I want to JOG!! Ideas for a beginner :)

sacha_1987
sacha_1987 Posts: 79 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
Good afternoon everyone!! :flowerforyou:

I joined MFP a while ago, and i'm struggling to lose with only a small amount of exercise. :yawn:

I try and swim twice a week, but I love my food and I need another low cost way of burning calories!! :laugh:

I've seen the results people get from becoming runners. I need the drive, and as i'm planning my wedding I can't afford to join classes at the Gym. :cry:

So what i'd like from you lovely people is some ideas on how to get started?? How did you start off - what do you think is an adequate running time for starters - and how much time should I add?? Should I run daily or every other day??

Soooo many questions!! In case it makes a difference, i'm 5 ft 3 and weigh in at 160lbs. Thank you all :smooched:
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Replies

  • hezzyhlo
    hezzyhlo Posts: 55 Member
    My advice? Just do it! :-) That's the hardest part! Actually, getting a good pair of running shoes should be the first thing-that is very important. Once you have those, just slowly ease into jogging while you walk. Even if it's just for 20 seconds. See what your body can do. If that is nothing, try jogging for a minute and then walking for 2. If you look up the Couch to 5K program, there is TONS of information out there.

    When you are starting, you may want to just run every other day. And make sure that you are warming up, cooling down, and stretch! For me, stretching is the most important part of running, and I spend a TON of time on it.

    Good luck, you can rock it!
  • emhill21
    emhill21 Posts: 126 Member
    After a good pair of running shoes ( you can go to a running store and they will help you pick the right shoes for your feet) I would recommend starting with walking and adding in little spurts of jogging as you can for short periods. You can gradually add in more jogging.
    I think its really best just to start slow and don't try to over do it because you don't want to injure yourself. Maybe even invest in a running book.
    Just my thoughts. I will be interested to read what others have to say too
  • ladyraven68
    ladyraven68 Posts: 2,003 Member
    Have a look here - http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k-plan.aspx

    get a pair of running shoes, (not cross trainers or gym shoes) and a very supportive sports bra, and away you go.

    I'm on week 4.

    Good Luck. :)
  • amyheine
    amyheine Posts: 3
    There is an APP for that. Couch to 5k or 10k. They are great and help one go from non-runner to runner is a matter of a couple months. 3 days per week gradually adding more and more time to your running interval. Get good shoes and an APP --- off you go.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Yep, c25k program is a great way to go. I have never been a runner, but with this program will be starting on week 6 today! It's working great for me.
  • cjrutledge
    cjrutledge Posts: 2 Member
    Couch to 5k is great! Give it a try!
  • Genie30
    Genie30 Posts: 316 Member
    Looking for a local running club can also help. Particularly if you find working out with other people motivating. Most groups will have a begginers group you can run with and you get the benifit of the advice of the leaders.
  • gecho
    gecho Posts: 426 Member
    c25k!
  • kymom65
    kymom65 Posts: 2
    Would highly recommend Couch to 5k. I did that first and now am on week 12 of Couch to 10k. I am running 5 miles about 3 times per week.
  • jlewis2896
    jlewis2896 Posts: 763 Member
    Get a buddy/group and work on the Couch to 5K program together!! It's only a few days a week, and having a group to do it with means you will be held accountable. The workouts are short and simple, and will keep you from doing too much too fast.
  • lizzue
    lizzue Posts: 276 Member
    C25K is great if you can or else just do some intervals, either do 20 seconds jog. 20secs walk or, if you know your route, give yourself certain points that you will jog to then walk to.

