How the hell do I start running?

soontobesam
soontobesam Posts: 714 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
II really really want to incorporate running (or atleas jogging for now) into my daily fitness routine but I just don't know where to start. I understand that I just have to start doing it but I try and I can only go for what feels like 3 seconds and then I am so frustrated I just quit on myself.

I see other people running and it just looks natural for them and when I do it I look like a complete fool.

what.the.french?

Replies

  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Try a C25K program (couch to 5K). You'll start out only running in 90 second intervals. Totally doable!

    There is an app for the iphone (probably android too) called C25K free that I really like!
  • Love couch to 5k..
  • curvykim78
    curvykim78 Posts: 799 Member
    Couch to 5K is how I started running 2 years ago. It's a very good program. I will tell you to go to a shoe store and get yourself a good pair of shoes. Let the people there figure out how you strike the pavement, your arches, etc. and they can find you the right type of shoes for you. Well worth the money. Start out slow and don't be too hard on yourself! If it was easy, everyone would do it! :) As a former lazy *kitten* person, if I can do it, so can you! Good luck!
  • soontobesam
    soontobesam Posts: 714 Member
    Googling!

    Thanks guys :) Appreciate it.
  • teriann1979
    teriann1979 Posts: 75 Member
    I know how you feel, I've never been a runner but it takes time to get there. I started out with walkign then slowly moved on to what a friend of mine calls "a granny shuffle" - which is a smidgen faster than walking :laugh: and I'd start and stop just like you and get upset with myself but with time you'll find yourself going for slightly longer periods (more seconds at a time) and breathing easier. I was able to complete a 5K (yes I was walking and shuffling) in February with less than six weeks of walking/shuffling "training" - something which I only previously walked and struggled through. I have to keep that little voice reminding me "you're not gonna die you'll make it". Now I can shuffle a bit faster and uphill for longer periods I might add! Sure there are times when you'll get frustrated or so out of breath that you feel like you might pass out but you'll make it!
  • ammerlou
    ammerlou Posts: 18
    I felt the same way when I started running in January. I started the couch to 5k and hated it and I can actually say that I enjoy running now! I just finished a 7.3 mile run in 68 minutes! YOU CAN DO IT!
  • I've never heard of this C25K thing, but it sounds awesome! I just started running myself and do intervals. It's tough, but definitely rewarding!
  • soontobesam
    soontobesam Posts: 714 Member
    I'm getting my granny shuffle on tomorrow!

    I just added my profile quote thingy as "No matter how slow I'm going, I'm still lapping the person on the couch." Seems pretty fitting.

    I'm glad I reached out - thanks everyone and good luck with your goals!
  • Michellemkmatthews
    Michellemkmatthews Posts: 1 Member
    I loved c25k!
  • Fit_Canuck
    Fit_Canuck Posts: 788 Member
    C25K Worked for me ! :)
  • I'm getting my granny shuffle on tomorrow!

    I just added my profile quote thingy as "No matter how slow I'm going, I'm still lapping the person on the couch." Seems pretty fitting.

    I'm glad I reached out - thanks everyone and good luck with your goals!

    Love your pic! Love your post! THANKS!
  • bexblonde
    bexblonde Posts: 80
    I've just started doing couch to 5k (about to complete my first week) and I'm loving it! I downloaded some podcasts (called NHS Choices Couch to 5K) and they're great - they tell you when to walk, when to run etc and play music at the right pace to walk and run at. Definitely recommend them!
  • soontobesam
    soontobesam Posts: 714 Member
    Just downloaded an app for my phone!!

    :flowerforyou:
  • bexblonde
    bexblonde Posts: 80
    I'm getting my granny shuffle on tomorrow!

    I just added my profile quote thingy as "No matter how slow I'm going, I'm still lapping the person on the couch." Seems pretty fitting.

    I'm glad I reached out - thanks everyone and good luck with your goals!

    LOVE that quote!
  • glenner
    glenner Posts: 160 Member
    Check out Runners World magazine on line too- they have great ideas and tips. There is also a column by a guy who is not fast, never going to be fast and darned accepting of it! When I was into running I was so slow I used to hate it- then when I started reading his column I realized it is better to be slow then not start at all!
  • ishallnotwant
    ishallnotwant Posts: 1,210 Member
    c25k is great! I'm doing week 7 day 2 tomorrow!
  • thelovelyLIZ
    thelovelyLIZ Posts: 1,227 Member
    You just start. No seriously, that's how I did it. I was bored with the elliptical, so one day I just got on the treadmill and ran for about eight minutes at a 15:00 pace. Not too impressive, but I slowly worked on building up my endurance and speed. I just finished my first 5k in under 30 minutes on Tuesday, and I've only been running about 5 months. Now I'm training for a 10k. You just keep doing it, and push to get a little better with each run.
  • floshideaway
    floshideaway Posts: 101 Member
    C25K is great, I am now running 30 to 40mn straight. 6 month ago I could not run more than 60sec.
  • christinekojack
    christinekojack Posts: 96 Member
    C25K worked wonders for me,, would advise get good running shoes and follow the programme,, i was a bit too keen and didn't rest and pushed it too hard too quick and got injured so had to rest for 6 weeks!!! Take it slowly and don't be afraid to repeat days if you feel you need to. Good luck and happy running!! xx :)
  • I used C25K to get started this year! I used to run long distances but fell off the bandwagon and just couldn't get back on until that program. I started it in December... now I'm back up to 3-5 miles a run!

    If I had to give some tips.... start off sloooow. Don't worry what people think of your speed! Even if you're barely running faster than a walk, no shame! Just don't stop until you reached your goal. Also, you may have trouble breathing for a while.... trust me, this is ok, your muscles will build up for endurance and it will get easier with time :)

    Run with music! Run with a goal! Try to run outside! Sooo much better than the boring treadmill. Running in the rain is great, too.

    I would also suggest buying some running shorts! This sounds like a weird comment, but seriously... regular shorts ride up! And that sucks.

    I guess that's all I got! Good luck :) Running is definitely worth the trouble getting started.
  • soontobesam
    soontobesam Posts: 714 Member
    I'm pretty excited to get started with the program.

    You guys rock my world!
  • nnylee
    nnylee Posts: 811 Member
    https://www.zombiesrungame.com/

    That's what got me started.
  • AngelAura777
    AngelAura777 Posts: 225 Member
    Run in short intervals (Run 30 secs walk 90 secs and repeat) and build the length of time that you run a little bit every time you exercise you will eventually build it up until you can run without walking in between!
  • casscamp
    casscamp Posts: 40 Member
    Yea i also would say go with the c25k! My boyfriend and I both completed it. As well as my mother is now doing this and should be starting week 5 soon! Good luck with this journey!
  • ddiestler
    ddiestler Posts: 353 Member
    I seriously say if I can run..anyone can. I started out walking and that at times was even tough..I gradually adding in a light jog..like 2 driveways is all I could do..over time and it takes time..I increased..then to one song on ipod..then two.. before I knew it I was like run .50 mile and gradually increased distance.. Now, I can run 4 miles without stopping.. I'm not going to win any races or have the best time..but, I'm doing it and love it..

    so my adivse..start slow..real slow and gradually increase distance and speed over time to prevent injuries..It took me many months to NOT have something hurt..

    Feel free to friend me I love talking about running and fitness..

    Dawn
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