How did you start to run?

sexybebe2012
sexybebe2012 Posts: 32
edited December 23 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi runners. I'm wondering, did you begin running after walking got boring? Did you just start running from the beginning of your journey? I'd like to run. Right now I walk and jog till I cant anymore then slow it down to a walk again. Any advice?
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Replies

  • Valera0466
    Valera0466 Posts: 319 Member
    I would like to know this as well. I am walking now but would eventually like to start running.
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    Hi runners. I'm wondering, did you begin running after walking got boring? Did you just start running from the beginning of your journey? I'd like to run. Right now I walk and jog till I cant anymore then slow it down to a walk again. Any advice?

    My love for running began in Army Basic training in 1984. Look into running programs such as Couch to 5k or Hal Higdon programs. I used the Hal Higdon half marathon program for my half last year and last week. Be consistent, don't increase your mileage by any more than 10% per week, vary your runs per week (i.e. trails, intervals, hills), stretch before and after each run and most of all, have fun! Good luck!
  • andrea9873
    andrea9873 Posts: 171 Member
    i joined a training group at the end of January that prepared many level of runners for a 5K in March (6 week training). I went from not running, just walk/jogging to now running full 10ks, I'm still slow....but my endurance is getting better.
  • twood150
    twood150 Posts: 1 Member
    I highly recommend the Couch to 5K (C25K) program!! I have done races for almost 2 years and have always alternated walking and jogging. Just started the C25K program about 7 weeks ago and have been amazed at my progress. Hoping to be able to run (more like jogging in my case) the whole 5k without walking. I will then work on my speed. Good luck!
  • josavage
    josavage Posts: 472 Member
    I agree with couch to 5k. It's such a great program!
  • MrsLong1980
    MrsLong1980 Posts: 181 Member
    Couch to 5K - I was bored with the gym and it was a program I could follow
  • KimertRuns13_1
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    I started with Couch to 5k. Then I met local runners and joined a local running group. Somewhere along the way I feel completely in love with running.
  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    I started the C25k :)
  • Muddy_Yogi
    Muddy_Yogi Posts: 1,459 Member
    I did the couch to 5k at first but got bored so I skipped to the last few weeks and then off I was....
  • HauteP1nk
    HauteP1nk Posts: 2,139 Member
    ...by taking one step at a time....
    ...by putting one foot in front of the other...

    In all seriousness, I joined a learned to run clinic and haven't looked back since (well actually when I am crossing the road I look both ways).
  • Swanson83
    Swanson83 Posts: 226 Member
    My brother helped push me into running. If you really want to run sign up for a race 8-10 weeks from now, like a 5k. You can prepare for a race of that distance in that time. That is really the only thing that keeps me running right now. Don't get me wrong I love running but my life is busy. Training takes time but it is worth it.
  • iluvprettyshoes
    iluvprettyshoes Posts: 605 Member
    I used the couch 2 5K program and ran outside. It allows you to run to your playlist and running outside is more fun than on a treadmill. Running trails is fun too!
  • Wonderob
    Wonderob Posts: 1,372 Member
    On your marks... get set..... GO!
  • RunnerBlonde808
    RunnerBlonde808 Posts: 257 Member
    I just kind of did my own thing. Started out walking for 5 minutes running for 1 minute, kept bumping it up. I now run on average 30 miles a week. I don't like running with other people. I like the alone time. But if you like being with people the running groups would probably fit you good. I started out on a treadmill and now would definitely prefer to be outside most days.
  • flutgos
    flutgos Posts: 24 Member
    I hiked for a few months and then my friend recommended doing the Couch to 5k program. It was a pretty cool experience and I never thought that I would have been able to run 30 minutes without stopping. Here is the graph that we used. The first week is pretty easy but it gets harder.

    http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vufPeZXIehA/T431lpswJ5I/AAAAAAAAJTA/EX-kCmvFl0I/s1600/Couch+to+5k.gif
  • banffkid
    banffkid Posts: 59
    Couch to 5K!
  • penrbrown
    penrbrown Posts: 2,685 Member
    I started running because I used to run in school and I LOVED it. Skipping rope is another thing I really want to get back into.

