Hello, another re-joiner here. I re-gained weight last year and haven't done any races since last spring, so I decided to kick my butt into gear and signed up for a half-marathon on 5/24. I'll probably only be able to run outside on the weekends when I can run during daylight and weather permits (I don't run outside in the dark when I need to see the surface I'm running on to avoid snow/ice obstacles). I have a lot of treadmill miles to look forward to. (sooooo cold here right now!) Right now I'm doing 3 - 3.5 mile runs every other day (with elliptical or other cross-training cardio on non-running days), 10 - 11 min/mile pace. I'm going to be on vacation next week, hope I can get a little running in but I plan to get most of my exercise swimming in the warm ocean and strolling the beach. When I get back I'm going to start my "pre-training" schedule. I'm planning on doing this training schedule, hope I can keep up with running 5 days a week! I'll start week 1 the beginning of March.

Today is a single digit temp day (6-9 deg F) and I'm a little scared to go out there.I'm trying to work up the courage to do my run and I'm too stubborn to even attempt the treadmill, as crazy as that seems.

It's going to be hard to keep up with both this thread and the "1000 miles this year" thread too!! I totally respect you cold-weather runners -- I'm not sure if I could do it! When visiting relatives in Indiana over the holidays, I did one 5 mile run in 29 degree temps -- and there were parts of me that never did get warm. I can't even contemplate single digits.

We are still right in the middle of prime running race season here. I've got a 10K this Saturday and another half marathon a week from Sunday. I've almost lost the extra pie-pounds from the holidays, so hopefully I'll be back up to optimal optimal running form. We'll see how the 10K goes!

Happy running ....

Hey everyone, mind if I join in?

My current goal is to be able to run a 5k (without walking) by this summer. I started out doing the c25k program. The leap from 3 to 5 minutes of running however seemed daunting to me at the time so I have since gone off the program. I have been doing my own blend of the program.

Basically I just stretch and warm up for 5 minutes then see how long I can run... I walk 3 minutes then run at least 5, repeat, cooldown, stretch and voila! To my pleasant surprise the other night I ran for 8 minutes on my first running interval. I'm now **** bent on making that 10!

I think the problem I was initially having with running that that I did it so sporadically. I wouldn't run for like a week then I would think I could just magically pick up where I left. With the addition of new running shoes, thorlos, an ipod & nike+ sensor I am now proud to say that I am a lifer. I look forward to my runs. Im motivated and determined. I make time for them.

I look forward to talking with you ladies and soaking up all the tips and pointers I can, sharing in successes etc...

Nice runs Monday and today :) I think my pace is improving quite a bit. I am, however, starting to have some pain in the ball of my left foot, toward the outside, at the end of my run. It's not as bad as last week, so I'm hopeful. I'm bad, I run mostly on sidewalk, I have to plan a route to keep me on the asphalt.

Great to see some other runners here!

JackieRn - You are brave for going out in single digit temps! I won't even try it unless it's at least in the teens. I hate the treadmill, but I hate the cold more. :p The high tomorrow is supposed to be -7, if I had my way I wouldn't even leave the house.

MBN - Good luck with your upcoming races!

Stephanie - Sounds like you're doing great with c25k, and you've got some great sounding gear. I remember the first time I had a 20 min run interval I thought "no way" but somehow I managed. That was huge. Consistency with the training schedule and breathing really does help. ;)

JulieJ08 - Take good care of those feet. I run on sidewalk mostly as well (when I get to run outside that is). It's not so great on the joints, but I run in the wee hours of the morning or after work in the late evening and usually have my dog with me, so for safety's sake I have to stay out of the road. I wear a light and reflectors, but you can't trust everyone will see you. I absolutely love trail running by the lake or in the woods, but that's pretty much limited to weekend runs in the warmer months.

I did about a 32 min 5k this morning on the treadmill, so I'm getting closer to my pre-hiatus pace. The last mile was tough, my legs are tired! Must have been all those deep warrior poses in yoga class last night, I was feeling the burn in those thighs for sure!

I'm so happy to be on this thread again and I come with good news. Since the last time I posted - almost 2 weeks ago, I have already done almost 17 miles! I was saying that last year in June my pace was 2 miles in 22 min (all running). I never measured my pace for the first mile, because my "mini-goal" had been to run for 2 full miles.

Now my goal is to run a 5k, so 3 times a week I do my 3.2 miles and then some for "cool-down". I'm doing intervals of run (5.3-5.7 mph) - walk at 4mph, borrowing a lot from the c25k program, which did wonders for me last year.

Maybe it's the eagerness of the beginner, but I would like to add 2 more days of gym to the 3 days of running. What do you think would be the best cross-training? I kinda like weight lifting, but it's too boring to do more than 20-25 min. What else would help my running and maybe help me lose a little more wight - to help me run better faster :)?

RaluCat -- a well-rounded exercise program works cardio, strength training including core, flexibility and balance. You're getting cardio through running already. For the rest, it depends on what you like and what is available to you. Pilates is great for working the core. Yoga works flexibility, balance, and strength. Pushing weights increases strength. Adding more activity will help your weight loss and being more fit (and lighter!) absolutely does help you get faster. I also firmly believe that a good cross training program helps prevent injury.

I'm personally not a big fan of the weight machines, I think they're boring and work muscles too much in isolation. I prefer the more functional movements that free weights offer, and I like the camaraderie of the class environment, so I tend to do that. I also like to mix things up, and not get too much in a rut.

