RUNNERS: come here!

I've been running only since mid January my furthest distance is 8 miles so far. I started out at a 12-minute mile and now I average about a 10 and 1/2 minute mile. I didn't do C25K instead i set weekly goals that alternated between distance and time then I got a running partner.

The first mile is always a pain in the booty. I always want to quit during my first mile It takes that first mile to power through my shins hurting my joints cracking and my horrible mood being amplified by exercise. But after that first mile, I feel amazing and after 5 miles I feel excited and after 8 miles i feel like I can rule the world.

I've only been running since mid-January as well. I run 3-4 miles 4 days a week now. I did a 5K in March and ran it at 12 min miles. Now I'm usually around 10.5 min miles on the 3 mile runs, and closer to 11 on the 4 mile runs.

While I can't say I necessarily enjoy running, I am totally addicted to the post-run feeling. There is just nothing else like it. I love the way I feel for the rest of the day. And, in some ways, it's gets easier, but it's never "easy", if that makes any sense. =p

I just finished my first marathon, and have also run a half marathon, plus a few half marathon distances during training. I run about 5.6 miles per hour, running for about 5 years. I've gotten a bit slower as my form has improved.

Running never gets "easier," but it evolves. The mile or 2 are always the worst, until your brain finally accepts that it's happening whether it wants to or not! My first run back after the marathon was about 5 miles and I thought it would be a breeze...it was not. Every run is different. When you are having a bad one, try to replay in your head a really great one. Always think positive! Tell yourself that you ARE a runner, and a runner runs!

I find that running, especially when you get into longer distances, is all a mental game. The best analogy I've heard is that a run is like life...there will be ups and downs, you just have to get through the downs and enjoy the ups!

Work on form, read articles, look up the Map My Run website. Go slow and set attainable goals, this will help you feel successful and stick with it. Try to run without headphones and go between focusing on your running and letting your mind wander. Always think about how good you will feel AFTER the run when you are getting ready to go.

The book "Born to Run" was quite interesting. A bit over the top at times, but some good and very interesting info, and definitely inspiring!

Welcome to running! Let the endorphins flow!

It's still weird to think of myself as a runner--but I guess I am now. I started running in March and run usually 4 or 5 times a week now. I started with a 12 minute mile, but lately I'm running a 9:30/mile. My runs range from 2-6 miles. Strangely I find my pace is faster on my longer runs. I think the first 3/4 mile is the worst--wondering why I'm doing this and wondering if I'll really be able to have a good run. Then I just settle in. The longer I run the better it feels usually.

I've been running for around 4 years, my pace varies with the distance being run.

Sorry, my brain is metric so I'll let you do the math converting it to imperial.........on shorter runs (around 5km) I'll can run around 5:40/km, longer runs (training) as slow as 6;30 / km. My last half-marathon, IIRC, was about 6:10/km

My average pace totally depends on race or training and distance doesn't affect my pace too much. I've kept both paces from five miles to 13.1 miles.
Race: 8:35pace
Train: 9:30pace
I've been running off and on my whole life. I had many running nick names growing up. BUT, this is the first year I've dedicated myself to it more than a few months for a race or to shed a few pounds and stop again. It's a lifestyle for me now!

I heard one time that it takes 12 weeks to make regular exercise routine in your life. I am SO there. I've been exercising consistently since the end of January. I'm so hooked on it that I'll wake up at 4:30am if I can't fit it in any other time of the day. So yes, if you keep up with it, it does get "mentally" easier! Remember, it's mostly mental too!

Good luck!

I ran in my teens and 20s. then hurt my knee.

I did other things in my 30s and early 40s to stay fit.

I started jogging in February. Doing HiiT on the treadmill.
Ran 3 miles for the first time in early May.

Now I regularly run 5K in about 30 minutes.
Today I did 4miles in 40:28. (which thrilled me to no end).

My ultimate goal is to run 10K once a week and 5K 2-3 times a week.

Minimalist shoes have made all the difference in the world. My knee doesn't hurt at all.

How fast is your average mile? How long have you been running?

Also-- I've found that I really DO like to run... I'm finishing couch to 5k right now, and I find that in the first 8-10 min of running, I constantly think about quitting and starting again tomorrow... lol (I haven't quit.)--- do these feelings ever go away? Does it get easier?

I run at a 9:50-10 min/mile pace and I can keep that pace for many miles hahaha you can do it keep it up!!

Been running since early April I do a 9 minute mile. I ran my first 5k Easter Sunday at a time of 29:27!! Now I pretty much do it everyday usually about 2 miles a day.

I've been running for like 4 or 5 years and the first mile sucks every single time. Whether I'm running 2 miles or 9 miles. The first mile sucks and it's all I can do not to just turn around and go home. )

My top speed in a 5K is 8:23/mile. My average is about 9:30/mile on just a lazy Saturday run.

I've been running since 6th grade and I;m 38 now. Unfortunately I've gone from running just less than a 6 minute mile to about a 10 minute mile pushing a 25 pound 1 year old in a jogging stroller. Have no idea what I can do when she's not attached to me! Just keep at it and I'd have to think yes we all have feelings at some point of quitting but pushing through empowers me even more!!!! Pound the pavement, it's freedom on foot! :-)

I'm still wondering when it gets easier and I've been told time and time again...with time it will eventually. I finished C25K a week or two ago and run about a 13 minute mile at a 5K distance. And that's my limit right now - 5K. By the end of that, I'm dying LOL. My average HR for that kind of run is around 171, with the max hitting the low 190's.

It will get better for all of you! When I first started running 2-3 years ago, I could barely run for a minute without having to stop and walk. Now I can run up to 5 or 6 miles with minimal breaks, averaging 10:30 miles. My 5k pace is 9:15 - I never thought I was getting faster until I actually ran a race.

I still hate the first 10 minutes or so - it's the easiest time to stop and say "nevermind!" I am also really sore after longer runs still - I'm waiting for that to stop but I'm not sure it will I've been dealing with foot issues for a year or so now, but the doctor said to just keep running so that's what I've been doing.

There will come a point that if you run consistently enough, your body will beg for it. If there have been a few days since I last ran, my legs will get twitchy and I won't be able to sleep well at night. I am confident that if you believe in yourself, you can do anything - so believe that you will become a great runner, and a great runner you shall become :drinker:

I'm a slower runner, my 5K miles are about 10 mins but my half marathon miles are about 13:15. Yes, the feels do go away for the most part but I still have days when I keep thinking about how much this running stuff sucks lol

Great advice from you all!

I just started seriously running a couple weeks ago and let me tell you I'm completely hooked...well after the shins stopped throbbing! LOL I've yet to run non-stop but my running partner keeps me going and pushes me further and further. And the feeling after completing my workout is amazing - it's almost like a rush! Hopefully I'll be ready for a 5K by fall!