Advice for a (Sort of) Running Beginner

jmelyan23 · October 2011

When I was down at my lowest weight, I used to go running/jogging almost everyday of the week and thoroughly enjoyed it and never got sick or winded. Now that I've gained a lot of weight, running is really hard since I haven't worked out consistently in a long time.

So, my question is for the runners who are veterans or have gotten themselves going without killing themselves .. what steps did you take to begin running and what tips do you have for someone who wants to become a runner again?

Thanks for any replies in advance.

audram420 · October 2011

start off slow...I started running like 1/4 of a mile and walking the rest in July...I've worked myself up to 2 miles running straight...i'm a slow runner so it's nothing spectacular...but I'd suggest starting off slow and getting used to what you can do and then building up from there!

allenlisa · October 2011

I run a lot for my personal benefit. And I also go 6 months where I run everyday then 6 months I don't run at all (winter in Colorado) doesn't help. But when I start back up I start with a slow pace and work my way up. Walk when you need it. After awhile I get to the point I can run the whole way and feel great.

MB_Positif · October 2011

I was a runner in high school, but then took almost 16 years off from it, ha! Anyhow, I started by doing the Couch to 5k program which had an app on my android phone. Worked great, starts you off in small intervals of running and walking and builds you up. Still at the point where I can only run about 10 minutes straight then a short walk break and back at it again! Good luck!

fatreddhead · October 2011

C25K (couch to 5k) is a great program! It is a great way to ease back in to running.

AZTrailRunner · October 2011

I took over a year off, and gained 25 pounds. Back in May, I put the shoes on again, and painfully slugged out a few miles (walking/ running). Along the way, I worked on my diet, and included gym time. I lost 20lbs in the first 3 months, and stuck to 3-4 days per week of running (some weeks even less). Here we are into the 5th month, and not only is my speed almost at my best, but my endurance is better than ever before. It'll happen, but it has to happen slowly.

cassybubby · October 2011

I've never been a runner, but earlier this year I took up the C25K program, and now I'm running for 30 minutes straight! It's something I really recommend, because it breaks it down and makes the running seem more achievable because it's broken into shorter periods to start off with.

Here's a website to have a look at if you're interested in the C25K program:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Basically the first week you do a 5 minute warm up, alternate 60 seconds of running/jogging with 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes, and then do a 5 minute cool down. And each week the running builds up from there.

Pebble321 · October 2011

You'll probably get this answer from lots of people but I'll say it anyway: C25k.
Google it, it is a program that guides you from walking to running. I started with it in back in January and it's been great for me.

u2fergus · October 2011

C25K (couch to 5k) is a great program! It is a great way to ease back in to running.

This!! I am C25K's biggest fan... it's been great for me and I am so happy I found it!

rudegyal_b · October 2011

c25k most definitely, i went from 0 to 28 mins in 8 weeks, to my suprise....it works!

_Amy_Budd · October 2011

I second the Couch-to-5K recommendation - it's a great way to gradually build up your running time.

My only sidebar to that would be that the C25K workouts are only about 30 minutes in total, with warm up and cool down, which isn't long enough at an elevated heart rate to really help with weight loss - 45 minutes in the minimum - so I always make sure to add at least 10 minutes each to both the warmup walk and the cool down walk. Because the less weight I carry on my body, the longer and more easily I can run!

Good luck with it!

love22step · October 2011

You're received good advice already. I need to start back again soon, but in the past, running an extra quarter mile each week worked out. You're young, and already have experience running, so that should work. If you're really out of shape, you may want to try speed walking for the first couple of weeks to strengthen your legs and knees. I generally walked a half mile, ran 3, then walked another mile and a half. I'm hoping to get back to that, but I'm older now, so we'll see. You have fun!

GeauxDonielle · October 2011

I live in a subdivision with different roads I would walk the long roads and jog/run the short now I've reversed it. Run long walk the short. Hopefully I'll be running the whole thing soon!! Twice! It's taking a couple of months to get here but I slacked in there too

Hirundo · October 2011

C25K (couch to 5k) is a great program! It is a great way to ease back in to running.

This!! I am C25K's biggest fan... it's been great for me and I am so happy I found it!

This too it's great..

Look for good apps on you iphone, ipod or android, there is also podcasts .. you can also find similar program on internet !

Have fun !

fitnfreeme · October 2011

Couch to 5K is awesome!

oreolover · October 2011

I am pretty much in the same boat. I am just taking it slow and setting reasonable goals for myself.

For me pushing myself is the hardest part, I want to walk...a lot. So I have to set goals, both short and long term. Such as running for 2 light poles and walking 1 and increasing the number of poles between walks by 1 each week. (or whatever I can handle). I also listen to books on tape/music when I run to keep it interesting and distract myself.

I know it is really discouraging at first but it will come back faster than you think, good luck

Advice for a (Sort of) Running Beginner

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