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Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

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Original poster

I've never run before, but feel like starting.....

25 replies

notoverit · 27/04/2009 11:13

I have always hated running and I am not very fit, I get out of breath easily even though I am in my early 20's and not really overweight, just got baby fat from having dd.

But recently I have had a strange urge to go runnig in the evenings.

Has anyone got any good advice on how to ease myself into running? So any success stories of how someone lazy like me turned into a great runner and got really fit and toned?

Also is running good fo the whole body including the belly? As my belly is the one that really need work....

OP posts:

CompareTheMeerkat · 27/04/2009 11:15

I have joined the couch to 5k thread here.

I have downloaded a podcast onto my ipod and it tells you when to run and walk etc over a 9 week programme. I am onto week 2 .

Original poster

notoverit · 27/04/2009 11:35

oh ok, sounds good i'll have a look... Thanks

OP posts:

mileniwmffalcon · 27/04/2009 13:53

well i posted something very similar to this back in january - just an idle query about having a vague interest in running - and bugger me if i'm not running 5k+ 3 or 4 times a week now

in that time i've been calorie counting too - so not down to running alone - and have lost a stone+ and gone down a couple of dress sizes. my belly is in pretty good shape (considering 2pgs each involving an extra 3-4 stone ) and i have strange muscles in my legs i certainly never had before! but more to the point i feel fantastic, full of beans, brighter outlook, and it turns out i love to run.

there's loads of good advice for beginner runners on here if you do a search. get proper shoes from a specialist running shop, a decent bra, and get on the couch to 5k thread

Ohforfoxsake · 27/04/2009 13:55

I've got Running Made Easy. Seems to be an easy enough read, and lots of good advice.

Not that I've read it just yet

OrmIrian · 27/04/2009 13:58

Start out with short runs of about a mile, and try to do it 3 times a week. It will kill you to start with but short distances are doable. Then as you get comfortable with that, increase the distances gradually. Try to find interesting routes so that you can vary your runs to stop it getting dull.

You need good running shoes and a sport bra. That's all. MP3 player is good for when you start going further.

Original poster

notoverit · 27/04/2009 14:29

really milen - that sounds great, well done....

I defintly need good running shoes, but dont know which ones to go for, can anyone recommend some that are good but not too expensive as I dont want to spend a fortune when just starting out...

OP posts:

OrmIrian · 27/04/2009 14:41

I bought some new ones a few months back which are the best I've had so far. Adidas Adizeros Lt+. Very light and comfortable. I bought mine at a discount shop - they are not made anymore - but if you look online you will be able to find the model that has replaced them. Shoes can be expensive though.

MaggsS · 27/04/2009 15:48

I too want to start running.Not run since I was a school and that was over 20 years ago.

I have got as far as downloading the couch to 5k podcast and getting a decent sports bra.

Have been "running" on my wii fit just so I don't look a complete fool running around the village

Lizzylou · 27/04/2009 15:54

It's really strange isn't it, how this urge to run happens?
It was exactly the same with me, I had never been very fit, was rubbish at PE/Games at school yet when I used to push the buggy sometimes I used to want to run.
I started off like Orm suggested, then I did a 5km run for charity, then the next year a 10km one.
Good running shoes, a supportive bra and lots of good songs on your MP3 player.
I went today for the first time since November (had been swimming instead over the winter) and it was great, only managed 3km before my legs felt heavy and I was too tired, but will try again and build up again.
I was at the point where I was running 10km twice a week with 5km runs twice a week too. I was the slimmest I have ever been. I aim to get back to that level again by June/July.

MrsMattie · 27/04/2009 15:56

I have this urge, too. I am also fairly unfit, still carrying baby weight from second c-psection 6 mths ago and haven't really run more than a few feet since I was a kid. Gonna watch this thread!

MrsMattie · 27/04/2009 16:03

Quick Q - When it says:

Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

Do you use a timer? How do you time 60 secs then 90 secs over and over again without constantly fiddling with a timer...

mileniwmffalcon · 27/04/2009 17:08

where does that urge come from? it's most bizarre i was exactly like you lizzy - walking a lot with the pushchair and suddenly feeling envious of the runners we passed...

mattie - mostly on the c25k thread we've been downloading one of various podcasts (if you google couch 5k podcast it should turn up several) which has all the timings on it, but also someone else's taste in music when you graduate to all running you get the pleasure of using your own music at last! you can do it with a stopwatch too if you don't have an ipod, i'm sure, but i've not tried it myself.

