I want to start running... HELP!

scienceteacherAK
scienceteacherAK Posts: 94 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Okay, I have never been a runner. I can bike/elliptical forever, but ask me to run and I feel like I can barely go for 3 minutes.

I will be frank: it hurts. My fat and boobs jiggle. I want to start running, but I am embarassed to start at the gym on a treadmill. I have access to great trails and have tried the walk/run intervals, but I can't get past the pain of the jiggle.

Maybe I am doing this all wrong? I guess I am looking for EXTREME beginner tips (and maybe clothing advice?).
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Replies

  • krbates84
    krbates84 Posts: 96 Member
    I've heard the C25K app is very helpful for beginners. It's for smart phones.
  • trail_rnr
    trail_rnr Posts: 337 Member
    Wear compression shorts (or capris) under your running shorts. Not just lycra shorts but some real compression shorts; these help a lot. Also, check out Title 9 or Team Estrogen online for bras. You can call them and talk to a real woman about what you need, and they are very, very helpful. You might pay a little more but it's totally worth it. Bouncing anything sucks, but you can strap it all down! :bigsmile: You can do this!
  • Jesea
    Jesea Posts: 376 Member
    Love Couch to 5k!
  • scarlettgeorgia4
    scarlettgeorgia4 Posts: 88 Member
    couch 2 5 K - you have to do it! i started it in april I think and finished a few weeks ago, i'm now running every other day for 30 mins outside(and half of that is at an incline) . i keep nagging my friends and family to do it, when i started it hurt to run for 60 seconds.
    so good. :)
  • wickedcricket
    wickedcricket Posts: 1,246 Member
    compression wear. spandex- compression wear- whatever you want to call it. it suppresses the jiggle and increases your aero-dynamic sillhouette ... ok well, it does suppress the jiggle
  • dillonfc123
    dillonfc123 Posts: 29 Member
    This is the best resource I have found:

    http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

    I find it helpful because it's a detailed and structured plan. Clothingwise, I would recommend a properly fitted sports bra and maybe tighter clothes to hold everything in place?
  • Derpina7
    Derpina7 Posts: 552 Member
    Look up couch to 25k :), great way to get started. You basically go in intervals when starting out (something like 2 minutes running then 1 minute walking, and then increases the more you progress)/ I think that's key to getting started actually, as it's easy to get discouraged when your endurance isn't up and you have to stop or break often.
    Having a proper work-out bra I found really made a difference too, even though I'm average/smaller in the chest (32B)
  • Nicci93
    Nicci93 Posts: 397 Member
    Double up on the bras.. I have to strap them done so it doesn't hurt.. cause there is nothing worse than having that pain on top of the rest of running pain xD

    Also, for any other jiggle I would suggest maybe compression clothing? I don't like it as much myself, but if jiggle makes you hurt too much I would try on some underarmor type clothing to reign stuff in (and maybe put a looser shirt over it if its a self-conscious thing). Try jogging in place in dressing rooms to find what works best before you make a purchase
  • jenessae
    jenessae Posts: 23
    I'm going to recommend C25K app as well. By the end you'll want to run. I started at home with a treadmill then would go outside. It's 30 min 3X a week. It really does work :) Good luck!
  • glowingcactus
    glowingcactus Posts: 9 Member
    That was the first thing I had to get over when I started running, the effect of gravity on my body. I didn't like it - I still don't like it, but I am big and I just realised I had to accept that this is how it was going to be until I lose more weight. You need a sports bra which you strap up tight and I would just suggest a big T-shirt to hide the worst of the jiggles. Then just go for it!
  • harrietlg
    harrietlg Posts: 239
    it will be hard and painful at first but it gets easier. i'm starting out this week too, i'd actually like to finish my app and get to run 5k by the end of the summer! I wear tight spandex which literally goes up to my boobs! that kinda helps with my jiggle. Also get a good sports bra! i'm pretty sure i'm going to knock myself out one of these days!
  • Runs4Wine
    Runs4Wine Posts: 416 Member
    Ditto on compression clothing. And once you get your body used to running everything tones up and the jiggling minimizes, if not disappearing altogether. The chest area requires a good bra. I've heard of some women needing to wear 2 for the support.
  • Pablosammy
    Pablosammy Posts: 52 Member
    I'm a bloke, but I know the importance, if you're a laaaady, of getting a GOOD BRA! Some girls wear two when running. And I mean a tight, supportive sports bra.

    Now for the generic stuff. You're right about starting with intervals. Even if you have to run for 30 seconds, walk for 5 minutes, it's how you start. It will hurt to start, but you'll progress quickly and be able to run for longer in between walks. So many people start far too quickly. There's nothing wrong with taking it slow... in fact, it's KEY. Get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and take it at your pace.

    Finally, if you're even remotely serious, get down to a proper running shop and have your running analysed - don't be embarassed, tell them what you've told us, and they'll be fantastic. They'll be able to identify things like over/under pronation and recommend particular shoes which will prevent injuries before they happen.

