I want to be a Runner!

Look into the Couch to 5K program. It adds small amounts of running to a walking program. In 9 weeks you will be able to run a full 5K (3.1 miles). I did it, and it does work!

I was doing the c25k and loved it. The app is great

I want to do the same thing is there a certain app that I should lok for? I saw the NHS one but is there another? (The NHS womes voice was too boring and the music drab) We just moved to the country and I want to take advantage of this! Good Luck!!

I want to do the same thing is there a certain app that I should lok for? I saw the NHS one but is there another? (The NHS womes voice was too boring and the music drab) We just moved to the country and I want to take advantage of this! Good Luck!!

Try Couch-to-5k by The Active Network. This app can sync with the playlist on your phone and you can choose from 3 voices.

Another vote here for the Couch to 5k program. I started it at the beginning of December but took a hiatus due to moving. Restarting next week but this time without a treadmill. We'll see how that changes things!

I know that I am out of shape, and weigh a lot, but I want to be a runner. It is going to take me a long time to get started but I want to inspire myself and my 9 yr. old daughter to be healthy. We live in the country so we can run with little traffic. I need help starting. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Just get out and do it. Go as far as you can each day w/ out stopping. Then increase each time.

if i can do it you can do it.
i just ran 5 miles tonight.

I recently (beginning of December) finished C25K and am now beginning the 3rd week of the Bridge to 10K program. I can run 5 miles in around 56 minutes right now, and when I started C25K I struggled to run 3 minutes without stopping. You and do it!

Invest in some good running shoes. I would suggest going to a store that sells exclusively or primarily to runners and get custom fitted. You will likely spend around a hundred dollars or more (mine were 139). A good pair of shoes is worth every penny.

Good luck!

I used to be a runner (I have an old knee injury that prohibits me from running)

I would try the Couch to 5k - that sounds amazing.

I wasn't much into sports or anything but before I went to boot camp, I had 3 months to get in shape & running seriously helped me out. I couldn't even run 1/8th of a mile when I started. I gradually worked my way up. If you have a track to run on, you can run on the straight part of the track then walk on the bends of the track. I did this every few days, to every couple days to everyday. Before I knew it, I was running 6 miles a day. Run to Cadence tracks helped me keep going on my run. Each time you run push yourself a little further. You'll know when you become comfortable it's time to push.

When you're to the point where you don't have to walk in the middle of running, give yourself periods of long strides, then resume to a normal run, I did the strides on a the straight part of the track, then a normal jog at the bends of the track.

Every night draw your ABC's with one foot, , then the other - do uppercase lower case. Do lots of different stretching exercises before your warm ups & after your cool downs. This will prevent injuries. Make sure you eat raw foods that have lots of potassium to prevent muscle cramps. Stay well hydrated. These tips are dated from about 2000, I'm sure there are newer techniques out there now.

Couch to 5k is great, so is Jeff Galloway's walk/run method. Note that you can "repeat" weeks if you need more practice, there's no law saying you have to complete the program in 9 weeks. I did a variation of C25k and it took me more like 13 weeks to run a full 30 minutes without stopping...but since then I've completed a half marathon :happy:

Also make sure you've got good running shoes-if possible, go to a running specialty store and get fitted for the right shoes.

Stretch after you run, especially your shins--you can google all sorts of good stretches on Youtube.

Do a brisk walk as your "warm up."

Have fun!

Oh, and friend other runners. Maybe it won't work for you, but I know they inspire me to push myself harder.

Invest in some good running shoes. I would suggest going to a store that sells exclusively or primarily to runners and get custom fitted. You will likely spend around a hundred dollars or more (mine were 139). A good pair of shoes is worth every penny.

Good luck!

THIS!! big time.

And realize running has a huge mental component. Resist the urge to beat yourself up if you don't meet your expectations right away. Be patient but keep pushing!

I used to be a runner (I have an old knee injury that prohibits me from running)

I would try the Couch to 5k - that sounds amazing.

I wasn't much into sports or anything but before I went to boot camp, I had 3 months to get in shape & running seriously helped me out. I couldn't even run 1/8th of a mile when I started. I gradually worked my way up. If you have a track to run on, you can run on the straight part of the track then walk on the bends of the track. I did this every few days, to every couple days to everyday. Before I knew it, I was running 6 miles a day. Run to Cadence tracks helped me keep going on my run. Each time you run push yourself a little further. You'll know when you become comfortable it's time to push.

When you're to the point where you don't have to walk in the middle of running, give yourself periods of long strides, then resume to a normal run, I did the strides on a the straight part of the track, then a normal jog at the bends of the track.

Every night draw your ABC's with one foot, , then the other - do uppercase lower case. Do lots of different stretching exercises before your warm ups & after your cool downs. This will prevent injuries. Make sure you eat raw foods that have lots of potassium to prevent muscle cramps. Stay well hydrated. These tips are dated from about 2000, I'm sure there are newer techniques out there now.

I gotta say that those "ABC" stretches are awesome--they really helped me!

Oh I am so glad you asked this question! This is my goal to. I can not jog on concrete because it hurts but I can on gravel and the treadmill. I slowly started out an 4.3 mph and would only be able to do about 7 min. I would turn on some techno and just go go go. I am up to 4.5mph at 25 min and it only took a couple of weeks. Just keep upping it until you push yourself further and Techno always gets me going. I am ready to see what others have posted because this is such a perfect question! Good luck and you can do it.

you ARE a runner . . . keep saying it, even if you are running a few steps . . . your mind is very powerful, especially when it comes to running.

^YES very true!
*3 weeks of attempting running everyday for me to begin to like it. Do it everyday, after awhile you will get the runner's high that lasts hours after the run. it's addicting, and leaves you in the best mood!!

and a good pair of running shoes yes, I can't believe I left that out! Your foot will let you know too. I almost bought a pair of Nikes but then I tried on Adidas and they were the best shoes I've ever had. I've also had a pair of Aesics (sp?) that I liked a lot.