How to Start Running????

[CountessKerouac]

Hey all,

I know a lot of you run and I wanted some advice on maybe how to start. I do go to the gym, but I have little experience with running outdoors. Any advice would be appreciated! :D

[CaptainSwab]

Go to www.coolrunning.com and look up their couch potateo to 5k program. Lots of people on that forum swear by the couch to 5k.

The basics behind it is that you start slow by alternating 60 seconds running with 60 seconds walking and then you gradually build up until you can run 3.1 miles with no breaks. Take a look at their training program and see what you think.



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

[nkuvu]

I'm really tempted to make a smart aleck remark such as "well put one foot in front of the other, then do it fast, and all of a sudden, you're running." But I doubt that's what you meant, so I won't make a comment like that.

But I will mention that when I started running, one thing that helped a lot was when I bought good running shoes. They made the whole running thing a lot more comfortable.

[CountessKerouac]

Thanks for the link Captain!

I'm not a couch potato, but I have little tolerance for running. I can only run 5 minutes straight on the treadmill without dying...but, yet I can do 45 minutes straight on an elliptical. Go figure.

[Jinga]

I used to alternate running with walking, eventually building up the amount of time running and decreasing the walking time. I'd tell myself I was going to run a set amount of time total and just kept going until I finished that time ... even if I had to walk twice as long.

[freemouse]

I used to alternate running with walking, eventually building up the amount of time running and decreasing the walking time. I'd tell myself I was going to run a set amount of time total and just kept going until I finished that time ... even if I had to walk twice as long.

That's exactly how I started (still do)!!! You can just start to walk to places and eventually you will be like "man....this walking's gonna take forever, let's jog a bit...." and before you know it, you are jogging more and more .

I still like to alternate run/walk because I last longer that way and my knees NEVER get tired out or anything.

:vebo:

[Jes]

I just got back into running and I love it! It's really a way to compete with myself. Every run, I can push myself a little bit harder and every run I can really see the results. Just remember to set small goals and build up.

That said, I'm off to a 5 mile turkey trot in just a few minutes. I hate to say it, but I'm terrified.

Let us know how it goes, okay?

Jes

[Marie]

I'm really tempted to make a smart aleck remark such as "well put one foot in front of the other, then do it fast, and all of a sudden, you're running." But I doubt that's what you meant, so I won't make a comment like that.

hehe.. me too.

[Atlanta Newbie]

Start slow and build up gradually, giving yourself plenty of time to adjust. Err on the side of caution. The worst thing you can do is bite off too much at once, get frustrated, and quit. And make good use of treadmills. They are wonderful tools in building up your endurance. Best of luck. :)

[CaptainSwab]

I still like to alternate run/walk because I last longer that way and my knees NEVER get tired out or anything.

:vebo:

Me too. I would never be able to run the distances I do without taking short breaks once in awhile. It helps the mental aspect of running when you look forward to one every now and then.

[PigLover]

Go to www.coolrunning.com and look up their couch potateo to 5k program. Lots of people on that forum swear by the couch to 5k.

The basics behind it is that you start slow by alternating 60 seconds running with 60 seconds walking and then you gradually build up until you can run 3.1 miles with no breaks. Take a look at their training program and see what you think.



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

Thank you so much for this link, CS. I've been looking for a program like this and am going to be starting it next week. It looks really good!

[CaptainSwab]

Thank you so much for this link, CS. I've been looking for a program like this and am going to be starting it next week. It looks really good!

You should also look into their forums. In the Newbie Cafe forum they usually have a support group for people who are working on the couch to 5k. The support group really helps a lot of people. :)

[CountessKerouac]

Pig, I'm going to do it too! Yay!

Question: Why does running take more out of me than the ellipticals? I don't get it. I can go forever and ever on an elliptical or walking...but, running---forget about it, I'm famished in like a minute. Anyone else experience this?

[CaptainSwab]

I could be making this up, but I think that running uses differnt mucles.

It is also a higher impact activity.

Plus you've been working out on an ellipitical for a long time and not running. :) I have the opposite problem, I think the ellipitical is harder. :yes:

[gkleinman]

Buy and read:
No Need for Speed : A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running by John Bingham

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1579544290/

It's proabably the best book about running and how ANYONE can run. There are a TON of 'plans' out there, but what's very important is to have the right mindset so it'll be something you stick with.

[chiaraluna]

I think that I'm going start their program tomorrow... Good luck to all of you others just starting! :)

[MezzoEmi]

I just started running again in the past couple days and just had to MAKE myself do it. Results happen so quickly, to be honest, and it feels so great. I just tell myself, "Okay, run from this point to this other point, then you can walk a bit" and depending on how I feel once I reach that goal, I may keep running. Today's run, for example, was awesome. I kept thinking I was gonna stop and walk a bit, but kept realizing, "hey, I don't really NEED to...let's go a bit further." By the time I got back home and completed my course, I realized I just ran 3 miles straight. :D

[ampersand]

I'd reccomend "The Runner's Handbook" by Bob Glover. I picked that up a few weeks after I started running, and it is jam-packed with tons of info. Not just a beginner's program, but also how to increase your mileage from there. Plus, a comprehensive chapter on stretching. I also lurk around on the Runner's World Forums over at www.runnersworld.com