I'm new at this; is it worth the pain?

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Guest

Oct 24, 2007 9:40 AM

I'm new at this; is it worth the pain?

So a couple weeks ago, I realized that I'm not as effortlessly svelte as I used to be in high school. the marriage weight gain has finally gotten me irritated, I've lost as much as I can by diet alone and it's time to start exercising. since running was such a horrible forced experience for me in high school I've decided that running it is. I want to get past this hated experience: when we were made to run the mile in high school it always took me 15 minutes and I coughed up **** out of my lungs for a couple hours after. It was horrible. Since then, I have taken up snowboarding, which I practiced avidly until last year and money got a bit tight because of a newly acquired mortgage. I swam for a year after college and was in the best shape of my life. then I got married and got comfortable. that's when i maxed out at 155. I'm 26 and up until a few years ago, I had maintained a weight of 120 in high school and 130 in college (when swimming and fit). I'm stuck at 147 now and I am just not happy with my body. the weight I lost this past year and a half was from changing my eating habits ONLY.

So I guess, to get to the point finally, is running as fulfilling as everyone seems to think it is, or am I pounding sand? How quickly does it make a difference in your fitness level? Will it help me trim down that last little bit? Will I ever get past my horrible experiences with it? I ran Monday and totally overdid it before I found this website. I'm in so much pain now in my legs and feet and my orthopedist recommended that I not run again until all the pain goes away. I desperately want to get thin again (I'm not seriously overweight, just enough that I'm frustrated at my inability to get that last 12 lbs off!) I'm dangerously close to having a muffin top and I really hate my body sometimes. Any advice for this NOOB?

moppet

128 posts since
Sep 25, 2007

1. Dec 25, 2007 10:16 PM

in response to: Guest

Running will not make you thin - at least until you get your milage way up. The numbers work like this - running burns around 100 cal. per mile - less then this if you are already on the thin side. It takes 3500 cal. to lose 1 lb. So if you want to lose 10 lbs you have to run between 350-400 miles. BUT - running also makes you hungry - so you will eat more. The cal. you burn off running a mile you will put back on with 1-1/2 Oreo cookies (for example).

Running will do wonders for you CV health and help you tone up your legs. It is great for your fitness level - don't run for weight loss though - you will be disappointed.

Yes - running can be a very fulfilling experience if you start slow and don't hurt yourself and/or burn out. Try the Couch to 5K program and you will find yourself setting and completing new goals all the time.

http://This message has been edited by moppet (edited Oct-24-2007).

monnik

184 posts since
May 31, 2007

2. Oct 24, 2007 9:55 AM

in response to: Guest

Hey boardchick!

I started running consistently back in April to get those last 10 pounds off too. Unfortunately, it hasn't helped me lose weight. People on this boards will say 'exercise for fitness, eat to lose weight'. Unless you're running a base of more than 20 miles per week, the calories burned by running aren't enough to let you eat what you want and still lose.

Having said that, I do enjoy running. I started slow - I totally recommend the C25K if that fits into your fitness level and schedule. Then I moved into the One Hour Runner program, and now I'm working on getting a steady base mileage before training for a half marathon.

Running still isn't easy for me, it's a challenge each time I lace up and head out. But once I get going, and especially after I'm done, I love that I just did something great for my body.

Back to your weight loss question - I didn't lose weight from running alone (those same 10 pounds are still stubbornly with me and I just started Weight Watchers again to get rid of them) but I have noticed some changes for the better in my leg and arm appearances, so it's not all for nothing!

Keep up the good work!

mrinertia

1,356 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

3. Oct 24, 2007 9:57 AM

in response to: Guest

It shouldn't be painful. If it is, you're overdoing it and will injure yourself and burn out pretty quick. Start off easy, the Couch to 5k program has done wonders for many.

Running is no magic bullet for weight loss, that comes through careful nutrition.

It does wonders for your fitness level, though. It will tone your legs, reduce blood pressure, lower your resting heart rate and generally increase your energy levels.

