Exactly as the subject says- or, atleast, close enough.

Here's the deal; I've quit swimming as my sport of choice for the time being, as I'd like to branch out a little and try something new. I'm considering running, even though I'm akward and out of shape at the moment (5'9", 145lbs, 16 year old female who does a mile in 10-11 minutes if that helps). I've done biking, swimming, karate/tae kwon do in the past and I thought that since I've been able to drastically change my body by doing these in the past (went from lazy boob to biker last winter, sloth to swimmer in the summer) I could do the same with running. I'd like to be in good running condition for the track team this spring, so I have a few months to get into decent shape, so any help would be awesome.

As for motivation, I'm a little lackluster in that part- I'm not sure what to expect, as my running experiences in the past were either in PE (which I enjoyed, surprisingly, but I was on the track so it was low-impact and I was 20 pounds lighter) or uncomfortable (running on concrete in 80-90 degree weather), so if you have any ideas on how I could make it more enjoyable I would greatly appreciate it. I could go to the gym for $2 and run on the treadmill, another method I enjoy, but being as how I'm a poor teenager that option would quickly be exhausted. I'm planning on running in the mornings as soon as I get used to it being dark at 6 in the morning.

Anyhow, long story short: Any tips for a beginning runner on how to get into decent shape and learn to enjoy the difficult activity of running?

Thanks in advance!

I think it is importnat that you don't do too much too fast. I a lot of people think that they should go out there and automaticly be able to run 2 or 3 miles at a time. These people are more likely to quit running because it is really hard for them and frustrating.

What I reccomend is the couch potateo to 5K program on coolrunning.... www.coolrunning.com I know you already are in somewhat shape, but this is a good way to slide into running. Another suggestion, join the cool running message board. Its similar to this one, but its all about running. On days I really don't want to go out there and run, I find it really motivating to go on there and read about other people running.

Good luck! :hamster:

i basicly started with a run/walk program. run a bit, walk a bit, run a bit, walk a bit. and then i found that the running a bit got longer and longer. it worked for me anyway.

also, you may want to figure out that you're not fatter, but probably more musclar. swimming and biking build a lot of muscle, and 5-9, 145 at 16 sounds really healthy to me. So, don't worry about the numbers, just enjoy the movement.

I think you should start out on the elliptical machine at the gym to get your legs used to the running motion without being so hard on your knees (not to mention your boobs don't bounce as much).

I read somewhere that running on concrete is better than running on a treadmill, but I completely forgot why.

What I reccomend is the couch potateo to 5K program on coolrunning.... www.coolrunning.com


This link didn't work :confused:

Hmm. Thats weird. It works now. The website must have been down or something for a little while....Once in a while I'll have trouble with the site too.


Here is a direct link to the training program that I was talking about http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

For me, it also helps to have a training plan because then I have something I need to stick with as opposed to just going out there whenever I feel like running..I'm less likely to do it then.

There are two things that helped me to love running all over again. First, running mountain bike trails near my house had several benefits: soft ground, nice things to look at, shade on sunny days, wind breaks on windy days and nature nature nature!!! Several times I have been running and had a dear run along with me through the woods. Second, find a friend to run with. You don't necessarily have to run together, but having someone to meet up with gives you a sense of responsibility (i.e. I have to go, so and so will be waiting on me). When I started running this spring I could not go 2 miles without walking. Last weekend I ran 2 hours before I had to walk. Build up slow like CaptainSwab said and by track season you will be amazed. Good luck!!!