New Runner

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boatcrzy1

4 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Feb 18, 2006 8:04 AM

Hello Everyone-

I'm new to running. I remember seeing people running for miles and wonder how they could do it. I was amazed. Well, i've been working out and dieting and have lost 46 pounds. Just recently i too, have started running at a nearby park which has a track. Figure i could try running and so far, i really enjoy it. However, i have been told that i am jogging/running to slow. I am running about 1 mile (4 times around the track) and that takes me about 24 mins. Now, i have never been a runner and could barely run about 8 months ago. I'm just proud of myself for trying. But how do i track my progress and how fast should i be running for results. I don't want to injured my knees and/or ankles. At times, they do get sore. Also, what it the best diet program if i decide to run more often and choose this for my new life style change.

Thanks so much! I know there are a lot of experts out there and i will get the best advise. I do not have any friends that like to work out. So i'm doing this solo. Have a great weekend.

fitinup

2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

1. Feb 18, 2006 9:52 AM

in response to: boatcrzy1

Hey new runner! I am also new to the sport. I use to cramp up in the side so bad that I would always give up. I have noticed that I mix up my routines daily and have improved in my speed and distance. I'm not sure if what I'm doing is correct, but it has worked for me.
I usually do one or two longer runs per week (usually one hour) And I mix in days where I do interval training. There I warm up (5 to 10 min of walking), then I pick up the pace and jog/run for 3 min, walk for 3 min, run for 3, etc for a total of 40 min...with cool down. And you can mix it up more, run for 1 walk for 3, or run for 2 walk for 4...it's up to you, but I can breeze thru my minor cramping now and enjoy a longer distance. Also, be sure to invest in good HR Monitor. And keep your heart in the proper zone for your goals. Stick with it and I will too!

krisatl

93 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Feb 20, 2006 12:46 PM

in response to: boatcrzy1

Congratulations on your weight loss. I started running about 5 years ago and fell in love with it. Like you I was never much of a runner, and I remember how proud I was when I completed my first 2 miles without stopping. Just this past October I finished my first marathon (and I ran the whole way). So to answer your question, your not running too slow if that is a fast as you can go. You can track your progress by how much easier your daily workout becomes, and then just add a little more distance. When your able to comfortably able to do that distance increase a little more. Also, look into a local 5k. It?s a good goal and way to meet others who enjoy running.

As far as what to eat, just make sure you have a balanced diet. Be careful not to over eat after you run (i.e. I ran x amount of miles, I can splurge.) Take it from someone who gained 8 pounds (1pant size) training for a marathon. You can gain weight while running.

Sorry for the long post, Good luck and have fun!

boatcrzy1

4 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Feb 21, 2006 2:57 PM

in response to: boatcrzy1

Thank you Fitinup and Krisatl!

Fitinup- I will keep up the running. And yes, we can keep each other motivated! It's so nice to meet people who enjoy running. I still have a lot to learn about the sport of running. We can do this!

And Krisatl- Your reply got me even more motivated! Thanks for the tips. I will need to watch my calorie intake. I often do believe i can eat a little more because i just ran a mile. I'm still only able to run about a mile at a turtle's pace. Unfortunately, i run at a park that is very close to my house. However, neighbors are pulling up in their cars and wanting to talk to me. So i end up stopping and chatting and having to start all over again. Gets kinda fraustrating. Also, there are a lot of people walking their dogs and i kinda feel embarrassed... because i run so slow and out of breathe all the time. But i suck it up and keep my vision and/or goal in my head. I'm there to run for me and nobody else. So i'm slowly enjoying the sport more and more everyday!

I do have a slight setback as i have a sore muscle on the back side of my left upper thigh. Never had pain there before. It feels like a pull pain when i walk, sit or even bend at times. I did wrap it this morning and did a light run. Felt okay. But hours later, i'm starting to get that pull/ache again. How should i take care of this injury? I don't want to sit around and not work out. Any suggestions on what type of injury this is and what i can do for a quick recovery?

Again, thanks everyone for all the support. And maybe i might even sign up for a 5K this year. Last year i was almost 200 pounds, barely able to walk in a parking lot. Today i'm 46 pounds lighter and enjoying life and running. Go figure!

Here's to a great week of running.

schweers9

61 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

4. Feb 22, 2006 10:21 AM

in response to: boatcrzy1

Hi,
I too am new to the sport, and I agree about gaining weight! It is frustrating because I feel that if I do not eat after I run, I am so exhausted! And I don't feel like doing anything the rest of the day if I do not fuel myself!
I know it is all about eating the right foods, and I am a healthy eater. But I feel like I am gaining some weight as I am training for my marathon!
Good luck to all the new runners, and never give up on your goals!!

kadee35

16 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

5. Feb 22, 2006 10:52 AM

in response to: boatcrzy1

Hi there,

I lost 50 lbs about 2 years ago, and started running also. I never thought of myself as a runner whatsoever! However, I entered four 5K races and one 10K race to keep me training last summer. I would enter 5K races, so you have something to train for and it will keep you in shape. If I can do it, you can! My first race, was my fastest time during the SLC marathon/5K race, 27:45. Good luck.

boatcrzy1

4 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

6. Feb 22, 2006 4:56 PM

in response to: boatcrzy1

Kadee35- You ran a 5K in 27:45. That's great!What an accomplishment! I'm proud of you too. I ran 4 laps (1 mile) in 24 mins. So you are really doing well! Congrats!

Schweers9- Hi there- Sounds like we are both "new runners". We can do this! We have to start somewhere right... I can't even believe, that i'm even attempting to run and chatting with runners online. Just how my life has changed due to running and caring about myself. It's amazing...an amazing feeling! And when i get tired on that last lap (and want to stop) i will remember all the kind words and support i get from this site. I will be able to keep going. Good luck Kadee35 and Schweers9 and to all my new running buddies.

DEADOCMIKE

127 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

7. Mar 2, 2006 12:39 PM

in response to: boatcrzy1

Wow, it is amazing how one can feel like they are the only one in the world with a particular problem, then find out other have it , too.

I have been training for a marathon for the last couple of months. I was a regular runner, but on the low end of the mileage scale. I am in decent shape and at an ideal weight, but I found myself 5-8 pounds heavier after increasing my running. Maybe I have been feeling the "I ran my *** off today, give me the girl scout cookies" urge.

I read something very interesting the other day. An article about the real crazies who run the 100-200 mile races across deserts and such. One woman, described why she thought women were better at long, long , long distance running. Her idea was that men are too competitive and try to crush their runs, instead of seeing each run as a building block. Women, she said, see their opponent in the mirror, so don't feel abashed at walking a little every once in a while. Also, in order to run those ridiculous distances, you have to be able to train for a long time, so really pushing yourself into an injury is truly counterintuitive.

I find I agree with that, and have tried to incorporate a little of that into my training runs. Just moving my body over the 9 miles I will do on sunday is a pretty **** good accomplishment. Once I get the mileage up, I will start paying closer attention to pace.

jacob83

6 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

8. Mar 16, 2006 8:08 PM

in response to: boatcrzy1

hey buddy
i have been running for a while and it is hard not to get discouraged, dont give up i found a good way to steep up the pace and keep it steady is to run on a side walk and steep for the cracks it helps streach your stride and gives you a pace marker good luck

Aprilruns

12 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

9. Mar 31, 2006 9:14 PM

in response to: boatcrzy1

[b][/b]I'm also a new runner. A patient at the convelescent home told me I had "such a pretty face" and that did it for me. I have been running one month, and ran a 4 mile race in 58.01 last Saturday. I'm scheduled to run a 5K on the 23rd also. Today I ran 5 miles up many many hills, and I got my first dose of nipple blisters. My biggest concern is also my weight, because I know the more I weigh, the harder running is on my ankles and knees. The best thing that has happened to me hasn't been superficial..I actually like myself and feel good about myself because I lace em up and take off a few times a week. I just wanted to share with the boat lover chick, that Epsom Salts in your bath water are very soothing to muscle aches. Also, the races let you know your not the only one out there suffering. I find this site very helpful. April, CT

shornke

138 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

10. Apr 2, 2006 12:08 PM

in response to: boatcrzy1

To all new runners here:

First of all, congratulations on your decision, and welcome to the sport.

