Starting to run?

Question

I have just started. Never liked it in my life, but after a couple times I think I might like it. I am run/walking cause I can't run long. Figure I will work my way up to it cause I am about 20 pounds overweight. Any ideas or advise for a beginner?

Answer 1

yes keep running on your own and try doing cross-country and local road races as long as you don't get it in your head that you must win you will be all set good luck

Answer 2

make running routine (like every other day to start with) don't just run when you feel like it.

Answer 3

My advise to you is: DON'T EVER SKIP A PLANNED RUN. Once you figure out your rutine, stick to it. As soon as you start making excuses for why you can't go (which are usually all very valid reasons: its raining, i have cramps, i have a date, im sick, im tired, my fave show is on...) then you will fall away from your goal.

Run/walk approach is very good. I ran two marathons and a half marathon using this approach and it is the only way I kept going. If you really want support in this goal, join Team in Training, that's what I did. I used to HATE running, and I was out of shape. I joined TNT and it was well worth it. You run with a group of people who are from all skill levels. On my team, we had a 400 pound woman who was SO dedicated it was amazing, we also had mothers, daughters, and seasoned athletes. Plus, you have a purpose!!! They raise money to fight Leukemia and other blood cancers. I could never have accomplished what I did without them. They make it fun and support you when its not.

Answer 4

...

Keep going and you won't want to start a day without running!

Some basics to get you going.

-get a good pair of running shoes, shoes that match who YOU are and the way you run.  Go to a running specialty shop, hopefully one where they can do a gait analysis.  Talk to the folks in the store, tell them about how you run; they should be able to match your needs to the shoes on hand.

-set a time each day to run.

-set a time as early in the day to run as you can!  Like so many other things, the later you schedule something the less likely it is to get done.

-find a couple of friends to run with who you can mutually encourage.

-don't limit yourself to running if it's an exercise program you are just starting.  Consider alternative cardiovascular exercises like bicycling and swimming, or Spin(r) classes.

-with a run/walk start, alternate 5 minutes walking with 5 minutes running / jogging.  Of course, work on increasing the time running and decreasing the time walking, over time.

-start off short.  If you can run/walk for 20 to 30 minutes, after a few weeks add 5 minutes a day to your workout.  After that, add 5 minutes a day per week until you're up to 60 minutes, which is a pretty good target duration for just about everyone.  And frankly, when it comes to weight loss, it doesn't happen until you're at and above the 40 minutes / day level for running.

-think about all the things you enjoy doing, and envelope your running in those things.  I mentioned friends, above, but maybe you really like "alone time."  Music, the outdoors, distance, goals, time, competition, whatever.

-if you do get into to it a bit, consider getting Runner's World magazine; it's really geared, for the most part, to the novice runner.  

Regards,

Phil