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newbie
Question:
Hello, Don’t give up. I started running at 25 when I stop smoking, 12 years ago. In those days, I wasn’t able to run even half a mile without stooping. Last sunday, I achieved this year’s main goal : I broke the 3 hour limit in a marathon. Make sure you don’t make the general beginners mistake : running too fast. What you first is to strengthen your heart and the best way to do it is to run pretty slow for at least 1h if you can, no matter if you must walk sometimes. Don’t go faster and you will see the walking periods coming shorter and shorter. Within 2 months, you will sure be able to run 1hour. Go on. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! I am new to this group and just thought someone could give some advice. I have just started to (try) run. But it feels like I ‘ll never be able to run without stopping to walk. Did anyone else feel that they woulf never be able to run when they first started? —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
Response:
Within 2 months, you will sure be able to run 1hour. Pleeeeeaaaassse – that was a lovely post, and very supportive, but it is NOT necessarily true that sticking at it, and being very careful and slow and steady, is enough to let you run continuously for any particular length of time in just a few months. It’s exactly this sort of statement that puts people off – it did me for years. I’ve been running for two and a half months now and I still haven’t topped that heady day when I ran for seven minutes without having to walk. And I’m not ancient, and I’m not obese. Just run for as long as you can without killing yourself and walk in between. It may well be two years rather than two months before you can run for an hour, but it’s bound to be an improvement on what you were doing before…
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I second what Jules wrote! ( you GO girl) Every body is different…what worked for the poster in question may not be true across the board for everyone else. There’s bound to be disappointment if we all had to *expect* a 1 hour run in just 2 months. I know quite well that it was NOT true for me. Took me the better part of a year…and I too was neither obese nor ancient. I was a "fitness walker" for 2 years prior to beginning running, and weighed 115. My walking (4 miles a day) only slightly prepared me for the rigors of running. That being said, I far prefer running.. Teresa
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I second what Jules wrote! ( you GO girl) Every body is different…what worked for the poster in question may not be true across the board for everyone else. There’s bound to be disappointment if we all had to *expect* a 1 hour run in just 2 months. I know quite well that it was NOT true for me. Took me the better part of a year…and I too was neither obese nor ancient. I was a "fitness walker" for 2 years prior to beginning running, and weighed 115. My walking (4 miles a day) only slightly prepared me for the rigors of running. That being said, I far prefer running.. Teresa
aah, but you’re only a woman too! (lol – no harm intended. this came from a person that runs about half the speed you do probably 
))
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I agree with this: Often times how much a person weighs can be very deceiving to their cardiovascular fitness. I have a friend that is very slender and muscular and he does next to nothing, but eat and drink like a fish. If you judged his appearance only you would think that he could run a marathon. However, believe it or not, this guy can barely run a 1/4 mile without vomiting and is damn slow. Even when I was in the worst cardiovascular shape and heaviest, I could pull off a couple of miles before breaking down. I’ve also seen people much heavier and much older than myself that can beat my times with ease. Looks can be very deceiving at times…. Tony Mueller @aol.com says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I second what Jules wrote! ( you GO girl) Every body is different…what worked for the poster in question may not be true across the board for everyone else. There’s bound to be disappointment if we all had to *expect* a 1 hour run in just 2 months. I know quite well that it was NOT true for me. Took me the better part of a year…and I too was neither obese nor ancient. I was a "fitness walker" for 2 years prior to beginning running, and weighed 115. My walking (4 miles a day) only slightly prepared me for the rigors of running. That being said, I far prefer running.. Teresa
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Often times how much a person weighs can be very deceiving to their cardiovascular fitness.
I have noticed this as well. My sister who weighs 107 fully clothed, with boots on…cannot run even a half block to catch a bus. She is a pack a day smoker, but looks very fit… thin and wiry..(for a female) Unfortunately she is not fit, or healthy…but *looks* the part. I have seen much beefier looking runners that could thrash me into the dirt…so I guess the moral here is don’t assume anything based on appearances! Teresa
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You must be true. I should not make a rule out of my personal case. Your post made me remember that my wife took 6 months to achieve 1 hour run,but at the end she did it. But it also should be said, that the key is to train on a regular basis : at least 3 workouts a week are needed to get a real (and fast) improvement. And that means, EVERY week. A single week off and you lose 3% of your capabilities. Dura lex sed lex. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Within 2 months, you will sure be able to run 1hour. Pleeeeeaaaassse – that was a lovely post, and very supportive, but it is NOT necessarily true that sticking at it, and being very careful and slow and steady, is enough to let you run continuously for any particular length of time in just a few months. It’s exactly this sort of statement that puts people off – it did me for years. I’ve been running for two and a half months now and I still haven’t topped that heady day when I ran for seven minutes without having to walk. And I’m not ancient, and I’m not obese. Just run for as long as you can without killing yourself and walk in between. It may well be two years rather than two months before you can run for an hour, but it’s bound to be an improvement on what you were doing before…
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I agree. One of the main reasons that make me running is that I always get an opponent I am able to beat : me. And that it an every day challenge… Improve yourself, don’t try to beat your sister, husband or neighbour. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There was a time in my life when one block was the longest most impossible distance in the world. The distance one runs is the distance one runs. The joy, the inner drive, the guts (if I may) is what its all about. It’s my two legs and the body that I was given that counts nothing else. The goal should be just beyond your reach or what value is the goal. The goals I have today never never crossed my mind yesterday. Like the Nike ad said — there is no finish line. amy old slow and gray but happy glad and peaceful
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A single week off and you lose 3% of your capabilities. Dura lex sed lex. Do what? Led sex? Said Durex? (that’s a condom in Blighty)
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A single week off and you lose 3% of your capabilities.