I think the biggest challenge in life is the fight against yourself, the attempt to overcome your own limitations. When running, keep in mind that it is yourself that you are trying to beat formost, not the next person.

So, unless you are a well trained competeitive athlete, comparing times is not all too useful, when you manage to get your one-mile time down by 10%, that's a huge success, no matter whether you started out at a 6 minute mile or a 24 minute mile.

Endurance sports in general, and running in particular is certainly a great way to loose weight. Please keep in mind that your body needs fuel though. Not eating after a workout is rather contraproductive to your training effect. I strongly suggest comsuming at least 400kcal directly after a workout (preferably in a carb to protein mixture of 4:1).

If you want to loose weight, skip dinner, don't skip your after-workout-meal.

Enjoy your new sport and LIVE[b]STRONG[/b]

Stefan

palleon86

2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

11. Apr 3, 2006 1:31 PM

in response to: boatcrzy1

Don't worry about other people telling you that you are going too slow. A good rule of thumb for the "easy" runs is to run at a pace that you have enough breath to carry on a light conversation but not enough to sing. You say that you are always short of breath when you pass people walking their dogs and such so you are definately going plenty fast as it is.

mom22g

8 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

12. Apr 11, 2006 8:02 AM

in response to: boatcrzy1

I would agree- don't worry about the speed- focus on the accomplishment of giving running a try and doing something positive for yourself. I'm wondering who this is that told you you were running too slowly? Think about this...you've lost 46 pounds- that's amazing!!!And you're e certainly faster than those sitting home on the couch watching TV!! At some point,your goals may change. If you ever want to run faster because its a personal goal of your own- not because someone else thinks you're too slow- there are training plans and tips for that. For now, though, enjoy yourself!! Good luck! And congratulations for getting out there! Any running clubs in your area? You might find the company to be motivating.

dscherer

1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

13. Apr 21, 2006 4:05 PM

in response to: boatcrzy1

Hello,
Just wanted to introduce myself, I am a runner but now I am a new runner in a more competitive way. I ran track in grade school, did good. In high school I did track again and winter cross country and cross country and did quite well, I have a twin sister and we did the same sports so we both pushed each other. Then I did some running off and on and I really lost the "runner in me" for a long time. My twin was the same way until last year when she started to run again and always asking me to run with her but didn't want to, I don't know why, I just didn't. Well now a year later I am running with her in races and doing good. My first race was in Philly, a 6 mile, I did it in 56 min with only 2 months of training because my family and myself got the bug. My next race was a 3 mile and I did that in 26 min, I have done other 3 mile races and always bettered my time, I even got 1st place in my age group at one race, unfortunately my twin didn't run that race with me she is a "Tri", she is in training. I am so glad I started to run again, I really feel good physically and mentally. I thought I lost it but I didn't, it does take time to get it back (training) but I'm sticking with it now. My twin and I are training for the Broad Street Run in Philly, that is my next victory in my log book. As long as I finish I'm a winner. I love to hear wise words about training and nutrition. Hope to hear from you soon.

Good Luck to any runners with races this weekend !!

jl0039

5 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

14. Apr 26, 2006 1:43 PM

in response to: boatcrzy1

Hey Ladies and Gents,
I just wanted to say, keep it up. I was a 360lbs male, I started weight training changed my eating habits and lost 160lbs over two years. I despised running, I started running after a cornea transplant because I couldn't lift and haven't stopped running. My times slowly got better. It takes time just like anything else. My first 5k time, 45:00 my last 5k time 20min. My first 8mi turkey trot 1:58:00 my last Half marathon 1:58:00. I still weigh 200lbs, 20% body fat. It is still hard on my body. Point is it didn't happen over night. I am now training for a full Marathon. As I have said before, run for you and not anyone else.
To Aprilruns, there is a nifty product on the market that I recommend to everyone male of female, It's called BodyGlide. It helps prevent chafing in all the usual places, good for nips, thighs, ankles, under arms. Good thing about it is it doesn't clog the pores like Vaseline so you continue sweating and don't get pimples. It's kind of pricey but so worth it, you can find it at your local running store. Good Luck guys and girls.

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Feb 18, 2006 8:04 AM

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