Hey folks... mind if I jump in? I used to be a runner, but well you know *ahem* ANYway, I'm getting back in the saddle, so to speak. I started interval training a couple weeks ago. I've added pilates to my daily routine, and found that it's helped with my speed and strength. I'm still way down in the baby category, but I'm hoping that in three months I'll be back up to running my full 3 miles. Right now it's a walk/run interval combination, which pretty much kicks my tail.

Thanks for that coolrunning website... I'm in the process of checking it out now!

Hey, guys! I also have recently started running on the treadmill. And if you are just beginning to run or are thinking about, my advice is STICK WITH IT. For about the first three weeks of trying to run, I could NOT run at a 10 min mile for any longer than five or six minutes, and I thought my situation was hopless. Then, all of the sudden, I ran two miles in twenty minutes. I know that's not great, but it was a HUGE accomplishment for me. My goals are to be able to run 3 miles in 30 mins and to be able to run one mile in 8.5 mins by the time the semester ends.

Hey Purduegirl,

It sounds like you are doing great! I still have a hard time running at 6mph and it takes me about 34 minutes to run 3miles. I don't know how to speed up for long periods of time without feeling too strained in my leg muscles. What do you do to improve?

I agree though that you have to stick with it if you want to be a runner. When I started I mixed walking and running. After a little while your legs just seem to get used to it and you can run, maybe not fast, but running nonetheless.

Keep at it.

Shyangel

Hi All, Well I did join a gym and have been able to run on the treadmill, for now it seems to be an answer for me. I run on the street on saturdays and take Sundays off. I wouldn't worry about speed until your body is ready to accept it Shyangel. From what I have read, that can cause injuries if you try to force yourself too soon. The main thing is you are out there running, and you need to pat yourself on the back for that. Walking and running alternately is what I did today, it seemed to work out all right. The gym has a babysitting, so I was able to take my GS's and the girl did an activity with them. Hang in there, everyone is doing great, Judy

I'm also a former runner who wants to get back into shape. I found some beginner info on www.runnersworld.com. It's similar to that of the coolrunning website.

First, though, I need to get on a *regular* walking program with strength training 2-3 times per week. From past experience, I know my knees will give out if I don't strengthen my leg muscles before I attempt running. Also, I wouldn't mind losing 10 lbs or so before starting a running program, although that's not carved in stone. If my legs are strong, I can start running.

'Scuse me for rambling...I really just wanted to say "hi" and please keep posting!!

- Kerry
CW 155
GW 125
Ht 5'2"

I understand about strengthening your legs before you start running, but why do you want to lose 10 pounds BEFORE you start running? I biked for a while without losing much weight and found that when I started running the weight started coming off more quickly since running is a more efficient way to exercise. Just curious.

Hi all, I am new to this board and am happy to see so many people trying to get out running. I have been running for a couple years now and although i stop every winter i always start back up again. I find it a wonderfully relaxing activity I have 3 young children at home so this is a time for me to think about what i want to think about.

When i started running i started on the treadmill first. I thought that was the best thing in the world. you could see your speed and how far you went and you didnt have to worry about what you looked like. then someone at the gym mentioned i should do the susan komen race for the cure, and i got curious about running outdoors..... well, i couldnt go back to a treadmill now if my life depended on it. i love the freedom of the outdoors and seeing what is around. sure i miss knowing exactly how far i went but i can always hope in the car and measure it.

one suggestion i have is to be sure to take it slow. i have a tendancy to run fast and i get tired out. this past august i did a 10 miler with my neighbor, and i wasnt in as gooda shape as i should have been, so i ran her pace instead and by mile 6 i was feeling so good that i picked up my pace and finished 5 minutes slower than the year before when i was in excellent condition.

as for bras, i dont have a large upper chest but i have found the bras, i think they are by champion, but they zipper in the front are FANTASTIC!!!! they really squish you in and you are not going to budge. when mine are in the laundry and i have to wear my other "sports" bras i wear 2 of them for comfort, I am only a 34 b/c.

although i didnt follow this training many people like the jeff galloway method running. he does walk breaks every 5 - 10 minutes and alot of people use this method to run marathons.

I am just starting to get back in to my running again now that the weather is better. i hope you who have started running are keeping it up and enjoying it as much as i do

karen

I love running outdoors but I usually run on a track. I'm not comfortable running on the roads where I live. Treadmills are really boring and I feel like I get a lot hotter. Using a watch and knowing the size of the track gives me the outdoors AND I know how far I have gone!

It rained yesterday so I ran indoors - not as good as outside. Anyone else getting a chance to run?

Shyangel - I'm paranoid about messing up my knees, and that's why I'd like to drop some weight before I start running. Even if I strengthen my muscles, I'm still carrying a lot of extra weight and so my joints are taking a beating.

I'll just take it slowly.

I see now. Running can definitely be hard on the joints. I'm surprised mine have held up as well as they have (past knee surgery). Have you been able to start walking?

I've been thinking about starting to run. I do walking on the treadmill at 4.1 miles/hour at a level 5 incline (random program). I've been watching the calorie count on the women beside me who are running and what a difference. Most of them make it look so effortless that I'm a little embarrassed at the though of myself on the treadmill not looking the least bit graceful. I am going to give it a try as I think I need to take the treadmill to a new level. One day. I'm going to read the webiste suggested for beginners.

I tried it. I thought that I was in not bad shape, untill I tried to run. I tried 5.2 miles/hour and I couldn't last more than 2.5 min. at a time. So I ran some and walked some, while I mostly walked. My legs hurt and my heatbeat was way up there. It sounds like I just have to stick it out and work my way up. What is a reasonable expectation to be able to jog for a good 10 min. without my legs turning to rubber and being able to breathe? About a month of working three times a week? I have no idea what is a reasonable goal.

So, all of you accomplished runners, what kind of shoes do you wear to run in? I'd like to start jogging (using the "Couch to 5k" plan on coolrunning.com). I don't know anything about choosing shoes, though. Everyone tells me to "try" several different kinds, but I'm sorry, you can't tell in the store how the shoe is going to feel striking the pavement, grass, etc., and I don't have the money to try several pairs before I find the "right" ones.

And I have a question for Judy, specifically, as well. I don't know how to use the quote function , but in an earlier post you said the following:
"I used to hate running until I discovered I was doing it all wrong. For one thing I was going too fast and sucking air instead of burning fat."
I get the going to fast part, but would you please explain the "sucking air instead of burning fat."? How did you know? Did someone explain to you what you were doing wrong, or did it just "feel" different?

My goal is to be able to run (jog) 5k by the end of the summer and to work up from there. My ultimate goal is to be able to run in the half marathon that is held in my hometown each year (in November). I may not be able to do that one this year, but maybe by next year I'll be up to the challenge!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheryl