I've just started Running!!!! Help

[cupcake78]

Well basically thats it. After 33 years (yes thats how old I am) of weight issues and being unfit and fat I have decided to do something about it.

I have lost a total of 7st over 8years (I know its slow but at least its off) and have another 6st to go. I cycle, go to zumba (which I love) but have decided to run. Been 4 times now and I think I might actually like it! But I am terrible at it, run 30 seconds (while having a mild heart attach) and walk for 90 seconds. I can do this for 20 minutes so far.

I die everytime, manage 2.5miles of running/walking in 33mins. My DH has not idea how hard this is as he's a natural fit freak but I need advice, help, encouragement and all things to keep me going!


I have bought shoes from a proper shop, a sports bra (essential).

Things I struggle with is it seems to leave my abdomen feeling sore (after wobbling I assume) and my legs ache.

Would love to hear your beginning running stories for some personal encouragement!

[GypsyMoth]

Hey well done!! I'm ten years older and recently did the couch25k, look it up, it's for you!!!

Starts off the way you have been doing so far, run,walk,run and builds up over 9 weeks til you are running 30 mins straight

I was amazed at how quickly your fitness increases!!

[GypsyMoth]

I take some ibuprofen before I run, helps with the aches!! That's my top tip

[thestringcheeseincident]

Yes do couch to 5k. You need to start off slow.
Good luck!

[FetchezLaVache]

Well done- it's a great way to get fit and lose weight, and you're going absolutely the right way about it. Your leg muscles/tendons etc will take longer to adjust to running than your cardiovascular system, so it's important to build up slowly. Carry on the way you are doing and your legs will soon stop aching afterwards, you might also find it useful to shower in cold water on your bottom half after your run.

[cupcake78]

Good tips, thank you! What is this couch to 5K? Sounds interesting

[GypsyMoth]

Google it!!

Lots of apps to put on iPods, bupa do one, I used the nhs one!! Or you can play them over your own music, which is what I do with 10k plan I'm just starting

[anchovies]

Well done, sounds like you are doing brilliantly!

I started running 18 months ago and have lost 5 stone all together. I started in exactly the same way as you and just stuck with it. First couple of months were hard work but did my first 5k 12 weeks after starting in 33 minutes and can now do 10k in 50 minutes. My top tip is to only do the running you enjoy for example I mostly run off road and never take an ipod anymore. I was never into exercise but can't imagine my life without it now. Good luck :)

[FruitSaladIsNotPudding]

Wow, amazing weight loss!

Agree with the others, you just need to take it slowly. When I took up running, I think it took me about 6 months to work up to running for 10 minutes! But I ran a half marathon, so it can be done. And these days I find running quite easy, even if I come back to it after a couple of weeks off.

Walk/run is definitely the way to start. And make sure you run slowly, or you will crash and burn. If people walking are overtaking you, that's fine, you can work on getting faster once you can actually run.

[cupcake78]

Have looked at Couch to 5K and it looks ok...even doable.

People keep telling me its possible to do it. I don't pretend to understand how it happens but am hopefull it will...Seems like a miracle in 9 weeks!

I love the running slower than other people walking, wonder if thats where I could improve. Think maybe I was going to fast to start with last time and seriously thought I would never make it home, lol! But I did!