running store and get a gait analysis to be properly fitted for shoes. go in and be honest. tell them you are just starting out. they can help fit the shoes to your feet and needs.
also local stores often have workshops and running groups.
good shoes are important. injury can really discourage a beginner

also, go slow and take rest days. most of us do too much at once too fast.

last, have fun. Runners are a very welcoming group and you can find lots of support if you'd like it. and if you don't have fun...you aren't going to want to do it.

I agree with everyone here....c25k!

Find a place you enjoy running and go there. Ignore everyone else you encounter. Put a hat on and pull the brim low if that helps.

natalialikescookies wrote: »

I did a c25k a few weeks ago and loved it! At first I had trouble running 1/4 mile/3min straight now I run 4-5miles 3 times a week!
I highly recommend it!

after a few weeks! running 4-5 miles! That's awesome, is that continuous or do you alternate running and walking? I started running 2-3 weeks ago now(slacking this past week) and I just can't push myself past just 1 mile/12 minutes. Although I did just quit smoking this past week!

The C25K program is really good, but take it slow. Every other day at most. I wasn't able to take rest days (3 days of running in a row during Week 2. Darn schedule!), and ran myself into an injury.

Another one who loves c25k. I started of in week 1 got being able to even run all the 1 minute intevals. I 've just unfinished week 7 and I can now run 3k without walking.

I just finished c25k a month ago, t days before my 61st birthday never ran before in my life. Go for it!

I am one of the few who did not start with C25k - but I did something similar. My neighborhood had too many hills for me to be able to walk and run when it said - so I ran in the flat cul de sacs and slowly added parts of the hills until I could run the entire 3 mile loop and then started adding distance. The older you are (I am in my late 40's) the more rest and protein you need to make sure you recover adequately. Also - I had to add strength training and that really helped keep me from having as many injuries. Strong quads help protect your knees. I also second the recommendation to go to a running store for a good shoe fitting and recommendation. Also, in many towns there are races that have team training that goes with it - that may help you meet other runners

Here's the best advice I ever got:
Stop thinking.

Tie your shoes, get outside, and RUN!!

This isn't rocket surgery!!!

I agree - go for it! I started running in my 40s, and I'm getting back to it now at nearly 50.

Like lots of other people I used C25K and that really helped me, by making me take it is small chunks and not go out too hard and give up in the first five minutes.

The things I've learnt since then:
- good shoes and a good bra are essentials (the bra is mostly for the ladies!)
- take it slow. Really slow. Don't feel it's not running if you aren't sprinting, you need to build up distance in your legs and starting slow is the best way to ease into it.
- take rest days. C25K suggests 3 x week and I think that's plenty when you are getting started.
- build in other exercises to help with core strength. Things like yoga, pilates etc are great.
- Once you have got started, find a race a few months away - or see if there is a Parkrun group in your area. I suggest you start with a 5k, then try a 10 or 12k and see how you go. I've done one half marathon and while I'd love to do another one, I had a lot of injuries while I was training so at this point I'm sticking to 10 or 12k race which feel like an accomplishment, but I can train for them without the injuries.
- If you are hurting - rest, ice, give it time and re-evaluate before you go out again. There is no point pushing past what your body can cope with.

Mostly though - just get started, you'll feel so great when you can say "I'm a runner".