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Original poster

I want to run but i'm full of doubts..

43 replies

ThePathanKhansWitch · 29/12/2011 12:55

i've been reading through the threads here, and some of your stories are amazing.
I'd really like to get fit, but i'm not sure i can run. I'm 42, about 2st overweight, and i've only just stopped smoking (i've been a hard-core smoker for 20 years) .
There's loads of good advice on the threads, re: bra, shoes, purple nail polish, but i think my lungs are gone.
Can i do it? Should i start the Couch 2 5 K? am i a hopeless case?

I've not seen any ex-smokers say they've taken up running. Can someone give me some hope? Please.

OP posts:

chibi · 31/12/2011 18:06

Fwiw i have been running for 3 years now, i was 2st overweight when i started, and could only run between lamposts at first before walking it off.

I run in a town, in full view of cars etc, in running tights, and in all that time i have had 2 comments

a hobo said i looked stunning
some shmo tried to tell me i ought to run on grass, not pavement

the whole idea that people catcall you, it doesn't necessarily happen. i know it does to some, but i guess what i am saying is that it needn't deter you.

brightermornings · 31/12/2011 18:17

Am watching this with interest. Can anyone recommend some trainers? I need to do something 40 is not far off!!

jeee · 31/12/2011 18:18

I'm not a smoker, but I am overweight, and I haven't run for over 20 year. Last year my ten year old DD1 announced she wanted to run the race for life. She needed an adult to run with her. So that was my summer sorted.

When I first started my training I couldn't manage 500m. Three months later I completed the 5K race for life. I run all the way round. It did take me 30 minutes, and I was left standing by my DD1 (she did it in 22 minutes), but I was still inordinately proud that I'd managed it.

I didn't follow one of the training programmes. I just run 2 or 3 times a week gradually increasing the length of my run.

I did get a lot of comments - but only when I run with my daughter. When I was with her, everyone decided to inform me that she was rather faster than me.

chibi · 31/12/2011 18:21

I like new balance, they are not mega expensive. i just bought a new pair for less than £30

Sleepwhenidie · 31/12/2011 18:32

brightermornings There are lots of decent trainer brands, of varying prices, most important is to get the one that suits your gait best, a running shop will help you do this (free).

FWIW I think the best selling brands for running are Asics and Saucony. If you find the best brand for you but are put off by the price, try to find last season's version (usually just a different colour or something) online and cheaper.

coffeeinbed · 31/12/2011 18:37

That was me three years ago, except for the smoking.
I started very early in the morning - it sets you up very nicely for the day, it's feel good physically and also like something you've accomplished.
iPod is a must for me.
And I did the rest as well - got fitted for good shoes, a bra, so on.
Didn't follow a programme, just increased steadily distance and then tried to get the time down.
You can see the distance on gmaps pedometer, it's easy and feels good.

OTheHugeManatee · 31/12/2011 18:48

If you're large of nork, definitely invest in a proper sports bra or two. They're expensive, but if you're out 3x a week you can get by with one or two sets of gear and regular laundry. You might find you want to do more as you get fitter but there's no need to spend loads starting out.

Second those who say get fitted at a specialist running shop for trainers too. Running is hard on the back and knees and will accentuate any quirks in your gait or posture, but the right shoes really help support you. I realised this was vital after a week or two jogging in elderly trainers - my knees started to complain - the problem went away when I got some new, better-fitting ones.

I ran a whole four miles today! First time ever! If you'd told me in August this year that I'd be doing that in December and actually enjoying it, I'd have pmsl or thought you were bonkers

Do it! Do it! Do it OP!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 31/12/2011 18:54

I hope you don't mind me lurking on here. I started last year and gave up because I hurt my ankle after about 8 sessions but I really, really want to get started again.

NeitherShreddedNorSmug · 31/12/2011 21:52

Go for it! I started running earlier this year, after a couple of failed attempts to do it myself I joined the C25K thread and hardly ever never looked back. I had fabulous support from the other regulars on the thread (some of whom have already posted on here) and I feel like I've made some lovely friends, which is even better than the getting fit and dropping a dress size (which seemed to happen by itself).

