Advice for Beginner

You're doing great! Consistency is the key and you're getting out 3 times a week and doing other stuff, so you will improve. If you look at the training tab at the top of the page there are some great run/walk schedules in beginners under "getting started" that will take you through to running 30 minutes, after that you can try one of the other schedules and build up to your first race - it's great fun! Do you want to lose weight too? There is a group of us who have been eating healthily and exercising for the last couple of weeks in an attempt to lose excess pounds. We chat, post what we eat, what exercise we have done, weigh-in on Saturdays - all very friendly and supportive, join in if you fancy it losers' thread

Good luck B x

B,

Thanks ALOT for replying...it's comforting to know that there is great support out there, especially as I gave up several times last year, and didn't believe that I could improve! It's only been a few weeks, but it's amazing I have seen a difference in myself and how my clothes fit...but more importantly how I feel! Yeah, I'm trying to shift the weight about 10 kgs, I'm 5 ft 7 and just about within my weight range for my height, but still feel 'overweight' and would like to tone up and improve my health generally! How long have you been running for? Tashx

Every time I read one of these threads it makes me remember the first time I ran continuously for maybe half a mile, the very first time that my lungs were able to supply my legs on an ongoing basis, even though it was downhill.

That day will never leave me, it is THE most fabulous feeling, the day that you banish your demons.

Days won't alway be like that, but when they are.....

Very well done. Keep going. Stay off the tri tab, it gets expensive;O) 

Race well.  

Dust boy

well said !!

Dustboy

Thanks for that! It's nice to get support from you experienced runners, as the first step is actually getting out there! I'm determined to keep at it, but on some days can feel I'm getting nowhere, and not improving, but so determined to shift the weight that I'm doing some form of cardio exercise EVERY day, todays the DVD. I'm not sure what tri tab is, is it some form of supplement for exercise? I just have a simple banana and some water before I go and do a jog, maybe that's what's making me tired? Anyway, thanks again....Tashx

Natasha

I'm so glad i spotted this thread

Please don't feel embarrased to be on here, going from nothing to running, racing, it's a BIG step forward ... there are lots of people who will gladly help you

but PLEASE do it very gently, steady and quietly, make it a game that you enjoy, walk a bit, run a little, walk a bit run a litte, take plenty of fluid

please DO NOT try and go hard at it, as you may well just make yourself quite ill, i am NOT joking

you'll need proper clothing, better a layer to warm then too cold, ... you lose 80% of heat through your head, decent footwear is VERY important, and trainers don't have to cost the earth

It will be sometime before you even start to feel good or fit, as a matter of fact, you'll probably start to hurt in place that you did'nt even know exhisted ? spelling

you can do all this from your home, don't worry about silly neighbours etc

try and remeber, NO-ONE goes to Martial ARTS and comes out a black belt in one session

there are lots of threads that are very busy, have a search through the list, i do not have the PC ability to tell you how to find them, but when you do simply put them on favourites

wishing you well

natasha

 have a peep

micknphil-marathonlads.co.uk

Welcome Tash.

Running sounds like it should be easy, after all, we all did it when we were children and thought nothing of it.

But it is HARD!!!  So don't get demoralised if you are struggling.  Some people are able to improve quickly and go from couch potato to marathon in 4 months, but most of us (like me) take much longer to improve.

I started running 3 years ago (yes, I was a January starter too, although mine was linked into changing my working hours, not New Years resolution) and it took me over a year before I was ready to do my first 10k race.  I really struggled to get going and I think it was about 6 months before I could run for 30 minutes without stopping.  I too started on a run/walk programme and only used the treadmill because I was afraid that somebody might see me.

I personnally think that learning to run and getting to 30 min continuous is the hardest part because you need to learn so much else as well as how to run, such as what clothes for what weather, training you mental attitude, how and when to take on water, what foods and when work for you etc.

So good for you for giving it a go!  Keep up the good work.

caz

your post just says and proves it all

you've done fab !

Thanks Supercaz! 

Wow, in the space of a couple of days I've had so much helpful and practical advice from other runners, and you've all been so inspirational and supportive! Much thanks! This has made me even more determined...especially when I now feel that I'm not alone, and there are others that have struggled and at times felt despondent...BUT I will get there.....eventually! You're right though, the key is mental attitude, and to keep telling myself, I CAN do it, it will take time, but eventually I'll get there.  I'm 36 yrs old, 5 ft 7 and about 69 kilos, I've joined several gyms before, and dare I say hardly ever used them, and when I did, felt so claustrophobic in there, even though I don't have a problem with spaces at all! What a waste of money! This is probably the longest that I've stuck to any type of fitness, and long may it continue!!!!!! Tashx   

Hi there,

When I began running, I remember thinking I would never be able to run for more than 2 minutes. I went out 3 times a week, very gradually increasing running time until I was doing 3 minutes, then 5, then 7, then..oh my goodness, 10 minutes !!!

I always increased my time each week and the first session was always a bit hard, that extra measly minute was always tricky, but with persistence I increased time until I can now happily run 2 miles without stopping, which for me is about 20 minutes. I'm concentrating on endurance rather than speed but am aiming for a 10K in May.

 You WILL definately get there, and one day soon, you'll be plodding along and all of a sudden, you will feel the energy in your legs and your lungs and the breeze in your hair and you'll want to run run run, and whn you get home, you wont be able to wait for your next run ;o)

Natasha,

As soon as you put your trainers on you have seperated yourself from 90% of the population who never do any exercise.
It doesnt matter if you run 10 metres or 10 miles, you are making a difference to yourself so keep going.
re Micks reference to Martial Arts, my daughter has been training in MA since she was 5-she will be 12 this year and hopefully going for her Black Belt. I will be a very proud Dad. She has shown a lot of determination for a young lady .

Just build slowly, when I started I would play mind games with myself..... I'll stop after the next car (pass the car) ok the next road (pass the road) etc.

Dont aim for the full 1-3-5-60 miles, just aim for slightly further ahead.
Lots of good stretching, lots of cool down stretching, get a set of properly fitted shoes,
I cant remember if the pavements in Holland are tarmac or concrete, Try and run on concrete as little as possible, its harder than tarmac, tarmac is harder than grass.Look after those knee's !!

Good Luck

Adbru 

Dustboy,

 the tri forum. Bottomless pit of money but quite rewarding

LoL, understatment of the day

Respect to you guys over there, I lurk often (its a strangely aluring place !! ) 

Natasha

adbru is right you know ..

adbru

i bet your a proud dad, please give her my very best wishes will you

adbru

friend, i could'nt e mail you privately and personally to say well done to your dear daughter, as you've no e mail switched on,