Learning to RUN!

You probably have heard or read about this program, but it's a great way to build up endurance as a relatively new runner.

Try the Couch to 5 k program (C25K). There are really good apps for this program too.

Yep! I agree. I did the C25K program. I was so NOT a runner and I'm now running 3.5 miles. I did my first 5K on the 4th of July and still enjoying running. Looking to do another 5K soon. Good luck!!

I feel like I'm just repeating everyone, but c25k! I got the free app on my android phone and it tells you when to change from walking to running. As someone who has NEVER been a runner, I can say that I like this so far. Anything that eases you in!

Also, make a great playlist to jog/run to. When you listen to upbeat music, it really helps pass the time.

Congrats on your MFP month. Believe it you are lucky that you are new to running because you do not have any bad running habits in your muscle memory. I strongly suggest to master excellent running form before logging running miles. There are quite a few methods. The one that I was introduced to is the Pose Method. Google or YouTube Pose Method. Combined the Pose Method with the Couch to 5K program. Best wishes for you on your new endeavor.

couch 2 5k is a good program to get you started. Runner's World also has a coach program online that's free and comes as a free iPhone app. You put in your current stats (weight, current pace, how many miles you run in a week, etc.), what day you want to run your long run and what you're goal race is (for me it's a 15k on October 1) and it calculates out a plan to get you there. Once you get a little ways into C25K or once you complete the program, I'd sign up for a race then move on to that for training guidance.

I agree with the poster about getting good shoes and having someone who knows what they're doing help (sorry, but I just don't trust the teenagers at Footlocker. Find a local running store). If you decide you want to go with the "barefoot" or minimalist shoes, research the right way to ease into them. Our feet have been so conditioned by the shoes we wear, they're not used to the stress you'll put them through if you jump right to a Vibram Five Finger and the chances of getting hurt get much higher.

Whatever you decide to do, stick with it! You won't be Jesse Owens, Usain Bolt or a Kenyan Marathoner right out of the gate. When I started running, I couldn't run a whole mile, I had to walk half of it. But I put in the time, the sweat and the effort and got better. And you will, too! It's just a matter of time to build up endurance.

Buy the shoes and start running. You will feel great after you finish.

Please read my post on this subject

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/309328-if-you-dind-t-start-jogging-running-yet

and responses with important points and great, encouraging messages posted there.

Let’s create a group for those of us who about to, or just started jogging/running.

When I was first starting, a friend told me "the first 2 miles are the hardest." I still believe this even as I'm training for my second marathon. It will feel like it's taking forever to build that initial endurance, but once it's there, the rest comes much easier.

Sooooo much truth here it's scary! When I started running in Mar 2010 I couldn't run for more than 100m or so without waking. It was horrific and I hate every second. Trusting that things will get easier is VERY hard at first, because progress is slow going and your desire to "just run" will lead to a lot of frustrating miles (In my experience).

My best piece of advice is don't give up. Trust your body to build the endurance but know that it takes time. And know that we all have bad runs and hard miles every week.... Finding your running legs takes time, patience and a lot of hard work but it pays off in health, fitness and overall happiness/well-being. But best of all, you will learn so much about yourself along the way.

Best of luck! You'll be a runner in no time

Thanks everyone I've just printed off the C25K program and downloaded the iPhone app.

Definitely need to invest in new shoes - so that's on the weekend agenda!

Thanks again everyone. I have never enjoyed running, always wished I could but my lungs would give out before my legs - hopefully I can work on this and increase my lung capacity, somehow?!

I'm looking forward to starting C25K though!

The biggest thing I can think of for this is that you were trying to run at a pace too fast for your body. I wanted to train C25K at 5mph, but got a few weeks in and wanted to quit. Got some advice to slow my run to just barely a jog, but jogging still (both feet off the ground between steps) now I'm getting through it well enough, that when I finish, I'm going to bump up my pace a bit and work on getting to 5mph. My sessions now are 3mph walk and 4mph jog which is just right for me. I have allergy/bronchitis and exercise induced asthma, and at this 4mph pace I haven't had to use my inhaler aside from the really humid thick days.

Buy the shoes and start running. You will feel great after you finish.

Please read my post on this subject

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/309328-if-you-dind-t-start-jogging-running-yet

and responses with important points and great, encouraging messages posted there.

Let’s create a group for those of us who about to, or just started jogging/running.

Great idea, did one get created already? If so, I'd love to join if someone points me to it.

I think it would be great to have one to encourage people of all running levels, whether we're just beginning or just trying to improve where we are. I've been running on and off for a couple years, but just got more seriously into it last Fall and have been taking my time to build up endurance and speed. So I'm not a complete beginner, but still LOVE reading all the how-to-run/how-to-improve-your-running conversations.