    Enjoy :)
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    C25K is a great starter program, along with other run/walk interval programs like Jeff Galloway and "Run Your Butt Off."

    If what "hurts" is your chest...invest in a good sports bra. Or wear 2 if necessary to keep things from jiggling. Also invest in good running shoes. It's worth an initial trip to your local running specialty or athletic store.

    Start slow and work on your breathing. Learn how to stretch (dynamic stretches before running and static stretches after).

    Don't be embarassed to run at the gym OR on a trail/path. Whenever I see someone who does not look like the "typical" thin runner out getting it done, I am always really impressed and inspired. I started running when I was 50 pounds overweight...36 pounds lost and I still look like a dork when I run, but I love it.

    There are lots of runners (new and not-so-new) on MFP and running-related groups to join. Have fun!
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    I wear a shock absorber, to reduce the bounce issue.

    I second the C25k. That's what I started with and I'm running a half marathon in a couple of weeks.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Couch to 5k is great, and ... go slow at first. Go so slow, you could almost go faster if you were walking.
  • katscoots
    katscoots Posts: 255 Member
    Get yourself a strong and supportive sports bra that fits - they do come in different levels of support - if you're not comfortable wearing the tight fitting workout stuff - where it underneath something you feel more comfortable in.
  • weisegirl1119
    weisegirl1119 Posts: 122 Member
    Okay, I have never been a runner. I can bike/elliptical forever, but ask me to run and I feel like I can barely go for 3 minutes.

    I will be frank: it hurts. My fat and boobs jiggle. I want to start running, but I am embarassed to start at the gym on a treadmill. I have access to great trails and have tried the walk/run intervals, but I can't get past the pain of the jiggle.

    Maybe I am doing this all wrong? I guess I am looking for EXTREME beginner tips (and maybe clothing advice?).



    This!
  • jwinmo
    jwinmo Posts: 1
    My husband and I both have plenty of jiggle and we did the Couch to 5K program. Wearing compression shirts helped -- very tight but seems to keep everything sucked in so it's not flapping around! Also, I wore running shorts under looser shorts -- made me feel more comfortable at first. Now I don't really care, even though I'm still jiggly -- when I get self-conscious running on the street, I just think, "Hey, I'm burning more calories than you are sitting in your car!" I don't love to run but I do 2-3 miles 3 times a week because it is efficient -- lots of calories, little bit of time -- and because it is fun running in a race. My biggest advice would be to follow the C25K program and stick with it through an actual 5K -- that is motivating! Hope this helps -- good luck!
  • katscoots
    katscoots Posts: 255 Member
    I'm a bloke, but I know the importance, if you're a laaaady, of getting a GOOD BRA! Some girls wear two when running. And I mean a tight, supportive sports bra.

    Now for the generic stuff. You're right about starting with intervals. Even if you have to run for 30 seconds, walk for 5 minutes, it's how you start. It will hurt to start, but you'll progress quickly and be able to run for longer in between walks. So many people start far too quickly. There's nothing wrong with taking it slow... in fact, it's KEY. Get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and take it at your pace.

    Finally, if you're even remotely serious, get down to a proper running shop and have your running analysed - don't be embarassed, tell them what you've told us, and they'll be fantastic. They'll be able to identify things like over/under pronation and recommend particular shoes which will prevent injuries before they happen.

    Enjoy :)

    GREAT ADVICE
  • nikkitodhunter
    nikkitodhunter Posts: 110
    Until a few months ago if you asked me whether I could/would ever take up running I'd have laughed in your face - now I run almost every night, and actually enjoy it!!

    That said, I do short runs - about 2.3k each night - but I find long distance running really unenjoyable. My tips would be, don't push yourself so far that you're not enjoying it - I look forward to my runs because I know what I can manage, at the moment they fit well into my routine, and I'm not finishing each one absolutely crying with tiredness; I feel very tired and like I've had a good workout, though.

    Also, be proud of your achievements, and find someone to boast about them to :) my boyfriend is a serious runner, and even though he can manage one or two hours runs, making me look puny, he's still really encouraging and supportive when I come home and go 'hey, I ran another 8-minute mile, I'm getting the hang of this!!' It's so much more motivating to have someone who you can share successes with.

    Good luck, anyway - do it right and you'll enjoy it :D
  • momof3and3
    momof3and3 Posts: 656 Member
    Good advice on clothing...the jiggle will stop bothering you as you go along...Start your runs off super slow, almost like a walk and graduallu pick up your pace. Don't worry about distance yet, run for time...say run for 3 mins,, than 5 than 7, than 10, etc...work your way up in time every few days....when you can go 10 mins slow, start with 10 mins slow, 1 min a bit faster...keep that up untily ou are at comfortable pace...Over weeks, you will find that you are faster, "just because" and can go longer...then start looking into trainging programs...

