Running (week)

5x a week and elliptical crosstrain. I did 23 miles this week with one of them as a 9 miler. I'm in week 4 of a half marathon training program.

I started running about 3 months ago. When I first started I could barely run for 2 minutes but with in 6 weeks, I learned how to run for 30 minutes. I usually run 4-5 times a week for about 45 minutes, around 3-4 miles. I did the Women's Health Magazines, run in 6 weeks program, it was awesome. After I had established a good running routine, I started doing intervals instead, running on a higher speed for 1 minute and walking at a fast pace for 1 minute. Definitely feel better health wise. Lost about 10 pounds, but Im not really watching what I am eating. Good luck.

I run 3 days per week, ranging from 15 - 20 miles total. 2 days per week I cross train on my bike in 30-45 minute sessions. In addition I walk 30 - 90 minutes with the dogs 2 to 3 times per week on average. This makes for a nice combination of activities that I hope will help prevent injuries and burnout.

Running is awesome!!!!! Nothing compares!

oh, thak you all

I've managed to run 15 minutes today.. walk for 2, and run another 15.

I'll try and build it up!

---

Ps - Should I run two days in a row?

Interval training is great for beginners.

I started running about a year ago and am training for my 1st half marathon in 3 weeks. I am currently logging 22-25 miles a week. I would not recommend running consecutively as I believe the body needs the rest and recovery time but listen to your body and it will tell you what it can/cannot handle.

Running does wonders for weight loss if you properly fuel yourself (water, extra cals to feed the burn).

Just start off slowly, increase gradually with what you feel comfortable with and enjoy the time in the fresh air.

Hey Tania,
I also recently started running - just 3 weeks ago. The first day I could hardly run a minute at a time, had sharp pain in my lungs and stitches all over my body. I rested a few days drinking plenty of water and having plenty of protein until the pain went away.. The second run was much better, tho I was still struggling.. And during the third run I was quite amazed at how my body was adapting.. After being chased by several dogs in the park (lol!) I decided to invest in a running machine, which helps me build up my stamina and endurance, as well as listen to my favourite workout music (I prefer the 2011 Workout Mix album..) and zone out safely. The running machine has several programmes, I started a 30 min slower one (3 mph and 6 mph, about 2 miles), gradually building up to longer and faster ones (8 mph and 6 mph, 60 mins, about 5k). If I do a whole hour, then I do strength training or cross train on the following day (bike and rowing) instead of running, if I do not have the time and run for just 30 mins then I simply run on consecutive days.. The most important thing is not to push yourself too much, and listen to your body. I can also recomment the Women's Guide to Running of the Health and Fitness Magazine, it was invaluable to me!! I use the warm-up routine and the strength routine there. Once my endurance builds up I will start using the 10k and half marathon routines programmes from the magazine
Did I see a difference? Absolutely. Much more impressive than when I was only biking. It's been only 3 weeks and I have lost 6 pounds. My fitness has increased greatly, I started losing weight even before I joined myfitnesspal to watch my calories and add some structure to my weight loss and to make sure I am having enough nutrition to fuel my running. I honestly feel great. And this comes from a person who absolutely hated running until recently!!

It depends. Most weeks I run 4 days. T, W, Th and Saturday. Between 30-40 miles depending on my Saturday run. It will impact your weight loss goals. Just be on the watch out for increased appetite. Don't run a ton and then think it's OK to go overboard on calories!

As far as HRM's go, I use a combo unit that also has a GPS. The Garmin Forerunner 305. A superb device. If you really only want HR, then Polar is an excellent choice. But I really like to know my pace when I run, my distance, etc and be able to upload it to the innerwebs.

I don't have a schedule that I stick to. I just run when I feel like it and however far I'm in the mood for. But usually 2-3 times a week on the tredmill for 30 - 50 minutes (5-8km) then I like to do a longer run outside once or twice a week in the weekends . I need to get a stop watch so I can work on improving my times. Before now I have been working on improving distance and got up to 14km before hurting my leg so I think I need to go easy for a while.

and HRM? what are your opinions?

I'm loving to read all that you've got to say *.*

HRM depends on what you're trying to achieve from your running? I occasionally use mine, but only if im on a particular training run where i need to monitor it closely. The RPE scale is a good way to judge too, either the 1-10 scale or the 6-20 scale as to how you are during your run.

If you are wanting to stay in the 'fat burning' zone then keep your RPE at about 6 out of 10, if you're wanting cardio workout (work the heart muscle and improve cardio strength and endurance etc) then work at 8 out of 10 on the RPE scale. RPE is Rate of Perceived Exertion, how YOU feel on that scale, 1 being easy and 10 being about to vomit :laugh:

HR for fat burning is 65% of your maximum HR (Max is 220 minus your age) and cardio is 90% of your max, so you can see how this equates to the RPE scale

Basically if youre wanting to reduce body fat and lose some weight then stick to the 65% HR (6 out of 10) range, if you're wanting to run faster/stronger and improve your times then work at the 90% HR (8 out of 10) range.

Hope that makes sense? but most of all enjoy it

'' Basically if youre wanting to reduce body fat and lose some weight then stick to the 65% HR (6 out of 10) range" -

This first :P

But I would love to be able to run everyday... just for the pleasure of it!

I think it would make me feel better the rest of the day and it would also keep me motivated, as it should hopefuly lead to weight loss

Not sure why you put your tongue out at me.. haha! ..yes the 'happy endorphins' released during exercise will help your moods through the day, and losing weight/achieving something, even if in bitesized chunks, is ALWAYS motivating ...keep me updated