Any horrible runner.... that is now a runner...tips?
lexikaye22
Posts: 28 Member
I want to start running...but I am HORRIBLE! Is there anyone out there that was like me but succeeded?
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Replies
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I think there are two things that make running hard. The first is not having any cardio and the second is being overweight. Not sure if one or both of these apply in your situation. You will be successful running if you are consistent over a long period of time. If you can't run a mile I would suggest something like couch to 5K. That will start you on a run-walk program and gradually increase over a period of weeks to a 5K. Anyone can do this provided you don't have serious joint problems. In my experience though, I have noticed that my cardio can be great but if I am overweight running is going to be difficult. As I have lost weight I find that I lose almost a full minute off my mile time each time I lose 10lbs. When I was 30lbs lighter I could easly run 5 miles with little training because I didn't have much weight to carry around. Now I have been running for a month straight (6 days a week) and just hit 5 miles and but it's still a challenge. One thing to keep in mind about running, if you can run long enough it gets easier. At some point during a run your body does a metabolism switch that allows you to go into coast mode. When you will hit that point depends on your body and how long you have been training. For me after the first 2 miles it gets much easier.
Advice:
1. Couch to 5K program if you are really out of shape
2. Actually sign up for a 5K so you will have that motivation to run
3. Keep losing as much weight as possible, every 10lbs will make your running exponentially easier
4. Push yourself that extra distance and you might just find that "coast zone"
5. Get a HRM or Nike+. Either will help you pace yourself while serving as a source of encouragement and motivation.0 -
My running gets mistaken for a fast walk...lol. But I'm picking up my pace. I love running! Go figure. Just go out there and do it.. I started off with that couch to 5k thing. I highly recomend it.0
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GO slower & don't stop believing you can! even if you think your just beyond walking. I was an awful an I mean awful runner I was stuck on week three of the couch to 5k running program for nearly three weeks but I learn't it was all in my pace and breathing and have managed to run a 6 mile race this year. Your pace gets better really quickly. hope that helps0
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I want to start running...but I am HORRIBLE! Is there anyone out there that was like me but succeeded?
welcome to my world. i can categorically guarantee you TWO things:
1. you will become a runner
2. You will run with good form and technique.
I gave up the couch to 5k program after the second day last year..this year I finished it and run a 5k every single day after a month or so.
If you have never run before, then like me, what I did was walk to break myself into it..I'd do at least a mile to 7 miles WALKING every day/other day to get me prepared for running. after a month or so, I tried c25k again and easily completed it.
Yes, your knees etc may well hurt etc if you are over weight, but you will lose weight with running over time.
The only thing I really stress that you do is get decent running shoes..they do make an enormous difference.
Start the c25k easy, and I kinda disagree with a poster above me..don't get bogged down with races etc at this stage, but focus on enjoying your running with c25k. Once you get into the program, you will know in yourself the progress you are making and when it's time to enter races and be more competitive. I still haven't raced yet ( more to do with other things going on), but a HRM will show you your improvements in that the better you run, the less calories you will burn and the lower your heart rate will go. Thats a sign of you becoming more efficient as a runner!
Nike + is a system that I LOVE because I am gadget junkie and it maps your runs for you very accurately.
But before all of that, look into c25k..and make a start and enjoy yourself :-)0 -
I couldnt run for a bus, now I could. I just decided a couple of years ago now to do the c25K its a great programme and I got the bug, injuries along the way too which is frustrating but I did ahalf marathon last year then I lost the bug...... yesterday i ran 5km a slow first run for ages, give it a go, it is a great cheap exercise but is hard on joints...... good luck0
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I couldnt run for a bus, now I could. I just decided a couple of years ago now to do the c25K its a great programme and I got the bug, injuries along the way too which is frustrating but I did ahalf marathon last year then I lost the bug...... yesterday i ran 5km a slow first run for ages, give it a go, it is a great cheap exercise but is hard on joints...... good luck
^^^ THIS!!!! congratulations, by the way!0 -
I want to start running...but I am HORRIBLE! Is there anyone out there that was like me but succeeded?