    Running is a true mental game. Plus some days you will feel so great and others, it will suck...just keep pushing and you will get it.
  • bert16
    bert16 Posts: 726 Member
    Well, a good sports bra can help with at least part of the jiggle problem... I'm a 34DD runner and wear the Moving Comfort Fiona bra for almost all my runs.

    As for the rest of it, I have also heard really good things about the Couch to 5K (C25K) program! I've never used it personally, but a lot of people on MFP have/are. I would put on your new bra, stick to a plan, and realize that the jiggle will diminish if you keep up with your exercise & healthy eating! And never worry about what others are thinking; whether in the gym or on the trails, people are generally focused on themselves and their own workout.

    Other than that, I'd strongly recommend going to a running store (an actual running specialty store; not a big sporting goods store) and getting properly fitted for running shoes. It can make a world of difference! And, if you have any issues with chafing, you can try Glide or another anti-chafing stick... it's a really common problem for runners.

    Happy running!!! :flowerforyou:
  • blondejester
    blondejester Posts: 63
    i HATED running (still do tbh) but it's helped a lot in my weight loss so i definitely recommend it. i just personally do it in slow amounts. some days i walk and do a few seconds of running and the next i just do it for a few more seconds and so on. sooner or later, it will get easier and you'll be surprised how long you'll be able to go for and maybe you'll like it more than i do! i wear a pretty good sized sports bra and clothes that fit good but don't fall down because that get's annoying. i promise it gets easier!
  • healthyamberB
    healthyamberB Posts: 47 Member
    I recently started running at the gym and i love it :) I can't go very far without nearly passing out but I love the exhilarated feeling i get out of it when i'm through. My clothing options are plenty of good fitting sports bra ( Have to keep these big girls in check or else they dance all over the place!) and form fitting workout clothing. at first i didn't like it because it showed off my non-to-sexy belly rolls, but it kept everything firm and from jiggling. I usually buy my stuff from Academy Sporting Goods (on lucky days i find great sales....other days I haggle the sales person till give me a coupon or something.. ). Not sure if there is one near you but you could also buy from eastbay i believe.
  • maab_connor
    maab_connor Posts: 3,927 Member
    i was 350 when i started running:

    C25K definitely.

    i just got this sports bra and i adore it: http://www.womanwithin.com/clothing/Comfort-Choice-outwire-bra.aspx?PfId=198772&DeptId=24507&ProductTypeId=1 it's built inside out and srsly holds them in.

    i also wear a compression shirt - but for plus sizes, get a strong shapewear, b/c they don't make official compression shirts in plus size for less than a mortgage pmt. LOL. i actually have this: http://fashionbug.lanebryant.com/intimates/shapewear/seamless-underwire-cami-shapewear/5081c5104p54545/index.pro Fashion Bug for cheap and does a great job. i found it in the store in flesh tone.

    also, i do my C25K at a fast walk and a very slow jog. they're nearly the same pace. but that's ok. b/c i'm doing it.


    ETA: and the userpic you see? the still-has-a-lot-to-lose mud-encrusted chick on the end? that's me. after a mud run. at 325. tell yourself you can do it and you CAN.
  • graelwyn
    graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
    Don't have the jiggle issue, but I started on the treadmill yesterday, for the first time. The only running I have done is when I was still at school, decades ago. Only been doing cycling for a year, and before that, only walking and stationary bike. But I managed 40 minutes at 6mph my first time yesterday, and today I went up to around 8mph and did 20 minutes. It gets a bit sweaty, and my legs were sure aching by the end, but I am really loving the energy it seems to give me for the rest of the day.

    Just start off with small spurts...walk, then jog a little then walk, until you get used to it and can make the time you are jogging longer.
  • forsettii
    forsettii Posts: 29
    Well I was having issues with my knees. I went to a running store and after they saw me walk and stand they recommended a different style of shoe. Then they fitted me properly for a pair of walking / Running shoes. I was wearing a size 1.5 too small.

    Now I have less pressure on my knees when I walk or attempt to run.

    I think any program that start gradually is the way to go. Find an app or program for your phone and go with it.
  • nikkiw283
    nikkiw283 Posts: 90
    I just did my first day of C25K. I am chesty & I wore my regular bra under my sports bra. It held me in place better than any sports bra I have tried.
  • Laurej
    Laurej Posts: 227
    my EXTREME beginner runner tip.:happy:

    set a walk, ( I started with 1 mile) jog 10 steps on the way out, 10 steps on the way back. repeat 5 days a week. once a week, add .25 miles and 10 more steps of jogging.... once u hit 3 miles walking, you'll have a really good handle on the jogging and can start increasing number of steps jogging until you're jogging the whole thing.

    This is how I started.. it took a long time but now I do half marathons :happy:

    other advice
    TaTa tamer bra from lululemon
    and go to a really good running shoe store and get properly fitted for shoes that fit your feet and the way you walk and run properly!


    all the best to you! you CAN do this!! :):flowerforyou:

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