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Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

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Original poster

Am i mad to consider taking up running?

28 replies

feelinghappynow · 27/02/2012 07:38

I havent ran since school - 20yrs ago, times in they gym (years ago now with havging babies and no time) the treadmill used to kill me after 5 mins - seemed the longest 5 mins of my life!!!

BUT - i need and want to do some excercise, have some friends that are really into it and seem addicted. Its free, i can do it in the evenings straight from home so easy to do and no major childcare issues, nights getting lighter etc...

Do I just run around the block and keep extending it - I'm sure there is much more to it that that. I'm scared at collapsing into a breathless heap after a few minutes. Am i kidding myself that I can do this. I think it would be a great challenge for me.

Will read throught the C25K threads later when I get a chance.

TIA

OP posts:

Sleepwhenidie · 27/02/2012 12:46

No not mad at all, sounds ideal for you given time constraints/childcare etc. C25k supposed to be great to build up from scratch. Works on walk/run routine rather than run solidly as long as you can and extending the period eg.run 1min, walk 2 mins and build up so you run for longer intervals, walk less, until you run the whole distance.

Ideally add in a bit of resistance training as well (shred DVD?) - then you should see some great results!

Sleepwhenidie · 27/02/2012 12:49

Oh, just to add, get proper fitting trainers (go to a running shop for gait analysis), they don't have to be expensive and also a good sports bra (shock absorber Run best in my, and lots of other runners' opinions). Don't run every day and stretch afterwards! Good luck

AlmaMartyr · 27/02/2012 12:51

I took up running a few months ago (beginning of November) and love it. My first runs were 30 secs running, 3 minutes walking and I worked up from there. Now I can comfortably run over 4 miles without stopping and I've joined the local running club. I used the Running Made Easy book, but it's very similar to the C25K thing so that's probably more easily accessible. I was very very unfit and obese. I'm losing weight, and am loads fitter already. It is very easy to fit into my lifestyle. I go out a few evenings a week once the kids are in bed and DH is home and because I can go straight from the door it doesn't take up loads of time. As it's getting lighter earlier, I'm planning on getting up early and going out before DH goes to work. I used to do cross-country running at school and loathed it so never thought I'd be a runner!

So you're not mad at all :) Give it a try!

Original poster

feelinghappynow · 28/02/2012 11:51

Thanks all! Have been reading some threads and it seems possible, now i see they suggest you walk lots in between and build it up. Have looked at apps for my phone and ordered an arm band thing. first go will be tomorrow!!!

OP posts:

OTheHugeManatee · 28/02/2012 11:54

C25K! Do it!

I never imagined I'd manage to run for more than a minute or two without dying, but I did the C25K last autumn and am addicted now. It builds up your strength and stamina very gradually, so it never feels like too much of a struggle.

It's free, portable and makes you feel fab - I've dropped at least a dress size since I started.

Doooooo iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit

slug · 28/02/2012 12:11

Couch to 5K programme

podcasts to run along to week by week

As above but with different music

If you have an iphone I suggest you try tghe Nike + GPS App (works for me) There are others available, just have a schmooze through the app store.

Babieseverywhere · 28/02/2012 12:28

Running is so much fun (well when you stop and get your breath back, or is that just me ?)

I completed the C25K end of last year and am slowly redoing it now at 4 months pregnant. Hope to move onto B210K post baby and maybe outside running...I do all mine on a treadmill.

Agree with PP with getting proper 'gait analysis' shoes and support bra, very essential to prevent injury.

nannipigg · 28/02/2012 12:35

I would love to be able to run, but my scar on my abdomen from surgery really hurts and tugs when I try. But good luck to anyone doing the C25K!

ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged · 28/02/2012 12:37

Where in the country are you OP? Most areas have running clubs. Our local one is massive. Literally about 100 people running every Monday and Thursday. The great thing about it is that they split into groups depending on speed/distance. So you would start in a walk/run group and then build up. It's a really supportive environment and, personally, I always run further and faster when I'm with them (too easy to give up when I'm on my own!)

Babieseverywhere · 28/02/2012 12:48

Forgot to mention Parkrun Free to use timed 5km (3.12 miles) runs all around the UK.

I bothered DH to join our local one. I fell pregnant and never went, but he goes every weekend and loves it. Especially getting a personal best to beat each week.

