beginner runners

Good for you for starting your running again! Sounds like you may need updated shoes, plus make sure you're not overstriding and heel striking as that can be hard on your knees. I've been running(slowly) for almost a year now. My best 5k time is 39 min. I did the C25k plan and now I'm working on a bridge to 10k plan to try to get some speed. I also have a bunch of weight to lose(40 lbs) and I know everything about running will be better once the weight is gone!

Good luck with your training!

Lori

Just starting to get back into jogging after a 2 year hiatus due to multiple surgeries.

I used to run 5k 3 times per week, and often 3k on the in-between days. I wasn't fast (35mins was my best time) but I could do it.

Even though I have done it before, starting out at zero again is REALLY HARD!!! Who is with me?!

I am doing some modified (read: perverted) version of the c25K where roughly every second day I increase the time that I spend running for a minute. Two days ago I hit 4 consecutive minutes running and decided I could probably spend the next 2K doing short walking/running intervals.

Today I decided to essentially do 4 reps of a 6 min walk, 4 min run. I liked this, so next time I will do the same with 5mins:5mins.

It seems to be pretty hard on my knees... so I think I need to replace my joggers (I have to get the ones with super arch support because my feet roll in and give me shin splints, but I don't remember my knees suffering last time I took up running.)

How are you finding running? What 'program' are you following?

Let's talk jogging, beginners!

I used to run, many years ago. Haven't ran since getting pregnant with twins 8 years ago.

So I started C25K, and am now on week 5.
The first week, I was scarlet when I finished and wondered how I was ever going to keep it up.

today's planned run is week 5 , run 2, which is 20 mins non stop running. I found week 4 much easier than week 1!!

When you start again, the improvement curve is quite steep - good luck

I've been struggling with running on and off for years but found a good park near me last night that is quiet but fairly well lit and near a main road so nice and safe so I can run there at night, so might start trying again. Went a run there last night a bit unplanned. I'm guessing that it might be about 0.8 of a kilmetre around the park but I'm going to take my Nike+ tonight to measure it more accurately.

I REALLY struggle with it, too, and find it weird because I'm quite fit when it comes to other things. I can walk for miles and miles without tiring and do cardio at least 3 times a week (Body Attack) where I sweat and get out of breath but don't feel like I'm going to die. I can also swim for ages without feeling knackered but I can't even run a full kilometre without thinking that my lungs are going to physically explode! It also kills my knees too, although I do have quite dodgy knees to start with anyway.

I tried the C25K programme before and didn't like it. I feel like I'm achieving more if I focus on distance covered than time running, so I'm just going to try to slowly build up my distance a little at a time, I think.

Any new runners up for starting a group where we can share our moans/victories?

I recommend getting a book called Galloway on Running. It has plans for beginners and advanced and talks about how slowly you should increase distance. Also, you are a pronator; take your current shoes to a good running store in your area and ask them what shoe you should buy to help. They can tell by the wear pattern on your current shoes what you need. Look to spend at least $90-100. You might also ask them where you can get some custom orthotics made.

Ooh, and he comments about finding an enjoyable place to run is a very good motivator I find! Great scenery along the beach, and it feels safe with many others around. I like also that they have intervals of 500m painted on the path!

I've been struggling with running on and off for years but found a good park near me last night that is quiet but fairly well lit and near a main road so nice and safe so I can run there at night, so might start trying again. Went a run there last night a bit unplanned. I'm guessing that it might be about 0.8 of a kilmetre around the park but I'm going to take my Nike+ tonight to measure it more accurately.

I REALLY struggle with it, too, and find it weird because I'm quite fit when it comes to other things. I can walk for miles and miles without tiring and do cardio at least 3 times a week (Body Attack) where I sweat and get out of breath but don't feel like I'm going to die. I can also swim for ages without feeling knackered but I can't even run a full kilometre without thinking that my lungs are going to physically explode! It also kills my knees too, although I do have quite dodgy knees to start with anyway.

I tried the C25K programme before and didn't like it. I feel like I'm achieving more if I focus on distance covered than time running, so I'm just going to try to slowly build up my distance a little at a time, I think.

Any new runners up for starting a group where we can share our moans/victories?

I also struggled with C25K, I highly recommend the Hal Higden training courses. He gives you a distance say (Mon - 2 miles) and you cover the distance at whatever pace you are comfortable with... walk the whole way, run the whole way, run walk at your OWN intervals, no forced - run for 2 minutes, walk 1 minute etc.... run till your tired, then walk, then run again until you cover the distances. I gave up on Couch to 5K but Higdens got me to a half marathon.

