begining to run maybe

[wavedancer]

I am a new runner also and found the Couch to 5K walk/run program helpful. I have not been able to progress at the rate they suggest because of some new painful muscle/ligament issues that popped up. I took a break when the hip started acting up and looked into Chi Running. I have done 2 workshops and think I have figured out why I was experiencing some ligament strain. I never thought I would be able to run (knee issues), but if we start gradually and learn to run with good form, we should be able to do that 5K!

[OakLeaf]

You'll find a lot of Chi Running enthusiasts here. Injury prevention is a very valid concern, and Chi Running plus a good shoe fitting are very helpful on that front.

[Aggie_Ama]

Hi Donna! When I started running a few years back I was lucky to make .25 miles on the treadmill. I would set mini goals for my self like "Today I will do x number of minutes, walk and then x number minutes." Or simply just walk and then do a set amount. I wasn't running fast but I just kept challenging myself to go a little further, usually just 10-25 more seconds. I was starting from a very sedentary life and believe me it hurt like crazy when I started.

I built from those little .25 miles to doing 6-7 miles. Organized events are a lot of fun and really get you excited. Just watch for flyers, for instance we are having a 5k to benefit the high school in my own neighborhood. You won't find it on Active.com or anything but there was flyers around town and ads in the paper.

[VeloVT]

I'd add one more thing... sometimes the treadmill is harder than running outside. This is partly for motivational reasons (treadmill is WAY more boring), but I find that strangely, I am considerably faster outside, even on hilly terrain. People are different in this regard (some find treadmilll easier than outside, others harder), but now that the weather's getting nicer it's worth trying some runs outside... You might find it's easier and it's definitely more enjoyable. I'm a type-A runner and will never walk if I'm running by myself unless I have a serious injury (like a sprained ankle or heatstroke), but my BF is very decidedly on the other end of the spectrum and when we run together, we walk for a block or two in the middle of every run (at the half way point), plus if either of us has any minor wimpy discomfort . It's a nice treat. It's definitely worth finding a training buddy if you can. I like to do a lot of running on my own, but it's totally different to run with someone and it makes the time go by faster even when you're running slower than you would by yourself. It can make it much easier to get out the door too.

[Wahine]

DDH - I don't have a lot of advice to add. All the others here have told you a lot... good shoes, form, more calories... But I did want to send out my support. Starting a running program is hard and good on you for having the guts to try.

And I wanted to share this story...

I knew a lady who in her early 60's was trying to catch her bus and wasn't able to run to get there on time. She was a nurse and was overweight. She became upset with herself for allowing her body to get so out of shape. So she started to walk. Then she added in short runs... "Maybe today I can run from this lamp post to the next one"... and she just kept adding lamp posts. She ran her first marathon when she turned 70.

You really can do this.

[Sprocket's Mom]

DDH I suggest that you get a copy of The Slow Fat Triathlete. While I know you're not planning on doing any tris, the whole opening part of the book is about how the author got started by walking....then jog/walking....then jogging....then running!! She's so great about sharing her experiences in a real and honest way. It's very motivating and inspiring. You could also go to her website which has many other great stories. http://www.slowfattriathlete.com/
I might also suggest that in order to try out different shoes (if you don't have access to any good local shops) would be to get a membership to road runner sports. If you have a membership with them (annual fee) you can try out the shoes (even outside) for 30 or 60 (I can't remember) days and still return them. No more wearing them around the house and trying to decide if they will in fact actually work outside!
Good luck and just try to enjoy yourself.

[Deborajen]

Hey Donna -

What you have in mind is totally doable. I started running about six years ago shortly after starting Weight Watchers. I ended up losing 25 pounds - and gained a lot in fitness.

Just ease into the running - set a series of small goals --

Seeing a dietitian or nutritionist is a good idea. Running is a good workout, and you'll have to eat to fuel. With Weight Watchers, I upped my points a little bit if I lost too much weight over a week (do keep the weight loss gradual - it's much more likely to stay off), but you do have to keep a protein/carbs balance for energy and staying power. My blood sugar tends to run a little low, so I ended up going to a dietitian once I got up to running an hour at a time. She helped me balance things out, plus she recommended a good book - "Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook."

Running is a great sport - welcome aboard! Keep at it. There will be ups and downs, but I think you'll be pleased overall.

Deb

[teigyr]

Hi Donna - I just wanted to second and third what everyone has said here. You CAN do this! I think running is such a great workout and it will condition you very well. I notice more of a difference with running than I do with any other workout plus it tends to give me a lot more energy.

I think you're not eating enough or are perhaps eating things that your body doesn't want to process properly. I read a thread from someone who is Very Active who had trouble losing weight until she learned more about what her body needed and what it didn't like.

I really think you will enjoy running! I recommend compression tights especially if your joints hurt a bit, good shoes and socks, and (of course) a good workout bra. I use a HRM and like that too...initially I just watched the calories burned build up and up but now I use it for practical things.

The last great thing about running is that it is SO portable. You can travel and take your running shoes. It doesn't take forever to get ready to run AND...your running shoes don't get flats