Any Runners Out There...I just started

MsMorningDew
MsMorningDew Posts: 59 Member
edited September 30 in Fitness and Exercise
I posted this yesterday...but I didnt get any response....

Who runs? I need some advice on how to effectively start jogging.

I never thought Id run...

Ive started a journey to be a runner....does anyone have any suggestions or advice they can share about running...I wrote a detail entry on my blogspot. Please comment and give me feedback...Im sure many of you are runners and can give me pointers on what I can do to acheive my goals. Thanks in advance!

http://destiny4dallas.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-can-get-into-thisrunning.html

Replies

  • LittleMissAlx
    LittleMissAlx Posts: 291 Member
    I'd advise starting the C25K program - it's awesome for beginners. Oh, and get fitted for proper running shoes. Found that one out the hard way. Good luck!
  • Schuyler
    Schuyler Posts: 78 Member
    I just started running as well. I think the Couch to 5k program is a great place to start. Just take it easy and if you're running outside, stay hydrated! Good luck!
  • jessvdm
    jessvdm Posts: 9 Member
    Running has been my sanctuary for years. Try www.runnersworld.com to find a beginner program and advice. It is a great site.
  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    I there! Check out my profile ... or my blog for information.
    I started running 1 year ago ... at a much heavier weight.
    All you need to do is add running into your walking... you can do it through a program called c25k which I dont personally like, or you can just start with running 30 second and walking 4minutes... then increase the running and decrease the walking.

    Check out jeffgalloway.com for other information...
  • thefreemans28
    thefreemans28 Posts: 267 Member
    Like everyone else has said, C25K is essential! And if you have a Smart Phone, I suggest getting the Run Keeper app! It tracks your speed, distance, time, calories, etc. Very cool!

    And remember, start off slow and where you feel comfortable! You don't want to start off fast just to have to walk in 30 seconds time! The C25K will help you build speed and endurance!
  • JL3mom
    JL3mom Posts: 48
    I am not a runner either but I would like to be. I just decided that I was going to sign up for a half marathon in March. That gives me 7 months to train. If I sign up now it will be my motivator! Have you checked out Jeff Galloway or Hal Higdon's websites? Some really good training advice. Also, you can check out couch to 5k program. Friend me if you would like! I would love some support from new runners!
  • I started running in April.

    At work at the moment (taking a quick break) but later I can send you a program i have been doing the past 10 weeks to work up to 10K (you probably would not start this immediately).

    I can also help out with some tips for getting started (that worked for me).
  • BobbyDaniel
    BobbyDaniel Posts: 1,459 Member
    went the C25K route here, last fall...worked my way up to a 10K, will begin working toward a 1/2 marathon by the end of the year.
  • shelld70
    shelld70 Posts: 106
    I am a baby runner myself. Only been at it for at couple of months. My advice is to keep at it. Don't give up. It's taking time to build up endurance and I am not even worried about speed yet. Good luck! :happy:
  • chazspk
    chazspk Posts: 159 Member
    I just started 2 doing C to 5k.. my second night tonight.i have done it before got as far as week 6 :-(.
  • FL_Nettie
    FL_Nettie Posts: 265 Member
    www.active.com has a lot of information on running. It also has upcoming races in your area. It might help you to pick out a 5k to run sometime down the road as a target to aim for. A good pair of shoes is also a great investment. Have fun!
  • sc1572
    sc1572 Posts: 2,309 Member
    Good to know I'm not the only new one! :) I just recently started running the last month or so. The months before I either just did the treadmill at 4 MPH with different inclines, cycling, or the elliptical. Lately, I have slowly been getting into running. Here is what I have been doing:

    Treadmill:
    Pick your favorite songs and make a playlist. Start off at a slow warm up walk, second song jog, third song run, then on the fourth, go back to walking. Repeat! I have been doing this the last few weeks for a few days each week and do it for thirty minutes or so, then do weights. On those other days, I either cross train, or I do this instead... Walk a half mile, run a mile, walk a half, etc. for an hour.

    Outside:
    Basically the same as above, except every song I alternate between running and walking.

    Don't judge your improvements by distance, I've found that doing it by time is better.

    Hope I helped, if any! Good luck! :) Also, drink water! I drink every 5-10 minutes.
  • TheMrsBee
    TheMrsBee Posts: 226 Member
    Yeah C25K is the best way to start running Good Luck x But make sure you have some good trainers as it will will ruin your legs also do some leg strengthening exercises too as it will build up your leg muscles and help support your knees. x
  • Aid_B
    Aid_B Posts: 427
    C25k is a good start, and checkout the link below

    http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-297--11733-0,00.html
  • bbush18
    bbush18 Posts: 207 Member
    Just Do It :) You may hate it in the beginning but you'll be addicted to it in the end!
  • ysamatar
    ysamatar Posts: 484 Member
    Bump! I want to be a runner so bad to the point I stare at runners. Let's do it!
  • Welcome to running! When I first started running I couldn't run from my mailbox to my neighbors mailbox without huffing and puffing. Someone on MFP suggested C25K and it is great! I was not a runner in my earlier years. In fact, I avoided it at all cost because I'm not graceful or look natural running. But I stuck with the program and I now run 5Ks, 10K, half and full marathons.

    Don't worry if you can't follow the C25K program exactly week-for-week. If you feel you can't move to the next level, just repeat the week. It's a great program to gradually ease you into running.

