Help me become a runner?

[KaylaBeanie]

I want to be a runner. My parents both have been running for years, and I know that I would love it. The thing is, even when I was in my absolute prime shape (dancing 20 hours a week, going to the gym all the time, etc), running for more than about 45 seconds killed me. Needless to say, I am far from being in prime shape right now. After a winter of dorking around, I decided that I WILL run. I started last night, really small, and I jogged at a 4.9 pace on the treadmill for 3.5 minutes, then walked for 26.5 minutes. It's not that I'm overweight or anything like that, running just does not come naturally for me and I also have a breathing issue that makes it harder for me to work out for long periods of time.

I'm planning on going to the gym 3-4 times a week, and I obviously want to increase my running time each time I hit the treadmill. My neighborhood is great for running, and our block is about a half mile (but very hilly), so I'm planning to get outside as soon as the weather is better and I know I can run farther, since I know the treadmill is deceptively easy. I really want this to be a lifelong thing, and my only goal is to be able to run 4 miles by August/September, though it'd be awesome if I could run 5 or 6 by then.

Is anybody here a personal trainer, or very into fitness? I'm very clueless, and I want to push myself without being in agony or overdoing it, so it'd be great if I could get some direction.

[tjsmama]

Come on over to the dingo thread. We have runners of all shapes, sizes, speeds, and experience levels!

To get you started, look into the C25k (couch to 5k) program. It's a great program designed to help you go from doing nothing to running a 5k safely, without injury. Also, make sure that you have decent shoes to run in. Go to a local running shop where they put you on the treadmill and observe your gait to see how you run. This will also help you avoid injury.

[425lisamarie]

Well, I would say I am but I'm not a runner either. I mean I know how to run, and I periodically try it out, but unless someone is chasin me I don't do it on purpose

Why do you need to run? Life is far too short to do stuff I don't like at all. I love working out, I like walking/hiking, many many things but running is not one of them.

[Niamh]

I wanted to become a runner just to be more fit and I went with the 'First Steps' program on Runner's World. It doesn't focus on distances to run but on how long you can run without stopping. By the end of ten weeks on the program, you can run for 30 minutes without stopping. It's a gentle, but empowering way to work your body up to running longer times and distances.

The Couch to 5K program is ok, and it's used by a lot of people, but the First Steps program worked for me because it starts with a short time period running (Week 1 is Run 2 minutes, walk 4 minutes. Repeat 5 times.) three times per week. Running for two minutes nearly killed me the first time I did it, but by the end of the week I was doing it ok. Then the next week they have you run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes, and repeat that five times. Each week you add a few more minutes running and a few less minutes walking, and by the end of the ten week program, you're running for thirty minutes straight. After that you can take your training program anywhere you want.

I really liked it because it didn't ever get me to the physically sick point from running too far or too much too fast, but it didn't make it easy for me either. It was empowering to push through until I heard my beeper go off and realize "I used to not even be able to run for 30 seconds and I just ran for SEVEN MINUTES."

So that's my recommendation. The article explaining it is here and the part of the article with the weekly times is here.

[KaylaBeanie]

Thanks so much ladies! I like the looks of both programs, so I'll keep looking over them to see which would work better...I'll probably run again for a few minutes tomorrow, but I'm officially starting Monday.

Originally Posted by 425lisamarie

Well, I would say I am but I'm not a runner either. I mean I know how to run, and I periodically try it out, but unless someone is chasin me I don't do it on purpose

Why do you need to run? Life is far too short to do stuff I don't like at all. I love working out, I like walking/hiking, many many things but running is not one of them.

I really want to run because I know I would like it. I hate 99% of athletic activity. Hiking is okay, but not all the time. Walking doesn't really burn that many calories and it's too slow-paced for me to want to do it for longer than 15-20 minutes. The gym is only tolerable if I can distract myself with books and TV shows on my iPod. Running is one of the best workouts out there, people who run regularly LOVE it, and it gets me outside without being slow-paced or bored. My dad has been running almost every day for 30 years, my mom ran regularly for several years and is getting back into it at age 47 because she misses it so much. I also like that it's free (other than running shoes) and I can do it wherever I am. If I could run each day for 30 minutes or so once I get to the point I can do that, it would keep me in great shape and give me time to just think. I also do love that feeling I get after running, that rush (despite my run being only 3.5 minutes )

Also, I have some weight I need to get off. I'm not overweight, but I am very tall so I have a pretty wide BMI range, and would prefer to be near the lower end rather than the higher end. If I could lose 20 pounds, I'd be thrilled, though I am vain and would like to lose about 35 pounds. I'm 5'10, which sucks...you can gain 10 pounds and it's not noticeable, but you have to lose a crap-load to make any sort of difference!

