Hi Everybody,
I'm thinking of introducing running to my exercise schedule, as I know it can be a great workout. I'm not a good runner and don't really have the endurance, so I'm thinking starting small would be best. Especially because I'm self-conscious running outside and because I hate the treadmill! Still, I'd like to try both.
If I were to use the treadmill - What do you think would be a good distance or time to start, and at what speed? How often to do it? I tried the treadmill about 2 weeks ago, and could only do 15 minutes. Would starting at 10 minutes and adding 30 or 60 seconds each time be a good idea?
Eventualy I'd like to move outside - ideally, I'd like to replace a morning commute to the gym with a run in the park on days when I don't need to go downtown. How comfortable do I need to be on the treadmill before moving outdoors - i.e. how long/far should I be able to run?
Or, shall I forget the treadmill and just start running outside? What would be the best preparation? I was thinking of maybe doing a mix of running & brisk walking, with gradually increasing the time spent running.
There is a nice park very close to where I live, it's rather long and I could get a nice workout without it resembling laps. But I have no idea what the distance is.
Another thing - I know some people run there every morning (I've seen them on my way to the bus), and they all seem advanced, so I'm feeling a bit self-conscious about going out there one morning and nearly passing out after 10 minutes or so....
Sorry that it's so many questions...