just starting out

[han-grrl]

I just started running when i was laid off back in March. I have to say i loved it! it just clears my mind. I started off with a short walk run walk run routine (5 min of each) and added a couple of minutes every few days when i was comfortable. I am happy to say that now i can run for 20 minutes with a 2 minute break in between. hurray! ok so i am not going for distance or anything but last year at this time i couldn't even run 1 km! I would like to try a Duathlon in the fall and maybe a 5 km run. any advice for this rookie?

Han-grrl

[beth]

well from one runner to another.....running is a great stress relief.. especially for me...I am an epileptic who uses running to calm down after a stressful week...
I know you can run a 5k know!!!!!
I am participating in my 4th marathon in washington dc this october....and if I can do it.......anyone can!!!!
I am with you if you need any help.....
alway remember that the lioness is the hunter of the pride...and we are the lioness....keep up the great work...
little beth:D

[han-grrl]

Hi Beth

thanks for the words of encouragement and advice. I think i am going to sign up for a race in the next day or two. i just have to pick which one!

Han

[Trixiee]

Hi Han,

I just completed my very first duathlon- a women's only duathlon!

Check out www.multisportcanada.com, or www.trisportcanada.com

Both have some events coming up this fall.

I'm participating in the Windsor Triathlon weekend in 6 days!
This one will be the ultimate test of my endurance - 3 K run, 30K bike and a 6 K run.

The biking is my strength. I fully expect to walk/slow jog the final 6 K! But - I am not going to quit!!

I also am going to do the Niagra-on-the-Lake Duathlon coming up in September.

I too, just started running last fall, but didn't keep it up over the winter, and basically had to start all over agin this spring. I did the run 1 telephone pole, walk to the next, etc...

Yesterday I ran 10 K. The first 5 k I cut 5 minutes off my fisrt 5 K run in April!! I'm still very, very slow, but I refuse to give up! Everyone's a coach - telling me to take longer strides, swing my arms more, etc., etc., but rare are those who will run with me!

I find great solace in my running and biking. I figure I'm already a winner, no matter what my times are, because I have gotten my self off the couch!

Good luck Han! Maybe we'll meet at a duathlon sometime!

[alpinerabbit]

I started last year, also while out of work and recovering from a bout of depression. It has done a lot for my self-esteem, and I think it allowed me to start out on rather strenuous rides as I just got my nice bike what, 6 weeks ago.

I started with a 15-minute loop and can now do 45 minutes of a longer loop, recently added a detour with a bit of elevation in between. I much prefer running in the cold, down to about 0°C.

Today I went out on my usual flat route, for once wearing my polar belt to see how I am doing heart-rate wise.
I was really happy to see I was "in zone" all 30 minutes! And when running, I automatically know I am out of zone from how I am feeling. On the bike, I can hit 180 and still keep going. For a while at least...

If only I could do this for as long as cycling, and burn all those calories, but alas, my knees will tell me off for it. Boy am I getting old. (32 LOL!)

[jjules]

u could check out cool running on their site they have a couch to 5km program