Beware though, it can be addictive. I've gone from not being able to run the length of myself, to running 10 miles today, and I'm doing my first half marathon later in January. I tell everyone I meet how life changing C25K was for me , and have got several friends and colleagues going on it too.

Good luck and enjoy!

QueenOfAllBiscuitsandMuffins · 31/12/2011 22:06

I used to run 10K whilst smoking 20 a day and being 2 stone overweight. I was in my 20s however.

Now late 30s, gave up smoking 4 years ago and can run 10miles if I put my mind to it.

GO FOR IT (stop making excuses )

Popbiscuit · 31/12/2011 22:18

I love threads like this! OP you can totally do this! Think of every run as bringing you a little bit closer to great health :) So fun and so addictive.

Start gradually and never increase your distance dramatically...there are some really good training plans online and of course, couch to 5K is a great place to begin. Rest days are just as important as running days as they allow your bones and muscles to recover. Good shoes are very important and you can get running trousers that are not tights...more like technical jogging bottoms. Try a running specialty shop or Sweaty Betty (Running - Pants). Being properly kitted out really does give you a little extra kick in the butt and while the initial outlay might be pricey, good quality stuff does last much, much longer as you're washing it so often.

Good luck and have fun! So excited for you!

Popbiscuit · 31/12/2011 22:21

Also, New Balance trainers are my holy-grail shoes. Reasonably priced, non-gimmicky and built especially for runners.

QueenOfAllBiscuitsandMuffins · 01/01/2012 11:36

For shoes go to a proper running shop, not something like Sports Direct! Get them to analyze your gait (they will put you on running machine, they will NOT laugh at you). It's really important that the first pair if shoes you get for running are suitable for you, it can be make or break. Honestly there is no point in posters telling you the best trainers for them. It doesn't have to mean £££ tell them your budget.

chibi · 01/01/2012 11:41

i don't know that getting gait analysed is critical, particularly for a beginner who is unlikely to clock up mega milage per run at first.

i go to a big enough shop (in terms of floorsize), and when i try on the shoes, run a lap round the store. if there are problems they will be apparent fairly sharpish.

i had a pair of v expensive supershoes that i bought before this method, which gave me shin pain within about 20 yards of running

i have bought 2 pairs after using this method and both have been fab

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 01/01/2012 12:32

I think that gait analysis is very important, we all run differently, some peoples feet and ankles turn in, some turn out, running shoes are designed for one or the other.

When I started last year I was wearing old trainers and after about 3 weeks my knee just collapsed, it was quite painful and I couldn't run for several weeks afterwards. I went and got my gait analysed for new trainers and have been fine ever since.

Panadbois · 01/01/2012 20:19

Thanks for the Youtube link Water - very inspiring

Anifrangapani · 02/01/2012 18:17

Pathan - I started running 5months ago, gave up smoking 4 months ago. Lost over a stone. Even my husband has said I look good. I feel fantastic.

It is so doable - just start slow and keep going. I use races to motivate myself - at first my goal was to get around, then not to be last, then not last club runner (joining a club is great - most welcome new runners of all abilities). In the last race i was 1st lady vet 40. Admittedly there was only 150 runners and it was blowing a gale so the field was limited to the foolhardy, but the buzz was great.

When it feels uncomfortable just remember this tip - if you are feeling too good you aren't running hard enough. Even really good runners get out of breath and go red in the face.

The only person who has heckled me was my 6 year old son. No other runner will beacause they have all been there and if somebody else does remember that they are jealous because they can't run.

Foxinsocks · 02/01/2012 18:27

It doesn't suit everyone like swimming or cycling don't suit everyone.

Running doesn't work for me. I have tried over many many years and reluctantly had to admit defeat. If it doesn't work for you, really don't worry as there are loads of other things you can do (just in case it doesn't work out!)

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