can I....., run?

I'm doing great with my calorie counting, but I want to start running, something that will increase my calorie burn and strenghthen my heart. I also hate cold weather, but I am willing to face the extreme conditions to challenge myself and get outta this terrible boring mode I'm in!! How do I start without collapsing?

google couch to 5k or do a thread search. This is a very good program for virgin runners and will condition them to be able to run 5k.

remember take it slow and BUNDLE UP in this cold weather. under armour, hat and gloves are essential as are good running shows with proper supprt.

good luck!

I was in the same boat as you.  I needed some sort of exercise to burn more calories.  I had always hated running because of the silence but with my Ipod I can't even hear myself think.   Well after seeing how many calories I could burn I started running last January.  Let me rephrase.  I started walking, then walking really fast then I added jogging to the walk and now I can run up to 20 miles if I have the time.  I wouldn't give it up for anything.  

I went out and walked every day, start with as much as you can really handle, 1/2 mile, a mile, either way it is more than you are doing now right?  Then little by little start to add a jog in that walk,  something small, just to the next light pole or the next drive way.  When I did this at first my lungs hurt, ok not just hurt but felt like they were on fire, and I felt very uncoordinated but I kept it up.    Pretty soon you will start to feel it,  you won't be grasping for air or making excuses for reasons not to get out and run,  it is almost addictive.   It's the best feeling.   Especially in the beginning when you add those calories that you burned to your account.  Loved that part. 

One last thing,  even when you are walking don't forget to warm up with stretches, I learned this the hard way with shin splints my first month.  Trust me when I say you don't want to have to go through that.

Good luck.

C25k - I just completed the program, after NEVER running, never wanting to run, never doing any type of sports.  It's awesome.  Follow the program though, if you need to repeat a week do it, listen to your body.  The Robert Ullrey's podcast was a life saver for me also, so all I had to do was run and do what the podcast told me.  For me this was the key, since if I had left it up to myself I would not have progressed as well.  Please give it a try - I made a promise to myself that I would complete the program and if I still hated running I wouldn't ever think about it again.  This Saturday I'm running in a 5k race.

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

http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page4/ page4.html

I just want to put in another word of support for C25K.  I never thought I'd be a runner but now I'm a program grad and love running.  Get the Robert Ulrey's podcasts - they are a life saver :)

I'm going to get a t-shirt that says, "Couch to 5k worked for me!".

I had spent 35 years on the couch, was 50lbs overweight and had smoked for 15 years.

My first run was for 30 seconds (I think, maybe a minute) and then walking...and so on -- I thought my head would explode.

I kept at it, completed the program and now, a year and a half later I am training for my first half-marathon!

Its not easy but keep at it and you CAN complete the program.

Endorphins are now my drug of choice. (Hey, there's another t-shirt saying).

Original Post by on_my_way:

I'm going to get a t-shirt that says, "Couch to 5k worked for me!".

I had spent 35 years on the couch, was 50lbs overweight and had smoked for 15 years.

My first run was for 30 seconds (I think, maybe a minute) and then walking...and so on -- I thought my head would explode.

I kept at it, completed the program and now, a year and a half later I am training for my first half-marathon!

Its not easy but keep at it and you CAN complete the program.

Endorphins are now my drug of choice. (Hey, there's another t-shirt saying).

 

 I am training for my first half marathon too! Actually my official training starts Jan 11th. Good luck on my way!

Yes once you start you wont be able to stop. Even with all the aches and pains! Running is addictive, no question.

I wish you well on your start angie.

Original Post by on_my_way:

I'm going to get a t-shirt that says, "Couch to 5k worked for me!".

I had spent 35 years on the couch, was 50lbs overweight and had smoked for 15 years.

My first run was for 30 seconds (I think, maybe a minute) and then walking...and so on -- I thought my head would explode.

I kept at it, completed the program and now, a year and a half later I am training for my first half-marathon!

Its not easy but keep at it and you CAN complete the program.

Endorphins are now my drug of choice. (Hey, there's another t-shirt saying).

 

 I want one of your shirts!!!

LOL!

Seriously, C25K changed my life.

And I am LOVIN it!

Just to chime in- C25K...wasn't for me.

Sorry to all the believers!! I am sure it works for the majority of the people, but I just found it to not work for me...so if you find that, here's what I did.

A year ago I was eating fast food, binge drinking, being sedentary--aka I had just graduated from college.  The January after trying a couple times the previous 6 months to get it into gear, I decided, enough is enough.

I went out and ran, for 5 minutes-and my lungs were on fire. I swore I would do it for 6 minutes the next day, and I did. In fact, in a month I was running 4x/week and had hit 20 minutes. My plan, was every time, to just increase my goal time by ONE MINUTE. It seems stupid, but the minutes add up!!

Take it slow, your not racing, yet. I still remember the day I stopped my run, not because my lungs hurt, but because my legs hurt. This was only a year ago. I now run upwards of 25-30 miles a week and am running my first marathon in April.  My one piece of real advice: you can't give up on yourself. Its SO mental. You'll learn to love it. PM me if you want any more tips, or some support, I wish I had had mroe getting started :) and GOOD LUCK!

When I started last September I couldn't run more than 300 yards.  I took a "learn to run" class at the RunningRoom.com and it changed my life.  In have since completed a 5km, 10km, 1/2 marathon and a full marathon races.   The best part is I am now registered to run the 113th annual Boston marathon in April 2009.   Good luck angie.  Give yourself a chance to amaze yourself.

Guys, you motivated me to start the C25K program! Thanks and congrats on your accomplishments. Boston marathon, munrori, that's awesome! I just ran a mile in 12 min yesterday and today I did week 4, touuugh! But I did it. Next week I'll do week 4 again. And Robert Ullreys podcast is great, I didn't have to pay attention to the time to switch between walking and running. Music is pretty good too.  Do you know if there's any forum or challenge with people doing the C25K? Let me know. And thanks again.

sounds like everyone here is sold on this method. I am up for giving it a try!

I have been running since I was in 7th grade - off and on...  

But, please go and get good running shoes from a reputable running store. They are really important for you to be safe, injury free, etc.  

Also, one thing to remember - the point is to get there - don't go too fast, be conservative with your pace. I find alot of beginning runners who try to ensure they are doing a mile in so many minutes when in reality it is way too fast.  

Good Luck - it is a really good feeling when you are in the middle of a run and realise that you mind has disconnected. 

Also, try to run on softer ground if possible - like concrete is the hardest on your legs, then asphalt, then dirt / grass. Try to vary.