Yes, of course it's worth it.

mtnchk1

286 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Dec 25, 2007 10:16 PM

in response to: Guest

However, diet + excercise is ALWAYS the best way to go!! & good cardio + good quality strength training support each other.....no such thing as 'pixie dust' (instant cure-all magic!) Sounds like in your past experience you were maybe running too fast for your body's fitness level?!? Most folks need to build to that

Have you looked into the C25K program on this site?? Also, have you tried www.sparkpeople.com[/URL" target="_blank"> ??

& Yeah, for many of us, there is just something....hmmm...addictive(?) about running

well, I'm mental anyways, but.........

btw: I'm a rider too

------------------
We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started, and know the place for the first time. - T.S. Eliot

http://This message has been edited by mtnchk1 (edited Oct-24-2007).

runcheffyrun

70 posts since
Dec 15, 2007

5. Oct 24, 2007 10:02 AM

in response to: Guest

I AM a muffin top, and I feel your pain. Initially I started the Couch to 5K program to lose weight. Moppet is right about the weight loss. So far, I have lost some weight, but it's not falling off of me. I am however getting much tighter in the middle, and I know that once I accurately train myself the proper way, slow and steady will ultimately win the race. If you have such a negative mind set about running, it will suck everytime you do it. I feel like you really need to do some soul searching and find out if it's a negative self body image that you are trying to overcome, or if it's a healthy long lived and fulfilled life that you desire. If it's the latter, Welcome to running. Start with the Couch to 5K program listed on the front page of this site, and follow the program to the letter, repeating weeks if necessary to build up your strength and endurance. I am in Week6 of the 9 week program, and I have lost 7 pounds, and have had some setbacks, but I know that running free's my mind of worry, and opens my heart and soul to all that I can become if I am healthy and happy. Overtraining will take you out of it faster than you can imagine. You are asking your body to do something it is clearly not eager to do, but it works! My muffin top is becoming a mini muffin, and I am happy about that. I put on a pair of courdoroy pants last week that I have not been able to look " good in" in 3 years. But hey,so what, my husband loves me muffin top or not, but he won't have it if I die before him because I could not get healthy for the life that we planned together.

This is a great site, with lots of great inspiration, but you have to figure out what you are really in this for, or Running will never become the way to your happiness.

Best of Luck~
Cheffy

Guest

6. Oct 24, 2007 10:18 AM

in response to: Guest

I am a newbie to running, but am a weight watchers lifetimer so what I say may be of some value.

Running (really any cardio) will burn that stubborn fat quickly when paired with a weight loss program. Just remember to chose more whole foods which will give your body better nutrition and more energy. Also will keep you fuller, longer.

A point is really not a point.

I've noticed big changes in my body lately and I have not lost any weight. I am far more toned than from just walking alone. I also do alot of ab work.

If you start out slow, it should not hurt. It is addicting, though.

Guest

7. Dec 25, 2007 10:16 PM

in response to: Guest

Wow, thank you all for your candid answers. It really was difficult for me to decide to start running. My husband liked to run in his single years, and I'm hoping that maybe we can both do the couch to 5k program. I used to outright refuse to even consider running for exercise when he would suggest it. We are just finishing up a massive two story three car garage addition on our house that we (yes, just the two of us) built from the foundation up. We started over a year ago and that long term constant stress I think has contributed to both of us getting on the heavy side. it's funny that even though I've never worked so hard in my life, i've never felt so crappy and burned out either. I felt so good Monday about walking and jogging two miles but then the pain started. I'm glad you all, despite already getting into running, still have frustrated feelings too. well, not that I'm glad, just not alone. thank you so much

MTNCHK1 what kind of bike do you ride? I've got a Suzuki GSXR750 unless by "rider" you mean snowboarding???

http://This message has been edited by Boardachick (edited Oct-24-2007).

http://This message has been edited by Boardachick (edited Oct-24-2007).

Better than yesterday

786 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

8. Oct 24, 2007 10:42 AM

in response to: Guest

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Boardachick:
...and I really hate my body sometimes.

<HR>

Sorry, but that jumped right out at me, and I think that's where you need to start. It's a whole lot easier to do something nice every day for somebody you like than somebody you only like sometimes, and hate sometimes. When the going gets tough (which it will for you, just like it has at some point for everyone else), you have to remind yourself who you're doing this hard work for. No, I'm not saying you have to become a Narcissus (sp?), or stand in front of the mirror telling yourself how much you love you. But you've gotta get rid of the hate. (I know you may be exaggerating with HATE, but sometimes the words we use betray our true feelings.)

