I have been back to trying to lose weight for almost 5 weeks (down 7lbs ). I decided this go around I wanted to run again as I used to do it about 10 years ago...... So from day one I have began "running" and slowly building up my time. At week 5 I can run 5 minutes (11-12min mile pace), then I walk for about 4 minutes, run 3-4 minutes and repeat until I am done for about 35-40minutes 4x per week. I also do weights 4x per week as well.

So here are my questions: I know you can't know how long it will take because everybody is different so I am looking for guidelines here.

How long should I be able to run at this point?

When does your calves STOP hurting!!! Mine still hurt when I run especially once I have ran the 5minutes and then walked and begin running again. By hurt I mean burning mostly with shinsplints thrown in on occasion. I have tried slowing down the pace for a whole week and they still burn and it is worse like I said once I have ran the 5minutes and walked then run again.

Any tips for how to stay cool while running? I am running on a treadmill at a gym and I always get pretty hot while running and the position of their fans STINK. I feel like if I wasn't getting so hot I would be able to run longer but I don't want to push my body to hard.

Is it okay to weight train your legs on the days you run? Do any of you do this?


Any other tips you want to offer?

I'm still a newbie to running myself, lol. I started about 8 weeks ago. At five weeks, I was able to run like 8 or 9 minutes in a row and then walk for 2 minutes. I did this for like 30 minutes total. Now, I'm up to running 3.2 miles in 24 minutes with no walking breaks. Everyone is different. As long as you continue to make improvements, that's progress...at least that's the way I looked at it.

My calves didn't really hurt much but again, everyone is different. But I'm plenty sore when I come back from a real hard run, make no mistake. Don't push too hard, do what you can and you'll make progress. I saw results in two weeks and by one month, my body had really leaned out.

I don't personally weight train on the days I run - I do Pilates in the evening. I weight train on opposite days, that's what works for me.

Hope this helps. Good luck to you.

I find when I am following a running plan = It takes me at least twice as long to reach my goals as "they" say it should. It just takes me a long time to build up (I think my weight plays a big factor in this).

I run at the gym a lot, too and I try to get a TM right by the fan... otherwise the sweat just pours off me. I think you can get used to being hot.

My calves hurt a lot when I first started. GOOD running sneaks helps. Stretching is important... and TIME. I found with time, my muscles built up and just didn't get sore so quick.

Trainer at the gym told me weight training before cardio - so if you want to do both on the same day, that is fine - but you should do a 5 min warm up, strength train, and then run.

Other tips: remember to enjoy it! I look at my running as "me time". It is time when I get peace and quiet to listen to my iPod. I also run outside when ever I can - I highly recommend it. It is nice to hear the tweeting birdies and see the green trees...