How hard is it to start running?

sandown12
sandown12 Posts: 648 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi Ive 61lbs left to lose I do walking and zumba I would like to run but know it will be hard any tips?

Replies

  • mhuch110
    mhuch110 Posts: 130 Member
    I just started running for the first time....I couldn't even run a mile in high school! Try the C25K (couch to 5K program). It is amazing and will have you running in no time! Get fitted for a good pair of running shoes too! Good luck!
  • sandown12
    sandown12 Posts: 648 Member
    I just started running for the first time....I couldn't even run a mile in high school! Try the C25K (couch to 5K program). It is amazing and will have you running in no time! Get fitted for a good pair of running shoes too! Good luck!

    Thanks was looking at that I think Ill try ;) x
  • kaatielove
    kaatielove Posts: 113
    Definately go to a shoe store & get fitted for running shoes. They make a huge difference! & yes, the C25K program WORKS! :) Goodluck!
  • cindybickler
    cindybickler Posts: 113 Member
    try couch to 5K. i know some people that have tried it and have had success. if you have been doing a lot of cardio you may be surprised to see how far you can run. i just started running in feb. and run about 80 miles a month now. love it! also get fitted for a pair of running shoes. That by far is the best advice you will get from everyone. i own a brand of running shoe i never heard of before and i can run in them ALL day. but i could never do that with the shoes i use for turbofire!
  • kaylarachellee
    kaylarachellee Posts: 201 Member
    Definately go to a shoe store & get fitted for running shoes. They make a huge difference! & yes, the C25K program WORKS! :) Goodluck!


    Yes good running shoes, make sure you are comfortable! Good luck girl!
  • ryno0618
    ryno0618 Posts: 361
    C25K is a great way to start. I'm a firm believer that anyone (barring physical ailment) can be or become a runner. Take baby steps at first, but always be working up. This is where C25k is such a great program with increasing running intervals. Best of luck!
  • Dethea
    Dethea Posts: 247 Member
    I'm doing the Couch to 5k right now, and it's great! I second getting fitted for running shoes, makes a world of difference. Get some good clothes that you will be comfortable running in and that will stay on (I have some capris that fall off when I run).

    Good luck!
  • soo_z
    soo_z Posts: 42
    I just started running for the first time....I couldn't even run a mile in high school! Try the C25K (couch to 5K program). It is amazing and will have you running in no time! Get fitted for a good pair of running shoes too! Good luck!

    ^^ I agree with this COMPLETELY!! I have NEVER ran... I mean, like... EVER. I was sick of feeling sick and tired so I thought I would start this program. I can now run 10 mins. straight at 6 mph without stopping, walk for 1-2 minutes, and run again for another 10-15 minutes. Trust me, this is quite a feat since I just started this program 7 weeks ago. You really have to push yourself and allow your body to adapt. The first few times I ran I gave up so easily when I started to hurt. One day I had an epiphany that I have to be uncomfortable in order for my body to get use to this new thing I was doing. I think weight training helped also to build and maintain muscles in my legs since I now feel like I can push myself even harder and farther. =]
  • thedreamhazer
    thedreamhazer Posts: 1,156 Member
    Get fitted for a good pair of running shoes too!

    And definitely don't forget this part! The right running shoes make the world of difference when it cames to the aches and pains and injuries runners get. I got just about every running pain in the book (plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis, shin splints) until I got the right shoes.
  • runyourbunsoff
    runyourbunsoff Posts: 7 Member
    just start small and you can do it! couch to 5k is definitely a great tool to get you started! good luck!
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    Couch to 5K is a great program.

    I also recommend people take a Learn to Run program thru their local running stores. In Canada, we have the Running Room which offers 10 Week Learn to Run programs which help people learn to run SAFELY and in a group.

    Many of the people I have coached before continue on to participate in 10Km, Half and even Full marathons. Most people find the social interaction helps keep them motivated as most people in these groups are in the same boat.

    It's easy to get started and most people have lots of fun doing it!

    Welcome to the running world!
  • sandown12
    sandown12 Posts: 648 Member
    Thanks guys my partner wants to start although he used to be in the Ta x
  • FatUncleRob
    FatUncleRob Posts: 341
    I think the hardest part is sticking with it long enough to get to the point where it's fun.

    The first three or four weeks of C25K can be pretty tough, but once you're through that it gets a lot better.