OrmIrian · 28/02/2012 12:50

"Do I just run around the block and keep extending it "

yes. Best way IME. I started that way.... and one of these days I'll restart that way too.

it's brilliant, wonderful exercise once you get over the initial effort and red-faced, knackered bit.

Babieseverywhere · 28/02/2012 12:52

nannipigg, Have you had a chat with your doctor about your pain, to check everything is going as they expect ?

Hopefully it will go away in time. My nasty infected gall bladder scar took months to stop hurting but my EMCS scar had very little pain and went numb instead. Our bodies can be weird at times.

Hope you heal quickly and get back to running when you feel ready too.

OTheHugeManatee · 28/02/2012 13:07

One other thing: the best tip I ever had for running was from my marathoner brother, who told me 'No matter how fit you get, the first mile is always a struggle'.

I remind myself of that 7 minutes into every run, at the point where 'ow ow ow this is horrible, why did I think this was a good idea at 7am???' starts to get really loud in my mind. Then before I know it second wind kicks in and it suddenly feels easy and fun

ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged · 28/02/2012 13:21

Totally agree Mannatee - the first 7-10 mins are always the hardest. Then you hit your stride and it's all ok.

Phlox · 28/02/2012 13:36

Do it! I started running last summer ? ran for a bit, walked a bit and so on and gradually built it up. Now I can run 3 times a week for 30 to 40 mins, have lost well over a stone and am fitter than I have been since my teens (a long time ago!). It really is quite addictive, though the first few months were a real struggle. I downloaded an app called Runtastic which I have found really helpful (tells you how far you?ve been, how fast and how many calories you?ve burned etc).

I?m still a bit reluctant to join a running club, as I still don?t consider myself a ?real? runner, and actually quite like running alone, but I know loads of people who have and love it.

Would agree that good trainers are essential, but otherwise it is a very cheap form of exercise.

Go for it!

Original poster

feelinghappynow · 28/02/2012 14:43

Wow - you have me completely inspired!!! I seriously hope i can post comments like this in the future.

OP posts:

ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged · 28/02/2012 15:02

I understand you may prefer to run alone phlox but don't worry that you're not a 'real' runner. Running clubs are for everyone (or mine is)

OrmIrian · 28/02/2012 15:04

I didn't join a club either phlox. I like my own company and liked being able to work out my own routes. Also the advantage of running for me was the flexibility to go when and for the length of time that suited me.

Original poster

feelinghappynow · 29/02/2012 17:29

I did it!!!! And it felt good (most of the time) and hasn't put me off. To be fair its a lovely evening.....but atleast I didn't collapse in a heap and say 'never again'

Can't ever imagine being able to do 30mins straight, but hopefully slowly but surely!

OP posts:

ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged · 29/02/2012 20:04

Yay!!! Good for you. Be warned though, it's addictive!

Original poster

feelinghappynow · 01/03/2012 07:06

That's what I'm hoping Was great to just run out the house and leave dh and the kids for half an hour!

OP posts:

Sleepwhenidie · 01/03/2012 08:16

I think that's the really addictive part when you have small DC's feelinghappy! In all seriousness though, it's a great way to think about exercise- as time to yourself and for yourself - very effective in getting you out there regularly.

mrsobriain · 01/03/2012 10:38

This is just what I needed to kick start me back into some sort of exercise, thanks OP for starting it off. I have got a day off work today so am off to the running shop to get my 'gait analysis' done. I have badly sprained my ankle twice in last three years so very nervous about doing anything that could send me over again (have one ankle bigger than the other now, boots are a mission find....I digress..). HOwever, I am feeling really inspired now and have printed off the C25K plan to stick in the kitchen and give me something to cross off when I get back from each session - I love lists !! Thanks all.

Original poster

feelinghappynow · 02/03/2012 07:11

Nice one mrs i downloaded the podcasts that was recommended and it was great on my phone. Not all music to my taste but it eased the boredom. When i get the hang of the run, and my phone! I'll sort out some playlists.

Bizarrely missed not running yesterday as it was a 'rest' day so looking forward to going out today. I think the lovely weather makes it very appealing!

OP posts:

SaraBellumHertz · 02/03/2012 07:15

Go for it!

I started running at the beginning of the year after 4 DC and barely any exercise. I can now do 5km quite comfortably and will be doing my first 10k run this month.

Half a stone has melted away, I've never felt better and I am totally addicted

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