Intro

Hi,

I just started jogging about 2 weeks ago.  When I logged back into this site and ran some numbers for my height and bone structure (5'11"/small frame) it said that I should be at 160(yeah right).  I figured that the only way that I could go from 293 to 160 is by running.  Don't be alarmed.  I was 350 about a year and a half ago.  I'm up to 3 miles and I jog 5 times per week.  I'd like to take that jog at 4.5 mph to a run at 7mph and faster.

Hi eatnright

It is great that you are running. I love it.

A few things that stood out from your post.

1) it is recommended that you only increase 10% / week. Although you may want to go from 15 miles to 20 miles it is better to go to 16.5 miles.

2) make sure you have invested in the best shoes you can afford. Go to a running store and get fitted for running shoes. They will watch you run / walk so that they can be sure of your needs.

3) you might want to vary the surfaces that you run on - gravel, grass and don't stick to asphalt and concrete.

4) If you feel pain - DO NOT RUN THROUGH THE PAIN.  Establish a reasonable treatment program and cross train for a while.

Trust me on these "tips" I broke my tibia 2 1/2 years ago and it was 11 months before I could run again. It was painful and awful.

Also you may want to go to time on your feet vs. distance.

Good Luck.

Hello!! I also cannot say enough good things about running. It has made more of an impact on my overall well-being and health than anything else I have ever done (aside from horseback riding and this is MUCH more affordable!!)

I will strongly second cawilder on the shoes. It makes such a big difference. And also on #4. I have much too often pushed too hard or tried to come back too soon and ended up on the bench or given up.

I wish you all the best and hope running does as well by you or better than it has for me! :)

Hi,

Thanks for the tips.  I didn't realize I should look at time of my feet vs. actual miles.  I got a good pair of shoes (nikes).  I'm starting to mix my running with the elliptical to balance things out.

The biggest issue of course is the eating.  I'm getting better at that everyday.  There are so many things to eat that are the right things to eat but with not much time to prepare, I find myself eating pretty much the same things but in different combos.

Eatnright

Hi all,

Another newbee to the group. I have been running for about 5 years now. Anything from a 5K to the Detroit Marathon. I love running. Long distance running the most. cawilder is right shoes make the runner. When you do go to the store make sure to bring an old pair of shoes with you. They can tell by the wear pattern on the soles what type of runner you are(pronate, underpronate ETC) and fit you with the shoe to match your stride. Also make sure you stay hydrated to get the most out of your run. I am just starting back after knee surgery- a torn meniscus after stepping on the edge of a paved path I was running on did the trick. I started back by doing a walk/run combo. 2 minutes of running followed by two min of walking for 30-45 minutes. By adding walking you last longer AND burn more calories. Just ease into it. Were trying to get heathy, none of us (more than likely) are not going to make money on our running ability so as my Italian friend would say,"Hey take it ease"

Hi,

I have recently started running again.  I have actually been running for years and have been in several 5k and 10k races, and one Half Marathon.  Things got stressful on my job and I stopped running because I was working all the time.  My weight  ballooned but I thought...when Im ready again, I will run it off and lose the weight.  But, I have found that getting started again after a year off, is harder than I thought!    I have dropped almost 30 pounds and still have some to go.

Once I get into the groove, I LOVE running.  It really helps me clear my mind.  And I really need that right now!

I typically run alone...I prefer that because at different times, I push myself harder or sometimes I allow myself to take it easy...and its hard to coordinate with someone else's running pattern.  I just put on my fav music on my ipod and go.  The longest run I have done is 15 miles...and those run days were in prep for the half marathon.

When I have a hard time running, I remember that I have run 15 miles in one session without stopping....so I can do it again!