runners questions

alapoint89
alapoint89 Posts: 632
in Fitness and Exercise
when you first started how often did you run??? at what pace??? how long did you run for?? wow can any of you tell me how your results were and how long did it take for you to get to that

Replies

  • mrseelmerfudd
    mrseelmerfudd Posts: 506 Member
    ive just started the couch 2 5k programme. only on week 1, and finished day 2 today, but im loving it!!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    When I first started running I aimed for 3 x weekly and I was running short distances very slowly with lots of walking breaks.

    It's all a function of your current level of fitness and adaptation. If you're just starting running shoot for comfortable distances and run at a pace that you can carry on a conversation. Ultimately the distances you end up running depend on your goals. A few years ago I could barely run around the block, my Sunday run this week (I'm training for a half marathon in 3 weeks) will be 18km and my target pace is 6:20 per km.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I started with couch to 5k, so only one minute at a time, three times a week. I walked at 3.5 and ran at 5.0 mph. By the end of it, I was up to 5.5 mph.

    A year and a half later, I still run 3 to 4 times a week (after a stress fracture, I avoid running on back to back days), and average about 6.5 when running alone and closer to 7.5 when running races. Most distances between 3 to 6 miles, sometimes longer, but when it's longer, I'm around 6 mph.
  • cyclerjenn
    cyclerjenn Posts: 833 Member
    When I started running, I would goto the local highschool and use the track. I would slow jog on the straight away and then walk the curve, repeating until I went 3 miles. Each time I went I increase the lenght of the run by a part of the track. I did not worry about my speed until I was able to run the 3 miles around the track without any issues.

    Just increase the time you are running each time you run and set a goal in lenght or time and push yourself to that goal. You can do it!
  • montana_girl
    montana_girl Posts: 1,403 Member
    When I started running, I was "running" three days a week. I put running in quotes because I started with walking three miles and incorporated a few minutes of running. Then everytime I set out for my walk I would add 30 seconds to 3 minutes to my running interval, making sure to always increase my run time. Took me about 3 to 3 1/2 months to get to the point where I could run the 3 miles without walking.

    I'm sure that wouldn't work for most people, but it worked great for me. :smile:
  • runnercheryl
    runnercheryl Posts: 1,314 Member
    I could run 200m when I started.

    My first half mile on 20th Feb was in 9m 10s (running and walking).
    My first mile almost a month later (running all the way) was 11m 33s.
    I managed two full miles nine days later at 24m 42s.
    My first 5k was this past Monday, at 39:28.
    Today, I did the same in 38m 36s.
  • Steve_Runs
    Steve_Runs Posts: 443 Member
    Everybody is different. When I first started running, I couldn't hardly get around the corner. Now I have done 7 half marathons and will do my first in Sept!
  • DaveC29
    DaveC29 Posts: 232 Member
    I started the C25K program in November and have since ran a 5K and a Half Marathon...

    It has you going 3-4 times a week for short duration and is a really good program for beginning a running program.

    I wouldn't worry about pace in the beginning- it will be hard enough to just make the times without worrying about running fast enough. Work on good running form (foot striking mid sole, upright spine, head up) and consistent breathing. Google chi running for a lot of good information about posture and good form. This made all the difference in eliminating pain from my legs, hips and knees from running for 4 months as a heel striker!

    When you are close to the end of that program, then start working on pace and speed. www.mcmillanrunning.com is a site I use for my pace work. They have a good calculator to tell you what pace you should train at to achieve any of the various race differences, as well as a good tutorial on why you would want to run faster or slower during your training.

    Welcome to the running community! When you start- you are a runner - regardless of what speed you run! Be proud of your accomplishment and have fun!!

    Good luck!
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    IMHO - the main reason people don't like running is that they try to run too far and too fast when they are first starting. They feel terrible and they injure themselves and they continue to hate it.

    The trick is to start slow and easy to build your endurance.
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
    I started with running a minute then walking a minute. Never for more then 20 minutes at a time.

    Start slow and build. Arc918 is right.
  • alapoint89
    alapoint89 Posts: 632
    wow can any of you tell me how your results were and how long did it take for you to get to that
  • osutuba
    osutuba Posts: 40 Member
    When I started running, I just went by how my body felt. Sometimes I would get cramps in my stomach and I would then tell my brain to focus on how my legs and breathing felt. If all that was fine, I could keep on going. I started at whatever pace I could keep while still being able to talk. Now, my talking wasn't like I was sitting down while doing it. I still had to pause every now and then so I could get enough air, but I wasn't running hard enough where I couldn't talk at all.

    If distance running is something you're interested in, then start small, run a few times a week at low mileage, and save 1 day on the weekend for the longer run. Try increasing mileage on these weekend runs slowly and 1 at a time. Don't be afraid to take a backdown week every now and then for decreased mileage. I do that every 3 weeks when I'm training for a half marathon.

