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[lisas3575]

Just took my first (un)run... Made me want to ralph (sorry, Ralph, nothing personal). I'm so out of shape it's discouraging. I could run about a minute and then had to walk for 5. Made me dizzy and gave me an earache too. Sigh.

Send me some encouragement!

I think I found the pair of running shoes I want:
http://www.gijoes.com/product/index....entPage=family

I also found a really helpful shoe buying guide for a beginner like me:
http://www.gijoes.com/info/index.jsp...Type=infosport

[wallycat]

STICK WITH IT....the first time I attempted "aerobic" movement, I had to run up and down my 6 stairs in my apartment...and managed a full MINUTE. After 3 weeks, I progressed to "around the block" and could barely walk that ....mind you, I was 21 years old!!!
in several months, I was able to jog 15 miles at a time....

Read some good books (and the posts here) about making sure to take it slow, wear the right shoes....and remember that mileage is not as important as simply getting out there and staying out there to remain healthy.

[Star]

You are fantabulous for breaking your chains and getting out there!!! The roads are always open and it is not a race to be the best. Do what you can and love yourself for that. From one runner to the next...great job and keep it up!
~Diona

[SusanT]

If you get nauseous when you run, try running on an empty stomach. I can't do any very strenuous exercise with food or drink other than water on my stomach. I had a cup of coffee before spin class and got so nauseous I had to step out of class for a few minutes.

It does get easier the more you do it and you'll soon be running with less discomfort and even feel good after a run.

I can't run at all anymore because of knee problems and I envy anyone who can run. I miss it very much. I was never very fast but it brought a joy and peace to me that I've only experienced again in yoga and swimming. Being out on the road on a beautiful spring day or running a trail... there's nothing like it. Moving reminds us of the pure happiness we felt when we were kids running in the back yard. How often do you get to feel like a kid again?

Love running because it's hard - the victories like running your first mile nonstop are hard won and are sweeter because of the effort. Love it because you can can run and feel the wind in your face and the pavement beneath your feet and hang in there because it's worth it.

[wallycat]

SusanT, that was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
It brought me back to those wonderful running days!!!!!
I too can no longer run (at least not 15 miles at a crack) because of knee pain/car accident. You described it so perfectly.

[djoygirl]

Lisa, you should be commended just for getting started. Good for you! It WILL get easier as you go along. Just stick with it. One thing: make sure when you start off, you're going really slow. It's very easy to start off too fast, especially as a beginner. Keep up the good work!

[LaraW]

Lisa, hang in there!!! You will get better as you incease your endurance. I have begun jogging this winter, and I am not kidding, I could only do 2 laps on the track (very small track by the way) and I just stuck with it. Now I can do 11 laps before I have to walk.

You're great!!! Just do this - get your bread machine out before you run, and set it up to make some bread. Then you'll have a treat when you get back!!

[Natasha]

Lisa,

Hang in there! I agree wholeheartedly with everything that Susan has so eloquently said. I used to run track as a kid, but thought for years that I hated distance running. Turned out I was not scheduling my meals/snacks properly for distance running. As soon as I got that squared away, I learned something: that distance running is one of my most favourite things to do in the whole wide world!! So experiment with your meals and your new shoes, gear, etc. and give it a try a bit longer. Also, running is quite pounding on the body and it sometimes takes it a while for new runners to adjust to jostling up and down so frequently and rapidly.

Susan, I m sorry to hear that you can t run anymore. I had injuries for most of last year and it was so difficult to not be able to run. But it sounds like you keep yourself active and happy in a lot of other ways, so more power to you!! Hope your world dance class is going well, BTW.

Natasha

[lisas3575]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the encouragement. I'll give it a go again today before I eat lunch, and bring some kind of ear warmers or something.

I wasn't able to get the shoes I wanted (long, frustrating, bad customer service story) but I did get a different pair of New Balance shoes and a Champion jogbra.

[jd]

hi lisas3575 - you should definitely be encouraged ... the running program last year started with running 30 seconds out of every 5 minutes and that was tough for me! The program increased the running segment by 30 seconds every week, but I increased 15 seconds at a time. Sounds like you are on your way to a healthy running/walking program. Keep up the good work!

[lisas3575]

I ran/walked again yesterday and did ok-- I didn't get nauseous, thanks for the tip about going on an empty stomach, Susan. I ran yesterday even though my thighs were aching.... today I could barely walk with these sore muscles. Pathetic, huh. I decided that I needed to stay in the groove though, so I took the dogs for a low-intensity walk, intending to do my 2.25 mile route, but about two blocks into it my heel started hurting and I knew there was a blister coming on. Cut my walk short, needless to say! Plus, it was freeeeeezing here today. I'm glad I got out there though, and the ache in my thighs didn't bother me after a bit.

I really want to be timing my run/walk ratio, but I don't have a stopwatch or anything. I guess I should pick one up. I'm really cheap!

I so much appreciate everyone's kind words! I probably would have quit by now if it wasn't for everyone's support.

Is anyone else a new runner? (I can't even really call myself that!!!)

[LaraW]

Lisa, you ARE stretching before/after your run/walks, aren't you? That's what I thought!!