Im just curious if there is anyone who has always wanted to learn to run, and has done it!!!!? If so, how did you start out and how much do you run now? I want to run!!! Its always been a dream of mine, but I just cant seem to get the motivation...or know how to get off my butt and go!!! I would love some ideas, encouragment... i would prefer to do it outside and not on a treadmill...bcs Im kind of emberassed to start running on a treadmill...

Please join us over on the Cool Runners thread in the Exercise forum!

I started the (very popular, though there are others!) Couch to 5K programme the first week in June '07 - Google it! - as a TOTAL non-runner, and non-athletic type - never sporty, even at school. I was in the 240s when I started, and those first weeks were SO HARD... I could BARELY lope the 60 seconds, walk 90 seconds required - I kid you not! but I stuck with it...

I now run at least 20 miles a week; it has changed how I lose weight, how I feel about myself, my mindset and my body shape! It absolutely CAN be done!!

I know a lovely group of ladies started the C25K on March 1st - have a thought about joining them in the Exercise Forum, too!

Good luck - running changed my life!

Heather

It is so funny that I came across this post, I have been thinking the same thing. I want to run! Right now I run a minute and can't breathe! I want to be able to run for mile, and to run with my dog and my dad!

I too was really wanting to start to run, but didn't know how to begin and am deathly afraid of running on a treadmill (heck, I don't even like walking on them all that much.) Anyway, I planned to start the Couch to 5K program this month. The weather has not cooperated for me as of yet, but next week is looking really good. I joined the group on the Exercise thread. You should check it out. I am starting it a bit late. And if I can do it so can you.

I just started an extended (13 week) beginning running program this past week. I love it! You'll find tons of runners here on 3FC, both experienced and beginners.

I hadn't heard of the C25K program a few years ago when I was doing lots of running (I'm trying to get back to that level of fitness right now).

Back then, I started basically by just walking. At first I didn't walk far, but as my fitness improved I got to where I was walking 45 mins to an hour.

When I got to the point that my daily walks were no longer a challenge, I started to jog. Slowly. I would give myself little goals like "jog to that mail box" or "jog to the end of the block" and so on. I never sprinted, and took things slow and easy.

I started off only doing this once or twice along my walking route. I took things very slowly, and allowed myself time to get used to jogging even if it was only for 20 feet here and there.

Each day I would try to push myself a little further, with the goal being to try to go just a little bit further than I had the day before ("okay -- go to the driveway past the mail box").

Within a few months I was regularly jogging 3.5 miles on weekdays, and 4-7 miles on Saturdays. I never had problems with shin splints or other injuries from trying to do too much too soon, and never felt like giving up. I think being patient with myself was the key.

One thing that also helped motivate me was that I made copies of a road map that showed my walking route. Each day, I would take a fresh copy and mark my route with a yellow highlighter pen, then highlight the parts that I'd jogged in orange. This way, I could see my progress every day as the orange sections gradually got longer and the yellow sections eventually disappeared.

Thanks ladies!!!! I am definetley going to try to run...i have some experience with running, way back when I was a lot more fit, but its been soooo long, and Im much older and bigger, SOOOO...im just a little worried...I dont know about what??? failure I guess...sigh'...Im going to have to suck it up...i wish I had a running partner close to home, that could not only be my motivator, but encourage me to go a little bit farther....hmmmm...i dont know, guess I just gotta get out there...and DO IT!! I will update when I have run, and let you know how GOOD I feel...cause I know i will feel good...

I do run in a treadmill..Running was my dream for a long time..since i thought it is not at all possible to lift my huge body..But after 2 weeks of practice now i could run continuously for 20 minutes..i am planning to increase the speed by next week

Shalu and everyone! I did it! I ran on the treadmill, and am going to follow the C to 5K...or C to 25K??? I have to look at the schedule, but I did it and I LOVED IT!!! I have allways had dreams of running, i used to dream I could run and never get tired...he he.. Also, when I see a runner on the road or on a treadmill...I wish it were me!! ONE DAY!!! Im so happy i did it, today is going to be day 2...i had to alter the schedule a bit to fit me...and I will follow it!! Im excited...and I also I have looked over at the Cool Runners thread...im still figuring this site out! I love this site and everyones stories, and motivation...thanks!

I'm new here and just starting the couch to 5k myself that a friend told me about. My son runs track so he's been a lot of help. I've found the best thing to do is just do it. I go out and walk, then I run, then I walk, which I was glad to see is what the couch to 5k is all about..building up. I don't like dirt areas because I don't feel it has as much stability for me starting out. I like parks and the track at our high school. I'm not an indoor person so the treadmill never worked for me either, it became a nice place to hang clothes, so I sold it. I also just purchased a bike and have found that alternating my days with walking/running/biking is pretty nice and doesn't feel like i'm exercising at all because i'm having so much fun!