Running for the Non-Runner?

SweetMegz04
SweetMegz04 Posts: 459 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello All!

I have wanted to start running but am not sure about it..
All my life I have Hated Running! I would do well with Sprints.. but that was it.

Lately I have been doing a lot of Elliptical and get going pretty fast.. I go for about 30-45 Mins- Not A lot, but a doable amount right now.
So- Tonight I was considering going out for a Run around my Neighborhood.. Any advice for a First Time Runner?!

Thanks!!

Replies

  • flechero
    flechero Posts: 260 Member
    Check out the C25K (couch to 5K) free app.... and then search for it here. It's about the most used "program" to get people running.

    I couldn't run for 60 seconds 3 months ago, not I run 3-4 miles at a time, 3-4 days per week.
  • SteveTries
    SteveTries Posts: 723 Member
    I wrote a blog post on this earlier in the week

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/sjb74uk
  • SweetMegz04
    SweetMegz04 Posts: 459 Member
    Check out the C25K (couch to 5K) free app.... and then search for it here. It's about the most used "program" to get people running.

    I couldn't run for 60 seconds 3 months ago, not I run 3-4 miles at a time, 3-4 days per week.


    Awesome! Thanks :)
  • Jessicaarceneaux
    Jessicaarceneaux Posts: 19 Member
    Check out the C25K (couch to 5K) free app.... and then search for it here. It's about the most used "program" to get people running.

    I couldn't run for 60 seconds 3 months ago, not I run 3-4 miles at a time, 3-4 days per week.

    Yes check it out! I love running now, its the best thng I did for myself fitness wise!
  • jealous_loser
    jealous_loser Posts: 395
    Another yes on C25K.

    Could not run 45 sec without getting winded. I am up to 5 min. Just starting Week 5, so I am half way through.
  • SweetMegz04
    SweetMegz04 Posts: 459 Member
    I wrote a blog post on this earlier in the week

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/sjb74uk


    Thanks Steve!!
    I think I will try this today- I have no reason not to!
    Now just to figure out what to do with my Ipod- I should buy an Arm Holster.
  • dr3wman
    dr3wman Posts: 205
    Im the same way as you! Can't stand running and definetly wasnt built for it. Instead, I just make my own HIIT workouts so it can just stay in one place :). I do feel like I drop tons of weight when I run though, just because my body hates it haha
  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
    I wrote a blog post on this earlier in the week

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/sjb74uk
    great blog Steve!
  • JasmineRose14
    JasmineRose14 Posts: 34 Member
    Check out the C25K (couch to 5K) free app.... and then search for it here. It's about the most used "program" to get people running.

    I couldn't run for 60 seconds 3 months ago, not I run 3-4 miles at a time, 3-4 days per week.



    Excellent advice! ...It doesn't seem feasable at first, but it really works!!
  • Randyamc
    Randyamc Posts: 365 Member
    Doing the C25k thing also. Not a runner... well and still not a runner but getting there... maybe. ;)
  • SweetMegz04
    SweetMegz04 Posts: 459 Member
    Im the same way as you! Can't stand running and definetly wasnt built for it. Instead, I just make my own HIIT workouts so it can just stay in one place :). I do feel like I drop tons of weight when I run though, just because my body hates it haha

    Haha- I know what you mean!!!
    But I would love to get myself to adjust to that Runner's Mindset & Allowance!

    I love being outdoors and getting lost in myself while do so- so if I can do that while burning Calories then I'm In!!!
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    A year ago I was a "non" runner who had started running 10 days earlier. I've been running for a year and 10 days now! Well, not every day. . .LOL! I have completed several 5ks and even 1 half marathon with a pretty decent time.

    Invest in good shoes. Learn about proper form. Avoid over doing it in the heat! And, have some fun with it!!! Good Luck!!
  • soontobesam
    soontobesam Posts: 714 Member
    Another vote for C25k!!
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    C25k. I loved it, and hated it.
    2 years later, I look back at the first weeks and wonder how I though that was so hard.
  • Im_NotPerfect
    Im_NotPerfect Posts: 2,181 Member
    Mark another one down for c25k here! LOVE it!

    6 weeks ago I struggled with running for 60 seconds at a crack. I'm not up to running 3 miles for 30 minutes straight! I was NEVER a runner (remember those mandatory miles you had to run in HS around the track? Yeah, I walked those...slowly...). But I LOVE it now! It's such an amazing feeling.

    Have my first 5K coming up in 2 weeks!
  • SweetMegz04
    SweetMegz04 Posts: 459 Member
    A year ago I was a "non" runner who had started running 10 days earlier. I've been running for a year and 10 days now! Well, not every day. . .LOL! I have completed several 5ks and even 1 half marathon with a pretty decent time.

    Invest in good shoes. Learn about proper form. Avoid over doing it in the heat! And, have some fun with it!!! Good Luck!!


    Awesome for you!!!! Any Advice on Shoes?! :)
  • Im_NotPerfect
    Im_NotPerfect Posts: 2,181 Member
    A year ago I was a "non" runner who had started running 10 days earlier. I've been running for a year and 10 days now! Well, not every day. . .LOL! I have completed several 5ks and even 1 half marathon with a pretty decent time.

    Invest in good shoes. Learn about proper form. Avoid over doing it in the heat! And, have some fun with it!!! Good Luck!!


