To ask how do I start running when I can't run?

[rebelrosie12]

Wanting to have a bit of an overhaul of my lifestyle. I do Pilates once a week and the only other exercise I could do is running. Problem is, i can't run. I get shin splints which give me pain for days after walking briskly up a hill. How do I get into it?!

Couch to 5k. Google it. Good luck!

I second couch to 5k. Worked for me, had never run before and was well into my 40s. Good luck.

Couch to 5K is a great app for beginners and lots of leisure centres have running groups, too. Build up your strength and stamina, wear decent-quality running shoes and don't quit when it gets hard; push through and it gets so much better.

Couchto5k is THE app. Last summer I couldn’t run for 30 seconds. Now I can run for an hour. It changes your perspective on everything you thought you couldn’t do.

Are you sure you want to run? Running is great but there’s tons of other exercise you can do which give you great results in much less time (and I say that as someone who does run)!

What about joining a gym and doing a mixture of cardio and weights? 1 hour of that twice a week and your Pilates and you’ll be tons fitter. Or dance cardio classes? I do two dance cardio classes a week and 2 x gym sessions. If I can’t get to the gym then I do a lot of running instead.

As others have said, couch to 5k is really good.

Yep c25

I definitely agree that couch to 5K is great. But do you have a park near you? Could you run on the grass next to the path? It is a lot less impact than running on concrete.

I agree with everyone else, couch2 5k is great. It's very easy to start with with short bursts of running and lots of walking and gradually over the weeks the running increases and walking decreases.

You need to get to a proper sport shop and get advice about running shoes before you start. I have a friend who had problems with shin splints and apparently the right running shoes can make a huge difference.
Then start the c25k and just take it really gentle.

Very soon the running groups run beginners courses. Google your local clubs and they should have details. I went from extremely unfit to regularly running 10-15 miles a week.

Yep definitely couch to 5k .

I started C25k last march then did 5 to 10k .

Yesterday I ran my second half marathon in 6 months - I honestly never thought that I'd ever manage to haul my 50 year old (un sporty) body round 13.1miles !!! ( mind you I bloody ache today)

Another vote for C25k, but don’t feel disheartened if you need to repeat a week... some of the jumps between weeks can be tricky (although in my experience, different people find different jumps tricky - there’s no predicting).

Not everyone should run as a form of exercise. Brisk walking is just as beneficial without causing the strain and damage jogging sometimes can.

Thanks all. Yes I do have a park nearby...never thought of running on the grass.
I'm a sahm and brisk walk everywhere already...i don't have the time/money/transport to get to a gym and hate them....i want to be outdoors. I reckon once my kids were in bed I'd be able to pop out for 30 mins and it wouldn't impact too much on our evenings. To go to a gym or swimming pool would add on a lot of time.
I did try couch 2 5k once before when my baby was little...but with pushing the buggy too I didn't make it past the first day!

I need to try again don't I?!

I'd also recommend C25k. I literally went from couch to half marathon in 8 months by building up weekly. I remember wanting to throw up in week 4.

If you have a parkrun close by they are also good and children 4 and upwards can take part too.

How old are your kids? 4+ ? Take them to parkrun on a Sunday morning! Lots if parents run with their kids.
Also look at good shoes or insoles can make a big difference.

C25K
I can't run. Have never run and am not young and it worked for me
Running is a grand name for what I do, slow plod is more like it
The minute killed me and now I can keep going for 5k
I did repeat some weeks

We do have a park run but kids are too little at the moment.

Do C25k - but, crucially, find a local club or park group that’s running a C25k course and join that. It makes a massive difference doing C25k with other people - you can talk as you go, take it at an easy pace, and run with other beginners. I say this as a veteran of failed lone C25k attempts, and have just got in having plodded 7k with a group of lovely women who’ve also just successfully finished C25k like me. It’s a revelation, I genuinely love the chance to run in company and that’s purely what has got me to 5k+ this time.
You can do it!

My shins ache walking quickly but don't when I'm jogging or running. So you might be fine. Good luck!

C25k followed by half a park run on soft ground. I have no intention of going beyond the 7k fun run which was my goal for c25k. I did that 2 years ago, I can still run but keep it easy.

Another vote for couch to 5K.

Be warned though I’ve been running for years now and I weigh more than I did when I started.

Try compression sleeves or socks for your calves as this may help with the shin splits.

Couch to 5k for sure.

Also look up 'this mum runs' - you can join courses and runs in certain areas of the country and it's great! Even if you're not near, join the Facebook page for inspiration and info

Can anyone point in the right direction for the app? There seems to be loads of them. NHS best for a first timer?