So, I've decided that I want to become a runner. I want to be able to run long distances, not walk, not jog, run! I so envy the people I see who are able to run miles on end and take benefit from the endorphines it creates (not to mention the smokin leg muscles (and obvious health benefits)). anyhoo, i've decided im going to start eating and training like a runner. i dont know how long it will take me to get good, to get to the point where i can run short races but i am working towards a halloween goal. right now I can job a quarter mile without stopping in about 5 minutes (doesn't sound like much but thats huge for me, HUGE people!). Right now I'm not going to focus on time just distance. Trying to go a little bit further everyday. Hopefully by halloween i'll be able to run a full mile without stopping and hopefully in a decent amount of time.

what i'd like to know from you guys, any runners who are ready, is how do you do it?! how do you force your body to keep going and going and going? and whats the best way to fuel your body when you're going to start running? anything i should anticipate? any hurdles i should expect to have to leap over? any advice is appreciated!

thanks ladies!

I love running. I just started last October (before I lost weight I would have laughed if someone would tell me I would be able to run one day). I started out with just walking and evetually started walking/running/walking/running... first from mailbox to mailbox and then from street light to street light (alternating walking/running each time). Then I started running as far as I could and then walking for a little while. One day I decided to just keep going as long as I could without stopping and was completely shocked when I was able to run my entire 3.5 mile route without stopping! At first is was more like a slow jog, but now I slow jog/run fast/slow jog/run fast... like interval training and of course as time goes on the run fast part goes longer and longer. Now I have run 3 5k's all in just about or under 30 minutes (another shocker to me!).
I don't eat before I run as I think that would make me feel sick, but everyone is different and other people might eat first. I do drink water before going out.
Hope this helps and good luck.

Callisa-Have you checked out the Couch -to-5K information thread? Im sure someone else who reads this can post a link to it or whatever (not very tech savvy).

the best advice i can give is to keep trying at it!! Sounds simplistic, but running is hard. It takes a little while for the body to adjust to doing it, but once it does....... Look out!! You will be able to run distances youve never dreamed.

Definitely look into the Couch to 5K program. When you're first starting out, it's easy to push yourself too hard, which can lead to injury. Even if your cardiovascular system can handle more running, your bones and muscles need time to build up strength to handle all that pounding.

Another thing - if you can afford it, go to a good running store for a nice pair of shoes. Most specialty stores will analyze the way your feet fall when you run and will recommend a shoe that helps correct any problems they see. This also goes a long way towards preventing injuries.

I would also love to become a runner and run 5K, 10K races but I can't even run for 5 minutes. So from this week, instead of my 20 minute treadmill walk, I will walk 10 minutes and run the other 10 minutes, to build up strength and stamina.

I will let you guys know at the end of the week if I was able to pull it off...

I used to run in college and all I can say is bring an ipod with some music that has a good fast beat to it, it makes running so much easier. And just like everyone else stated, start by running to one benchmark and then make it your goal to run a little further/longer each day. You'll be running a 5K non-stop in no time

I also would like to run long term and I am working toward it. c2k is a great starting point and it also pushes your body to the limit. Its a good blue print to get you going slow and steady I highly rec. it! Lots of luck

This is just awesome! I felt that same way when I used to see runners. They looked free as birds--strong and healthy. I decided--YEP, that's what I want to do. I started power walking and then started running for tid bits at first. I could only start with about 1/10th a mile in the beginning. Slowly, as I was able, I increased it. I used the same route every day. That way, it was easy for me to know how much I was increasing. When I got my breath back, I would run again as far as I could.

I have heard wonderful things about C25K. I didn't do anything that formal though. I just got in sync with what my body was able to do and wanted to do.

I am so glad you have decided to do this. You will be experiencing those highs before you know it and craving the run! YAY You!

By the way--wanted to tell you one more VERY good thing about beginning to run. The method overhead I describe--well, come to find out it's actually running HIIT--high intensity interval training. It is the MOST effective way to burn fat. To read more about it just Google the term, "HIIT."

Lots of great advice already! Hope I can answer some of your questions..

The same way you are! I started with Couch to 5k but went out on my own after about 4-5 weeks because I would get stressed out trying to stay up with the weeks and progress. I was VERY out of shape. It took me 2 months to be able to run for 7 minutes straight. So after I abandoned C25k I just went out on my own and ran for as long as I could without stopping. Eventually I worked my way up to 10 minutes, 15, 20...you get the idea. now I can run for almost an hour without stopping.

well this is something I think all runners struggle with. It seems like there is always a huge battle between my mind and my legs! I DO think it is important to push yourself past your lactic acid threshold (the point at which your legs become fatigued and you start to feel like you need to stop and rest) because the further you push it, the bigger your threshold will be, and the bigger your threshold... the longer you can run. It IS uncomfortable and admittedly I wimp out from time to time. But it does reap major training benefits.

PLUS. The excitement from reaching a new milestone (like time or distance) is HUGE motivation for me. That is usually all the encouragement I need to get out and run again and again.

