I want to run!

[mammy0f0ne]

I want to run! Like pheobe in friends.
I'm a big girl (17st ish) I'm losing weight I've lost a stone so far but I'm trying to muster up the courage to run, any advice?

I would recommend Niko Niko running. Here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2khySLE

It is the easiest style of running I have ever done. In fact I thought I couldn't really run before trying this.

Many people find couch to 5k programmes helpful, there are different apps you can use. The general principle is to start slow and easy and build gradually. Getting a good sports bra is important; you can leave expensive trainers until you are further into it and running more, just make sure the ones you have just now are comfortable. And go for it! Don't worry about your speed, it doesn't matter. There may be a group in your area that runs beginner programmes, they can be very helpful and supportive. Online communities can also be good, RunMummyRun on Facebook is very friendly and supportive. Have fun!

Congratulations welcome to the fabulous world of running!
Have a healthy but filling meal ready for after your run as the hunger after a run is like nothing else! You will have the most amazing sleep after as well

1. Make a decent running playlist on your phone
2. download an app like ‘mapmyrun’ So you can track your routes, see your distance and time - then try to go further the next time.
3. purchase an arm strap to put your phone in while you run
4. get out and run. Try 10 mins first! Good luck! Don’t feel disheartened if you have to stop and walk. My first run I did about 13 minutes and I did walk a lot of it. It didn’t take me long before I was running for 30 minutes without stopping.
5. also don’t eat anything for about 3 hours prior to your run, just water, as it really affects me and gives me a stitch.

Do it OP - you won't regret it (well you might do briefly mid run but you will feel so ace afterwards it will all seem worth it!).

I did it a few years ago using an app but gave up pretty soon after I graduated (there's a story about getting caught up in a half marathon by mistake that mortified me haha!) but then started again with a group in October. I am also larger (although rapidly shrinking now! 3 1/2 stone down ) but have found it fine. I have now graduated to the 'improvers' course.

Big differences for me this time round have been learning to stretch properly afterwards, and keeping more of an eye on how I run. And finally not giving a toss what I look like or who sees me (that has been a revelation)

Good luck!

Thoroughly recommend couch to 5k. The first run was hideous, but I liked the fact it didn’t matter about pace ....aim to run for set amount of time . I listen to podcasts which I find keeps any thoughts about giving up away !

Love that clip Ive always thought I’m too big to run but could probably manage that. Didn’t know such a thing existed.

You can absolutely do it! I was a lifelong non runner, thought it was something I just couldn't do. Then at 41 I did C25K, and found I could run - not fast - but I could keep going the more I did it. I've done everything up to and including a marathon since then!

Well done. What an achievement. I’m always impressed with people who have the gumption to do it - unlike myself on the sofa thinking I might do it.

Do it! I used a programme called 'none to run', similar to couch to 5k. Went from literally zero to a 5k parkrun in 9weeks. I'm not fast but I'm consistent, getting out every week (I aim for 3x5k a week but don't beat myself up if I only manage 1x2k!). I clocked over 560 km last year. It has changed my life! I did it for mental health reasons and it has been a lifesaver. Made me believe I can do pretty much anything if I take it slow, build it up and set my own pace. Well done!

Yep, definitely recommebd couch to 5k. I listen to podcasts “over” the c2 5k stuff.

Good running shoes, proper running bra, both properly fitted by professionals.
C2 5K app. I like the bbc/Nhs one.

Dedicate time to do it. Repeat runs as May times as you need to until you feel comfortable with it. You might surprise yourself!

nancy, I tried the Niko Niko running around my house first of all. Just to see if I could do the technique. I found out I could! From the first try I kept going for half an hour! I started a thread about it here:

https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/exercise/3273109-niko-niko-running-technique-experiences

Many of the posters who got on with it had struggled with running previously for one reason or another. My speed gradually increased quite naturally. I now run 45 minutes just about every day! I have also lost nearly 2 stones in weight (since May/Jun last year) by doing this in conjunction with being more careful with my diet.

So you don't necessarily have to venture very far from your sofa just to see....

Couch to 5k has pretty much changed my life! I have just changed jobs and had to make sure my new hours gave me time to go running!
I was a total and utter non runner and after turning 40 was conscious of improving my health and fitness. The first few weeks were really tough and I never thought I'd be able to run more than a few minutes without a break. I now run three times a week - not for huge distances I run for about half an hour- and my figure and health is so much better and it's been particularly good for my stress levels - when I'm running I find it hard to distract my self from running so it's quite therapeutic in blocking out other thoughts and worries
Good luck

I echo much of the pps especially C25k

But just to say once in a while when no one is looking I also run like Phoebe for a few hundred yards. It feels great!

Yay, well done! Couch to 5k is fantastic, but you can take it at your own pace. I dip in and out of running, and always know I can fall back on couch to 5k if I get too far out of it. I'm not a massive fan of running TBH, but it's great to know I can just strap some trainers on and get out anywhere in the world - I always run on holiday.

Good trainers are a must - I've had gait analysis at proper running shops, and now I know what works for me, I just buy the same shoe over and over (Asics Gel Kayano for me - corrects my overpronation and the heavy cushioning protects my knees and hips). Also a decent sports bra - I've got tiny boobs, but even I need something to pin them down!

I'm a HIIT runner and would echo getting gait analysis from pro running shop and good shoes from the start. Your knees will take up to X3 body weight from impact and if you over pronate or have hypermobility then inadequate shoes can lead to painful knee injuries. I use Brooks GTS but your gait analysis will dictate which shoe is right....you don't choose the shoe, it chooses you

Also, I don't listen to music any more, it makes breathing impossible for me to focus on (I do 3 in 2 ex pattern to reduce injury). Proper breathing for HIIT running is essential and this was a game changer for me. I only listen when walking or pottering about, not when I'm actually trying to run fast!

Lastly, tkmaxx is fabulous for good quality heavily discounted running clothes. And really lastly, if you want to be a fast runner (opposed to distance runner) you will benefit from a strong core...think Pilates type exercises from YouTube vids. Again, reduces injury as well as increasing performance. Have fun!!!

Thanks slowrun im going to give it a go.

Me too! Good headphones would be my advice and some decent music

nancy, excellent!

Loads of great advice here, but I will say what I say to everyone thinking about running - apart from a supportive bra of some sort, you don't need anything special to get out and start. You don't need special leggings or shoes to run for 30s at a time - we'd all run for the bus in heels.
Get out and start, then if you think that you want to keep trying, get trainers first and then pick bits up