Thanks for the advice, I'll look into it.

I finished C25K in February, and was running 5K 3 times per week for awhile, but last week, I did a 4 mile run, and then 2 days later I did a 5 mile run! I usually get around 32 minutes for the 5K - did the 5 miles in about 55 minutes. I found that for me, it seems to get easier further into the run - my legs do get a little tired, but I seem to be able to regulate my breathing better.

I had occasional knee pain, and found that as long as I stretch hamstrings and quads after the run, that went away. I also found if I am getting out of breath or side stitches to slow down my breathing and breathe from my belly and it gets better. Also check out websites like goodformrunning.com to make sure your form is right (leaning forward, etc.)

I briefly got into running in my early 20's and the furthest I ran then was 2 miles, I think. Never thought I would be running 5 miles in my 40's!! I am doing my first 5K race on Saturday, and have signed up for some more races, including a 12K in October.

I think it's fantastic that you're getting back into it. I hope your knees settle down and stop giving you grief.

I've just started Week 3 of C25K. I am really enjoying it, so far.

I would like to continue to run long-term, but I don't think I'll ever go for very long distances. Probably 5 or 6 miles at most. If I did 5k three or four times a week, I would be very happy with that. I like to alternate running with hiking and hill climbing.

I could barely jog 200 metres at a time when I started running 2 years ago. Now I have halved my pace from when I started, have completed many races including 10 and 12k and am currently training for a HM. It has completely changed my life, as painful as the process has been. In short, never give up! If I can do it, you can too.

It seems to be pretty hard on my knees... so I think I need to replace my joggers (I have to get the ones with super arch support because my feet roll in and give me shin splints, but I don't remember my knees suffering last time I took up running.)

I started training for a 10k last year - went from hardly being able to run and built up to 20 min runs.

Then I got on one of these apps and tried a 60 min (because that was the course) and in the last 5 mins it all went wrong - old knee injury kicked in couldn't shake it off. Felt really so so bad about not being able to do the 10k and running went from something I was not that bothered about to something I got so frustrated about that I couldn't do - so my advice here.. Careful of pushing when you know you are prone to injury and do a course that distance wise you have to do 2 or 3 laps so you can miss a lap if it becomes too much - the 10 min getting back home on an injury broke me bad... don't be a give up but be really sensible- not running a lap is much better than putting yourself out for 3 months

six months on I've fully rested my knee and just got motion control trainers - and I can't tell you the difference they make don't run another mile if you over pronate without them --- the whole leg position and everything just feels right. I put off getting them because I couldn't believe they would make much difference - I cant explain how wrong I was

Got a slight muscle pull from a bit of a sprint at weekend - sorted itself overnight - so happy I'm back to that level of 'injury' the knee was like someone sticking a knife in my knee

I have never been a runner/jogger. I am fascinated by those who are, though. I work with a gal who is a runner, and I really admire her overall take on life, in general. And I have not seen any serious runners with weight problems LOL!

I would love for my 2 teenagers to get involved in track or cross country at school. They are not sports-minded, and this would be a good way to get them engaged in some more physical activity. Maybe, if I start, they will follow?

Last year I decided to start running. I was never a runner. 20 years in the military and I did the fitness test twice a year. That was the extent of my running. Last year I decided I should run a marathon. I bought a book called the Non-runners Marathon Guide. It takes you to a marathon in 16 weeks. The only prerequisite sas to be able to run for 30 minutes non stop. Long story hort, on February 12th I did it. It was hard but not impossible. I didn't break any land speed records and actually ran a little slower than I had anticipated. But I did it Now I love to run. I run 3 or 4 times a week and run from 3 to 5 miles depending on time. Now I'm waiting for the 16 week mark before the next marathon I plan on running in November. All about will power and positive attitude. Good luck!

I'm not a beginner, but wanted to offer my two cents. I agree with what others have said about getting new shoes. Also try new socks, they really do provide support. Belaga is my fave brand.

I've had to take months off at a time before due to medical reasons, and find that the first 1.5 - 2 weeks back are the hardest. After that, my body seems to remember what it was doing before. So hang in there, you'll get it back!

I have been running on & off for the past year or so but in the last 4 months i seem to have taken it a bit more serious, at 230lbs i'am by no means full of pace and speed. I have however purchesed the Nike+ for my ipod I can now run a 3k workout without stopping my PB is 20 mins. I'am now training for 5k by gradually increasing my distance training by 1/2k each week until i can run the distance without stopping..Why do i run? Decided it was time to start moving a year ago i weighed in at 265lbs & was a smoker, have now kicked the weed am and taking back control of my life. Keep up the running :-)