Any S&B ladies out there who run? Can you help me please?

[FGM]

I'm just getting into running- or trying to and I'm finding it tough. I know this isn't strictly an S&B issue but I still can't get into my stylish and beautiful pre-baby clothes- after nearly 2 years . I'm stuck at an uncomfortable-for-me size 14 in clothes that are too tight.

I've been for runs a couple of mornings this week- when I say run I really mean run/ walk alternating. I can't even run for half a km .

IT"S SO HARD!

Can someone tell me it gets better/ easier, or show me where to find the right advice...

(I've had my running shoes checked out and they are fine. )

[LetThemEatCake]

it does get easier - and then you're addicted

run/ walk is fine - it's like interval training which means that you're actually working harder than if you just jogged at a constant pace - when you get more into it, you can run/ sprint

hopefully notyummy will be along soon with some good advice too.

well done anyway - running even just a bit is better than being sat on the couch with a bag of crisps!!

[Skimummy]

Have you tried the couch potato to 5k program? It really works...you can download podcasts which have the program and music on them as well (Robert Ullrey is the one I used but it's not for everyone). Have a look in the exercise forum as there is a thread dedicated to it.

Hope that helps - enjoy!

[cyb]

run REALLY slowly. More slowly than you ever think is possible. Wear an ipod too, and that will keep you going. the first 10 minutes is the hardest the nyou can get into the beathing.

i hated the music on the 5km download...I prefer to have Beyonce powering me on...

[jamaisjedors]

You need Suz's podcast (she tells you what to do ie walk, run, how many minutes).

Or nicole blum

I did the couch to 5k podcasts from February, I couldn't manage more than 2x a week but repeated each "week" 3x and I have just this minute got back from a 5k run in less than 30 minutes.

The first week I was gasping for breath after a 1 minute run.

Go on -you will amaze yourself!

[jamaisjedors]

Interesting LTEC about the intervals thing - my goal has been to finish the 5k without stopping at all - but you think it's better to alternate walk/run (a bit faster?)

Would also like to know if it's "better" to run for longer or faster?

[LetThemEatCake]

jamais I think you need to do both? run at steady pace for stamina/ endurance/ conditioning and interval train for more intensive cardio/ calorie burning ...

[FGM]

Wow! thanks for the replies .

The podcast thing is a whole new world to me- is it music with someone egging you on?? I'll have a closer look later after kids in bed tonight.

Interesting about the slow running/ walk-run thing. I feel I recover quickly when I stop running to walk, but it doesn't feel anywhere near as demanding (obviously). However when I run it takes erm... seconds a minute before my legs are jelly and I'm panting .

[dinkystinky]

Read running made easy - its a brilliant book and really inspires you to run with stories of people who have gone from not being able to run at all to doing marathons etc. Has a great training programme in there (so you can just listen to your own music on the ipod) and a chart for you to see how you feel on each run (so you can track your progress). I second Cybs advice - keep your route short and keep your pace slow until you feel like more comfortable - and run walk combos is the way most people start out. It does get easier, honest.

[stillfrazzled]

I started running in March, at which point I couldn't even do two minutes.

Now going 3x a week and up to 16 minutes without stopping (four or five songs on mp3 player), walk for a min or less, run for another three songs/ten mins. Last bit all uphill thanks to local geography

Loathe it for first two songs, feel pleased that I'm still going for the others, feel fab all day afterwards.

Is worth it, honest. Pick some music with a good strong beat and go for it!

[IndigoSky]

It does get easier. Keep at it.

I used to run a lot pre dc and then got right out of the habit. I started again after they were born and it was hellish. I used to really struggle and could barely manage half a mile.

Now, I run most days, often at 6am and run for about an hour. I can honestly say it's the highlight of my day and the buzz I get keeps me going through the day. It's also given me back my old pre dc body shape and heaps of confidence.

[GreatOrmondSt]

I agree with stillfrazzled, you really need music to power you on and timing yourself by songs (i.e. run for three or four songs and then stop) makes the time go by much quicker. It does get easier, especially when you start to see results. Maybe you could go running with a friend, you might be able to motivate each other?

Amy

[jamaisjedors]

The podcasts are music with a voiceover at appropriate moments to tell you to run and then when to stop running.

I like to be told what to do (seeing as I spend all day telling other people what to do!).

I found the 2 I linked to much better than the more famous Ullrey one, because they are actual songs, and so in your head you know approximately how long you have been running for, plus they distract you a bit.

[notyummy]

Hi FGM. Sorry I missed this earlier!

Firstly, make sure you have some good, high lycra content running gear that you feel good in. Supportive running tights stop the wobbles!

