Some advice about jogging please...

[Whattodofirst]

Hi
I'm very new to mums net and I'm sorry if I'm in the wrong place or if this has been covered many times before but I wondered if I could ask for some advice please?

I'm a healthy weight but very unfit and I get too self conscious and nervous to go to gyms etc so I've struggled with how to start getting fitter. I just don't have a clue! So a few days ago I decided to try jogging, its a hilly 0.4 miles around the block near my house and when i first tried I couldn't do it without stopping so today I've slowed down and managed to jog the whole 0.4 miles, my speed was 14 minutes per mile. I know this is really embarrassingly pathetic but it's an achievement for me and I just wondered what I should aim for - do I stick to that short distance and try to gradually speed up or do I take it slowly and try to keep going for a longer distance? I've not got any big aims, I just want to get generally fitter, I know I'll never be a marathon runner lol! If anyone has any hints or tips or advice I would be really grateful as I just don't know what to do and feel really embarrassed about my terrible fitness levels.
Thank you

Sounds like you're off to a great start! A good way to build up your stamina is interval training- you walk for one minute, then sprint for one minute, then walk for one minute, then sprint etc etc. Surprisingly effective if you want to condition yourself quickly.

I started like you. Ten years on, I run marathons! I've never aimed for a specific time, just tried to enjoy it. Some days you are quicker than others. Listen to your body & enjoy being outside!

Thank you nottheretoargue I really appreciate your answer - I'll try to kwep at it! I am enjoying it, I've had a great sense of achievement from it so far but then I get worried it's just too slow and too pathetic! Thanks again

I started the same way; I ran to the other end of the village, stopped for a drink and ran back! I just kept doing that till it felt easier then I very gradually increased my distance, and got faster naturally- not that I am fast mind you! Another way is with a couch to 5k app, which does run-walk intervals where the run parts get gradually longer; many people find these helpful. I hope you can carry on and keep enjoying it. The best thing about running is that you can do it your way, your speed. Have fun & good luck!

Running slowly is still running. Don't worry about your speed.

Thank you for your replies. I've tried the couch to 5k before and struggled because I don't like headphones and found it hard to keep up with the instructions! (I'm so bad!)
I'm going to keep at it and hope I can build up the distance - thank you again so much, you've all given me a boost to keep going x