Get good running shoes.
Start a good training program. Ex. Couch to 5k)
Stretch before and after each run.
I use Strava for Android running app. It logs your route, pace, calories burned. Great motivator! MapMyRun is a good one too!
Just have fun! Don't stress about how fast or how slow you think you are.
Good luck!0 -
What is "HORRIBLE", and what is "succeed"? Your version of "horrible" may be somebody else's version of "speedy mc'speeden speeder"
My story: I started out walking. I didn't want to run, didn't try to run, was never going to run. As I lost weight, I got faster and faster walking. So I started jogging a little. No harm there, right? Well, the jogging got a little faster and a little faster, and the next thing you know, boom goes the dynamite, I was running.
That was 2006, 2007. I'm not competitive, and I'm sure as shootin' not fast. But I do enjoy racing. I've done some 5k's and 10k's here and there, lots of half marathons, a full marathon and tons of triathlons. There's something really exciting, encouraging, invigorating about race day that makes all those training runs worth it. No matter where I finish in the pack.
I'm not fast. Not even a little bit. I've only finished in the top half of a race once. My racing buddies only train with me when they need a slow easy day. So in that sense, one could say I'm "horrible." But I have fun. Endless amounts of fun. I enjoy training (for the most part). I groove on race day. I've made great training buddies and even greater friends. I get to show through example how to live life off the couch to my children who I sincerely hope find a love of exercising now, so they don't HAVE to as adults, like I did. There's no down side to being a Back Of Pack racer. Or slow if that's the word. Or even "horrible" by somebody else's definition. Even in the back, it's all WAY too good. So in that sense, I am not just a "success story", I am a winner. And I genuinely believe this.
I hope this helps.
TriJoe.0 -
Six months if you'd asked me if I liked running I'd have laughed in your face. It's brilliant. Do C25K and repeat weeks as you need to. (I'm still stuck on week 5) just keep doing it. I just did my first 4K today and loved it! Can't wait to do more.0
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I 2nd the suggestion by Sox to GET GOOD SHOES that fit and are comfortable for you.
Also, learn how to place your feet properly when you run so you aren't STOMPING onto the back part of your foot, rather, you are landing on the front part of your foot and allowing some cushioning of your impact with the ground in each step.0 -
Persevere with it. Once you get beyond the "I hate this" and "only to the next lamp post", you can run and think about anything you like. It is great me time.0
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1) Go to a running store and have them find out what kind of shoes you need.
2) Start slow, run minute then walk a minute and build from there. If you can't carry on a conversation with someone while your running then you're going too fast
3) Set a side time 5 days a week to run
4) Sign up for a race, and then tell people your going to do it - this will help motivate
5) Find a running buddy that you can run with, if they're faster then you thats a good thing it will motivate you.
Good luck and welcome to the addiction. I started running 5 years ago at 392. Since then I've done tons of races including 3 marathons.0 -
I'm not a natural runner either, I get exhausted after only a minute or two. But the best thing to do is run with someone else, maybe to start with, so you aren't tempted to stop every 30 seconds. They keep you going...
If not, then the best advice is to just keep going, no matter how slow your jogging gets - hell, people could even walk faster than the slow jog...but just keeping going and not stopping burns more calories - well, that was some advice I was given anyway.
Oh, and if there's an incline, look at your feet, not the road (obviously if you're on a pavement) - that way you can't see the incline you're about to go up! LOL0 -
Oh and good trainers!
If you can afford it, go to one of those running shops and get specialist trainers suitable for your feet alone. Blisters ain't fun.0 -
Here is what I suggest. What is important is avoiding injury!!! The second most important thing is avoiding injury!!!
- Get your legs in shape. You can use the machines at a gym, or just old fashioned squats, lunges, leg lifts, side leg lifts and back leg lifts. 20 of each three times a week to start. Toss in some crunches and a push ups and you have nice workout.
- GET GOOD SHOES! Go to a running store. You need the right arch support and shoes for your gate and style.
- Start with walks the distance you want to run. If you hope to run a mile, walk it. Then walk it fast, then jog it.
- I like C25K, but it took me a year and was too fast. You will know when you are ready.
- Make the goal of your C25K program a 5K race.
Good luck!0 -
I used to always think of myself has a bad runner(jogger). It really comes down to practice though. Sure there might be some people who are naturally better at some things, but anyone can greatly improve their personal fitness. After a year of jogging consistently and losing 100lbs the difference is amazing.
Any time you start a new sport, your body must adapt. So, go into it slowly. That's what makes the couch to 5k so good, a structured well-paced way to get into running.
When I started running on the treadmill, I could barely manage 3.2 mph (5 kph). Now I can do a 10k in under an hour, to me that is good. I will never have the patience or will to do marathons but I do enjoy jogging now whereas before I thought it was torture.
Also, running/jogging outdoors is much harder on the body. If you start outdoors don't worry about speed at all.0 -
Breathing is really important too. Try to breathe in through your nose as your right foot hits the pavement 2 times, then start exhaling through your mouth as your right foot hits the pavement the next two times. Sometimes we can lose control of our breathing and gasp like a fish or hold our breath and that makes the body have to work harder. Plus, breathing in a controlled way helps to create almost a state of meditation and rhythm that will take your mind away from the negative voices saying you can't run any further. Try a heart rate monitor too and try to stay within your target heart rate until your heart gets stronger. Even skinny people can be out of shape and the heart needs exercise to become more efficient- then it will take less effort every day for you to run. Good luck and keep it up!0
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I feel like I'm a horrible runner, however I'm doing it. I began the C25K program this week and the first day I thought I was going to die. The 2nd run (3rd day) was rough, my body ached, both from previous run and doing a lot of full day yard work, and was hard to finish, but I did! Today is a rest day, but I'm thinking I would like to run. Achniness is gone and I feel more energetic. I might go for a long brisk walk instead. I guess what I'm trying to get to is enjoy it, and if you think your horrible make that your motivator to improve.
Second thing, a lot of people are doing other exercise like strength training on non run days. I've decided I'm going to implement this as well, however am going to wait a week or two until my body adjusts to the running. If I overload my body or am hurting too much I won't do anything. So know your body and your limits.0 -
What is "HORRIBLE", and what is "succeed"? Your version of "horrible" may be somebody else's version of "speedy mc'speeden speeder"
My story: I started out walking. I didn't want to run, didn't try to run, was never going to run. As I lost weight, I got faster and faster walking. So I started jogging a little. No harm there, right? Well, the jogging got a little faster and a little faster, and the next thing you know, boom goes the dynamite, I was running.
^This. 2 years ago I was hardly walking. I was carrying too much weight. I kept walking and it led to running. I'm not as fast as I want to be. My last 5K was 28:20 and I'm trying to get it under 25. I also ran my first half marathon back in March. Getting ready to run another one on June 10th. Not bad for a 51 year old that's only been running about a year and a half. : )0 -
I just got back into running after a year long hiatus (and moving to a VERY hilly city) and this whole thread is really motivating me to get that daily run back in there! I'd forgotten how great running is for your mental state...how once you stop focusing on how tired you are and how hard it is it can be so exhilarating. Can't wait to download a tracking app and really get into it again!0
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I feel your pain, and most recently so! On April 9th, I started running, at the beginning of my weight loss journey. I was 250 lbs. (5'9" middle aged male going downhill fast), and that first day at the local high school track, I could not EVEN run one lap.
But instead of throwing in the towel, I just kept coming back. In no time I was running 2 laps, then walk the rest...always going for 8 laps total, even back at the beginning. Now I have been running those 2 laps every day, which is running two miles, and got there over a week ago. I'm also running faster, plus walking 2 laps after the 2 mile runs.
