Finally... I'm becoming a runner!

[CherryBlossom]

So about a half year ago I got into the idea that maybe I need more cardio. Basically I'm in good shape - I have a very low BMI and a healthy weight. I was told to not lose weight but I could stay in shape and tone up. Well I met this guy who was a tri-athelete and totally inspired me to run. He said I had the body for it and could do really well if I stuck with it. So, I decided to try it out. I was a smoker at the time (AHH bad bad). Seriously, I would run for 20 minutes- walk for 5 min then run for 5 and walk for 5 etc.. I sucked. I got so tired and out of breathe SO FAST. I asked for advice and was told that the first 10 minutes are the WORST and once you get past those, everything normalizes and running gets easier. I stuck to that idea...

I quit smoking but quit running too for a few months.

My new boyfriend has Diabetes type 1. In my efforts to keep him healthy, we got into a running program. Slowly but surely, each week, I make myself run a mile longer than I did the week before!! I hit a plateau where I can't bring it up a mile each week, so I'll do a half or quater mile. Let's just say, at this point (and it's a huge accomplishment for me), i've been able to run a straight 3 miles in 30 minutes!!! I then walked for 15 minutes after that just to rest my heart rate.

Anyway - I thought maybe I could meet up with some fellow runners and see what your advice is to keep bringing it up more!!

[healthnut32]

Be careful of injuries!! Make sure you have proper footwear-the extra cost is worth it. I love to run, but I have Patellofemoral Syndrome (Runner's Knee), and I may not be able to run for several more months.

[misq17]

I just wanted to offer a big congrats. I really admire the fact that you've been able to take up running. I've tried several times and I always end up giving up due to lack of motivation. Maybe I should try and pick it up again.

Great job! :hamster:

[goettling]

Running is such a high for me. Congrats. I am working my way back up for longer distance since I took way too much time off from it. Still do that walk run thing right now. Four miles a day is enough for me. I will never run long distance, but I love what I am doing now.

[karenlovessnow]

I'm jealous. I can walk and walk forever, jump on my trampoline for an hour, but every time I try to run, my legs kill me after 4-5 minutes. What's up with that? I also notice it if I walk up more than twelve stairs. By the thirteenth stair my legs hurt really bad. I have regular check ups and everything is supposed to be a.o.k. So no running for me but congratulations to you! Keep up the good work!

[RunsWithFoxes]

Proper goal-setting is the most important thing. The vast majority of runners are (sadly) obsessed with measuring their progress using distance and/or time. I measure my progress by how I feel during and after the run. A good run starts strong (yes, the first couple of laps are a bit unpleasant), continues strong, and ends strong. By ends strong, I mean that I feel like I could easily run another 5 miles (20 laps) with no problems. Just this morning I had an excellent run, and now I feel great. It has taken me quite a few years to get to this point, BTW.

Good luck!

P.S. Congrats on getting rid of those cancerettes :flush: :bobo:

[CherryBlossom]

thanks guys! ya i bought those Ascis Kayano shoes... the people at the store said they are the best for running. i used Nike Shox for a while but they are starting to run out and i think they are better for when i circuit train and not for running.

i agree you have to listen to your body - that's a HUGE thing.

[anappleaday]

3 miles in 30 minutes is really good. Congratulations on your progress and I wish you the best with your running.
It does take time to build up distance and speed. Keep us posted on your progress. :up:

[Cassiel]

Hey, if you want to touch base with some other really knowledgable runners, coolrunning.com has a great message board area similar to this one. There are some kooks, but mostly the people are really experienced and sensible. I visited those boards religiously 5 years ago when I first took up running, and the interaction with other runners has inspired me many times and they've answered a lot of questions. I now run 50 mpw and have done 2 marathons plus a bunch of other races, but I don't think I'd be here without those peoples' advice.
Congrats on having the courage to start. You rock. :D

[RunsWithFoxes]

>>
>> 3 miles in 30 minutes is really good.
>>
>> I now run 50 mpw and have done 2 marathons ...
>>
See?? The previous two runners exhibit the distance/speed fixation mentality that is so pervasive in the running world. Why is this fixation so common? A large number of psychological theories can be entertained, but it's really not important. Don't fall into this trap! :angel:

[Cassiel]

>>
>> 3 miles in 30 minutes is really good.
>>
>> I now run 50 mpw and have done 2 marathons ...
>>
See?? The previous two runners exhibit the distance/speed fixation mentality that is so pervasive in the running world. Why is this fixation so common? A large number of psychological theories can be entertained, but it's really not important. Don't fall into this trap! :angel:

While I won't contest that there is a pervasive numbers fixation in the running world, I will argue that my statement wasn't evidence of it in myself. I will state the mpw I do because it shows the level I'm at, which is much more advanced than I was when I started. I only mean to indicate how far I've come, and with the assistance of other knowlegable runners. Benchmarks are only important as far as they are important, but don't discount them. The human mind likes to see progress, for whatever reason. No, don't obsess, but don't discount the progress you've made either.

[anappleaday]

>>
>> 3 miles in 30 minutes is really good.
>>
>> I now run 50 mpw and have done 2 marathons ...
>>
See?? The previous two runners exhibit the distance/speed fixation mentality that is so pervasive in the running world. Why is this fixation so common? A large number of psychological theories can be entertained, but it's really not important. Don't fall into this trap! :angel:

Good grief. I am only being supportive here. I am a slow runner. I used to be slower. Hence the penguin runner under my username. I have always been and always be a slow runner and I am fine with that. If I ever ran a race, it wouldn't be for a trophy.
So, runswithfoxes, I do not have a fixation on distance and time. I get there when I get there. Many will get there before me and I might actually get there before some, but as long as we all do our best, then we're all doing a great job.
I am personally inspired by John Bingham. I recommend his book No Need for Speed. He also has his own website. His top ten list of You know you're a penguin when... is hilarious.

[NaturalChick]

It's hard to set goals for yourself and to monitor your progress if you don't have any measure of distance or speed.

Congratulations on your running! You're doing something great for your body!

[VegWithEdge]

Congrats, i just ran for the first time yesterday since my cross country season in the fall!! I forgot how exhilerating it was to feel the wind against my face :) I guess we are jumping into running at around the same time :) I only ran two miles yesterday but thats more than i thought i would do without stopping, i cant wait to get back up to six-eight mile runs!

[tofu_inmy_tummy]

Very nice! :pibo:
I'm a runner as well, to me, it's the best thing in the world.
Have fun! :up: