Running

For the sports bra- I wear two because I can't afford a really nice one right now. Couch to 5k would probably be the best way to get started on becoming comfortable running. Also someone else on this forum mentioned the app "Run, Zombies" and I used it yesterday on my run and thought it was great.

Sports bra with a crop top over it. Works perfectly :-)

I'm following the Ease into 5K app that you can download for either the iphone or andriod. It's really the only exercise I am doing at the moment and i'm managing it ok. Today I did week 4, day 1 which includes a total of 14 mins running. I actually ran a total of 20 mins because on the last run I felt I could push myself further so just kept running until I didn't feel comfortable anymore. The structure is Run/Walk intervals - the app tells you when to Run/Walk and you can set up your own playlist.

I'd try an app if you need help in structuring your workout. Good luck!

Been doing the C25K for several weeks. Some weeks I have to repeat because im not ready to move on. I have started losing better since starting because it pushes me more that I would have pushed myself. I printed out the treadmill version and taped it to it. GOODLUCK!!!

Another vote for c25k! I've tried learning to run so many times, it seemed so hard. I started c25k on February 28th, just graduated last week and i'm doing my first 5k on May 28th! The c25k program is really great!

I am a 38 DD and if you spend a little extra on a good quality sports bra, it will do its job. I like my Fiona by Moving Comfort, which cost around $46.00.

Yes, Couch 25K.. there is an App.. it's great!! I am on week 3.. took off a week for illness and such so I am repeating a couple weeks.. but it will def get you into running slowly..

HI... Just bought my first 38G and 36G regular bra's and was soo excited, but I bought the 40DD Moving Comfort Maia II bra for $45 and I absolutely love it. The girls stay in place when jogging, doing 30DS, and zumba. It has a great band at the bottom that my HRM chest strap stays under nicely, too.

I just downloaded a free couch 2 5 k app by zen labs to check out for a friend...so far I'm pretty happy with it. Don't hesitate to repeat a week...sometimes you just don't 'feel it' but the important thing is to keep moving. Also, I think it is just fine to start off with a fast walk if that is what works best for you at this point. Race walkers are NO JOKE!! :laugh: Last year I completed my first half marathon and was behind a race walker for what seemed like forever...and I was running!

I really like my Victoria's Secret sports bras. I was lucky enough to pick up a few on sale and was so happy I did. I have heard about lots of ladies going the double bra route too. A suggestion might be to head to a local running shop to get fitted for a good pair of shoes and check out what they have to offer support-wise for the girls.

i run every day if i can and i did a 5k last year. you will probobally suprise yourself when you start it up! Definatley get the top/bra sorted though, i wear a very tight Nike top with a built in support and that sorts me out!!!

I recently helped my mum start running she thought she never would (she is 49) and that she wasnt built for running. The thing that struck her when we started was the speed... we went very slowly and had a place in sight to get too. the key was to go steady get to that point then walk untill you feel recovered, Then do the same again. We had a route we did and the goal was to eventually run the whole thing. So to begin with it was very broke up with bursts of steady jogging. To be honest it really didnt take her long she did incredible. The main thing she found is pace!! keep it steady, when you tire slow right down but try and keep going, when you dont think you can do any more.. do 5 more strides then stop.
Never push yourself so hard you hysically hurt!! chest tight and throat hurts from breathing, you want it to be enjoyable or each time you think about going you will have a nasty memory!! so think try and end on a good note where you feel good!!!

Stick with it!! it might not be the most enjoyable thing but its good for results!! :-)

A fast walk can help you too. If you can work up to a 3.5-4mph walking pace you would be able to run.

NORDIC WALKING! I can't seem to find anything about this. Perhaps the craze has not hit the US yet but, Nordic Walking is GREAT exercise, especially if one has neck, joint or spinal issues. It burns twice the cals as normal walking and feels great.
Here is just one of a zillion sites about it:
http://nordicwalking.co.uk/?page=see_effect&c=32
Wish MFP would put it into the database.

Congratulations on your progress so far !

I love walking and I think its a fantastic (the best ?) way to get into fitness. My approach to running is sort of like C25k, only backwards. I walk when I can, and only run when I "have to". IOW, don't think of walking as "taking a break" or something you fall back on when you're "not up to" running. Walking is wonderful, and something that (IMO) is always enjoyable. And how many people do you hear complaining about "walking injuries" ?

Every time you walk, pay attention to your form. Is your core engaged ? Can you feel the motion of your arms actually contributing to your forward motion ? Is your back upright or hunched, etc. I continue to learn a lot about fitness from my walks. And it really carries over.

As you stick with it, you will naturally find yourself going faster. And faster. At some point it gets to be difficult to move your legs fast enough to keep your heart rate up where you want it; walking becomes "too easy". Keep learning about proper form (search youtube for racewalking).

Eventually, though, it starts to feel like it would be easier to just run. (In real racewalking events, running is regarded as cheating, and they have judges watching out for even a single running step !) So you can mix in enough running to get your heart rate up, let your walking muscles relax a bit, and when you've had enough, go back to a walk. I take a few steps of "whew ! I'm not running any more" before I switch into "okay, now I'm gonna walk fast with good form." Walking is not a break, its a different mode of exercise.

Anyway, I don't think what I'm doing is *that* different from a C25k approach, but the attitude is different.

Oh, and another tip : Search your local area for running clubs. Where I live, there are quite a few "social" running clubs that meet at a pub or pizzeria for an informal 5k. After 10 or so runs you get a free t-shirt. Having a fixed date makes it that much easier to stick with it. I've been doing this for 9-ish months, and I usually only miss it for sucky weather or (argh !) running injuries. These informal runs are great for walkers, I did maybe 20 of them before I ran one the whole way.

C25k podcasts! They are fantastic - I'm just starting week three, and I'm loving it! Perfect for someone like you or me who is a beginner. Also they're free

C25K is the way to go.

Bra's- I get mine at Kmart. Hanes something, lol. I buy one sup size smaller which helps to squish the girls and hold em tight. The stretchy kind just don't do the job. Wide band gives more support. Full coverage.
I also got a nice bra at TJ Maxx. Not sure of the brand. I like my sports bras 'tight' as they tend to loosen up quickly and become worthless.

good luck :flowerforyou: