Any horrible runner.... that is now a runner...tips?

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lexikaye22
lexikaye22 Posts: 28 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I want to start running...but I am HORRIBLE! Is there anyone out there that was like me but succeeded?
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  • spiritmachine
    spiritmachine Posts: 56
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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.
  • SRikard
    SRikard Posts: 6 Member
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    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.
  • Elizaj85
    Elizaj85 Posts: 158 Member
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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 helps
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
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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 :-)
  • clioandboy
    clioandboy Posts: 963 Member
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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
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
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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!
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
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    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!
  • trijoe
    trijoe Posts: 729 Member
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    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.
  • Lozze
    Lozze Posts: 1,917 Member
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    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.
  • tabulator32
    tabulator32 Posts: 701 Member
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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.
  • Caolila
    Caolila Posts: 2 Member
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    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.
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
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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.
  • Tickateeboo
    Tickateeboo Posts: 132 Member
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    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! LOL
  • Tickateeboo
    Tickateeboo Posts: 132 Member
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    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.
  • dsjohndrow
    dsjohndrow Posts: 1,820 Member
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    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!
  • aquapussy
    aquapussy Posts: 112
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    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.
  • conantcs
    conantcs Posts: 3 Member
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    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!
  • melhmltn2
    melhmltn2 Posts: 32 Member
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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.
  • lesle1
    lesle1 Posts: 354 Member
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    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. : )
  • BitteOrca
    BitteOrca Posts: 74 Member
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    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!

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