Can someone answer some running questions for me?

Question

Just started running on saturday using the nike+Ipod program. I am doing their "walk to run" training and yesterday was my first day of "running" in which i had to walk 5 minutes and then run 1 repeat and then cool down. I did so, but ran, almost but not entirely full out (like a sprint) for the two running minutes and i was really tired after. when all was said and done i did 1.75 KM. The day before was just a 15 minute walk and i did 1.31 km. The training set both daily goals for time and distance with a distance goal of 2k. Needless to say i am behind on both. So my questions are: by "run" do they mean "jog"? and should i go for the 2k regaurdless of time or abide by the time? Would be willing to discuss running if you would like to mentor me in my endeavor. I am 26, feeling the bulge and doing this for better health.

Answer 1

Don't run with an ipod...whether your on a track or not, you increase your chances of getting hit by a car, and you wouldn't be as likely to hear someone coming up on you. Don't use that ipod to run with, because TRUST ME, its not a good idea...if you like, I could give you a schedule to run by, I would be happy to type it up for you.

Answer 2

There's a better way to do it.  Try jogging a two mile route.  Don't walk/run/walk/run.  It's easy to cheat that way.  Instead, move faster then a fast walk, but don't sprint.  Try for two miles and don't worry about time.  

After that, keep working on two miles.  Slowly add on when you get bored.

Go on www.google.com and look up 'pedometer.'  You can type in your town and you can track a route that goes two miles.  Don't wear an Ipod.  Go out and enjoy the jog.  It'll take a little bit for your body to get into a rhythm, but you'll be okay.

Answer 3

I started running with a similar program and focused only on time at first, not distance.  Since my goal was to build up my endurance, I did the running sections at a jogging pace, nowhere near a sprint.  

You might also want to check that your Nike+ is registering close to the distance you're actually going.  I used gMaps pedometer to map some of my routes and compare to what the Nike+ was telling me.