I am not so certain of that…is there a study that has significant data to support the 3% loss that you claim? I have had weeks off due to illness, and I doubt that my "losses" amounted to 3%. It begs the question, 3% of WHAT?? Teresa
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I was trying to run at about 5 or 5.5 mph (I usually run on a treadmill) and I couldn’t even run a tenth of a mile and I was literally gasping and sucking air. THEN, I slowed it way down, so much so that I would probably have been embarrassed to do this in public, but it boosted my confidence to acutally "run" at 4.3 to about 4.6 mph.
Gwendolyn’s point bears emphasizing. It really is true–many people who think they can’t run, or are running "poorly", are really just trying to go out too fast. They run pell mell for a minute and wonder why they wind up gasping for air in a crumpled heap. The standard trick here is the "talk test". If you can’t carry on a conversation while you’re running, you’re running too fast at this point. You might not be able to ramble on at great length, but you should at least be able to get a short sentence out. If, instead, you can only speak in grunts and half-words, you should knock it back a few clicks. - Jeff
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Hi! I am new to this group and just thought someone could give some advice. I have just started to (try) run. But it feels like I ‘ll never be able to run without stopping to walk. Did anyone else feel that they woulf never be able to run when they first started? —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
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I’m not sure what "normal" is! But I can tell you that what happened to you also happened to me when I began to run, many years ago. It didn’t happen all at once – but gradually, you start feeling comfortable .. and even if you don’t run fast, just running steadily starts to feel "normal". Eventually you get to where you’re not thinking about the running and you’re just on autopilot – that’s when it begins to get very enjoyable. Then of course, you start racing and running marathons, but that’s a whole other story! But yes, I can promise it will get better as time goes on. Just take it slow and go at your own pace, no matter what you see others doing. Good luck! Peter
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sharon michael spoke the following words of wisdom: : Hi! I am new to this group and just thought someone could give : some advice. I have just started to (try) run. But it feels like I ‘ll : never be able to run without stopping to walk. Did anyone : else feel that they woulf never be able to run when they first started? We all did probably. Be welcome. We were expecting you. How long have you run? I actually started liking it after three months. Now I panic when I have to skip a workout. If you keep up the good work, the endorphin.. uhm.. your body will do the rest. Greetings, der Joachim — Computational linguistics student at Tilburg U., the Netherlands http://www.der-joachim.myweb.nl/ Servant of reality my hairy ass! (H.P. Derleth, Hollow One)
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But it feels like I ‘ll never be able to run without stopping to walk.
First of all, stopping to walk is a pretty good thing. The whole "run/walk" plan is how myself and plenty others started out. You can’t be expected to just jump out there and run a 5k right off the bat. The walking helps you recharge up for the next bit of running, and it helps you run farther and improve faster. And that will happen, by the way, if you stick to it and *don’t* over do it. Trust us on that. I look back through my log at the first several weeks of my running, and it really is amazing to see how I was slowly able to increase the time running and decrease the time walking, and how I would feel better and better while running. But that’s how the body works. One day the thought of running three miles straight seems as impossible as levitating, then, the next thing you know, you’re doing it without batting an eye. - Jeff
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Hi, I was the same. When I first started I couldnt run more than a mile without, not only walking but stopping for a rest! After a month I managed to run 1 mile away from home and 1 mile back without stopping, then a couple of miles …. After a while ( different time for everybody) you will be running for miles no problem.
