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Original poster

Overweight and unfit. Will running for 10 minutes a day help me at all?

35 replies

blearynweary · 16/03/2016 09:44

I'm about a stone and a half overweight and facing 50 this year. I've stupidly entered a 5k in June. I really want to 'be a runner' (I was a good runner when younger). Over the last few years I've had a broken foot twice and a knee operation which used part of my hamstring to reconstruct my ACL. So I suppose its not surprising that I've been too scared to run much. Last week I decided I just needed to START running. I've previously done Couch to 5k but found it quite boring at the beginning and lost interest by week 5 or 6!

So I've been getting up early and going for a run along the lane outside my house (I take the dogs they love it Hmm). Just for 10 minutes, I set the timer on my phone. I don't run fast, I think I probably look like a very old woman, I probably don't even cover 1.5k. I have a vague plan of running for 10 minutes until I feel confident then slowly upping the minutes. This morning I went off a bit quick and really felt it by the end, although I absolutely love speeding up and pushing myself for the last 30 seconds!

I would love any support,advice or encouragement!!

OP posts:
Original poster
blearynweary · 16/03/2016 10:15

I have bought some really good Saucony trainers that seem very comfortable so far.

I think I will also get bored at 40 mins (if I get that far). The idea of running a marathon gives me the heebie jeebies - I couldn't be alone with my thoughts for that long Grin

OP posts:
DarylDixonsDarlin · 16/03/2016 10:13

My ten minutes a day led to 15, then 20 and so on, until I was able to run comfortably for about 40 minutes at a time. I get bored any longer than that and found I needed to add in some different types of exercise, all of which I found easier once id improved my general fitness. Oh and I lost 3 stone by doing it.

So do it! Grin just be aware of those previous injuries, make sure you have good quality trainers.

Original poster
blearynweary · 16/03/2016 10:06

The Zombies Run app looks fun Grin

trying to work out roughly how long you have to run for per 'mission'?

OP posts:
Original poster
blearynweary · 16/03/2016 10:01

thanks cuntinghomicidalcardigan (Grin) I will look out for that!

OP posts:
Original poster
blearynweary · 16/03/2016 10:00

Thank you so much for your comments! feetheart that is really inspirational! We do have a local running club but I am far too intimidated to join just yet - mainly because I am worried I will injure myself (I broke my foot while running about 6 years ago Sad).

I will look out for a beginners running course that sounds really good.

justabigbearalan yes I do like speeding up and pushing myself. I used to be a sprinter many moons ago so I like speed rather than distance, although I am aware that is a sure fire ticket to injury these days!!

OP posts:
cuntinghomicidalcardigan · 16/03/2016 10:00

Have you tried the Zombie run app? It tells a story as you go with intervals where you have to speed up to 'escape' and then slow down to recover. It could fit with your plan if you like to push yourself for short bursts? 10 minutes a day is a great start Smile

feetheart · 16/03/2016 09:57

Smileys failure Grin

feetheart · 16/03/2016 09:56

Sounds like you are doing brilliantly and slowly upping the minutes is a good plan. Upping them too quickly can cause injury, the 'rule' is no more than 10% per week. Watch out, that runner's high is wonderfully addictive :o
Do you have a local running club? They are not all cliquey and full of speedy whippets. It's getting to the Beginners Running Course season so there may be a course locally that you could get involved with so you have company and support, and a lot of laughs!
And then there is parkrun which is FABULOUS, free, open to everyone, can be walked the whole way if you want to and you could run with your dog (only one dog though)
Good luck. I started 7 years ago at 47-- having hated running at school. I have run 5 half marathons, numerous 5 and 10k, joined a local club (eventually) where I am now a run leader and helped set up a local parkrun.
I love it :0

FaithAscending · 16/03/2016 09:50

I would think so! Given your history, it's wise to take it easy says the woman nursing a sprained foot after too much running after a rest! Any exercise is good, running definitely helps you to tone up and building up slowly should mean you'll manage a 5k :)

JustABigBearAlan · 16/03/2016 09:48

Of course it's a good idea! Sounds like you are doing really well. It's a good idea to just up the time you run for too, when you feel ready.

If you like speeding up and pushing yourself in short bursts, then interval training is meant to be very good too.

Good luck!