New to running - Beginners

Ellen Longmate

04/07/2003 at 12:24

Hi
I have just recently started running (two weeks now) I try to go 2 -3 times a week. I think my breathing is starting to get there. I go running on my own. I find myself thinking about the running too much and then I lose it and want to finish and go home. Any suggestions, as the first couple of times I really enjoyed it, I still do, and I want to stick at it.

Hetpayne was Hetfinch

04/07/2003 at 12:36

Hi Ellen.
Firstly - congratulations on starting to run. You'll find you're not alone here in being new to running and you'll get some great support and advice.

I run alone too and I found that sticking to the Runner's World 5k training plan really helped. This means that you concentrate on timing your runs and your walks and, before you know it, you are running longer and longer distances!

Do you have something to aim for as a goal -perhaps a Race for Life or local Fun Run? This could give you some structure and focus your running.

Heather :0)

Mudmonkey

04/07/2003 at 12:43

If you're finding yourself thinking too much then trying distracting yourself with a walkman - listen to some music that has a similar tempo to your preferred running speed and that may help

Keep it up!
Enjoy

Ellen Longmate

04/07/2003 at 12:56

I have thought about the walkman, but didnt know if it would bother me when I m running. Like bobbing about when I run.
I am running to help loose a little weight and to get fit. Im may do a run once I feel more confident.
Thanks for your suggestions

Maggie S

04/07/2003 at 13:00

Don't need to be too confident for the Run for Life races because lots of people walk. Therefore a mixture of run/walk will be fine and it gives you a huge buzz while raising money for Cancer Research UK

Maggie S

04/07/2003 at 13:01

Take a friend!

I did it with afriend with little training and neither of us are very fit. We ran about 2 out of the 5 km.

paskha

04/07/2003 at 13:07

Congratulations Ellen on your stepping OUT!!

I am one who writes a lot, so starting a record of all my "outings" or "sessions" came naturally to me and helped me loads cos improvement can be quite dramatic in the first few weeks & months

Firstly I had no-one to go out with - the idea of running came from my sister who was already a RUNNER - but living 300 miles away! but also I was not at all slim and felt a bit foolish, but it was just great to go out (I'm fortunate to live in a scenic coastal area) with just a bottle of water and a key!!

But I did have a GOAL of a 5-mile race which was 9 weeks away. After the second week of "starting running" I decided to do 5 miles - mostly walking ofcourse at that stage, it took me 80 mins and included some running. It was a hot day and when I got home my face was bright red & my HR stayed at 100 for quite a while ... I was 11 stone 8lbs and my RHR was 76.

I timed everything and tried to measure distances too. I checked my pulse in the morning and weight once a week. Although later I realised measuring my shape would have been more helpful as muscle weighs heavier than fat, so as you tone up, your wobble goes and your shape changes - whoops, well I had quite a lot of wobble ... !

Things improved - and I found having a record of my own Times over the same routes was a HUGE encouragement, I am now trying to work on ways to help beginners in the WRN (womens running network) and I would say WALK a lot too, even once you are able to run further continuously ...

do you do any other exercise? cycling, swimming, dancing?

Ellen Longmate

04/07/2003 at 13:16

Hi Paskha

It that sounds like me. I only really thought about running as my husband runs alot(he is in the army). He gives me lots of encouragement, I dont think I could go out with him yet as he runs far too fast for my liking, or my pace, which at the moment is alot of walking!
I sometimes go to the qym, and use the weights etc. To be honest at the minute things are hectic as we have just moved, but Im really trying to get into this. I have tries before and failed but this time seems different. Im alot more positive this time, and more determined.
I have joined a slimming class as well, which is going well, although only three weeks into it. I will take your advice and get a tape measure to see the inches move rather than pounds!
Thanks :)

Pammie*

04/07/2003 at 13:20

Well done Ellen one thing i would say is if you are running outside don't wear a walkman as you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Ellen Longmate

04/07/2003 at 13:23

Actually your right Pam. I actually run with my mobile with me. Maybe Im paranoid, but you never know.

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

04/07/2003 at 13:28

Hey!
Wellcome to running!
Today I celebrate my 1st anniversary of running! 1 year ago I started with the RW schedule which said 1 min run, 1 min walk for 10 sets. I managed 8, I was gutted, couldn't believe that I was unable to manage that!
So I couldn't wait to get out again, and like the others have said I was amazed at how quickly I picked up!
You need to stop worrying or thinking about running, take in your surroundings, see what you can see/spot and as Paska has suggested try writing stuff down.
I have lost weight (about 12lb) since running but more importantly I've lost inches, my thighs are more "stable!" and wobble less (they still wobble!!)
Keep up the good work and let us know how you get on!

EP

Pammie*

04/07/2003 at 13:31

Hi Ellen i have ran with a mobile in the past; not something i have always done but its better to be safe than sorry; maybe i should do so on a more regular basis.

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

04/07/2003 at 13:33

I always have my mobile with me! And a cram tag with my name and contact details on!
Not wanting to tempt fate but it's always good to be sensible

Pammie*

04/07/2003 at 13:33

absolutely

Maggie S

04/07/2003 at 13:34

Happy Anniversary EP!

Pammie*

04/07/2003 at 13:34

hello maggie

Maggie S

04/07/2003 at 13:36

Hi Pam. Am having a quick check on the forums before I get on with all the things I should be doing!

Pammie*

04/07/2003 at 13:37

know the feeling. iam off work but i suppose theres stuff i should be doing anhow making the most of it as i have to go back on monday

Maggie S

04/07/2003 at 13:42

I'm off to work in an hours time should relly be doing boring domestic stuff like pairing up the sock mountain etc.

snails pace.....

04/07/2003 at 13:44

Hi Ellen. I started about 18 months ago. I'll never forget my 1st mile....I walked half of it took well over 12 mins and my husband thought I must have damaged something when I came home so red faced.

I did my first half marathon last week. I tend to enjoy the first few miles but then cause I run alone I start to get bored too. I find doing an out and back route or a circle helps as it is too difficult to run past your own front door when you're bored. I also do sums or or tough hills sing a favorite song in my head....not out loud...people think you are mad enought to be running already .

Keep up the good work...hope to see you at a race sometime soon......you'll be there, you won't be able to help yourself

Good luck.