Response:
I started running last July 19th to lose weight. At that time I struggled running more than a few blocks. I could probably push myself to a 1 mile or 2 without stopping, but I felt like absolute *hell* afterward. I think I could amost hear my body *scream*: stop it, stop it, what on earth are you doing to me, you’re trying to run???? I’m ashamed to admit how fat and out of shape I was when I started. To give you an idea: I have lost 54 pounds since that July 19th date year. I started very slowly and just tried to get a little better everyday. If you stick with it, which I think is the hardest thing once you start, you will get a lot better. Hang in there. You will get better. I am now up to about 30 miles a week with a long run of 7.5 miles. I had a 5K (3.1 mile) race this morning and a time of 24:01, which is slow compared to many of the runners in this newsgroup, but I think pretty damn fast for a guy that was so fat last year. I really don’t run to lose weight anymore, but — I do it because I now *love* to run. I am now almost solely motivated to getting faster and better. I could probably drop another 10 pounds too. If you stick with it, I’m not promising you, but you could very well develop a passion for running. It might sound crazy to hear this now as your body may be screaming at you, but it could become true. Good luck and I hope you stick with it. If you stick with it, it will become easier — I promise. Tony Mueller – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! I am new to this group and just thought someone could give some advice. I have just started to (try) run. But it feels like I ‘ll never be able to run without stopping to walk. Did anyone else feel that they woulf never be able to run when they first started? —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
Response:
well, I’ve been walking most days for a few months, but last week was the first time I tried to run. After just the first time I wasn’t going to try again, but I woke up the next morning and went out for another attempt. When I started walking my main goal was to lose weight, now I feel better just getting out and exercising!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sharon michael spoke the following words of wisdom: : Hi! I am new to this group and just thought someone could give : some advice. I have just started to (try) run. But it feels like I ‘ll : never be able to run without stopping to walk. Did anyone : else feel that they woulf never be able to run when they first started? We all did probably. Be welcome. We were expecting you. How long have you run? I actually started liking it after three months. Now I panic when I have to skip a workout. If you keep up the good work, the endorphin.. uhm.. your body will do the rest. Greetings, der Joachim — Computational linguistics student at Tilburg U., the Netherlands http://www.der-joachim.myweb.nl/ Servant of reality my hairy ass! (H.P. Derleth, Hollow One)
—–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
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When I started over 2 years ago, I could NOT complete even one full lap of the high school track. It took me <mumble weeks to complete a full lap. then two, and three and finally a mile. I kept at it ( I am now 41) and now a five mile run is routine. Not a pretty sight, I assure you, but I prefer fitness to what I was before I began running! It does get easier, don’t freak out if you have to schedule rest days… Don’t quit if you happen to get too ill or too frantically busy to run…I have had weeks off..(no running) due to the flu, bronchitis and a case of mono. Just get back to it as soon as your life permits. Make it a priority! Take your time, stay hydrated, eat healthy..and wear good shoes that fit. Happy running! Teresa
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sharon we here started all the same( pretty much) slow and then moved up ,,, speed and distance ,, weclome to the group ,,, we are all here ,,, 3k-5k-thoners – ultras ,,,, u will here some good stuff ,,, funny ,,,, heart touching ,,, and on occasion a flame ,,, the support is great ,,, the pat on the back is deserving ,,, hope u stick around everybody get your run on plodzilla – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! I am new to this group and just thought someone could give some advice. I have just started to (try) run. But it feels like I ‘ll never be able to run without stopping to walk. Did anyone else feel that they woulf never be able to run when they first started? —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
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Hey Sharon I’m now in my eighth or ninth week of running, and I’m still walking around half the distance – some days I start off with a good burst of running (maybe half a mile!!! If you knew how I started you’d be impressed!) then walk for several minutes and then just take it from there. Some days I can’t manage for than three minutes as an inital burst, but I’m still out there and still moving forwards, puffing (which is good for my heart and lungs) and watching the wildlife (which is good for my soul). I’m still waiting for that sudden improvement which apparently comes between week 10 and week 20, but if it doesn’t come I’ll still carry on. I will never be a gazelle – I’ve only lost a few pounds since I started – but doing this will stop me becoming the elephant I was destined to be! Keep at it, whether you’re walking or running. Jules
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Hey, I still consider myself a "newbie" since I just started running/walking in late Jan/early Feb. The main thing I learned early was that I was trying to run too fast. I read a lot of books on running and most of them said the same thing. Start out slowly, not just walking, but when you run, try to run slower at first. I was trying to run at about 5 or 5.5 mph (I usually run on a treadmill) and I couldn’t even run a tenth of a mile and I was literally gasping and sucking air. THEN, I slowed it way down, so much so that I would probably have been embarrassed to do this in public, but it boosted my confidence to acutally "run" at 4.3 to about 4.6 mph. (I still run at that pace when I do a "recovery" jog from a much faster pace.) But, even at this slow pace, I still was barely making it a minute or two. Progress for me was really slow, but believe me it is well worth it. And, now I am at the point where I just love running and I have to be careful that I don’t try to do too much now because I am still new at this. Check out or buy a lot of books on running…follow them…you won’t regret it. Gwendolyn
