How did you get into running?

Aimziepoo

Aimziepoo

New member
Hello All :blush5:

I recently tried running, for the 1st time since I was ohhh.... 13? LoL. I have been walking a ton this summer through the park and such, and while I have defiantly noticed results watching what I eat/walking, I really would like to get into running not only for the weight loss benefits, but just for a healthy hobby I can pick up. Unfortunately I could not even run 1min on and one min off for 20 mins without feeling like I was pretty much a lost cause.

I was just wondering how you get into it. Do you just run through the pain? How do you know if your running enough to see some results? How long/ what distance should I be aiming for as a beginner.

Thanks for reading =)
 
I never thought of myself as a runner, I never liked it. But I knew how great of a cardio workout it was, and only having a treadmill I decided I would try it out. I'm now a pretty avid runner.

The way I started was just doing the best I could. Starting on the treadmill I would start with a slow jog and go until I had to walk. Then rest while walking until I could run a little more. At the start I could only go for 15 minutes. I started working my way up and running more consistently. The more you run the easier it gets, and the more addictive. I crave to run now, I get restless if I don't.

I kept going until I could lightly job for 20 minutes. I then started to up the intensity. Instead of just jogging I would walk, job, sprint, walk, jog, sprint. This interval training really gets the heart pumping, really good for calorie burning.

Then I started to run outside. It's a lot diffferent than the treadmill. There are some benefits. Firstly, you can quit any time on a treadmill, especially near the last 1/4 of your workout. But when you run outside, if you run to a destination and reach it, there is no way for you to get back without running back. So you can't quit! Also, I found it a little bit tougher than the treadmill, maybe because you push yourself a little harder when there are people around? I don't know :p However, there are a couple downsides. Firstly, it depends on the weather, sometimes it's too hot, it's raining, it's too cold, it's too dark. When you only run outside a lot of excuses can arise and it may be tough to motivate you to get out there. Secondly, I found it harder on my legs. I was much more sore after a run outside than I was on my treadmill. Probably because I was mostly running on cement. So I wouldn't run outside everyday, I would mix in running on the treadmill and running outside. It gives yourself a pretty good balance.

So last week I ran 6km in 28 minutes which I'm proud of. I can do that pretty consistently too. It drives me to keep running.

Anyways, if you're having a tough time starting out, I suggest the couch to 5k program. Personally, I haven't tried it myself but I've seen countless anecdotes of it being a very effective routine to build your running endurance. Here's the link:



I hope that helps, good luck.
 
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I agree with you Snezy, running outside is harder. I think when I know people are watching, I don't want them to think I'm not running very fast. lol

I just started running again today. Went for 10 minutes. Starting small. I used to run in high school and really liked it. Loved the race aspect of it.

Also as a way to motivate myself to keep doing it, I signed up for a 5k where I live in September. My goal is to finish the race.
 
Thanks for the reply's =)

I actually did try running outside right off the bat, I don't have access to a treadmill so I figured what the hell. I try and go to the park everyday for a walk at least, and when I saw all of these runners I really wanted to try.

I defiantly will take a look at that guide, Im not worried so much right now about distance as I am looking to get into a healthy habit =)
 
That's exactly what I'm doing. I ran the same route as yesterday and got it done about 2 minutes quicker today. I'm not going to over do it like I've done every other time before. Went straight for trying to run for 30 minutes or run a whole mile. Starting small is helping me build a habit. My goal is to run 5 days a week and take the weekends off to relax. I'm finding it fun and invigorating. I hope you enjoy it!
 
im trying to enjoy jogging. im pretty fat so it is not enjoyable. i jog a mile on the treadmill every day. im hoping i will start liking it as i lose weight but so far i hate it. i only do it because i need it.
 
Ok today was weigh in and I'm down 6 pounds this week. Two more than what I averaged the last two weeks before. Only thing that changed was jogging every day. I still don't like it but I'll be doing it. 34 pounds in 5 weeks
 
Well! how I got into running may be a little un-orthodox but I enjoy it!
I run at night, like 9 o'clock at night and I find it SO much more enjoyable. Mainly because the only people who'll watch you are those putting their bins out for collection and my neighbourhood is mostly populated by 80+ year olds haha so no scary people to worry about. But not only that because the night air is so cold I need to keep running otherwise I freeze! I also find because it's dark I can't really see how FAR I have to run, so I don't get daunted by it and it's exhilrating running in the dark! it's like getting back to nature almost. The cold air can sometimes burn your throat a little, but the further you run the less it burns I find :)
and once i'm near home I slow to a walk so I'm cooled down by the time I reach my bed and can snuggle in feeling refreshed, and I sleep SO much better!
hope this helps! and good luck with running!
 
grebber said:
Ok today was weigh in and I'm down 6 pounds this week. Two more than what I averaged the last two weeks before. Only thing that changed was jogging every day. I still don't like it but I'll be doing it. 34 pounds in 5 weeks
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Nice, great job! I know jogging is hard, but don't you just feel great after? Try to get some enjoyment out of it, even if it is just the endorphins running through you :p.

34 pounds in 5 weeks are some seriously good results. Keep it up!
 
I joined a running class at my gym. When the old biddies were jogging longer than me I took it to heart and decided to train on the side. I never caught up to them but I discovered c25k and in march I ran my first 5k in about 32 minutes. I had been clocking myself quicker but I think my nerves got to me.

I will say that running outdoors in the long term is better because you're pushing against the friction of your own weight and other factors like wind, difference in terrain, etc. So you kind of get more bang for your buck but also if you're running on concrete then outdoor running can be terrible for the joints. So be sure to have the right shoes.

I do treadmill run when I wake up late and its too hot outside (Im in texas) but ultimately I prefer running outdoors. I looove that feeling on my last stretch where I no longer feel tired cuz I know it's almost over. haha

Be sure to give c2k5 a try it's definitely helpful for progression, and when you feel tired I find I can give it a little more gas when I focus on just my breathing. I tend to count my steps as I breathe. A few steps inhale a few steps exhale, when doing this I try to get more steps as I steady/slow my breathing. Gets a good rhythm for the heart rate as well because if you're all over the place (heart rate wise) you tend to be defeating the purpose (weight loss)
 
I hate running because i can never last more than 1-5 mins on it! But today i did something differently. I jogged slowly at the speed i would normally speed walk at! I found that i was able to keep running without feeling like i was going to pass out or feel completely out of shape! Surprisingly i lasted 11 mins on the tread and i'm going to keep doing it at the same speed until i feel more comfortable to increase the speed or intensity of my workout! Perhaps you should try what im doing and see if it works for you too! Goodluck :)
 
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