I need help from emilycat, natasha, other runners...

[kwormann]

Well, the trainer at Ballys just said the dreaded words to me..."your body is used to walking, you will need to change (possilby jogging?) to boost your metabolism....

I have tried to run before...my chest hurts 1/5 miles in...the farthest I have been able to go without feeling my heart was bursting out and catching on fire is 1 mile.

How do I get that feeling to go away????

kim

[Natasha]

Hi Kim,

Don t worry; you re obviously fit, as I know you walk a lot. It won t take too long to get into jogging if you persevere. But - my first question is: do you use other cardio machines (e.g., elliptical trainer, stairclimber) at the gym? Those work your heart in much the same way as running does, so there s no need for you to start jogging or running if you really dislike it. You could always start using those machines on a more regular basis, and I bet you d see results. My second question is: do you do any weight training? Regular weight training also boosts your metabolism. I ve found the physical trainers at the gym to be very helpful for people getting started with weight training, and there are also several people on this board who could help you out.

If you decide to try jogging, you ll probably want to take it easy in the beginning, and to take walk breaks as needed. In fact, you could start with mostly walking with short running breaks (say 3-5 minutes walking followed by 1 minute jogging, then 3-5 more minutes walking, and so on), and gradually increasing the time spent running and correspondingly decreasing the time spent walking. Oh, yes, it s also a good idea to go for a physical before intensifying one s workouts or significantly increasing one s workout time.

But rather than go on and on (which I could and do, when I talk about running) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif , I would like to mention the wonderful people at http://www.runnersworld.com . They are in a far better position than I to offer advice for beginning runners. If you go there, you will see a whole section (in the menu at the left of the home page screen) on Getting Started, with info on building up, motivation, and so on. I just had a look and it seems very comprehensive! Please feel free, though, to ask if you have any more questions or need any motivation. Hope it goes well for you and that you come to enjoy it. Keep us posted!! Probably Emily and everyone else will also have some good tips for you. You can boost that metabolism!!!



[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 11-28-2000).]

[Gina O]

Kim- Five weeks ago, I was literally sitting on the sofa... I have always been somewhat active, but no specific exercise program at all and could not go up a flight of stairs without feeling slightly winded. Today I ran for 27 of 31 minutes following a program from Runner's World. Like Natasha, I highly recommend the site and all of their publications.

The program I am using is from Runner's World "Complete Book of Running". It starts off with walking. As you are already doing that, Week 1 is Run 2 minutes, walk 4 minutes for 5 cycles (each work out is 30 minutes). It recommends doing this on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You increase each Monday. I am currently on Week 6, with 3 weeks to go until I am running for 30 minutes non-stop. If you want the entire program, I can post it or email it to you. Gina

[emilycat]

Well, girls, I think you've covered everything off the top of my head, and more I wouldn't have thought of.

But, just for the sake of reinforcement,

a) like Natasha said, definitely don't run if you hate it...elliptical machines and classes like spinning, kickboxing, can give you an awesome workout if running just isn't your cup of tea. That said, running is absolutely the biggest calorie burner, and I can't say enough good things about it.

b) I can't say enough about Runner's World! Whether you scope out the site, pick up a few copies of the magazine, or check out the book Gina mentioned, it can help you sooo much. I really couldn't even begin to list off the enormous amount of information and advice I've gleaned from that publication...and I am truly not exaggerating in the least.

c) Like both Natasha and Gina said, a run/walk program is the way that countless runners start running...when I picked it up, I alternated miles at the track until I was doing more and more running, and then finally no walking. After I hit about 5 miles, I started to feel like a gerbil and hit the roads. Not to say at all that you shouldn't start out on roads...I just preferred the flatness of the track...then again, you live in Houston, so hills may not be a problem... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Really, don't despair about feeling breathless at first. I didn't start running until my senior year of highschool, and until that point, I snubbed my nose at it (because I sucked at it and thought it was a horrid punishment) I was fit, as well; I danced 5-6 days a week and was a cheerleader and tennis player, but running really takes a different kind of endurance. I promise, like Natasha said, you're obviously in good shape, you'll get the hang of it. Your metabolism maybe just needs a little wake-up call. Go for it! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[kwormann]

Thanx for all of the advice! You guys are great! I am going to try to run, knowing there are other options out there if I dont like it..the only thing is, I prefer to do weights at the gym, and do cardio outside (this time of year, at least, when Houston is bearable).

I will defintely check out the website!

Kim (the runner???) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

[BernK]

I completed the same program that Gina did. I can't say enough about it. It gave me a real boost. I am now working on the 10k program. I agree with Emily, Runners World is great. It is very motivating.

[Natasha]

Hi Kim,

You might also enjoy http://www.newrunner.com and http://www.womens-running.com , both presented by Runners World! Bye now!

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 12-01-2000).]

[kwormann]

Thanks Natasha...I cant wait to check them out!

Kim