I want to be a Runner!

Wow I always hated running!

But I think that is what I need to get over the hump!

I will check out that couch to 3 mile run in 9 weeks work out.

Bless you. I already do pretty well in terms of calistenics been blowing off cardio Far too long!

I used Couch to 5k, it really does work if you stick with it. Running is incredibly hard so you have to be mentally really ready to do it. I started when I weighed about 217, and it was difficult but you get to where you can tolerate it more every week. Just remember with Couch to 5k you can repeat weeks if you need to. Go at the pace that is the most comfortable for you.

The only thing I suggest is don't be so slack that you're running EXTREMELY slow, this is that I did and it is very difficult to increase your running speed.

I want to be a runner too! Looking for the right shoes currently!

Stick with it no matter how hard it is. I have asthma and could hardly run a quarter of a block when I started and I ran a half marathon last June so you can do anything you put your mind to. Not to mention I hated running and never even wanted to run

All of these comments were excellent advice but I want to be very specific when I say that it took me 3 weeks to learn to like running, that meant 3 weeks of HATING to run, it is something you have to force yourself to do everyday.

My sister was more out of shape than me & she did the same thing - now she's running half marathons and training for a full one this coming year!

just remember it's all about mind over matter

I wish it only took me 3 weeks!!! It took me 4 attempts at Couch to 5K (reaching week 5 each time), at which point I could finally run for 20-30 minutes at a time, but I STILL hated it!! I forced myself to sign up for a 5K hoping it would motivate me. Here I am now, about a year and a half or so later, running a 5K 3-4 days a week on my lunch break, planning to run five 5K's this coming year and also planning to attempt my first 10K, and LOVING IT!! But it was quite a struggle to get here!

Everyone I know who has really pushed themselves to keep it up has ended up loving running, whether it took them 1 week or 3 years! But it can definitely be a struggle. Trust me, though, the struggle is worth it. When you start to feel like 3 miles is no big deal, the satisfaction that comes from that is AMAZING! And it's such a fantastic calorie burn and a wonderful stress reliever.

I have added some jogging to my walking that I do at home but haven't had the guts to jog in public at the track where I walk. I saw a lady/girl today who was walking, then she'd run a bit, then walk, then run and I wanted to ask her if she was doing the Couch to 5K thing!!! LOL.....

I don't understand about drawing the ABC's with my foot....could someone elaborate please...do I do it standing...and ....well, I am finding I can draw the alphabet without a lot of movement so I must not be doing it right...do I draw with my toes? Or my whole foot? Sitting or standing? Where is the heel?

Thanks in advance......

do it when you're laying down, with your toes
I'm not sure exactly what it does, it prevents injuries like rolling your ankles while running... I just remember my mom told me to do it every night so I did & never had an injury from running.

I always wanted to be a runner too. Now I'm a pretend runner. I have completed a full and two half marathons as well as other races. What really helped me was I signed up for a race three months out. I refused to not meet my goal of running it. So I committed. It literally was one foot in front of the other. When I wanted to walk, I picked a further point to run too before I walked. I wasn't fast and I never told anyone around me that I was running. Now everyone identifies me as a runner it will be 2 years of running in February. I am still not fast. And I am still not perfect but I run and love every minute of it.

My other suggestion is read everything you can get your hands on about running. You will fall in love with the runners world. Not to mention runners are by far the kindest and most gracious people you will ever find. They are nothing but helpful and all really do want you to succeed.

I never did the C25K, but when I was fat and still trying to get in shape, I couldn't run 1/3 a mile without stopping, now, 2 years+ later I can go for about 7 miles non-stop. I don't think i'll ever be able to do a marathon, but I'm happy with where I am, running-wise. Just keep at it and you'll become a runner in no time.

Go for it. Don’t wait any longer. Even a short distance will make you feel great after you finish.

I didn’t do any specific program. I just went outside and tried to run a little. I jogged very slowly and for short period of time at the beginning. It felt awkward. I was heavy and completely out of shape when I started. It was hard and I felt the weight every step I took. It didn’t make it easier that I had to get up a half hour earlier. But every time I forced myself do to it, I was proud of myself and was rewarded with a fantastic feeling after I finished.

I slowly increased the distance until I could run one mile without stopping. After a few weeks I did something unthinkable. I signed up for 5K and on 9/18/11 I showed up, and ran the whole distance without stopping. It felt great after I crossed the finish line. Incredible thing happened after I completed my first official 5K race. I knew that I wanted to do another 5K soon. I did it on 11/13/11 and by then I knew that I was in love with running.

I am writing about myself to show you that what you want to do is possible because I was like you.

Again, go for it. You can start tomorrow. Go outside. Warm up a little and then walk, run a little-bit, walk. Even if the running part is 10-15 seconds, it will give you motivation to do it again the next day. And every day you do it, you will love the feeling when you finish.

I just came here to post this same topic. Glad to hear so much praise for C25k. I tried it a few years ago and it was very difficult and painful for me. I'm hoping that things will be better with some weight off. Plus, now I can use a podcast on my phone....if I can figure out how.
thanks!