Question for ttdriver and other runners?

[sns112797]

How did you begin running? I'm a little bored with my exercise routine and I think running might be something fun to add to mix it up. I live up North so I could easily get in a few good months of outside running before it snows.

TIA

[Effie]

Re: Question for ttdriver and other runners?

www.coolrunning.com has a great program called "Couch to 5K". Or, if you want something a little less structured, just start going for walks and add some bursts of running in. I use the old "I'll just run to the mailbox" trick.

Don't try to do too much all at once. You really do have to start slow, but before you know it, you'll be up to 9 miles (right Texmom?). I think I'm at the point where I'm hitting burnout because I'm trying to hard to stick to a training program. The good thing about the C25K program is that they tell you to repeat each week until you feel comfortable enough to move on.

Good luck, and we look forward to hearing from you in our weekly thread!

[texwife&mom]

Re: Question for ttdriver and other runners?

I am certainly not a "by the book" runner. I started with 2 miles, as I had been doing Tae Bo for several months and felt I could handle that amount. I just did it on Sunday's at first. Once that felt good I added some mornings during the week say 2-3 and on the other mornings I walked. Before I knew what was happening I added a mile at a time to my weekly runs now 6miles at 5am. My "long" (don't laugh betty) runs are now up to 9 miles. Should be 10 *grumble* but I rested this week, because my body told me I needed to. That would be my biggest hint, listen to your body, sometimes it wants more road, sometimes it wants less, but it will let you know!! Great job with your already established workout plan and welcome to the wonderful world of running!!!

[ttdriver]

Re: Question for ttdriver and other runners?

Shannon, that's GREAT that you want to begin a running program! You will love it! Running is so addictive .. we can all agree on that!

Yes, as Effie said, the Couch to 5k program is a great way to start. As for me, I did walking, then worked up to speed walking and finally transitioned into running in November 2003. The main thing is to GO SLOW. When you think you can't go any slower, SLOW DOWN MORE. By far, the biggest mistake newbie runners make is going too fast. Not only is that counterproductive as far as burning fat, but very risky for injury and burnout.

Set small goals. Never ever increase your mileage more than 10% at a time. Invest in a heart rate monitor to make sure you are staying within your target heart rate zone for maximum fat burning/cardiovascular conditioning. Take rest days. Allow your body to repair those tiny tears that happen when you work out rigorously. Yes, I agree; listen to your body!!

Welcome to the running world!

Betty

[Iapetus999]

Re: Question for ttdriver and other runners?

I started by just walking with occasional bursts of running.
It took me 6 months to work up to running a whole mile.
It's now a year and a 1/2 after that and I run up to 20 miles a week now.
4-5 days a week, 3-8 miles each run.
Work on time spent walking/running more than distance. Start at 15 min sessions 5x a week and add 5 mins a week to the session and increase speed if/when you're comfortable.

Also good shoes are a must.

[sns112797]

Re: Question for ttdriver and other runners?

Thank you all for your great responses and suggestions. I will begin very slow as I have never been a runner, ever! Thanks again!