    Awesome for you!!!! Any Advice on Shoes?! :)

    Go to a running store and get fitted! No question! I swear the only reason my joints have handled running is because of my shoes!!
  • niclagi
    niclagi Posts: 177 Member
    I finished C25K about a month ago. It was awesome. I never quite got to 5K in the time, but I can go for 5 K. Also... expect that you might need to redo a couple of weeks. I found weeks 5 and 7 to be really hard and had to redo both.

    Best of luck
  • Tony_Brewski
    Tony_Brewski Posts: 1,376 Member
    OP this is something I've wondered about myself. Like you I can sprint like the ****ens but cannot run to save myself! Thanks for posting this thread and thanks to all the replies on here for those many folks like myself. C25k I will be looking into for sure! Best of luck to all of us!
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    Hello All!

    I have wanted to start running but am not sure about it..
    All my life I have Hated Running! I would do well with Sprints.. but that was it.

    Lately I have been doing a lot of Elliptical and get going pretty fast.. I go for about 30-45 Mins- Not A lot, but a doable amount right now.
    So- Tonight I was considering going out for a Run around my Neighborhood.. Any advice for a First Time Runner?!

    Thanks!!

    Couch to 5k and Hal Higdon are both great programs.
    Get a good pair of comfortable running shoes.
    Don't increase your weekly mileage by more than 10%.
    Strava and MapMyRun are both great Android phone apps that track your runs, pace and calories.
    Have fun and good luck!
  • mhotch
    mhotch Posts: 901 Member
    I have been using the cardio equipment at the gym regularly for 4 years.

    My son just convinced me to enter a 5K with him. I have never entered a race in my life. So I just started to run outside this week. Its not that bad. Just get out there and do it. I cannot run a straight mile, there are walking periods in between. But I run, 75%/walk 25%, 2.34 miles my 4th day out. I use mailboxes as my markers. Run 5 boxes walk one. Each week I plan to extend the run and shorten the walk.

    Make a game of it for yourself and just do it. I recommend it. So far, I am loving it.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Yes, come to the dark, I mean fast, side!

    Here's C25K in its simplest format:
    http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

    Here are my beginner's running tips:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

    Pleas take note of point one:
    When you start out, it’s HARD! Even if you think you’re fit, running is so different to anything else you’ve done before you will get out of breath quickly. Stick with it. Can’t manage a minute? Go slow. Still can’t? GO SLOWER!

    Good luck, and do come back and let us know how your first run goes :flowerforyou:
  • mmwien
    mmwien Posts: 7
    Another vote for C25K. There are lots of options (I use Run5K). I also use an armband and wireless Bluetooth headphones b/c the corded type gets in my way even with the armband. Good luck on your journey!
  • mberes56
    mberes56 Posts: 7
    Yes! I just got an arm band for my phone to listen to music. Best thing ever!!
  • payupalice
    payupalice Posts: 126 Member
    I would not be a runner, if not for C25K. Now, I'm an addict - lurking outside running stores, trying to get someone to buy me a shoe... night sweats and shakes when I don't get my fix...
    just kidding!
    (kind of...)
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    Yep! Go to a Running Speciality store. I think neutral running shoes are the best. I was initially put in a stability/motion control shoe, but those actually did some damage. My sports medicine doc suggests folks steer clear of motion control shoes and focus on more neutral shoes.

    You should get some very good insights from the staff at the runniing store. Most likely they're all runners and can even give you some encouragement. One saleswoman at the store I frequent (Second Sole Akron!) planted the bug in my head to consider a half marathon. At the time I thought she was nuts. . . but I ended up doing it and I'm looking forward to another one in about 2.5 months!!
  • amytag
    amytag Posts: 206 Member
    Another C25K'er. Download the free App, it is awesome and you can load your music directly into the App. It tells you when to run and when to walk. Makes life easier for me while I'm huffing through my runs.

    Note: If you have trouble getting through a week, don't feel bad repeating weeks. I had to repeat week 3 and am repeating week 4 right now. I want to run easily, not labored...so this works for me.

    Ditto on good shoes. Go to a store and get fitted. For me personally, Saucony is the best. Also invest in good cushioned socks. They make as much difference to me as the shoes!

    Run about 3x per week. Take rest days.
  • SweetMegz04
    SweetMegz04 Posts: 459 Member
    I would not be a runner, if not for C25K. Now, I'm an addict - lurking outside running stores, trying to get someone to buy me a shoe... night sweats and shakes when I don't get my fix...
    just kidding!
    (kind of...)

    Hahaha! I like the Lurking outside Running Stores-- I need that Addiction!!
  • SweetMegz04
    SweetMegz04 Posts: 459 Member
    I have been using the cardio equipment at the gym regularly for 4 years.

    My son just convinced me to enter a 5K with him. I have never entered a race in my life. So I just started to run outside this week. Its not that bad. Just get out there and do it. I cannot run a straight mile, there are walking periods in between. But I run, 75%/walk 25%, 2.34 miles my 4th day out. I use mailboxes as my markers. Run 5 boxes walk one. Each week I plan to extend the run and shorten the walk.

    Make a game of it for yourself and just do it. I recommend it. So far, I am loving it.

    Marking Mail Boxes.. I like it!!
  • SweetMegz04
    SweetMegz04 Posts: 459 Member
    [/quote]

    Couch to 5k and Hal Higdon are both great programs.
    Get a good pair of comfortable running shoes.
    Don't increase your weekly mileage by more than 10%.
    Strava and MapMyRun are both great Android phone apps that track your runs, pace and calories.
    Have fun and good luck!
    [/quote]


    Thanks for the App Ideas!! I will add the MapMyRun today!!

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