    I used the C25K program to get started again. :) I'm still using it... week one just finished!!!
  • Miss_Suzylee
    Miss_Suzylee Posts: 26
    i took a stop watched and just clocked how much i could run at first. its a great motivator to push yourself. i first started only being able to run about 2 minutes before i felt like i was gonna die. but it actually gets better quickly and after about a month i could jog 30 minutes (in cool weather) without stopping. great feeling
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    C25K. Check it out.
  • aprilgrl27
    aprilgrl27 Posts: 176 Member
    Definitely check out the c25k program- like everyone has already said!
  • lbetancourt
    lbetancourt Posts: 522 Member
    after my first child was born, I wanted to get back in shape. And, boy did i! i was living in Hawaii. Perfect place to begin running.
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    C25K :)
  • bjbex
    bjbex Posts: 24
    I really want to start jogging but every time I try I'm in so much pain with back and boobs that I tend not to do it again :ohwell:
  • MrsAgi
    MrsAgi Posts: 338 Member
    I know lots of people have done well with the C25K programme. I don't own an ipod/smartphone etc so I just decided I wanted to run as it was free and the best cardio I could get in the shortest time:love: Then I just did it.

    I started off aiming for 5 mins a day - I could barely make it round my block (approx 200yrd!!!) but I did it each day and gradually increased the time/distance until I reached my goal of 30 mins non stop running. Now I am trying to speed up from slow shuffle to loping run, so increasing the distance again a little bit each week.

    Lots of people say you should do walk/run intervals, and they're probably right, but I found that the moment I started walking I couldn't get motivated to run again, so I just ran using the unscientific method of setting myself a goal each week and refusing to ever do less than I did the week before.....
  • akrnrunner
    akrnrunner Posts: 117 Member
    I did a lot of walking and could feel it that I was ready to start jogging but I would get frustrated and sell myself short and really didn't have a clue about where to start. I downloaded to 5k app on my phone and it's easy (to follow!). You just do it! I just finished week 6 yesterday. I was running the same route I used to back when I was struggling to jog and I cannot believe the difference in my endurance! It's truly been fantastic and I feel so accomplished after each run! First 5k on July 4th!
  • MtnKat
    MtnKat Posts: 714
    I started as a blob on the couch....

    Then I started walking because I was sick of being a blob on the couch...

    Then started power walking.....

    Then started to add a little jog mixed in with my walks (which at this point you can call running because you are a runner no matter how fast/slow you are)....

    Then started couch to 5k (at this point I was pretty much shuffling lol)....

    Then started really running (interval training, hills, long distances etc)....

    I got Plantars Fasciitis and the dr made me stop running for a couple of months....but

    Now I'm running again :-) (and started C25k again...this time I'm adding some speed to it)

    You can do it too!!
  • dsjohndrow
    dsjohndrow Posts: 1,820 Member
    I just walked the distance I wanted to run. I started with a mile. Then I ran, walked, ran until I could run the whole mile. Once I had the mile down, I started to increase the distance. It took me a year to run a 5K. I was walking one long before!
  • deeannhill
    deeannhill Posts: 85 Member
    I was preparing for a mission trip to Haiti last year. One of the other members of the mission team and I signed up for a 5K as motivation to get our rear-ends ready for the week of physical labor. I ran on my own & she did C25K. I'm still running and miss it when I don't! My advice, get a good pair of shoes & just get outside and do it!
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    C25K is great but if you're already running/jogging as far as you can and then walking, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I found doing a program was a bit too restrictive for me, I'd rather just go out and do the best I can. Eventually you'll be able to run farther and once you've run a decent distance (whatever your goal, say 1 mile or 5k) then you can start working on your speed.

    My #1 recommendation is to go out and get properly fitted for good running shoes. They can cost but think of it as an investment. You spend the money now on good shoes or spend it later on PT bills...

    Also, I saw your other post on hip pain and I can tell you after doing my own research, this is a pretty common issue for runners. It tends to start in your lower back/upper glutes where there tends to be a weakness. Make sure you're doing good all over core and butt exercises to help with stabilization. Bridges (pelvic thrust), supermans, hip extensions, abductor/adductor, sumo squats, etc.
  • theresmynapkin
    theresmynapkin Posts: 183 Member
    I spontaneously bought a treadmill and started run/walk intervals until I could run for about a half hour straight... and I just never stopped.

    The treadmill was brand new and $215 dollars, originally $1,300. I couldn't pass it up! And I'm glad I didn't because I am in the best shape of my life!!
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