My story is all about just showing up. It's early in the process (May 26th), and I have no idea where this will stop. But I can tell you it gets easier, or at least doable. Just show up, make yourself circle the track 8 times in whatever combination of walking and running you desire to start at, and incrementally increase the run vs. walk amount.
Good luck!0 -
Was never a runner since young, even though I have sisters who were athletes. I hated running, always feel so breathless even with a 1 minute jog. But to get the heart going, I started with walking on elliptical. Had a bad knee, great excuse for not bring able to run. Started really really slow. 2-3km per hour, for like 15 mins and I was tired. That was 2 years ago. Trudged on with elliptical training, just flat, but going faster and longer every other week. I finally pluck up the courage to go jogging last month. Guess what, I was able to jog for 20 mins, some walking till but jogging in a steady mode! And today, I just ran over 4 km in 1/2 hour. Some walking in between still but hey, I was jogging, running and walking! So proud of myself!
Lesson for me: take it slow and easy. Listen to your body. When it is ready, you will get there!
I don't think I'll ever go for marathon, or even need to hit 5km or 10km when I run, but the whole idea is to keep my heart pumping, so that it stays healthy, not over stretching it, but enough to keep it going for awhile.0 -
My only contribution to this thread is Vibram FiveFingers shoes.
I was NEVER able to run. It was way too painful. Tried different shoes - got evaluated and the whole nine yards.
A couple of months ago I bought a pair of Vibrams and have spent some time breaking them (and my legs) in - and now I can do a 5K at the drop of a hat. (Okay, I guess it's been three months now...)
"Gotta be the shoes."
Check out the book "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall for some very eye-opening stories.
Now - THAT said - I wholeheartedly agree with the folks who recommend getting your body 'in shape' as well. I've been doing Jillian Michaels' workouts, which are very leg-strength and cardo-heavy. I also enjoy biking.
And finally - when you're starting out - if you are running and you feel like walking - WALK. Don't push it. You'll get there, it's not a contest... yet!0 -
I don't believe anyone is a horrible runner. There are inexperienced runners and experienced runners, but not horrible runners. If you run you are a runner. Some may be faster, some may be slower, but a runner is a runner, and no such thing as horrible. Maybe start with the C25K program. So many people have had such great success with the program. Good luck to you and do yourself a favor; stop thinking of yourself as a horrible runner.0
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I've never been a runner. My brothers ran track and cross country in school, I switched from basketball to volleyball because you stayed on your own side of the court and therefore there was less running.
I've been exercising (workout DVDs with weights, plus walking 4 miles) pretty consistently for a couple of years, but wanted to add something that I could do anywhere (besides walking). I started c25k at the end of January this year, and finished in March. I followed the program exactly, no extra days, no skipped or repeated days, went as slowly as I needed to in order to finish each session. I made sure to always do the warm up & cool down walks, and did some good stretching when I was finished.
I have continued to run 3 days a week, anywhere from 2 - 5 miles at a time.
Yesterday I ran my first 5k race and finished in under 30 minutes and with one of my fastest mile times yet!
If I can do it, anyone can! My advice is similar to what others have said - get good shoes, c25k, go as slow as you need to - slow jogging is still jogging! If you have to repeat a day or a week of the program - no shame, rather it's a smart move than to push too hard and end up with an injury.
Once you get started, you should look for upcoming 5k races in your area, find one that gives you enough time to finish the program, and register! It's a great motivator to keep you on track. And it's a blast - I'm already looking for my next race. :bigsmile:0 -
I want to start running...but I am HORRIBLE! Is there anyone out there that was like me but succeeded?
