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I hope I'm in the right forum. For those of you couch potatoes like me who want to learn to run...and who also think it's impossible...come join us!
This challenge is for true BEGINNERS...those of you whose heart and lungs feel like exploding when you jog for as little as 30 seconds. We're with you...we're feeling your pain (literally). Together, we hope to improve our cardio/respiratory endurance. We're going to take it slow, I promise, but we WILL make progress, right?
The plan we're going to use is a modified version of coolrunning.com's "Couch to 5K" training guide. We may not move as quickly as they suggest, but we will eventually get there. Here is a link to the plan: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
OK...post your commitments and your progress and thoughts. For you successful runners, come give us some support (we need you!).
FIRST...this week: Check in with your healthcare provider and get his/her approval (so when you THINK you're having a heart attack when you begin running, you can be somewhat confident that it's not REALLY a heart attack). Also, go get a pair of appropriate running shoes. This is not an easy task, but it is important to help avoid injuries. The heavier you are, the more important is your footwear. I'm not kidding. Expect to spend $40 to $140. Use these shoes ONLY for running (they'll last longer than if you wear them as everyday shoes).
We'll start week one on August 12th. In the meantime, WALK briskly for 20 to 30 minutes at least five times between now and Aug. 12th. Map out a safe path or track...smooth, flat, well-lighted, etc. Try to measure distances so you can measure your progress. Use this time to mentally prepare.
Are you ready? Just think...by Christmas we could actually be RUNNERS!
Let's go!
This challenge is for true BEGINNERS...those of you whose heart and lungs feel like exploding when you jog for as little as 30 seconds. We're with you...we're feeling your pain (literally). Together, we hope to improve our cardio/respiratory endurance. We're going to take it slow, I promise, but we WILL make progress, right?
The plan we're going to use is a modified version of coolrunning.com's "Couch to 5K" training guide. We may not move as quickly as they suggest, but we will eventually get there. Here is a link to the plan: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
OK...post your commitments and your progress and thoughts. For you successful runners, come give us some support (we need you!).
FIRST...this week: Check in with your healthcare provider and get his/her approval (so when you THINK you're having a heart attack when you begin running, you can be somewhat confident that it's not REALLY a heart attack). Also, go get a pair of appropriate running shoes. This is not an easy task, but it is important to help avoid injuries. The heavier you are, the more important is your footwear. I'm not kidding. Expect to spend $40 to $140. Use these shoes ONLY for running (they'll last longer than if you wear them as everyday shoes).
We'll start week one on August 12th. In the meantime, WALK briskly for 20 to 30 minutes at least five times between now and Aug. 12th. Map out a safe path or track...smooth, flat, well-lighted, etc. Try to measure distances so you can measure your progress. Use this time to mentally prepare.
Are you ready? Just think...by Christmas we could actually be RUNNERS!
Let's go!
I'm so pleased to see you're starting this challenge -- what a great idea! 
Have fun, you guys. I'll look forward to reading about your progress.
)
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