I can't believe I did it!

I ran my first 5k today. I started training for it on Feb 2nd and I couldn't run 30 seconds without stopping. But today, I did it and feel great. So I've reached my first goal - loose weight (21lbs!)and run a 5k. New goal - reach my goal weight of 143lbs by August. Along the way, I plan to walk in the Race for the Cure, and run/walk a 10k. Anyone else running for weight loss? Any tips?

 

Congratulations! I just ran my first 5k last sunday! I'm not an avid runner, I'm more of an aerobics girl but I run at least once a week and I can't wait to do another 5k! My new goal is 25 minutes!

Wow, good for you !!!!! CONGRATS on this huge achievement!

 

Great work!!

I started training about the same time you did, not being able to run 600m without dying, but then I went lazy last month. I've just started again on friday to try and reach 5k again.

Best wishes for the 10k and weight loss,

and thanks for the motivation!

thats amazing!!! running is prolly the only workout iam scared of!! lol... i want to start running and eventually be able to run 5k without dying.. but i dont know how.. any tips for starters?? and again CONGRATS!!!

The hardest part is putting on the shoes, and actually getting out there! I used to have this thing with exercise, as soon as I'd start I'd talk myself down and say 'you can't do this, you're tired already! you should stop now. God there's so much further to go, just stop now.' The best thing I found was to think about math, yes, math. I'd start doing random calculations in my head on how far I was running, what time it would take, what is my speed? And from there sidetrack myself and before I knew it I'd already finished my goal distance!

So my best pieces of advice are:

- get out there. ignore that voice making excuses!

- choose something to think about, plan in your head what you're doing that weekend, recite what recipes you know, how to spell random words, etc. anything!

- when you feel yourself getting a bit tired, and that voice will say, 'you can stop now.' but instead, look 50m ahead at that road sign, and tell yourself, ILL STOP WHEN I GET THERE! prove to yourself you can make your own descisions and not stop when you get a bit tired. I'm not saying push yourself to the limit, but to improve, do a few more steps.

 

good luck!

Congrats!  That is amazing!  I am going to start running this week, and I was just wondering what training schedule you used?  Or what other advice you can offer?  Thanks :)

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.s html

check out the link...its a couch to 5k plan

I started by reading everything I could find out about running. I did a search on About.com for "running your first 5k". It offered training plans for beginners to elite. I also got a book from the library titled "Getting Started" by Cree H. Krull. It's less than 100 pages long and easy to follow.

Advice I'd give to: 

1. Start with walking. If you already walk try to increase your speed by doing intervals. When you're ready to add running, start slow and only do intervals. You can find walk/run plans just about anywhere online or in the book mentioned above.

2. Be patient! Don't push yourself too hard. There will be days when you feel like you can go longer or faster. DON"T DO IT! Follow the plan because you risk injury or over doing it and then feeling discouraged. You won't want to train if you're hurt or too achy.

3. Eat right! You need carbs but not lots of pasta and bread. Check out the book "Runner's world, the runner's diet : the ultimate eatin". Don't make the mistake of thinking that because you're running, you need to load up on carbs & sugar for energy. The 50/25/25 rule still applies. The last thing you want is the scale going in the wrong direction.

4. When you feel like you can't run another step, challenge yourself to make it to some point several yards away. I used the light poles or stop signs. Before you know, you've run a mile!

5. Finally, expect aches & pain and buy good shoes for your specific foot. Unless it's a serious injury, the discomfort you feel will get better and you'll look forward to running.   

Good luck and thanks for all the encouragement. I'll keep you posted...

Excellent job!

I was jogging for a while to lose weight until I found out I was pregnant.

When I first started, I couldn't jog a quarter of a mile without doubling over and throwing up. I also would get excruciating pain in my ears and bad joint pain.

I took it slow and before long I was running a few miles around the park, and felt myself getting lighter and enduring less pain.

I could not have done it without and MP3 player, good shoes (good sports bra) and cotton balls to stick in my ears for those days when my ears got bad.

You are obviously well beyond the "beginning" point, but I figured I'd toss all those out there for anyone else who wants to start.