Learning to run!

[Smaug]

I want to start running to get fitter, lose some weight etc, but have to confess I'm very poor at it. I'm sure I read somewhere once of a scheme where you start by short bursts of running, then walking and then running, then walking and so on, building up the running and reducing the walking. does anyone know what it is? I'm feeling quite positive about it and want to get started soon!

Thanks.

Well done you! God, I'm so tempted to do the same tonight..but no..it is sensible to sort out the sports bra and shoes first and not dive head first into something.

must resist temptation...must resist temptation

Hi michaelad! Channel that enthusiasm: appt with a gp and some shopping and then away you go.

I can definitely feel that I've done some (unaccustomed) exercise now, but it feels OK, not like I've done any damage or anything. I'm really looking forward to going out again! I'm a bit scared to tell friends I'm running, it's so out of character!

Oi you lot!

There's an MN running club here. Newcomers always welcome!!

Hello Saggar, thank you for the invitation1 I'm not quite sure I qualify as a 'runner' yet, I've only been out once! Can I notch another couple of outings and then I'll pop in when I feel more confident?

can I ask a question of the runners to keep up my motivation did it help tone you up - lose weight where? I have huge legs -- wuld it help?
YEs I know Ishould be doing it for fitness, self esteem etc but thinner thighs would get me out more!

hi zz, havent lost weight per se but have defo toned up. hopefully it will speed up my metabolism and those cream cakes i had this afternoon will just burn themselves off as i sit lounging on the sofa! Thats the plan anyway..

well done smaug, I saw this thread yesterday. I'd like to start running too. I've joined the gym, so wll try to get a bit fitter before attempting road running. I can run fine on a treadmill, but can't yet face the idea of all the hills around here! I'm going to follow that plan too.

Well, I did my second run this morning. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to do it, but it was OK. Harder than Monday, but OK. I'm hoping Friday will be a bit better. Then next week the running times double!

smaug! v impressed! in a few weeks you can search back through these old threads and see how much youve improved! well done!

Thanks krispiecakes, I'm looking forward to that moment. I'm slightly alarmed by the fact that I might do all this and not lose any weight or be any thinner! Toned is good though, right?!

hmmm, i know, i am a bit gutted but in fairness i think ive been eating more since running. I justify eating things that i wouldnt normally because 'im going for a run' or 'have just been for a run'.
(and have a funny feeling that pack of pringles and half a tub of haagen daaz currently in stomach = more calories that my 3mile jog earlier burnt off)

OK, survived my third run this morning, but it was hard. Slightly dreading Monday when I have to up the running. Will report in.

well done smaug - youre sticking to the plan and youre doing great. looking forward to your next report!

Haven't been on MN much: horribly busy with end of term and the full-on school holidays...aaaargh!

BUT I am still running. Am now on week 4 of the schedule and can comfortably run for 5 minutes. It's going well, and even though it's hard (very hard, some days) I'm really enjoying it and enjoying feeling a bit fitter and feeling that I'm doing something about my long-term weight and fitness level. Only snag is a slightly pulled muscle in my ankle. It doesn't seem to be a muscle I use much in running as I ran yesterday on it (with a support) and it didn't get any worse. It just twinges when I got uphill. Am going carefully on it, but hope it'll be gone soon.