    Then, after time, you can test how far you have on by how many 'points' you make it round without stopping. Which is exactly wha tI am going to do tonight! :-) x
  • fzyfrog
    fzyfrog Posts: 456 Member
    I, personally, HATE the stupid Couch to 5K program and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. My advice is to research marathoner and Olympian, Jeff Galloway',s run/walk interval program. He has a proven program that will take you from non-runner to runner by adding intervals into your runs. This is especially important for beginners who can't run for long periods of time yet. I took 21 minutes off my half marathon time by using the Galloway run/walk method. I recommend that!
  • Becky_Boodle
    Becky_Boodle Posts: 253 Member
    When I started running I began by alternating between walking and running...
    each time pushing myself further than before...
    eventually I was only walking during my warm up and cooldown :)
  • Mommawarrior
    Mommawarrior Posts: 897 Member
    When I decided I wanted to run, I just went out and ran. I went as far as I could then walked home. Did that method all the way to a half marathon last year and I am now training for a marathon.
  • n8vchick77
    n8vchick77 Posts: 114 Member
    Just do it!! make a kick *kitten* playlist and just go with the flow. There's no set standard or time...its you against you!
  • alanindahlonega
    alanindahlonega Posts: 17 Member
    I joined runkeeper (runkeeper.com), then use auto post to facebook...the "peer pressure" with publicly posting will help with drive...finding new runners to run with helps too...good luck with the wedding.
  • islandjumper
    islandjumper Posts: 369 Member
    Definitively give C25k a try...my sister did it and she just ran her 1st half marathon a couple weeks ago, I'm close to halfway through it. It's great :).
    Get yourself a good pair of shoes, and if you don't have a smartphone to dl the app to (like me) find a pod cast...there are plenty for all music styles...just google it and load it onto your mp3 player of choice. Don't be afraid to repeat weeks...take it slow...only do a speed you can handle for a length of time you can handle and you'll get there!
    Good Luck!
  • ladyraven68
    ladyraven68 Posts: 2,003 Member
    I, personally, HATE the stupid Couch to 5K program and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. My advice is to research marathoner and Olympian, Jeff Galloway',s run/walk interval program. He has a proven program that will take you from non-runner to runner by adding intervals into your runs. This is especially important for beginners who can't run for long periods of time yet. I took 21 minutes off my half marathon time by using the Galloway run/walk method. I recommend that!

    What do you hate about it?

    As it is recommended by Health service in the UK it seemed like a sensible one to follow.
  • TraceyR68
    TraceyR68 Posts: 41 Member
    Good for you! I've been running for over 15 years and love it. I can tell you I hated it when I started though and NEVER thought I would be a runner. Everyone above has given you really good advice. You want to start really slow with a walk, jog, walk (you will be walking more than running at the beginning. Here is a great new runners program from Runners World:

    http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-520--9397-0,00.html

    Good luck!!
  • jmaffett
    jmaffett Posts: 68
    I have done the Couch to 5k program successfully, but now am with a running group here that is just for women. Honestly, I like it better than the C25k because I am more motivated when a group, and there are also coaches who help me with specific issues (like learning to breathe right) right in the middle of our run walks.
  • trud72
    trud72 Posts: 1,912 Member
    I, personally, HATE the stupid Couch to 5K program and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. My advice is to research marathoner and Olympian, Jeff Galloway',s run/walk interval program. He has a proven program that will take you from non-runner to runner by adding intervals into your runs. This is especially important for beginners who can't run for long periods of time yet. I took 21 minutes off my half marathon time by using the Galloway run/walk method. I recommend that!

    What do you hate about it?

    As it is recommended by Health service in the UK it seemed like a sensible one to follow.

    i like it:bigsmile: BUT it really has anoying music lol :explode:
  • chub_b_gone
    chub_b_gone Posts: 18 Member
    Im using a book "Run your butt off" it helps you work up to 30mins of straight jogging at your pace..lots of good informaiton as well about pace and ways to figure out whats best for you..
  • stormieweather
    stormieweather Posts: 2,549 Member
    I did this last year. Great results!!! Basically, I bought a good pair of running shoes, a sports bra and mapped out some runs around my house by blocking out 1/4 mile increments. I would go out and run as far as I could, then slow to a speed walk until I felt able to run again, then run again. I made sure my running wasn't so fast that I got out of breath, usually my slow downs were due to my legs feeling like they were going to fall off (and starting to stumble a bit). Double checking it at the gym, turns out I run 5.0 mpg which is a 12 min mile.