Lots of good advice on here about music etc- would def second that. One of the reasons I look forward to running is an excuse to play my favourite music loud. I have a running mix on my ipod, and I also download tracks when I have heard something on the radio I like. The most recent was Safety Dance from Men Without Hats after hearing the Glee cover version of it and remembering what a great 80s track it is

If you follow one of the programme that people recommend you will see that the a mixture of efforts training (running as fast as you can, followed by walking to recover) and longer, slow and steady is the best way to progress.

You are right, it IS hard at first. Unfortunately a lot of people give up at that stage because they are put off by the breathlessness and the sheer hard work of it. If you persevere it really will work.

Lastly, if you are looking to shed weight, perhaps some sort of circuit training/weights as well? Building lean muscle will mean you will actually burn more calories when you run. Quite a few of us are doing the 30 Day Shred - well I am not following the full programme as I am not out to drop weight - but it is a short intensive set of 20 minutes which will tone you. There are obviously lots of others on the market. thread here. Good luck!

[woopsidaisy]

I started this 6weks ago,and I am now doing 20 mins at least with no stops! Feel great,have lost a stone,baby weight too!Deffo get music that spurs you on.Here is what I'm doing,and before I started I hadn't run since I was in school,about 16 years ago!

www.weightlossresources.co.uk/exercise/running/3_mile_training_plan.htm

[hobbittoes]

I think more people should know how (relatively!) easy it is to progress at running - I think they would be surprised how much they can achieve. I have not run since school, although have done other forms of exercise, and from a very shaky start 2 months ago can now run for 2 miles. feels good and surprisingly energising!

[laurz75]

I was in exactly your position 15 months ago. I did a run-walk starting with a trot round the block for a total of 6 mins and I can now run for an hour easily. I'm signed up for the Great South Run too!!!
Def get some music, listen to your body and look at following a plan.Good Luck!

[tulpe]

2 months ago, I couldn't run for more than a couple of minutes without stopping to walk . Last wednesday I completed 5km at a constant running pace at the Race for Life

Keep at it as everyone else has said It does get easier and you will be not only fit but incredibly proud of yourself when you finally hit your stride

[FGM]

I'm feeling REALLY INSPIRED by the great success stories here. It's good to know what can be achieved with perseverance. Well done to all of you to get to where you are now! I shall be in your footsteps soon .

I powered up my ipod last night with Beyonce and Lady Gaga and am raring to go. (DD2 was up at four today so missed this am's chance.) Notyummy- I saw Glee too- tis my guilty pleasure, and I cried with joy at Safety Dance. It's a great idea to download stuff you like to play on a run; wierdly, it just never occurred to me until now!

Shredding sounds painful! Will look it up when I get more of a chance. Thanks.

[jamaisjedors]

So have you been yet?

[FGM]

YES! Thanks for asking, I am 2 runs up on last posting. I ran this am and managed to get a lot further before needing to walk- although not yet running a whole km. I also walked for less time overall. Did Cyb's slow run when I couldn't go faster. I do feel stronger already.

I had La Gaga and various other disco queens powering me on. As a few of you have said- it's a good time when I can listen to my own choice of music rather than "Animal Boogie"!

My aim is to run 3x per week. I have to get up at just before six so noone sees me I can be back and shower before DDs are up. And yes, I do feel my halo shining for the rest of the day.

Thanks to everyone who posted. It made a difference.

[jamaisjedors]

Great!

Sounds like you are doing brilliantly.

I am a little in at your 6am start because I have never managed to do it - but at this time of year it's probably lovely.

keep it up.

I am going to go later on my way home from work before lunch (I get changed at work, and stop at a park half-way home).

[FGM]

6am's not too bad- honest! It's quite nice to be out on a brand new day IYSWIM. Also it's true about not wanting to be seen .
I am FTM to 2 small DDs at the mo so I get no opportunity during the day and by the time they are in bed it's out of the question!
Must be nice to run as an end/ break to your working day.

[Goldberry]

Just to add another bit of encouragement... I too hadn't run since school, and hated it with a passion back then. I started to get rid of baby weight and also improve high blood pressure. At first I couldn't run for more than a minute, and I alternated walk/run for ages. I ran a 5k last year and have signed up for a 10k this September. Keep going, and well done!

[Themasterandmargaritas]

Well done you! Keep at it. Most of it is in the mind.

Two years ago I couldn't run half a kilometre without walking, I have now done 3 half marathons and am about to do my fourth in a couple of weeks.

[FGM]

Thanks again for encouragement: ran again this am and it's going well. Just to let you know I've made a new thread in Big/Slim/Whatever topic for getting into running.