About to start running what can I expect it to do for me and to me?

[chillybits]

Having finally acknowledged that its impossible to build gym visits into my scheduleI've decided to start running...

I'm 40 - was fit and sporty in my teens, slim and averagely fit in my 20s and went to seed in my 30s.

Have min 1.5 stone to lose and have absolutely no tone whatsoever.

Don't want to have ridiculous expectations of what it will do for me but also don't to be blind to the pitfalls - eg cardio stamina is good, knees weak.

So, what are the pros and cons of running ?

Thanks!

[ThatVikRinA22]

watching with interest....similar issues chilly, your op could be mine!
now i have to stay fit for my job but am really struggling with getting to the gym with any regularity as working shifts.

[GypsyMoth]

i did couch 2 5 k this year....got addictive!!

felt more toned straightaway and ate less so lost weight

couldnt eat 2 hrs before a run i found. knees hurt to start,take painkillers beforehand

[Wheelybug]

I started running just over 3 years ago - ran for 6 months, took a year off (pregnant nad early stages of dd2) and then have been running for not quite 2 years again.

I've lost weight both times. Almost 1.5 stone first time and then I've lost almost 2 stone so far. Plus definitely toned - all over although my abs still need a lot of work (have just ordered an abs dvd!). I do think you need to be careful with food too (although I have not had to be too strict although I could have lost weight quicker if I had!).

Definitely fitter, more able to cope with the lack of sleep I suffer with dd2 (2 years old now but not a sleeper !) and enjoy the time to myself.

I started because I didn't stick to a gym etc and the fact it didn't take up much time. I started with a couch to 5K programme. I can highly recommend doing it this way as you buildup gradually. I think if I'd gone out and just tried to run I would never have made it out a second time.

Cons - hmm.. none really. If you build up distnace/speed slowly you lessen the risk of injuries.

[topsi]

Hi Chilli, I am 40 this year and have just started running. I have managed to work up to 5k in about 8 weeks. I am very chuffed with myself as I never classed myself as someone who would be able to 'run' as I am a very low energy sort of person.
I would suggest starting off with no pressure on yourself. I would go out with an idea of a route I was going to take but always give myself a get out clause of coming back sooner if I was having difficulty. I never did and always managed the full route.
When I get home I do several rounds of stomach crunches as well and a few press ups.
I have noticed the difference in my body, legs and bum are more toned, stomach is flatter, celulite is a bit better. My mood seems better and I have generally more get up and go.
I don't run every day as it seems to take a day for my body to recover, I am trying to do 5k every other day at the moment if possible.
I think the weight loss comes when you have built up fitness and can run some distance with out being too shattered.
I would start off gently, make sure you have decent shoes and bra and some good tunes to listen to as this really helps with motivation.
Make the most of the good weather at the moment but avoid running in the heat as this seems to sap my energy, mornings are lovely when it is quieter and cooler.
Good luck!!

[chillybits]

Wow that's brilliant Topsi - very inspiring. Couldn't start as planned today as DH has to work grrrrr.

[topsi]

you going today chillii ?