Update on 11/27/10:
I'm happy to report to everyone that today's run went much better! I paced myself and I think that made the big difference. Probably going to repeat week two, though.
Update on 11/24/10:
I just got back from my run/walk for the day and I have some questions for fellow runners.
So when I am running, two minutes feels like FOREVER! The first minute goes well but by the time I'm in the second minute, every step I take just makes me want to fall over and die. I end up staring at my watch just watching the seconds tick by as I run. I'm able to recover and feel better in the 5 minute walk in between the runs, though.
So my question: is this just part of building my endurance? Does every non-runner learning to run go through this? How can I feel better/not feel like dying every time?
Also, how can I learn to control my breathing? I am trying to breath through my nose and my mouth at the same time and use my diaphragm to breath - move my stomach, not my chest. But when I get tired my breath control goes out the window and I just end up gasping for air and panting.
Sigh, I feel like such a weenie! I must be really out of shape!
Posted on 11/19/10:
So I've begun a new endeavor. It's exciting and yet so very scary.
I'm making myself become a runner!!
If you know me you'll know that I'm relatively active but don't like to run. The thought of running any sort of distance makes me cringe. However, I have some dear sweet friends who recently ran a half marathon and another friend training for her first ever 5K. Maybe I'm a copycat but I'd rather say I've been inspired. Plus I've come to realize that I am not as fit as 1) I used to be and 2) would like to be. My body is supposed to be a temple, right? I need something consistent that I can push myself to do.
If you looked at my recent Google inquiries you'll find silly things like "how to start running" and "how to become a runner." I know NOTHING about running. I know that when I've tried to run in the past I usually get stitches in my side, have trouble breathing, and vow to never run again.
I poked around on the internet and found this (see below) lovely week-by-week guide to running. I'm referring to it lovingly as my "training program" HAHAHA! Basically I don't want to kill my body and turn myself off to running (more than I already am) by pushing it too hard too soon. This guide seems to start out nice and easy.
If any of you out there are runners, could you take a look and let me know what you think. Any revisions you'd make? I'm open to any tips or suggestions (or encouragement)! I'd also love it if you could help keep me accountable - make sure I'm doing it. Thanks!
- Get medical clearance from your doctor before you get started.
- Getting the right running shoes for your foot typeis crucial for comfort and injury prevention . Visit a running store to get expert advice on buying the right running shoes .
- Before you start your workouts, make sure youwarm up properly by walking for 5-10 minutes. You should always end your workout with a cooldown.
- Week one: Walk for 6 minutes, then jog at an easy pace for 1 minute. Repeat 3 times. Aim for three sessions with that same sequence for week one.
- Week two: Walk for 5 minutes, then jog for 2 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Aim to do three sessions in week two.
- Week three: Walk for 3 minutes, then jog for 4 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Aim for four sessions in week three.
- Week four: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 5 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Shoot for four of those sessions in week four.
- Week five: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 8 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Do four of those sessions in week five.
- Week six: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 9 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Try to do four sessions for week six.
- Week seven: Walk for 1 minute, then jog for 11 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Do four sessions this week.
- Week eight: Congratulations on making it to week eight! For your first run this week, try walking for 5 minutes to begin and end the workout, and run for 20 minutes in between. By the end of the week, try to run for 30 minutes without stopping
- Aim to run for 30 minutes four times a week, and you'll notice that your stamina and fitness will continue to improve. Soon you'll be ready to run your first 5K!