[Eaglevoice]

The C25K program worked for me. I started it last June and I'm running my 1st 10K this weekend and training for an olympic distance triathlon in april! Starting slow really is the key. I got fitted for running shoes and that made such a huge difference. Finding some nice paved trails makes it easier too, as well as an iPod full of energizing songs to run to. Join the Dingo thread...it moves really fast, but the ladies there are incredibly motivating!

[bec]

I loved the couch to 5k! I went through it 3 years ago. I finished my first full marathon last October, after having done 3 half marathons. I always wanted to run, too, but didn't think I could. I say, if you WANT to, then go for it!

[Penelope]

As a late-to-running mama with asthma - if you don't know the extent of your breathing issue, this is a great time to get some medical advice. I find that my breathing is much, much better when I'm fit, which is good incentive. I use an inhaler before I run, and during if it's humid out, or I walk to keep my breathing ok, but honestly, asthma has not interfered with my love of and success with running.

[KaylaBeanie]

Originally Posted by Penelope

As a late-to-running mama with asthma - if you don't know the extent of your breathing issue, this is a great time to get some medical advice. I find that my breathing is much, much better when I'm fit, which is good incentive. I use an inhaler before I run, and during if it's humid out, or I walk to keep my breathing ok, but honestly, asthma has not interfered with my love of and success with running.

I actually went through all of the testing...the scope down my nose and throat, and an extensive panel of lung testing. All of it came back normal. My issue is that when I breathe in through my nose, I don't feel like I get enough oxygen, so I have to breathe in through my mouth a lot of the time. The doctor wanted to remove my adenoids as a sort of experimental thing, since they were "slightly enlarged," but I'm not into unnecessary surgery.

Anyhow, my mom and I are starting couch to 5k on Monday

[Brittany93]

Originally Posted by KaylaBeanie

I want to be a runner. My parents both have been running for years, and I know that I would love it. The thing is, even when I was in my absolute prime shape (dancing 20 hours a week, going to the gym all the time, etc), running for more than about 45 seconds killed me. Needless to say, I am far from being in prime shape right now. After a winter of dorking around, I decided that I WILL run. I started last night, really small, and I jogged at a 4.9 pace on the treadmill for 3.5 minutes, then walked for 26.5 minutes. It's not that I'm overweight or anything like that, running just does not come naturally for me and I also have a breathing issue that makes it harder for me to work out for long periods of time.

I'm planning on going to the gym 3-4 times a week, and I obviously want to increase my running time each time I hit the treadmill. My neighborhood is great for running, and our block is about a half mile (but very hilly), so I'm planning to get outside as soon as the weather is better and I know I can run farther, since I know the treadmill is deceptively easy. I really want this to be a lifelong thing, and my only goal is to be able to run 4 miles by August/September, though it'd be awesome if I could run 5 or 6 by then.

Is anybody here a personal trainer, or very into fitness? I'm very clueless, and I want to push myself without being in agony or overdoing it, so it'd be great if I could get some direction.

Ugh, I have the same problem you do. I really want to run, it's healthy for you, helps keep the weight off, and what not. But man, I tried to run around my block a few days ago, and it was tragic.

[sugarmoon]

I have never, ever, ever, ever been a runner in my life. I started couch to 5k this spring and finished it recently. Yesterday I went out and ran 6 miles, and loved every second of it! Totally reccomend it!

Good luck!

[rootzdawta]

A few years ago when I tried running, it was *horrible*. I decided to try again a month or so (joined a running meetup) and it wasn't so bad. The difference? I'd been working out for a year doing lots of plyometrics as opposed to what I had been doing years ago (elliptical machine). I think it conditioned my body and I actually really enjoy running now.