All Runners, Question Please.....

Could you please share for how long you started running for as a beginner? I did half an hour on the treadmill this evening but it wasn't continuous. But then again I've only been trying out running for 2 days now. I had to switch between running and fast walking because I find that running alone is just too hard Is this normal for starters? Will it get better? Are there any tips that you ladies would like to share to help me get used to it faster?

Help, pretty please!

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

running IS hard and when you are beginning, you WILL have to add walks. Whoever said that when you start running, that you have to run continuously for 30 minutes is crazy. So walk when you have to and run when you can!

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

Totally normal and it sounds like you are doing well. Go at your own pace, it will become much easier. When I started I could not run 1 mile w/out having to stop. I was able to get up to the 5k mark in about 4 wks which I never thought I would be able to do. Keep it up!!!

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

My best advice would be to go at your own pace, even if it feels slow or like you're not doing enough.

When I started running, I ran SLOWLY. I'm talking 13, 14 minute mile slowly. I am doing Team in Training to train for a 1/2 marathon, so I asked the coaches if that was OK. They said that my 13 minute mile would get me to the end of the marathon better than 10 8 minute miles and passing out would. It's all about figuring out what works for you. Now, about 6 weeks in, I can run an 11 minute mile for 8 miles, and I'm still working on both stamina and speed. Work at your own pace and take walk breaks when you need to and you will build up to where you want to be!

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

Very normal! I've been running for 2 years & I still take walk breaks here & there. Keep going, be patient, push yourself a little more every week & you'll see lots of improvement.

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

When I was really a beginner - as in, hadn't run at all since high school gym class - I started by doing a total of 30 minutes, walking to warm up, then running 1/4 of a mile, then walking again to finish out the time.

From there I tried to push myself a little farther with the running every day. Or if I felt up to it after I'd already run and started walking again, I'd run a second time for a little while too.

Switching between running and walking as a beginner is perfectly normal. You'll get there - have patience

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

Walking is absolutely fine! You're better off doing that as opposed to attempting to run for a continuous amount of time and overdoing it. Even better, you're changing up which muscles are working. I've been running for years and I still stop and walk if I need to take a drink - and I actually run faster overall when I do that! Just increase your mileage slow, go at your own pace, and if you stick to it, you will improve!!

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

Hi YES! I couldnt run more than 5 minutes without having to stop. I always had to walk. It took me 45 minutes to do a 5k. I would run and as necessary I would walk but I found more and more that I didnt need to stop to walk. Eventually I was doing a 5k in 40 minutes then 35 minutes .. Im now running a 5K at like 31 minutes - not stopping but I run slow. I find that if you slow down you'll be able to keep going. I was running at a 5.0 which is really a great pace when youre just starting out .. You dont want to be winded - just an easy pace to build endurance.

Now the longest Ive ever run was a little over 6 miles without stopping. Im hoping to be able to run a half in Oct - the Diva. Maybe we'll do it together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

Before I became a runner (basically training fo ra race)- I had a good level of fitness under my belt so I think that helped me.

I used to run 1-2 miles (with walk breaks) when I started in December. By February I was going as far as 4-5 miles. By March it was continuous. In May I ran my first 10k at "race pace" and finished in just under an hour.

I think everyone is different. I had a good base level of fitness. Just go by feel. Listen to your body. It does get better- the amount of time varies from person.

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

I can not run on a treadmill for the life of me. Give me open road and some grass, I can run 5 miles.

And do not think for a second that I never stop and walk. Its about enjoying yourself, not being miserable. So if you need a break, walk and do not feel guilty about it at all!

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

Thank you ladies for all your tips and experiences. You gave me a lot of confidence to continue building up to my goal!

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

Re: All Runners, Question Please.....

I'm still a beginner (2.5 tbs in) and I take walk breaks. They're glorious! Only about 30 seconds or so, but always much needed.