Virgin runner - Beginners - Runner's World

Dippy

13/10/2002 at 20:50

Hi All,

I am extremely new to the joys of running having done my first R/W this morning. I ran 5 (just) and walked for about 10. I plan to do this 4 times a week increasing a bit each week. I have always harboured a desire to be a runner but previous attempts have involved jogging to exhaustion and then never being able to face it again! Hope to keep it up this time as I felt OK today. This site is really motivational and it's great to see that not every other person on the roads is a natural.

popsider

13/10/2002 at 21:44

Good on you.

Pioneer

14/10/2002 at 00:45

Keep running deeplydippy, I only started running in March. First time I went out I managed to run for five minutes before I had to walk. I just kept going, getting further and further until eventually I could run a respectable distance without walking.

Last week I competed in my first race, the GNR, 13.1 miles, and I ran all the way.

Beth 30

14/10/2002 at 06:20

Ditto to above. Walk/run/walk/run...that's how I started. Still a beginner, and I don't think anyone is really a nutural runner. It takes work but it's so liberating.

Sassie

14/10/2002 at 08:28

You can do it Dippy!

diana brighouse

14/10/2002 at 13:54

keep at it! I started running in June and yesterday I ran for a whole hour; covered 9K so felt real sense of achievement

ultra meerkat

14/10/2002 at 15:00

Hi Dippy - it's how I started too, although I didn't manage 5 mins first time out! So you're doing well already. Keep up the good work...

Phillip Murphy

14/10/2002 at 20:41

Dippy, - Know how you feel, stopped smoking last Xmas and took up running. Started the same format as you run/walk now up to 10 miles in one go, never thought I would get there!

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

14/10/2002 at 20:45

Welcome and well done ... my first session was 8 sets of 1min walk 1 min jog/stagger/run
I nearly died! But I was so proud of myslef for doing it I kept going. Then entered the Flora Light Challenge in Hyde park .. that was it! I may not have achieved the 5K in one run but it felt so damn good I can't stop!
you are doing exactly the right thing... keep up the good work!

Jinnyj

14/10/2002 at 21:15

Addictive isn't it ? Just like evil pixie says - I too nealry died likened myself to a asthmatic elephant after 2 mins of my first run outside but now enjoy myself and thanks to encouragement from other formites have joined a local running club and go out plodding with the other beginners - I too started with a 5km - race for life - felt so good crossing that finish line wanted to keep going - keep up the good work and enjoyment as thats the key i think

Dippy

14/10/2002 at 21:58

Hi All, Thanks for the encouragement, it's true what they say about runners you're a really nice bunch o' guys. Ran again today (R5 W10) and I felt better than yesterday, I can't believe how motivated I feel. According to my programme tomorrow is a rest day and I'm actually disappointed!!

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

14/10/2002 at 22:00

Oh dear dippy you got it bad ... welcome to the club!
It creeps up on you quickly doesn't it!

Dippy

14/10/2002 at 22:16

Hi Evil Pixie. Yes I definately have it bad at the moment but my momentum weras off with things after about 2 weeks and that's when I'll need you all most!

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

14/10/2002 at 22:19

Bet you it doesn't this time! If it does we're here fear not!
where abouts do you live?

Dippy

14/10/2002 at 22:40

Norfolk - so no hill training for me SHAME!

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

15/10/2002 at 08:17

My hills are railway bridges (cos I'm too chicken to fnd any!)

ultra meerkat

15/10/2002 at 09:53

Oh dear Dippy - I fear total addiction...it's great, isn't it! I started 11 weeks ago, and I'm sticking at 20 minutes a day for a few weeks, as recommended by Bob Glover in The Runner's Handbook. If you can get hold of a copy (it's published by Penguin), it's full of excellent advice and training programmes.

Groovy Chick

15/10/2002 at 16:29

Hello everyone

I dont know what sort of pace to run at, i am currently running 7 miles in 55 minutes. What pace does anybody else run at.

Nicola

Dippy

15/10/2002 at 22:17

meercat, thanks for the tip I shall track down a copy pdq. I am following a programme that I found on the serpentine running club website that will not push me too far too fast ie R5 W15 for the next 2 weeks then up it a bit. I think if I failed to do a run on a schedule that was demanding R10 from the off for example I'd give up pretty quickly.

Robert Popper

19/10/2002 at 01:54

Nici, the pace that you are currently running at IS the pace to run at. You are running better than 8 minutes per mile, which is great. But you knew that, anyway, deep down.