How did you start running?
Posted by mom2Phoenix on Dec 22, 2010 · Member since Jul 2010 · 25 posts
I really want to get back into running. I used to when I was a teenager. But it seems like every time I try I must over do it cause Im all out of breath and my lungs and throat burn. How did you all get into running? Just a block at a time or work thru the burn?!??? I also will have an 18 month old in tow :)
Sheesh, -shea-, stop stalking my profile. :P Seriously, though..good input. I'm looking into running as well. I can walk for miles and miles. I used to walk 10 miles to work each day. But when it comes to running - notsomuch. Ha.
Definitely definitely couch to 5km.
I couldn't run at all at the beginning of this year and went through couch to 5km and now I run 5km every weekend morning. It can feel painfully slow at times, but that's what your body needs to adjust to the particular motion/muscles of running.
Thanks! I googled Couch to 5k and I think I can do it!! Im excited :) I hope my toddler is willing to go along for the ride
Shea, what's your 5000m time?
Couch to 5k is a good way to go! There are lots of different plans out there, and I would just encourage you to be flexible and do what feels right to you when you are starting out (or, re-starting).
I personally love run-walks! I'll run a block, then walk half a block. If I'm feeling good, I'll run longer continuously, but it's nice to know that I can always break it up. Even when I get up to running a few miles continuously, I'll still use walk breaks when I'm increasing my mileage (for example, if I can run 3 miles continuously but I want to increase to 4 or 5), or if I'm feeling a bit tired or overheated (not so much a problem in the winter, but really helpful in the summer!). Some people don't like walk breaks, but I've really found them helpful for making running more fun and relaxing.
As someone who went from no exercise to running 10km 4 years ago, then back to no exercise last year I can say it is a challenge and may take you some tries to get back into it. Other people have suggested couch to 5km, I have not done it but heard great things. I will share my personal experience though.
2005 started going to the gym hard after years of lack of fitness, went 6 to 7 times a week sometimes twice a day. Then I switched to running as my girlfriend was into it, I had never done it before in my life. I found out I was good and I liked it. I ran half-marathon distances and a few events in 2006 and then in 2007 really stopped doing it at all. Since then I have been on an off. In the last 4 months I have gone from nothing to running 10km 4-5 times a week which I am really proud of. I did this by first going for 3 runs and finding out how far I could run at a moderate pace with a watch and this website:
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/
I started writing all of this down, then I started doing very low impact cardio, mainly riding my mum's exercycle. I gradually interspersed that with running up to that maximum distance. Over the period of a month I started increasing the cycling times and running times till I could run 3km. Then I started running all the time cut out the bike and gradually increased the difficulty. It may be hard for you, but having run with others and friends it is a fun thing to do can be quite addictive.
My tips:
1) Keep a journal or diary. Always carry a watch and measure your distance.
2) If you miss a session don't worry. If you fall off the bike just get back on and keep at it. I'm single with no kids, but I can imagine that having a toddler may mean you are going to miss a few sessions.
3) Run with friends if you can. Not only is it more fun but it does help with motivation. If you live in a big city there might be a mommy runners group.
4) Get good shoes. If you spend a lot of money on gear, spend it on the shoes.
Thanks again every one :) I cant wait to start this weekend
Another vote for c25k! Some of my relatives have done it, and it went really well for them.
Good luck :)
Thanks all!
Ive been running for 4 or 5 weeks already :) Feeling stronger, but not ready for the 5 k yet! Thanks everyone and thank you couch to 5k!!!
I really liked it! It's something I'd definitely like to keep up with!
Thanks all!