    With time, I was able to go further before slowing down and I was able to go further altogether. When I started, I had just quit smoking after 34 years of it and was unable to run next door. I had to sit down after each 1/4 mile and rest. Eventually, I was able to go 5k with only a couple of walk rests. It didn't do a lot for my weight, but it did miracles for my shape. My butt and thighs changed shape and how my clothes fit improved a great deal.

    This year I'm doing zumba and kickboxing for my cardio, just as a change of pace. I still run a mile as a warmup on weight lifting days. Ha! A mile used to be my entire workout. Now it's just my warmup. :bigsmile:

    So short answer? Just go do it. There is no secret to starting other than getting out there and doing it.
  • Good running shoes. Get you gait analyzed at a running store. Take your time and listen to your body. Eat a good high protein snack before running. Listen to your body (yes I know I repeated myself). C25K is a good program...they have free podcasts and such to help you with the program. Just take your time and don't over do it. You will be addicted soon!!! :)
  • BRANDYLYNETTE
    BRANDYLYNETTE Posts: 192 Member
    I am starting my THIRD week of Couch to 5K .....and I have never, ever, ever, been athletic or even able to run my whole life. (Im 43. ) So far, I have been able to do the intervals that is instructed to do. Try it......and see what happens! If I can do this....Im going to try a harder goal and push myself for more! : ) Best of luck!
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    Get a good pair of shoes. Start out slowly at a local track or park. Do two minute drills of walking and running for 10 minutes. Don't forget to stretch and have fun! Lots of excellent running for beginners books are out there too!
  • jmaffett
    jmaffett Posts: 68
    I, personally, HATE the stupid Couch to 5K program and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. My advice is to research marathoner and Olympian, Jeff Galloway',s run/walk interval program. He has a proven program that will take you from non-runner to runner by adding intervals into your runs. This is especially important for beginners who can't run for long periods of time yet. I took 21 minutes off my half marathon time by using the Galloway run/walk method. I recommend that!

    Really, it's "stupid"? Clearly you know nothing about it because it IS a run/walk interval program. The program is designed for nine-weeks but you work at your own pace so you add run intervals as you can handle it.

    Read their message boards and you'll find tens - if not hundreds - of thousands of people who have learned to run with that program. If you're doing half marathons then you are in an entirely different world than those of us who do not know how to run.

    Galloway's program is good and I'm doing it this summer, but it isn't offered everywhere and the Couch to 5k program WORKS, plus you don't need to find a group.
  • Definitely the C25K. I am on week 4. Make sure you have a podcast, much easier than faffing with stopwatch etc. Before I started I did a few months of just going for 40 minute walks as my legs felt so weak! But I am older and hadn't exercised for 8 years after having kids, you could probably start it straight off.
  • MinnesotaManimal
    MinnesotaManimal Posts: 642 Member
    I started with the C25k App ( run double) back in July of 2011 and thought Id die after jogging 30 seconds, Fast forward to this last saterday I ran 12.1 miles non stop. GET good shoes, Stretch well and when they say to start slow, you don't need to run 10 minute miles to begin with. you don't need to jog any faster than you can speed walk in the beginning, just learn good form and go.
  • davegruper
    davegruper Posts: 68 Member
    When I started running years ago I followed the following plan.

    Exercise every other day for 30 mins. In the beginning, break the 30 minutes into 3 sets of 10 minutes. The first time, run as long as you can (lets say 5 minutes). So you run for 5 walk for 5 and do that 3 times. The next week run for 6 walk for 4. the next week run for 7 and walk for 3. add 1 minute until you reach 10 minutes. At that point you run for 10 and walk for 5 (2x). I a month or two you will be running for 30 minutes straight.
    Oh, and buy good shoes to prevent injury.
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