Starting running...How?

Orphia wrote: »

Run a bit, walk a bit, run a bit, walk a bit.

You can use an app to train you, too.

I used the Couch to 5K program (developed by sports scientists) app by Zen Labs, which literally gets you from the couch to running a full 5 km.

It took me 10 weeks, running/walking 3 times a week.

I started it in September last year.

It has you run a bit, walk a bit, run a bit, walk a bit.

It was a great start to my running habit. Since then, I've fallen totally in love with running.

I ran 21 km without stopping in June.

Best wishes, @AshleighAnn72 !

Exactly this! I knew I wanted to take up running last year when I was first losing weight and all I knew was I couldn't last longer than a minute. My big problem was my pacing; I assumed to be considered running, you needed to go at your max speed. I was so wrong.

I also chose the C25K app by Zen Labs. There are others, sure, but I really felt like that app was the best. They have a free and paid version; I got the paid version of it and I didn't regret it one bit. I started it last June and finished that summer. I went from 30 seconds of running and having to stop to going for 30 minutes without stopping by the end of that program. I cannot sing its praises enough.

I moved onto the 10K trainer after that but, due to the weather outside after a while, I couldn't run in the park anymore so I stopped. However, I missed running so much and would run on and off when it hit spring, so I just restarted the 10K trainer last week. I moved right onto the week they leave off C25K graduates because I felt like I could handle it even after the long break. I completed the week with ease and could have kept on running without the rest prompts, so the improvements you see from C25K will stay with you if you keep active! I have 5 more weeks of the 10K trainer and will be moving on to the 13.1 half marathon trainer after that. I never ever thought I would be running, but here I am. Good luck!

+1 for c25k

A few tips:
-run slow. Even if you can walk faster than you are running, that's ok. The goal is to build endurance, speed will come later.
-repeat weeks if you need to. It took me three tries to get through the program. The difference with the successful attempt was that I repeated weeks if I didn't feel ready to move on.
-mindset makes a difference. Running is just as much mental as it is physical. If you think you can't, you won't. If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish more than you imagine.

Another vote for c25k. I've used it before and have recently restarted the c25k as exercise wasn't a priority when my horse had to undergo an operation and rehab work. I use the zen labs one. I would definitely recommend getting decent shoes, as these make a lot of difference. Just make sure you get them fitted so you get the right type for your feet/gait.

I hate c25k, it's boring. I started with intervals and Leslie Sansone's Walk Away The Pounds on Youtube. As I got better, I started progressing to jogging, and worked up from there.

The best advice I ever got was to go slower. Even if you're jogging at your walking past, do it anyways. You'll naturally get faster as you go.

I'm running a few miles every other day thanks to C25K, and I never ran before. Not even as a teenager (horribly unathletic).
I like the Zen Labs app, but you can just just do the intervals mentioned above if you prefer. There's also a zombie-based app that adds a storyline to your training.

My own tips - run slow. So, so slow. Barely faster than you walk. Speed comes as you add distance. And, I think running outside is way more fun than indoors.

i did zen labs c25k
i got fitted for shoes at a running store too. most have workshops and running groups.
overall, I've found that the running community is extremely supportive

i run mostly indoors, so then i can watch tv on the treadmill.

i also started running early in the morning with my dog. less people to stare at me-not that they did but that's what i thought

i run faster outside too. so i like running mostly indoors and surprising myself with a few outside runs

I would try the couch to 1 mile app first, and once you can run a continuous mile it will be easier to transition to running longer distances.

But basically, you are on the right track. Just run for a minute, walk for a minute. Do that for a half hour if you can, or as long as you can. Next week, run for 1 minute 15 seconds, walk for 50 seconds, and so on, until you are running a continuous distance.

One more vote for C25K.

I run a lot on a treadmill. Do you have access to a gym? Some people find a TM boring but I think it is great for controlling your run in both time and pace.

I'm another vote for c25k. Got my fat but running.

Running is not and should not be for everyone... spend some time observing people running... and you will see what I mean... that does not mean you shouldn't give it a try... it just means that be aware that not everyone is a natural runner... and that you might do yourself more harm than good...c25K is a good place to start ONCE you are ready to begin running...I suggest you work on your cardio and your leg strength before hitting the high impact task of jogging... 2-3 months of regular steady state cardio on a low impact machine ( elliptical and or stationary bicycle) along with exercises to strengthen your core(abs and lower back), knees, and ankles... and some yoga to increase flexibility ... THEN give running a try.

Just finished W1D1 of C25K, because I've been walking for a few weeks, today was extremely easy. Good luck!