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! I am new to this group and just thought someone could give some advice. I have just started to (try) run. But it feels like I ‘ll never be able to run without stopping to walk. Did anyone else feel that they woulf never be able to run when they first started? —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
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I started running again to get back in shape and shed a couple pounds as well. I have been running for about 7 months consistently, started out slow and short distances and now can run up to 11 miles. i have lost only 10 pds but have lost some inches. Just run and take your time and try to enjoy it, look at your run as your treat to yourself. If it doesn’t seem like a treat right now, it will be soon. You will lose some weight and be a bit healthier, but just try to enjoy and the rest will follow! As for your shins, maybe you are landing weird, or you may need different shoes. If you have a local running store you should stop in and ask some questions, they are always willing to help. Shoes are key, nothing else matters in my mind with running, except good shoes. Have fun!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi, i have recently started running. i’m trying to get rid of some bodyfat. so far, i’ve been running to the track, running about 8 laps, and then running back. i was wondering if i should be running for distance, or for a certain period of time. also, my shins get sore after running. my shoes fit well so i don’t think that’s the problem. any suggestions? thanks damon
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I am a relatively newbie myself, not too new though as I have been running for 8 months continually now. Try not to increase your pace and length too soon. In my case, I increased it about 5% a week until I can confortably run for an hour with one minute break during half an hour. I benefit from the FAQ here such as maintaining good form (erect posture, full-foot strike etc). Listen to your body as well. If you feel sore, take it easy by not running the next day. Let the feet heal. I used to run 3-4 days a week. Now my feet, knees etc getting stronger such that I can run 4-5 days week. If you have a chance, do cross-training as well. I do biking and swimming and go to the gym for weight training and other aerobic stuff such as doing steps. Wasantr * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
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Re: your shins – check out some exercises in running or health magazines. Lastm month’s Health magazine had some exercises for after the workout and there was one specifically for strengthening the shins. Hope it helps. hi, i have recently started running. i’m trying to
get rid of some bodyfat. so far, i’ve been running to the track, running
about 8 laps, and then running back. i was wondering if i should be
running for distance, or for a certain period of time. also, my shins get sore after running. my
shoes fit well so i don’t think that’s the problem. any suggestions? thanks damon
Before you buy.
Response:
hi, i have recently started running. i’m trying to get rid of some bodyfat. so far, i’ve been running to the track, running about 8 laps, and then running back. i was wondering if i should be running for distance, or for a certain period of time. also, my shins get sore after running. my shoes fit well so i don’t think that’s the problem. any suggestions? thanks damon
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If you’re trying to burn fat, time is more important. Most estimates that I’ve heard list 40 minutes as the minimal time exercising until the body really begins to burn fat. Of course any exercise helps because it helps use extra calories which is the real reason people gain weight anyway. So in other words, if you’ve just started 40 minutes will probably be too long for you to go at first, but don’t worry you’re still get plenty of benefits from shorter times until you can build up to 40-60 minutes or so. -jeff
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi, i have recently started running. i’m trying to get rid of some bodyfat. so far, i’ve been running to the track, running about 8 laps, and then running back. i was wondering if i should be running for distance, or for a certain period of time. also, my shins get sore after running. my shoes fit well so i don’t think that’s the problem. any suggestions? thanks damon
Response:
so far, i’ve been running to the track, running about 8 laps, and then running back. i was wondering if i should be running for distance, or for a certain period of time.
If you run a steady pace, it doesn’t matter which. Pace doesn’t affect calories burned much, so doesn’t matter if calories are your goal. Go for the total time/miles in health (so as to be continuing it!). There is, however, no sympathetic magic involved — no matter what level you run at, 100 calories is 100 calories, regardless of whether your body chose to fuel it from ‘carbs’ or ‘fats’ while you were running. No ‘fat burning’ pace. Your body will shuffle things around after you finish. But the 100 calories (typical value per mile of running or walking) will be gone. also, my shins get sore after running. my shoes fit well so i don’t think that’s the problem. any suggestions?
Be careful to not be pulling up your toes as you land. The muscles on the front of your foot/shin should be relaxed as you land. Try to meet the ground rather than hitting it — more about this at my web site. Welcome and good luck! — Robert Grumbine http://www.radix.net/~bobg/ Science faqs and amateur activities notes and links. Sagredo (Galileo Galilei) "You present these recondite matters with too much evidence and ease; this great facility makes them less appreciated than they would be had they been presented in a more abstruse manner." Two New Sciences
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Shins: Make sure that you land on your heels at each step, don’t land on your toes. Land on the heel, the rest of the foot rolls down to make contact, then push forward so that the toe is the last thing to leave the ground.