Some Running questions?

Question

Well when I started running I really enjoyed it, but I only ran at school when they made us and I want to start running around my house but I'm so embarrased because I'm bit on the chubby side like I'm not fat but chubby and I don't want people to think that I'm running just to lose weight when in reality I want to run to LOSE WEIGHT.

Anyway((that was just a true story^^))...

I want to run and I know I'm still a begginer so how much should I run, how many days? I was thinking every day but then I learned that you shouldn't do that, give your body a break. So I was wondering how much times I should run and when should I run like in the morning((but thats not a option since I wake up at 7:00 in the moring)) or during the day or night? && what would I benefit from running? would i lose weight?

THANK YOU ;]

&& sorry if it sounds a bit confusing

Answer 1

It's always best to workout in the morning, it really does help u feel energized.  If this is not an option for you, then after school or early evening is good.  

The whole give your body a break thing only applies to strength training, you, not you, i mean everyone, should do at least 30 min. of cardio a day at least 3 times a week.  That is really rule of thumb.

Since u r beginner, I think starting out 3x a week would be good for u and something you can handle.  See if u can recruit one of your friends or family members to go with you.

Always remember to stretch before and after!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hi! ok what you should do is to start out slowly...for example.... monday :run/walk with breaks for 30 minutes...tuesday::run/breaks for 45 minutes...just go easy on yourself and eat alot of fruits and vegetables...just remmember ..dont starve!!

Answer 3

That's great that you want to get into running.  It is a sport that gets addicting.  May I make a suggestion.  Don't just run "to lose weight".  Run because you enjoy the activity, which obviously you do.  If you just find a nice high school track to run around, you will not need to be self concious because there usually are other people there, many in worse shape than you.  Find a running buddy if you can.  That will give you more motivation to run on those days you may not feel so hot and makes it more fun.  

I have come to learn that the best time to excersize is in the afternoons.  The body is looser at that time because it is generally warmer and we don't have the stress of trying to wake up at the same time.  Sorry I don't agree with some other answers on this. Night running is only effective if it is too hot during the day.  (Excersize keeps us awake at night if done too late in the day).  

Now, the main benefit from excersize, is that it makes us feel strong, healthy, increases endurance and focus, self confidence.  We certainly do lose weight in time, but it takes quite a while.

May I make another suggestion: have you thought about bicycle riding in a club?  I find these organizations to be truely friendly and satisfying.  We see a lot more because we cover many more miles than just running.  Of course there is an expense involved, but you don't need a fancy bike to start out with.  Most clubs (that aren't hardcore racers) love to share riding with new folks.  It's a friendly way to meet new people of similar interest.  And Yes, you do lose weight from bike riding!

Answer 4

Yes you will lose weight as long as you start to eat better and watch your calorie intake. Start out by walking /running  or both up to a mile or 2 if you feel up to it 1/4 to 1/2 mile if you don't. Run every other day if you can but you don't have to and work into it slowly so you don't risk injuries and get burned out and quit .

Good Luck

Edmond

Answer 5

I was just like you when I was in middle school, I was on the chubby side as well and didnt want anyone to look at me run when in reality i was trying to lose weight as well.

You could try running around your neighborhood but if you feel as if you have judging eyes upon you, you can go to a track at your school or near your local high school [preferably in the evenings 4pm-9p] and jog,trot, pitter-patter or run with some people who are like minded like you.

But the point of the matter is this. FORGET what everybody thinks about you, because in the end YOU'RE the only one benefiting from this, trust i was once in your shoes and once you start getting your groove of running that mind set will go away.

What you benefit from this is:

-A better lung capacity than the average couch potato, which means you can expend more energy at a higher rate [running faster]

-You'll wake your metabolism after getting in the groove of things and start to lose weight tremendously.

-You'll get abs and a more defined muscle tone.

-You'll be happier more and in a better mood [cardio releases serotonin in the brain promoting happier thoughts]

I run 6 days a week since im an athlete but before i got into track and field i was running 3 days a week in the evenings.

So all in all you will benefit from this, but not solely on running alone, it comes along with eating right and you should start to see what im talking about, sorry about the long letter...

Answer 6

I've been running for several years now with a few marathons and tons of half marathons under my belt.  I love it when I see all sorts of runners out there.  Chubby or not, I encourage people out there to run.  I think what you are doing is great, just stick with it and you will see results.

Anyways, your right, don't run everyday.  I would say for you to start out about 3 - 4 days a week with about 20 - 30 minutes of running/jogging/power walking a day, just keep that heart rate up for that 20 - 30 minutes is the key.  Push it to a minimum of 30 minutes if you can, once you get a good base.  Watching your food intake makes a huge difference.  Go low fat if you can, what worked for me was that I stuck with a maximum of 24 grams of fat a day and no more.  Its tough, but you will see results.

Good luck and congrats on your starting out on running!