Wheelybug · 27/04/2009 17:21

Do Couch to 5k programme linked to below. I started it last Jan and by June was regularly running 10K +. I lost about 1.5 stone. Then got pregnant - dd2 now 6 weeks old and need to start it again, although had c-sec so will probably leave running until dd1 starts school in Sept, providing dd2 is happy in the buggy whilst I run !

Wheelybug · 27/04/2009 17:21

goblincandoa5k · 27/04/2009 17:30

Mrs Mattie - if you download the podcasts here Robert will tell you when to walk, run, etc. It is fab and keeps you going - although you do find yourself talking to him (maybe just me then

Good luck. It is a great program, i went from nearly keeling over at 1min to running 15mins non-stop yesterday

MrsMattie · 27/04/2009 17:39

Thanks so much goblin - will let you know how I get on!

Original poster

notoverit · 27/04/2009 18:13

I was thinking being single gave me the urge to run as not getting any action for months. but maybe its not that as i'm sure not everyone here is single.

so the podcast tells you when to run and walk, and you listen to music in between? sounds good. Only thing is I hope the music is good.

goblin - well done, sounds like you have been doing really well. How long have you been running?

OP posts:

sleepwhenidie · 27/04/2009 18:35

Zest magazine may issue has a special section on running,for total beginners or people looking to stretch themselves to half marathon or beyond. I could send you my copy if you'd like it and have any problem getting hold of it now.

I was the same, always hated running but the more I did it the more addictive it became - I got to a real love/hate relationship with it! Runners high really does exist and I think its the most effective exercise for getting into shape and burning fat. After really getting into it after having DS I had to stop when 5 months pregnant with DD - now getting back into it and it is so hard but worth it!

goblincandoa5k · 27/04/2009 21:22

Have a look at this site Scroll down to the bottom and you will see the schedule. It is only a suggestion though, feel free to add extra runs as you need them.

I'm just about to start week 6 , although i cheated on w5r3 and only did 15mins, not 20mins - but added on 2 extra sets of 5mins

The music is alright, bit 80's electric. When you get to the solid blocks of running though you can just make your own playlist to run to.

hope that helps and good running

mooseloose · 27/04/2009 21:40

i started in August, just a bit further everytime, and when i could do about ten mins I ditched the walks and tried to make the runs longer. Ididn';t find it easy - but hitched up with a friend every other night, talked and ran, and we did a half marathon in march! Ran all the way except a blip at 12 miles!
Before the race we were doing 4, 6, 4, 8 ish every other day. An 8 mile nearly killed me about a six weeks before, but we did a 12 mile about two weeks before the run, and then took it right down before we run!

We ran slow, and it was ok.

But partner now injured, and my motivation has dived down to once a week, and not a fat lot!

Am doing GNR in Sept too!

tattycoram · 27/04/2009 21:45

I went for pretty much my first ever run last night. I loved it. It was really sunny and I so enjoyed having my own headspace. I have stupidly signed up for a 5 km run and was thinking there was no way I was going to make it, but even if I have to walk and run it I will go and do it now.

Clure · 27/04/2009 22:27

I started running whilst ttc 4 years ago and being unlucky in fertility treatment - it was my therapy.
I just built up from a 20 mins round the block. Eventually conceived and continued running up till 12 weeks pregnant.
Took up the running again when DD was 8 weeks old (couldn't walk for first 4 weeks)
I now run 10-20k a week and have done two half marathons and LOVE running. Getting that "runner high". Keeps body and heart in shape!
I'd advise taking it slowly and building up gradually.
here's good website

Enjoy!

Original poster

notoverit · 28/04/2009 08:23

Thanks for the advice everyone, I am really hoping I wil get this runners high, sounds good.

sleepwhenidie - I will have a look to see if I can find the magazine first, but that is very kind of you.

OP posts:

mileniwmffalcon · 28/04/2009 08:59

it was mumsnet made me do it - once i'd started the thread i felt this unstoppable momentum and a week or so later i was kitted up and out running. joining the c25k thread really works to keep you going at the beginning too, after that the endorphins take over!

hope it works out that way for you too notoverit

Original poster

notoverit · 29/04/2009 14:33

thanks, I hope so too. I am moving next week so when I am settled into my new place I think I will start then.

Can you buy decent running shoes in a normal sports shop?

OP posts:

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