I think that the majority of people that start running later in life, at some point in the beginning, think they are 'horrible'. Those that kept at it "Suceeded".0 -
I couldnt run for a bus, now I could. I just decided a couple of years ago now to do the c25K its a great programme and I got the bug, injuries along the way too which is frustrating but I did ahalf marathon last year then I lost the bug...... yesterday i ran 5km a slow first run for ages, give it a go, it is a great cheap exercise but is hard on joints...... good luck
^^^ THIS!!!! congratulations, by the way!
thanks I am really pleased and cant wait to get back in the groove0 -
What is "HORRIBLE", and what is "succeed"? Your version of "horrible" may be somebody else's version of "speedy mc'speeden speeder"
My story: I started out walking. I didn't want to run, didn't try to run, was never going to run. As I lost weight, I got faster and faster walking. So I started jogging a little. No harm there, right? Well, the jogging got a little faster and a little faster, and the next thing you know, boom goes the dynamite, I was running.
That was 2006, 2007. I'm not competitive, and I'm sure as shootin' not fast. But I do enjoy racing. I've done some 5k's and 10k's here and there, lots of half marathons, a full marathon and tons of triathlons. There's something really exciting, encouraging, invigorating about race day that makes all those training runs worth it. No matter where I finish in the pack.
I'm not fast. Not even a little bit. I've only finished in the top half of a race once. My racing buddies only train with me when they need a slow easy day. So in that sense, one could say I'm "horrible." But I have fun. Endless amounts of fun. I enjoy training (for the most part). I groove on race day. I've made great training buddies and even greater friends. I get to show through example how to live life off the couch to my children who I sincerely hope find a love of exercising now, so they don't HAVE to as adults, like I did. There's no down side to being a Back Of Pack racer. Or slow if that's the word. Or even "horrible" by somebody else's definition. Even in the back, it's all WAY too good. So in that sense, I am not just a "success story", I am a winner. And I genuinely believe this.
I hope this helps.
TriJoe.
thats amazing, well done!!! i just completed my first 10k last month and hope to do a half marathon in september. inspirational 0 -
What a wonderful thread. I am planning on keeping it near to me when I need inspiration as a new runner. I actually started about two years ago in the summer- something like C25K, and got to a certain point and decided I didn't like it as much as my other exercise and stopped. That winter I got a wild hair and went for a walk/run and realized I actually liked cold weather running as opposed to hot and humid running. Then I stopped again- can't remember why, and just started again a few months ago when I got a treadmill, and I am seriously hooked. Some days I feel like I am flying- other days I feel like I am plodding, especially on my outdoor runs (am transitioning from treadmill to outside. Ugh!) Each run, which is currently still slower than many walkers I try to focus on belly breathing, relaxing legs and arms, posture, hitting the ground with a mid foot strike as softly as possible and keeping HR low. I have good shoes purchased from a running store after an analysis, but am in the process of strengthening my feet and calves for some amount of barefoot running (Yup- I, too, read Born to Run).
I am making progress- it feels easier, heart rate stays lower with less walking, body feels great, energy is though the roof, weight is melting off, muscles are making an appearance- and most of all I love it!! And, you too, will make progress- there is tons of good advice in this thread. BTW- my mother, 68 just started last week a run/walk program and feels great- just take it slow, and then slow it down a bit more until it feels good. There will come a time for pushing hard, but as beginners still building our running base, it is not now- at least, not according to all that I have read (lots) and my own personal experience.
Oh, one last thing- I found one of the best things I did was to find music I loved at the BPM I wanted to run. After much trial and error, I am now running at a sloooooow 148-152 BPM, but will increase as I am ready.
Good luck- and feel free to add me as a friend if you want another newbie to commiserate with.0 -
I don't have much more to add - I agree with everyone who has posted so far...
I was total non runner, decided to do couch to 5k because I felt like I needed more than just walking. I was also bored with walking and figured the intervals would help keep my attention. Now - I am training for a 15k and am thinking about doing a 1/2 marathon this fall. I just ran for 9 miles over the weekend and it felt great!! So, it is possible to become a runner even if you think you are horrible at it now.0
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