Active Community : Unanswered Threads - Newbie Cafe (New Runners)

Starting New

changing4thebetter — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:02:23 GMT

I'm just starting to run. I'm doing the couch to 5k schedule. i'm finding myself running out of breath and then sometimes my legs feel like they're going to give out. Any advise ???

What base level do you need to start training for a half marathon (in July)?

Ddkb — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:05:43 GMT

Hi guys,

I've been checking out Active.com more and more lately, but this is my first post. I'm still a newbie in running, I started in July 2009, since I signed up for a duathlon race in September as a motivation for me to start being more active again. The duathlon was a 2mile run, 12 mile bike ride and another 2 mile run. The biking part I wasn't to concerned about, so my focus was mostly on running, the part that I dreaded most. Well, you can guess what happened. I since started to love running! I'm so happy that I actually can enjoy it, because that wasn't the warm feeling I had in the beginning.
Anyway. I finished the duathlon (and not even last, I was so proud of myself) in 1.40 which isn't to bad for a beginner, with not that much practice and training. I have been a consistent runner untill about 3 weeks ago, when I started to get sick and had to do some travels in between. It's to bad, because I only got 2 runs in and really noticed that my capabilities are not what they were 3 weeks ago. But I'm going out for another run this afternoon and I'm really looking forward to picking it up 4 times a week again.

Since I have been enjoying it, the idea merged that I could start training for a half marathon that is located near my hometown in July. I figured that would give me enough time to steady and slowly build up more milage and endurance. But I've been reading a lot more about running lately and I notice that a lot of people are saying/thinking that you have to have a good base training for a year before you start doing a training program for a half marathon.

Since I'm the newbie here I wanted to hear your opinion, do you think it's doable for me to safely train for a half marathon. Right now I'm at doing 3 miles about 3 times this week and then going back to were I was before my 'break' to 4 times 3 miles next week and then build it up again from there.

The other thing that I'm curious about is to hear how you guys stay motivated. It was easier for me when I had set goals, as in the duathlon and I did a 5K after that. But now (since I haven't signed up for the half marathon) because it's getting much colder out and much darker for my runs (usually early in the morning and now it's just dark, dark, dark) I notice it's getting harder for me to realize that I actually enjoy getting up early, getting a run in and then start me day fresh...

So let me know, I'm curious to hear the advice!

Thanks in advance!

A question about moving on to week 2

AmyinNC — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:33:21 GMT

I just finished week 1 day 3 today. It was my first time outside and not on the treadmill. I like running/walking outside MUCH better than inside. I had to walk some the first two days and maybe a total of 60 seconds today. Do I move on to week 2 or stick with week 1 until I've got it mastered? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the encouragement so far!

What suggestions would you make for a new runner...

Ericd3043 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:13:38 GMT

I have been running for a while, but I would like to get some suggestions for a friend. He called me last night and asked about the upcoming 5K Turkey Trot race that I am running in. I gave him the info and asked him 2 questions:

1) What made him decide to start running (looking for motivation here, he was one of the people teasing me when I started). He said it was because his wife has been commenting on him gaining weight. He is in decent condition, but has not been doing much more than golfing this past year. Nothing aerobic in nature.

2) What was his goal for this race (I expected to hear that he wanted to finish). He said he was hoping to finish an 8 min mile for the race.

I have given some basic help, but I am concerned that he might hurt himself. He has not done any running yet and I recommended he try some basic running. He is supposed to join me next Wed for a 5K run at an easy pace. I have decided to give up trying for a PR for my final race. I will stay with him and encourage him. Hopefully he will do decent - but I think he is expecting more that what will happen.

What would you recommend?

anyone running with bursitis?

Turbokittykat — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:38:44 GMT

About 20 years ago I had a case of bursitis flare up in my hips and after a few weeks of really good anti-inflammatories, it went away (no, I didn't need the dreaded cortisone injections). Now, however, with the pain I have in my hips, I'm nervous it's returning! It's not debilitating the way it was so long ago, it's just a constant dull ache now. I'm a newbie to running since July, if that matters. I've had a couple people recommend Aleve, any other suggestions?

Many thanks!!!!

Just when I reached my peak..I'm pooped out

FeelsSoGood2 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:43:52 GMT

I have been training for my first 8K, which is in about 2 weeks. I started to seriously train for it back in July. I managed to get to the point where I was able to pull out my first long 10 mile run...that was a few weeks ago. Since then, I have become so discouraged. The run is coming up and all of a sudden I am struggling. I am starting to freak out. I purchased a Garmin Forerunner and all I do is look at the pace and see that sometimes I am not even close to the pace I should be at at this point in the game. Today I managed about 7.5 miles...but I tried to relax and enjoy myself. I am just so pooped out and tired..my legs feel like lead all of a sudden. Yesterday I couldnt even move...i thought I was coming down with something. So I took it easy to try to recover but you know how it is..the guilt creeps in.

What tips does anyone have out there to get me re motivated and what do you think I should be doing a couple weeks before a run like this. I know it's only an 8K, but it's been quite a bit of work for me to get here.

Anyone beginning week 4?

never2l8 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:58:02 GMT

I am due to start week 4...after doing week 3 for 3 weeks! Wk 4 looks scary. I am a first time runner with a goal to do a 5K in June...also 55 and overweight. So far,I have been faithful to the program. I don't know how fast I should be running. I am doing this all on a treadmill. I have worked my way to 5mph when I run but my shins hurt. Should I slow the running down?

Looking for running partner

runnermoose — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:32:09 GMT

I'm looking for a running partner in Wisconsin, eau claire. I attend the university in the area. I've found some trails but I'm looking for a partner (or group) to run with as the winter months start creeping up. I'm also looking to train for a marathon/ complete a marathon before my birhtday in may.

Thanks mandy

Fall Harvest 5K Run/Walk - Cornwall, NY

New@Thisrunning — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:11:18 GMT

Anybody doing this race on November 1st?

First 5K this Saturday!

MamaGlenda — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:29:53 GMT

I have been really surprising myself as I go through the C25K program. The first week I thought 90 seconds of running was so hard! Once I got to 5 minute intervals, I really started to wonder if I could see this through to the end. The first 20 minute run seemed like an impossible feat. Now I just completed W7D2 and have my first 5K on Saturday. I would have finished the program by then but I repeated a couple of weeks along the way. I feel confident that I can do this when I look back over the last couple of months and see how far I've come.

I know I need to pace myself and not try to go too fast. I have no expectation of winning. My hope is that I will run the entire thing without walking so I can prove to myself that I can do it. Now I'm getting a little nervous. Many people have posted specific questions regarding what to eat, what to wear, etc for their first 5K. I'm getting very anxious about what to expect over all. How early should I arrive? What should I do for warm-up since the 5-minute warm-up walk won't be a part of this particular run? How do I keep from psyching myself out beforehand? Anything else I should know or do in the next 2 days to prepare my mind and body?

I guess I'm just looking for a little last-minute encouragement. I'll be grateful for any tips! I can't believe I'm really gonna do it!!