    I agree with LittleMissAlx on running shoes. They make a world of difference. Also important are running socks. Don't go to the local store and get standard everyday socks. Once you start running those will rub blisters. Go to a running store and Invest the $15.00 in running socks. Your feet will thank you.
  • ysamatar
    ysamatar Posts: 484 Member
    What are the best running shoes?
  • jcm214
    jcm214 Posts: 157
    I just finished week 3 of C25k today. I'm still not sure I like the program but I'm starting week 4 on Saturday and at this point I'm not sure I want to switch over. I've heard some great things about Jeff Galloway and I've been to his site a few times. I would suggest researching the different methods to starting and educating yourself. Find what works for you and go at it slowly. Don't worry about speed. Just get out there and do it. And good shoes are a must! Good luck.
  • jcm214
    jcm214 Posts: 157
    What are the best running shoes?

    There are a lot of great brands out there but don't just go pick one. The best thing to do is go to a store that specializes in running shoes. They will take your measurements, watch you walk, and fit you for a shoe. Then they will let you test drive the shoe (I got to take mine around the block that the store was in, but some have a treadmill) and come back inside and talk to them some more about making the final decision. You want to work with someone that really knows all the aspects of running and walking.
  • Vhovell
    Vhovell Posts: 286
    I'm trying to start too...still struggling but hoping that when i get my ipod working it will help as at the moment i don't have anything to distract me from the fact that i'm running! Can manage a mile running, well jogging, and walking in 15 and a half minutes. Am doing the 4K Great Eastern Run in October and really hoping to run it all...i was doing a 100miles, 100 days challenge however due to typical English weather that stopped after a week...i did go out for half an hour on Tuesday so hoping to get out at least twice a week...weather permitting!

    Good luck, and feel free to add me :o)
  • fmbarbuto
    fmbarbuto Posts: 131 Member
    Hi! I started the C25K yesterday and am trying to get others to join my group! See my post "Started C25K on 7/20/11 - anyone interested" and let me know if you'd like to join us! Feel free to friend me as well! :flowerforyou:
  • What are the best running shoes?

    The best running shoes are dependent on your running style. Theres over-pronate, under-pronate, high arch, low arch, medium arch, etc. The best way to find out is go to a good running store and the will watch your feet as you walk and run. They will recommend shoes to match and correct your style.

    I actually started running with a pair of Nike shoes and didn't have this done. This was actually fine until I added some serious mileage. You can do this if you don't want to go to the running store and spend $100 on shoes. One big tip is don't buy your shoes where the 'just fit'. Your feet will swell and then they are too tight. Also make sure they are at least 1/2 size too long. When running down hill and/or your feet swell, you'll get black toe nails and they will come off. Black toenails are not sexy. I've lost probably 3 toenails that way.

    One thing is when you change from one running shoe brand/style to anther be prepared for some discomfort. I changed from Nike to a pair of Newtons and boy did I have some major shin splints! So don't be scared to try out the shoes in the store.

    Also, ladies should invest in a good running bra. This is extremely important for the larger breasted women.

    AND... chafing can be a problem. There is a product called Body Glide runners use. I apply it to anywhere my skin rubs together (between my thighs, under my arms, the back of my neck where it meets my sports bra) and it keeps you from chafing.
  • Mehagon
    Mehagon Posts: 83
    I started running in June 2010 and I kid you not I could not run for more than 30 seconds without huffing and puffing. I did do the Couch to 5K program starting out, and then just tried to outdo whatever I ran the last time. ***The main thing about running is learning to control your breathing!*** Don't let yourself sound like you're having a panic attack while you're running. Breathe deep, and breathe in rhythm. For those of you who know who Bob Ross is (painter with the fro), my husband always told me to pretend like I'm Bob Ross. . . painting happy little trees while I'm running. He always sounded so calm. ;) Once you get the breathing down, it's just a matter of not letting yourself get bored and pushing on. Like I said, I started "running" in June 2010, and on May 1, 2011 my now husband and I completed a half-marathon and I was able to run the ENTIRE 13.1 miles without stopping to walk.

    There's nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment when you finish a race, so I'd suggest working towards the goal of 5K's to start off. Even though you won't start out by running the whole 3.1 miles, just participate. It's sooooo motivating to be around other people in a race environment. The adrenaline is amazing.

    Good luck in your adventure! You'll do great. :)
  • stormieweather
    stormieweather Posts: 2,549 Member
    I started running a couple of months ago, after 30 years of being unable to run even a city block.

    I started on the outdoor track by the YCMA and would run the long parts of the oval and walk the ends. Each circuit is a quarter mile. After 2 circuits, I had to sit down and rest. I'd do this 3x a week, and every week, increase my run vs walk vs rest times. I did get better! Sometimes, I'd sprint, then speed walk...in intervals.

    And let me tell you, the inches just started melting off of me!!

    Now I run at night, in my neighborhood. I recently ran a full mile and did it in 10 minutes. My total distance is up to 1 1/2 miles, 85% of which is running. When I am able to run the entire mile and a half nonstop, I'll increase distance again. My goal is to run a 5k, and eventually a 10k.

    I love running, even though I never thought I would. My music, the solitude, the feeling of pushing your limits....fantastic.

    Feel free to friend me, anyone who is into running :flowerforyou:
  • TXHunny84
    TXHunny84 Posts: 503 Member
    I also want to become a runner! I just started today! I have a hard time with the breathing and can barly go 30 seconds with out stopping to walk. I like the stretch feeling in my legs tho. I want to run to burn off my thunder thighs!!!!! I'm praying this works!! Good luck! Friend me if you want a new-runner buddy! :):flowerforyou:
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