    Most importantly: Have fun with it! Find some people to run with, local running groups, friends, family, etc. Find music that you like to run to, find some cool running clothes you like. :happy:
  • pandafoo
    pandafoo Posts: 367 Member
    I still wouldn't call myself a runner, but I've learned to build up my endurance to run four half-marathons. :) The pace I'm comfortable at is around 12 minutes a mile, and it didn't take me long to build up to it. I started off running 1-2 miles. Then I'd try to increase the time spent running, or add in some inclines on the treadmill. Or when I'm doing interval treadmill training, I will intersperse some sprints throughout.

    The run-walk method is an awesome way to build up your endurance and prevent injuries. There are wonderful resources out there to make running easier, such as the C25K program. Personally, I love the mobile app Runmeter - it tracks your route through GPS, and you can get detailed information and updates while you're running. The Nike iPod device is also great - I loved how you can choose a Power Song to play whenever you need more energy! :)
  • bonjour24
    bonjour24 Posts: 1,119 Member
    wow can any of you tell me how your results were and how long did it take for you to get to that

    hiya! i started running in jan last year, and started with the c25k. it took me about 6 weeks to complete the programme (i did it about 5x a week), and ran a 5k race in March 2011in about 38mins.

    i think that you need to focus either on endurance or speed, but only when you have built a good base. most of the time, people get naturally faster just by running more and getting better. i personally chose to focus on edurance- it made more sense to me to go further rather than go faster.

    the rest of my story is that after c25k (couch to 5k) i did the B210k (bridge to 10k) and in the july i ran 10k in 1hr 17mins. i then did Hal Higdons half marathon training, and in sept ran a half marathon in 2hrs40, and another half in oct in 2hrs 50. i threw a few more halves in there, and this saturday just gone i ran my first full marathon.

    so, in total it has taken me 16 months from not being able to run down the drive, to running a marathon. i have never been fast, but man i can go far! i've also lost 60lbs in weight doing it. my pace isn't really that important, but when i give it everything i can run 5k in 31 mins (10 min mile). On long runs, i usually average about 12-13 minute miles. but it's all about finishing for me- finishing fast isn't important!
  • IronmanPanda
    IronmanPanda Posts: 2,083 Member
    wow can any of you tell me how your results were and how long did it take for you to get to that

    I started C25K last March. Since then I've run a few 1/2 Marathons and completed my first Half Ironman last December.
  • atsteele
    atsteele Posts: 1,358 Member
    Everybody is different. When I first started running, I couldn't hardly get around the corner. Now I have done 7 half marathons and will do my first in Sept!

    Yep. Same here. I didn't think that I could run. I just kept at it and going a little farther each time. That was about 15 years ago. I have run several different distance races but now am focused on qualifying for Boston marathon. My progress (improvement in distance and pace) has been slow but definitely worth the effort.
  • alapoint89
    alapoint89 Posts: 632
    how much fat, inches stuff like that
  • muddyventures
    muddyventures Posts: 360 Member
    I ran in highschool and I was slow then, then in college I started and fell in love with it trying to lose my freshman "50":sad: . Four kids and years later, I finally started running again to be fit and lose weight. I started last year in february 2011 and pushed hard and trained like crazy so I could do a warrior dash in July. I hurt myself, quit and gained all my weight back.

    I started again in January, I've been better but still tend to do too much with not enough fuel..so I'm not the perfect example. January 1 mile and it took me 13 minutes.. By february I was doing 3 in 36 minutes but I wasn't all that comfortable, then in March all of a sudden my hard work seemed to kick in. I am battling shin splints, and I mean I'm barely keeping ahead of them with stretching and such.

    April I've run 6 milers, 7 milers, and 8.5 miler I average 5.5 mph on the long runs but can just beat 30 minutes on 3 miles if I work hard. I'm debating a 10-12 mile run tomorrow but feel tired so I'm not sure. In April I upped my calorie intake and magically I lost two pounds just last week after a few of not losing on lower calorie :noway: .

    Ive done no weight lifting and I've lost 16 pounds since Christmas 2011 and almost all of that came off the top through hips. I am now starting to see my legs slim (slowly).

    I just bought a hand held water bottle to take with me on my longer runs because I am getting very thirsty. I feel proud, but just want to try and keep myself from going too hard. I've been running 6 days aweek, which I think I will have to drop to 5 with the added mileage. I'm averaging 27-29 miles a week over the last three weeks, and I know that I'm wearing out so I am trying to adjust my crazy ways.
  • alapoint89
    alapoint89 Posts: 632
    I ran in highschool and I was slow then, then in college I started and fell in love with it trying to lose my freshman "50":sad: . Four kids and years later, I finally started running again to be fit and lose weight. I started last year in february 2011 and pushed hard and trained like crazy so I could do a warrior dash in July. I hurt myself, quit and gained all my weight back.