    Good luck! :smile:
  • HeatherHoskins
    HeatherHoskins Posts: 157 Member
    Make sure you really strech before running. It realy makes a big difference when you first start out. When I first started to un I was getting real bad shin splints and couldn't make it to my goal mail boxes. Now when I run it is my cardio I am focused on not by pains.
  • Lane1012
    Lane1012 Posts: 211 Member
    echoing what's been said already but here are some suggestions:

    1 - Shoes .. get the right one's for your feet.
    2 - don't overdo it, forget the time and find the right pace - HRM is a great way to measure
    3 - eat up. Running burns a lot of calories and you need to fuel your body properly
    4 - rest. You'll need it, especially starting up
    5 - listen to your body, if you tweak something make sure you are aware of it and give it time to heal
    6 - have fun and enjoy it, don't make it a laborious task.
  • casperuk
    casperuk Posts: 195 Member
    My friend has posted on his blog about this

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/pajodublin/view/running-287290
  • NewChristina
    NewChristina Posts: 250 Member
    Great question! I can barely jog. I have high arches. Severe cramping in arches and peroneus muscles from walking. Waiting on delivery of my ASICS. Keeping fingers crossed that I can get started running.
  • Givingitagdgo
    Givingitagdgo Posts: 35
    Hi. good luck with your running and well done with your weight loss. Has Zumba been helpful for you?? I'd like to start running too but Im a bit too self conscious to put myself out there with that at this early stage. Anyone got any tips for a person who is phone challenged?? (only have an old normal phone so no apps for me!!)
    Sorry to hijack your post but I saw it and thought this might be a good place to get advice and it seemed daft to start another one.
  • golightlyphilosophy
    golightlyphilosophy Posts: 55
    Everyone else has already said this, but c25k is amazing! When I started the program the 90 second runs had me so winded! I was running 3.5 miles pretty easily by the end.
  • zippo32
    zippo32 Posts: 1,407 Member
    ......also check out Hal Higdons' programs.............
  • adam1885282
    adam1885282 Posts: 135 Member
    I ran a bit in highschool (decades ago) so I was comfortable with the idea of running. I promptly hurt myself and took 2 months recovering. What I should have done, which I'll recommend, is to increase your walking speed and distance for a month or so, then get into couch to 5k. I never did c25k but my wife is and it really works! She went from being a non-runner and she's up to 25 minutes without stopping! And, as others said, SHOES!
  • LadyGhostDuchess
    LadyGhostDuchess Posts: 894 Member
    I use to run on a tred.
    I would start out at a low pace and run for a minute, and each week up the speed. but still only run for one minute. The more you do the longer you can go at a better pace. :) I was up to 7.5 speed and two minutes. Then I had surgury and stopped running poo
  • Lbekah72
    Lbekah72 Posts: 89 Member
    Yep the couch to 5K app is awesome..
    I have like 80 pounds to go and at 218 pounds I ran a 5k a few weeks back and am currently training for a half marathon in October..
    I have NEVER been a runner..
    I have always been athletic.. Softball, basketball BUT NEVER a RUNNER..
    I’m actually learning to love it, and of all the exercises I do Running is the one that produces the quickest results in your body..
    GO SLOW and realize it’s not easy but if you follow the program before you know it you will be running..
    When I started I almost quit right away because I was like WHAT THE HECK… I can’t even run for a minute without dying.. lol But it changes fast! 3 weeks into the 5k program I was wanting to continue running when it told me to walk… 
    Hang in there and enjoy..
    Oh and if you can train on the road... The treadmill is night and day to the street.(much easier on a treadmill)
  • skinnyby30
    skinnyby30 Posts: 14
    best of luck to you! the 5k101 on itunes is what taught me to run as well as I have friends who used the couch to 5k and loved it :) get a running program and get going :) I wish you the best on your running
  • MissChile007
    MissChile007 Posts: 4 Member
    First of all...I apologize if I make any grammar mistake. English is my second language.

    Now..about running. I was just like you, even worse. I used to play soccer but I stopped like 2 years ago. But I wasn't a great athlete. I mean, I didn't like running. Anyway, thanks to this site I discover this one: http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html

    There are podcast that help u run from FIRST DAY TO 5K. You walk and run until the end of the music. It beeps when you have to change from walking to running. There are different podcast for every week. I really recommend this one. I couldn't finish the first day, but then, something changed in my mind and now I'm on week 3 and I'm so happy!!

    Our mind is powerful. If we think that we can do it, we will.

    Good luck!
  • sandown12
    sandown12 Posts: 648 Member
    I've downloaded C25K where did you start did you go to a quiet place like a park or didn't care and went where you wanted bit concerned jogging and walking intervals will look odd?
  • boldonbiglad
    boldonbiglad Posts: 8 Member
    I have tried teh couch to 5K plan as well and it is a very good plan. My asthma give me some issues but I would recomend it.
  • paulwgun
    paulwgun Posts: 439 Member
    I've downloaded C25K where did you start did you go to a quiet place like a park or didn't care and went where you wanted bit concerned jogging and walking intervals will look odd?

    I used the treadmill in the gym or a local cycle track near me as i wasnt comfortable running on the road (too many idiot drivers around) as for looking odd NA listen to your music and ignore them your doing it for you

    good luck:drinker:

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