Depends... the traditional runner's diet includes higher carbs. I try to limit mine to 150g of carbs a day and build in lots of protein. Since you are just starting out, you don't need lots of extra carbs (energy) to sustain long distance runs, nor anything fancy like sports gels or stuff like that. I usually try to have a protein snack about an hour before I run (half a protein bar, nuts, cheese, etc) just for some fuel. I think the most important thing is to just eat healthy and along the way, you will figure out what works best for you.

Anything else...invest in a good pair of running shoes. Go to a running store - not one of the big box sporting goods stores - and have them watch your gate/pronation. They will recommend shoes based on the type of stability that you need. It makes all the difference in the world regarding shin splints and other things that may slow you down!

Good luck!!!

great post!

i also would love to become a runner one day!

at the moment, i can only run or jog for 1 minute, before my shins start hurting, but i am working on shin stretches. sometimes i can only do 30 seconds, and i have to then walk.

so i do walking/running/jogging, depending on how i feel. i'm hoping i can slowly build up on it. i've been doing this for a few months now. i have proper running shoes but it takes time like someone has posted for your body to get used to it. as running is hard on the body. i'm a student, so cant afford to go to those running specialised shops that i have heard about, but maybe something for the future when i get a job and start earning money

2 minutes worth of running/jogging was the most i was ever able to do lol -but the next day, i couldnt do it again haha.

I love running! Its my focus, all my exercise builds on my running. I would have a long term goal- even from the very beginning i had one, to run the Auckland Quarter Marathon (10.55km). Just start running! When i started i could only run for 3 mins before i had to stop. So i just did that, ran 3 mins, walked 3, ran 3, walked 3. Just gradually build it up. I would also keep a physical track of it- i have a notebook i take with me and write down how far i ran in how many minutes. Then i just try to do 100m more the next time. You gradually build up, now i know i can run 30mins without stopping if i get into a really good rhythm, usually i run 15 mins, walk 5.

For food, i would advise plenty of protein and low GI foods, since you want to run long distances you want a long release of energy. I try to get whole grains, brown rice, potatoes etc, and a couple of protein bars a week. But really, just simple, healthy eating will probably be fine.

Make sure you have good shoes as well! it not only protects your joints, but it also makes running a load easier. Seriously. I got my shoes for NZ$299, which is quite a lot, but they are EXACTLY the same as when i bought them more than a year ago, and i have run in them at least 3 times a week since i got them. They have hardly any wear on the soles even. So definately invest.

Its easy to keep going when you get into a rhythm. I find now it is easier to just keep going, rather than stop for a 5 min walk and then have to start again. So you just gotta find your groove and not think about your legs.

There is also a stretch you should probably look at doing. I cant remember what it is called, but basically you get a foam roll and put it on the ground. Then put your hip on it sideways, and roll yourself along the foam roll, so you are running the outer side of one leg along it. Do both legs. You WILL have REALLY REALLY tender points on your IT band- thats why its important! You need to stretch the IT band because it will help prevent injuries later. It will hurt at first, but it gets better. And it ensures you will be running for ages This site has pictures that explain it better http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=9911

So basically:
-pace yourself and build up gradually
-eat healthy, grains, low GI, protein
-shoes!
-stretch your IT band!

You can do it calisa86!! I started C25K because my goal is to run a half marathon next December. I am on week 2 and I like it so far. I am so out of shape and it is gentle enough for me. Right now I must say I am a jogger but I hope by the time I end the C25K I can say I am a runner.
I am working on endurance now and hope to work on speed after I can run for 20-30 minutes without problems.

Hi everyone! This is my first official post in the 20 something thread. Although I did fill out the profile sticky.

Calisa! I know exactly how you feel. One of my ultimate goals is to REALLY be able to run. Last January I signed up with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Societys Team In Training. With signing up I pledged to raise a set amount of money for blood cancer research. In turn, they provided me with coaches, mentors, and teammates and trained us for an endurance event. My event was the Rock N' Roll Half Marathon is San Diego, Ca. I don't know my weight when I first started, but I know I couldn't walk a mile and breath at the same time. With the help of my coaches and a set training schedule I was eventually able to run. I started out walking/jogging to build stamina. Then as I was doing my regular walk/jog training I would set a start/stop point for myself and run like I had never ran before. It wasn't pretty and it definitely wasn't easy, but I made myself finish that short distance. And it was always, short. I learned not to push myself and to listen to my body. I can't tell you how excited I was when I could run two and three of my short distances at once. Running is hard, and it hurts, but it's soooooooo... amazing? My key was to bring my Ipod and listen to loud songs with a good beat. I would turn my Ipod up as loud as I could stand it and just run my little legs off. I unfortunately suffered from tendinitis in both feet (make sure you have the right shoes) and wasn't able to run my half marathon, although I did walk it and finish to get my medal. You should check out Team In Training and see if there is a chapter near you. The experience is AMAZING! It does require fundraising and commitment. If you cannot sign up with TNT send me a PM and I will send you a copy of the training schedule I followed. Good luck!!!!

Kasey

I have tried the C25K program before and fallen off of it because I wasn't motivated enough. This time I'm taking a bigger step - I'm actually registering to run in a 5k...that way I'll have paid my $25 and feel like I have to go! It's not until the beginning of November, but that will give me just enough time to do C25K in it's entirety and get prepared. Good luck!