    I started again in January, I've been better but still tend to do too much with not enough fuel..so I'm not the perfect example. January 1 mile and it took me 13 minutes.. By february I was doing 3 in 36 minutes but I wasn't all that comfortable, then in March all of a sudden my hard work seemed to kick in. I am battling shin splints, and I mean I'm barely keeping ahead of them with stretching and such.

    April I've run 6 milers, 7 milers, and 8.5 miler I average 5.5 mph on the long runs but can just beat 30 minutes on 3 miles if I work hard. I'm debating a 10-12 mile run tomorrow but feel tired so I'm not sure. In April I upped my calorie intake and magically I lost two pounds just last week after a few of not losing on lower calorie :noway: .

    Ive done no weight lifting and I've lost 16 pounds since Christmas 2011 and almost all of that came off the top through hips. I am now starting to see my legs slim (slowly).

    I just bought a hand held water bottle to take with me on my longer runs because I am getting very thirsty. I feel proud, but just want to try and keep myself from going too hard. I've been running 6 days aweek, which I think I will have to drop to 5 with the added mileage. I'm averaging 27-29 miles a week over the last three weeks, and I know that I'm wearing out so I am trying to adjust my crazy ways.
    omgosh you are so awesome i want to start tomorrow at 4 am so that i can have time to shower and i also only plan to do it 3 days a week then hit the gym 2 days a week and rest and they the next week add another day to it beacuse i am trying to gain muscle as well
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I started with the c25k program at the end of January (the 31st I think), and completed the program as directed. I still run 3 days a week, anywhere from 2-5 miles at a time, depending on how I feel that day.

    When I was going through the program, I went as slow as I needed to to complete the running for that day. I still run slower some days than others - depends on what else I've been doing for workouts, how hot it is outside, etc. My best pace is around a 10:30 mile, but I average about an 11 minute mile.
  • chrissyrn04
    chrissyrn04 Posts: 119 Member
    I started with the couch to 5k program too. I followed it to the letter - some weeks I had to repeat the week before I could move on. If I felt great one day I didnt push past what it said to do. When I first started it took me 11 weeks to complete the program. Then I started adding 0.5 mile every other week or so to the distance. I typically run 3-4 days a week. I found once I got the breathing down- which you will with the program, anyways once I got that down I realized I prefer farther distances. I struggle the first 2 miles of every single run but then Im good. I ran a marathon last year. I then had a baby so it was like starting over from scratch. This time though I made my own version of c25k and did it in 5 weeks then started adding a mile every week to my distance. Im up to 10-12 miles for my long run. So when I run 3-4 days a week I run a relaxing 3-4 miles one day, a fast 3-4 miles one day and then what ever my long run is for the week.
  • IronmanPanda
    IronmanPanda Posts: 2,083 Member
    wow can any of you tell me how your results were and how long did it take for you to get to that

    I have to say that I'm much happier with the amount of fitness I've gained rather than the inches/weight I've lost.
    But since you asked...
    newsidebyside3.jpg
  • hbrittingham
    hbrittingham Posts: 2,518 Member
    Well, let me start by saying that I am old! I started the C25K for the third time in January after injuring myself the first two times. Oh yeah, I injured myself the third time, too. LOL. I forget that I am not 20 years younger and tend to push myself. Thankfully, this time I completed it and have been running (slowly) 3 times a week for 3-3 1/2 miles. I have started the Bridge to 10 K this week. I can do 3 miles easily most days, though I do get bored running on the treadmill.

    I have only lost a couple of pounds since I started running regularly, but I have lost a LOT of inches. My legs have firmed up even more than they were when I was just doing the arc trainer and my belly has almost completely disappeared.
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
    I went from not being able to run over a minute to running marathons in three years. It took about 6 months to feel like a I was a "runner".
  • alapoint89
    alapoint89 Posts: 632
    wow can any of you tell me how your results were and how long did it take for you to get to that

    I have to say that I'm much happier with the amount of fitness I've gained rather than the inches/weight I've lost.
    But since you asked...
    newsidebyside3.jpg
    you look fantastic
  • tenunderfour
    tenunderfour Posts: 429 Member
    when you first started how often did you run??? at what pace??? how long did you run for?? wow can any of you tell me how your results were and how long did it take for you to get to that

    When I first started I ran every other day.
    My pace was around 11 minute mile
    I ran for 3 miles at first... well it was more of a walk/run hybrid until I could work up to 3 miles running continuously.
    My results were that I developed cardiovascular stamina and a love/lust for running!! Now I run 5Ks and marathons and all races in between!
    I ran my first half marathon about 7 months after I started running. Did my first full marathon a year and a half after I started running.
  • dorseykm
    dorseykm Posts: 412 Member
    I started running last August 5x/week for 2-3 miles per run. After a couple of months, I started increasing my long run by one mile every couple of weeks with weekly total of 25 miles or less. Now I'm averaging 36 miles per week and my short run is 4 miles. In that time I've lost over 40lbs and gotten more deliberate about my food choices. I've also run a couple of races and I'm currently training for a half marathon in June.

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