Hey Everyone,
I've decided to start running. I have no idea where to start out. I was thinking about doing the Running Room's Learn To Run but it doesn't fit in my schedule very well.
I am in average shape, but have always had trouble running long distances. I get out of breath before my muscles even tire...
what kind of suggestions could those of you who've been running for a while give me in terms of how long to start trying for, how often, what to expect with a new training schedule? anything would help...

Thanks!!!
Megan

Hey.. I wanna start running too!
I saw some "manuals" online but actually I thought they were kind of "basic". Let me explain, they say to start for example running one minute and walking one minute for 30 minutes. Actually I work out in the elliptical machine for 45- 50 mins with HR 165 aprox so I donīt know if itīs ok for me or I would decrease too much my exercise level... I donīt want to start with too much either because I know then Iīll hate it.
Megan Mary, Iīm so sorry Iīm posting my question here too, I know itīs kind of your question thread, but I didnīt want to do another one with the same question..

Anyway, Iīll leave you the links I saw
http://www.coolrunning.com/major/97/...it0214.htm#run

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

The coolrunning.com site has good info on running, even suggests clothes according to the weather and reviews on shoes and running music, etc, itīs great!!

Couch to 5k is apparently a very popular program.

When I first began running about 6 years ago (Wow... can't believe it's been that long.) I began on a simply 2km route. At first I ran for as long as I could before I needed to walk. From there I worked my way up to 2min running 1min walking, 3min running 1min walking, 4min running 1min walking, until I reached 9min running 1min walking. This is my usual training pace even now. After I conquered the 2k I began to lengthen my distance. It took about a year and a bit to get up to half marathon distances.

The great thing about running is anyone can do it. Anyone of any age, gender, speed, stamina, athletic ability can run. So go for it. You'll love it.

I just started running in June and have worked up to as much 8.5ks on a good day since then. When I first started I couldn't run more than 30 secs and that was pushing it. I didn't follow any specific program, just kept trying to go a little farther each time. My goal when I started was be able to run from one power poll to the next. After doing that well for a few days or a week I aimed for two power polls, etc. I used distances instead of times b/c I never brought a watch with me...unless I was on the treadmill, then I'd go as long as I could and walk until I recovered. I just kept working on increasing the length of running time and decreasing the length of walking time. I think it's likely taken me longer than most people and I don't think I could have followed the c25k program, it seemed to move to quickly for me. I never wanted to make it so hard for myself that I dreaded doing it or be held to any kind of schedule that would make me feel pressured so I never really pushed myself overly hard at all just slowly let my body progress, really slowly. I just don't respond that well to so much structure. Good luck and have fun!!

I thought about starting the couch to 5 km plan.. but all the timing thing seemed awfully confusing, but I found this great podcasts that tell you when to run, when to walk, it feels like a personal trainer by your side, and the music is not bad at all... it´s so good! I´ll leave the link here if anyone wants it

http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcas.../podcasts.html

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'm also downloading the podcast you suggested Rafealla, so we'll see how that goes!

Thanks again,
Meg

Did my first C25K run this morning. It went so well, and with the podcast was so easy, I didn't even have to think, just followed what the guy said. We'll see how long I can keep this up as the weather is getting pretty cold here, and snow's coming- but I'm just glad that I got out there today!!! yea for me!!

MeganMary, that's wonderful!! Feel free to join us in the Cool Runners thread -- there's lots of information and support and inspiration in there!

I did my run with the podcast today too. I started with week 6, but I probably should have done the second run rather than the first. I did a bit more walking than I usually do. Still, I'm hoping that having someone barking orders at me will help me to improve my game. I have no trouble with the first 2 miles (although I usually walk for about a minute at the end of the first), but the last 1.25 miles always finds me dragging and walking more than I ought.

The music on the podcasts is terrible though! I'm trying to figure out how I can bark my own orders at myself with my own music.

I was going to start a thread identical to this, but having found it, it seems perfect! I've wanted to start running for a while, but never sure how to go about it. Whenever I go it alone I feel like I need a stopwatch to keep me going, but the podcasts look really promising! Will let you know how it goes & Thanks for being as informative as ever

google

couch to 5k, its a wonderful walking program

also nikerun. com is another great place to learn to run

I love them both

I think I'm going to Couch to 5K next week (THERE IS a reason I'm not starting now -- I'm going on a trip to see friends and won't be able to get to the gym Thurs - Sun, and I want to be able to start a routine when I can actually MAKE it routine!! But I'm actually excited to get into it, which is weird because right now I HAATE running!!)

I'm hoping in works out well, because I'd love to build up more stamina in my leg muscles since I'm a (sort of) dancer.

I'm also helping that the new form of exercise will jump-start the weight loss!!