Runners: I have a question

[Kristine]

For all those pro (or wannabe pro http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif) runners out there:

How bad--or good, I guess--were you when you first started running?? I'm just getting into running, and I feel like I am really bad. So I was just wondering if everyone starts out not so good and improves or if it's just me. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[sherri]

Well, I have to tell you I was the worst when I started running (four years ago). I am in shape, always worked out, but was never good at running. But, when I met my husband I was determined to run with him. Going a mile was difficult for me, even though I had always exercised. I used to feel like I was going to have a heartattack or would get a terrible cramp after only running a few blocks!
Now, I run about 5 miles/day and I am actually pretty good. It just takes time and patience.
I don't know if you are a morning person, but when I exercise in the morning, I always seem to do better.

[lindrusso]

Wanna be checking in here.... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I've only been doing this a couple of months, but I have already seen improvement. I had absolutely NO tolerance for running - I was out of breath in such a short time!! Even though I could do a step aerobics class at pretty high intensity.

Anyway, I've already noticed a difference. I have gone from doing 30 sec run/30 sec walk intervals to doing 1 1/2 min run/30 sec walk intervals. I also managed to run 1/2 mile the other day, 4 minute break, ran another 1/2 mile. That's big for me!

Sherri - so glad you chimed in here - it gives me hope! I can't wait to reach the 5 mile mark!!! But, I'm still devoted to taking one baby step at a time because I know that trying too much at once would not be good.

[Nutmeg]

kristine--i can totally sympathize with you and hopefully my story will be very comforting. in general, i've always thought of myself as very unathletic. i only got into running the first time because i was depressed over the death of a family member. then i could run forever, it seemed, and not feel a thing. that lasted for awhile but eventually i exchanged running for the gym and then fell out of exercising regularly completely for a few years.

when i started running agin this time around, the differences were painfully apparent. i'm pretty young--27--lead a generally healthy lifestyle but to run just five minutes seemed impossible. but i stuck with the "from couch potato to 5k" plan from runner's world which i HIGHLY recommend and signed up for the YMCA race (thanks to this bb!) and got back into it. for a long time, the best i could do was run for 1 1/2 and walk for 1 1/2 for about 20-25 minutes. then i had this major breakthrough (and jumped from like week 2 to week 4) and was alternating running 3-5 min. with with walking 1 1/2 min. but the last two times i've gone running, i've been able to run 10 and 5 min. at a time with walking 1 1/2 min. for 30 min.!! i never thought just a month ago that i'd be running that long!! my first 5k is this saturday, and frankly, i probably won't be able to run the whole thing, but i feel so much better about my running and seeing how my body is improving that i'm just excited to be doing it.

hope that helps! this bb is full of great motivation for us runner wannabes http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Laura]

I still consider myself a beginning runner basically because I have been so inconsistent of late. I started running 2 years ago because I wanted to do a sprint triathlon. When I first started out, I could run 9 minutes then would walk for 5 and then run for 9. I HATED every minute of it starting out. But truly, if you keep at it, I see increases in cardiovascular health faster with running then with any other type of exercise. I am now (finally) back to the point where I am running 3 miles regularly and enjoying. I am hoping to build to 6 miles over the summer. All that being said, I still have days when my legs feel like cement and my lungs are aching for air, but I don't think you will get that feeling of accomplishment from many other forms of exercise. My best advice start out slow. Once you build up your endurance you can work on speed. Also, don't go for distance right now, just go for time. You will receive a ton of support here. Best wishes.

[Kristine]

Thanks guys for your encouragement. I've always been in quite good shape, and alot of things come pretty easy for me, so it just kinda bugs me that I can't just go out and run really well--haha http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif. I can currently run about 1.5 miles without stopping and am hoping to steadily improve on that. I am going to sign up for a 5K race in July, so hopefully that will provide some motivation. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[emilycat]

Kristine,

I just wanted to add a bit (or a lot http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif )-- I, too, had always been in good shape; I danced, was a gymnast, played tennis, etc. I always kicked butt on the hiking trail. But running is something else entirely. In my opinion, it takes a greater amount of cardiovascular endurance than almost any other sport, and many people's bodies don't adapt to that right away.
I read the greatest quote one time off the back of this guy's t-shirt in a race I was running in February. "Our sport's so tough, it's your sport's punishment." It's so true, I think.
I hated running when I wasn't doing it regularly. I thought I was terrible at it; I struggled through a couple miles for tennis practice, and since I had so many other activities to keep me busy, running was never something I just "did." Then when I dropped dancing so intensely after I graduated from highschool (5 years ago), I started running.
That said, I think what made me love it was the fact that it didn't seem as hard as I thought once I started really running. It was really just a sort of challenge at first, to see how far I could go in between walking intervals. I remember how suprised I was the first time I ran 3 miles consecutively, because it seemed I'd just reached two. And then five quickly followed, I abandoned the track (because it started to get pretty dang boring) and the love affair began http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
You just have to find your zone -- once it clicks with you, you'll wonder you ever thought it so hard.

[SusanMac]

Emilycat, you bring up a good point. It seems like everyone has a difference running preference that their body adapts to best. I know people who only run the track, or treadmills, but mentally I can't handle either (I get bored quickly). I used to only run roads, then discovered trail running, which is now my favorite. It took me a while to get used to the rocky ground, but now I really feel most comfortable running trails (there are less people, the trees are very relaxing, you often have hills, it's great!)

Kristine -- hang in there, and be sure to try a few different surfaces/environments when you run. Hopefully you'll find one that sticks

[Kerri]

SusanMac - I think I would love trail running, but I would be so afraid of ankle sprains. Do trail running shoes give you extra support to prevent this? I have always wondered that.

[makedah]

Kristine, I've been running for almost a year. I was terrible when I started and I'm still no good! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif BUT, I'm a lot better than I used to be. I'm a poor runner, but I enjoy the challenge. And there's nothing like that runner's high. I have asthma and I was sedentary when I started the Couch to 5K plan from http://kicksports.com/new/couch.shtml . Then, I could barely run 30 seconds. Now, I run about 40 min. on an average run, and at least 20 on a bad day.

A warning about signing up for a 5K. Be sure that you are mentally/physically prepared to race. I signed up for a 5K for the last week of May and ended up not doing it because of illness and also because I just couldn't deal with the possibility of coming in last and even if that didn't happen, feeling that everyone else was faster than me. I believe it would have discouraged me from running every again. So, don't just sign up for a race because you think it's something you should do. I've decided that I won't sign up for any races for another year, at least. And maybe not even then.

That said, you are still a better runner than that person still on the couch!

[makedah]

Browneye,

Experienced runners do 5, 6 even 7 runs a week. Beginners should NOT. You are just courting injury if you run more than 3-4 times a week. As a beginner, you should run every other day, so it sounds like you have a great plan. I really recommend that you visit www.kicksports.com (http://www.kicksports.com) for more information. They have great info for beginners, and a bulletin board that's as happening as this one where you can get lots of advice.

Laura is right about the treadmill. It is easier than running outdoors. 1% incline is the standard setting to approximate wind resistance outdoors. It may also feel easier if running on it is softer than running on the pavement outside. Another thing I notice is that I tend to run faster when there are other people around (pride, I guess! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif ), and that can cut your endurance.

[RobinC]

A beginning runner here!

On the advise of a co-worker, I got a book called The Beginning Runner's Handbook: The Proven 13-week Walk/Run Program, by Ian Macneil.

I am a big girl who has been trying to get more exercise and get into a regular fittness routine. I had often thought about running, but felt really intimidated. I've been walking pretty regularly, but wanted to "kick it up a notch."

After the first training session from this book (alternate 30 seconds running 4 minutes walking 7 times) I felt great! I actually lasted 35 minutes on the treadmill! I came away feeling very positive about myself.

I highly reccommend this book to anyone who is even thinking about hitting the pavement (or treadmill http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

[This message has been edited by RobinC (edited 06-02-2001).]

[browneye]

I have some questions too. I recently started "beginning running 101", thanks to this BB and had some questions:

I am doing alternating run/walk intervals. I usually run outside, but did the treadmill last Sunday. I noticed on the treadmill, I went 3minutes run/1 minute walk with no problem. However, I was in San Diego for business on Wednesday, so I ran down on the wharf (flat) but could only do 1.5 minutes running/1 minute walking. It felt hard! Is it really that much easier to run on a treadmill?

Next question: I am averaging 3 run/walks per week. I do strength training 2X week. Is this enough running to get me running well? or do I need to increase the frequency?
I would appreciate your help. I am trying hard to keep this going. I really am finding I like running, but it's difficult for me. I feel like a spaz. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Laura]

Originally posted by browneye:
Is it really that much easier to run on a treadmill? This is what I think about the treadmill. I personally think it is easier except when factoring in speed. I usually run 9:30 to 10:00 minute mile. When I try to run that on a treadmill I am running muchfaster than when I run outside. They (RW) say to equate the effort expended on a treadmill you should set the incline at 1%.

With respect to the amount of days you are running, I am no expert. However in RW they had an article on doubling your endurance. I am trying to go from 3 to 6 miles. In that case the program has me running 4 days and going for a 45 to 60 minute walk on one other day. 3 is probably the minimum you would want to do. But do whatever works. It is great that you are out there and enjoying it.

[djoygirl]

You guys are all highly inspiring. I've been running sporadically for about a year now, after taking several years off (about 7). I found it very hard to get back into, even though I was in reasonably good shape.

I recently ran my first 5K event since high school, and was thrilled that I did the entire thing without stopping! It was the farthest I'd run at one time since I started back. Since then, I haven't done it again.

For me, I found running with such a large group of people so much fun. It's much more motivating for me than just running solo.

I appreciate all of the good ideas that you guys throw out http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[browneye]

I just wanted to say thanks... for all the help here.

Makedah, I visited kicksports web site and found great info there! I am doing the "couch potato to 5k" program and am loving it!

This week is going well. I have to hold myself back from running every day, I really like it!