So maybe, just try out some different things and see what you enjoy most? If you like it, then you will stick with it. But, I would look for something that works strength, core, and flexibility (stretching) to balance out the running.

Oooh, I can't believe I'm on a runners' thread. THis is so exciting. I've always been athletic to some degree since my mid twenties, but I just haven't even considered running for years. I saw a cute movie the other night, about miracles and a boy, and it was all about him training for a marathon. That is what made me think "why not run?" So what if I'm in the middle aged bracket, doesn't matter. On Jan 14th I found a fun runner forum and I've been posting in the beginners hangout, and getting lots of encouragement. I have been advised to start with 1-minute intervals (run/walking for 20 minutes pretty much), and so that's what I'm doing. I'm running between rows of a vineyard that I normally walk past on my hour's hike with doggo almost every day. Now I'm just clocking myself for a few rows... and I've not felt this good in my head for 10 years, I swear. The usual soreness I wake up from , oh, the hike I do daily, one added task I did out of my routine the day before, just life, and most likely the 50 pounds I'm lagging around every minute (no wonder I love the computer, it's the only rest I get from lugging it around)

Anyway, here I am , :: chants "I am a runner" :: TRAINING TO RUN ! My goal for January is to be able to run 5-minute intervals between 2 or 3-minute walk intervals, for 20ish minutes. Not sure what my end goal is at this point, but to run about 20 minutes of my hour hike route, in the vineyard, and/or to be able to go out later for a second time, a brief 10 or 15 minute brisk jog. Having the ability in my life to be able to go out for a little run when I"m feeling a little anxious or low, it's the best medicine. I'm hooked, and only two days into this. :D

Welcome, Hermit Girl! You're definitely in tha place where we understand what you're saying about how good running feels!

I did my 3 miles this morning. Ran longer / more intervals than I had before, so I feel good about that.

Hi guys -
I've been running since 12/30 - starting off slow, still trying to settle into a good fit with my shoes. Bought them at a running store so they are helping me out. My feet are .5 size different so the right is the right size and the left is half a size big. I'm afraid I'm going to have to buy two pairs... The 8 is too big for the left foot, perfect for the right, the 7.5 is perfect for the left, too small for the right... :(

Wednesday night I did 4.5 miles, walked .5, ran 2, walked .5, ran 1, walked the last .5. I'm planning to go again tonight, but it is supposed to be 27 degrees so the motivation is waning... I'm having surgery next week and will be down for a few weeks, so that is sucking my exercise motivation right out the window, too...

I do enjoy the running though! :)

JulieJ08 - Don't you just love those little lingering aches and pains. I always worry I'm going to mess something up by running when something feels a bit off.

Shananigans - I had to laugh at your yoga comment. I do ballet as well as try to become a runner so I can totally relate.

Ralucat - I use the eliptical for cross training, its pretty low impact on the joints.

Hermit Girl - Isn't it wonderful? Congrats on making the choice to become a runner. I find it so cathartic when I'm angry, upset or just need to show myself I can do anything. Welcome to the group...

shannon in atl - wow 27 degrees? Hmmm I don't know if I could be THAT motivated!

As for me...

Last night I ran longer than I ever have. I got to my previous point and just decided I was going to go for it. I finally broke into the 11 minute mile club. Yay... I have to tell you though after doing Ballet on Weds then really pushing it with my run last night my knees are toast lol.

I made two miles... The temp actually went up to 29 degrees instead of 27, but still... I must have been out of my mind! I did 4.5 miles at my last run, so am mildly disappointed at the 2 today, but I was freezing and had to get in the car! :)

Steph: you seem to have a good routine going, I started the run/walk thing again in September and was running shortly there after. I also did my own thing, I'm not great with following programs. You are correct, consistency is the key even if sometimes you are more tired than others and find yourself walking more than you did on a previous run. Welcome and good luck to you.

Shananigans: I chickened out, I did treadmill runs on wed and thur and today is my rest day. I think I will do another TM run tomorrow and start afresh for the week on Sunday with a long run outside. Its supposed to be in the 20's and I can handle that.

Hi Everybody, I've just now had a chance to catch up. Holidays, visits, etc., really occupied my time and my mind! Now it's back to more normal and I can think again.

Running has been tough around here - temperatures lower than normal, in the 20's and below, and snow and ice every other day, it seems. So I've been swimming more and doing classes at the fitness center, and running on the treadmill there too. Just trying to keep in shape.

We did do a 5K on New Year's day. Cold - 22 degrees - but sunny. I have learned that with my asthma, it is best on these cold days to start off slowly and then as my lungs warm up (and my legs creak into action) I can go a bit faster. I felt great at the end! It was a "stadium finish" and lots of fun. My time was not great for me, but not bad, and I was really happy because I managed the race better than some of my earlier runs this winter and did not have trouble breathing. Plus lots of hot chocolate, and other nice food. They treated us well.

We have also been doing Sunday runs with a local running club in a state park near us. Each week they have an event. It's been fun to run in a group like that, it pushes me to work harder when I know I'm being timed, even though it's not really a "race". And once again, nice refreshments!

This last week I was out of all exercise with a really bad cold, but back in fighting form again now. I hope the weather will let me run outside some soon (it was snowing today, sigh...) On the other hand, I've gotten to some classes I have been missing, such as step, which I really like doing. Everything has its time of year!

Happy 2009!