Might be worth having a heart-to-heart with yourself before putting yourself through all of this.

But, YES, it's worth it.

bty

djsteveboy

86 posts since
Feb 14, 2006

9. Oct 24, 2007 10:59 AM

in response to: Guest

Sorry, but nobody can decide for you whether running is worth it. It may not be. You have to make an honest appraisal of your view of yourself, your habits, level of commitment, and bodily response to exercise. But if running isn't for you, it doesn't mean something else isn't. Maybe you'd love yoga, or racquetball, or who knows what?

I've been running for years. I don't especially like it, to be perfectly honest. I prefer martial arts and yoga. But degenerative joint disease in my hip has worn out cartilage to the extent that martial arts only damages me, so I've had to find something that helps keep me in shape. I love yoga but feel running adds something to the mix, so I do it because it's good for me. When I stop I get out of shape.

I just don't think you can take a personal decision with as many factors as this one has and throw it on the table for some kind of democratic process. You're posting to a group of runners; whatdda ya think they're gonna tell you?

I say don't run if you don't like it. But give is a decent shot first, and don't avoid doing something else instead if you decide not to keep running.

------------------
DJ Steve Boyett
"Podrunner" -- FREE workout Music Mixes
Download from iTunes or directly from http://www.djsteveboy.com/podrunner.html[/URL" target="_blank">

Guest

10. Oct 24, 2007 11:21 AM

in response to: Guest

Boardachick, and everyone looking to drop a few pounds, I'll throw in my two cents on this one. I"m not one to preach cure alls or magic pills but I'll tell you what has worked for me. If you watch those info mercials early on the weekends find the one for P90x.(or go to www.p90x.com).[/URL" target="_blank"> It's a 90 day program that combines: cardio, yoga, kenpo, core, abs, and weight training. A group of us started this program about 7 weeks ago, and I personally credit it as being the reason I can run now. I've dropped from a 36" waist to a snug 32". This plan also covers nutrition as well, so added all together, p90x, diet, running I feel absolutely incredible. Like I said, my 2 cents, that and $1.05 might get ya a cup of coffee :-o

Andy

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Iontach

1,523 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

11. Oct 24, 2007 11:31 AM

in response to: Guest

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Boardachick:
I'm in so much pain now in my legs and feet and my orthopedist recommended that I not run again until all the pain goes away.<HR>

Tell us about your shoes.

jb944

162 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

12. Oct 24, 2007 11:45 AM

in response to: Guest

Boardachick - I think it is definitely worth it. I turned 50 this year and have never run in my life, but when I didn't pass my bone density test I knew I needed to increase my activity level and I wanted to find an activity that I could do when we travel. I started the C25K program on August 22 and thought I would die running that first 60 seconds. Every week was hard, but it feels like such an accomplishment once it is done. I'm now in W9 and doing 30 minutes non-stop. My family cannot believe I'm actually looking at the One Hour Runner program. My blood pressure is down, my RHR is 46, and I feel great. Sure you will have some aches and pains along the way, but you will get incredible support from these boards and you CAN do this. I found that the biggest hurdle was the mental blocks I put up - thinking there was no way I could finish a day's run. Having the accountability on these forums has certainly kept me going. I wish I had started when I was your age. Good luck to you. It is definitely addictive.

cheryl1213

13 posts since
Sep 10, 2007

13. Oct 24, 2007 11:45 AM

in response to: Guest

boardachick....

i lost most of my weight before starting to run (other cardio, lifestyle changes etc) so can't speak much there. it does help me maintain...esp. since i'm one who loves my chocolate and i'd rather run than cut it out.

but, i can tell you running can give you a HUGE sense of accomplishment. i was EXCUSED from the mile after 8th grade when my breathing got so bad that they had my mom come rush me to my doctor...i was puffing for hours and my pulse wouldn't drop. i never exercised regularly till grad school and then became a bit of a gym rat. i sometimes hit the tread...it wasn't my go-to workout but i did it enough to build a good base. the first time i made 3miles in 30min, i felt this huge rush of accomplishment. i've made running my main fitness endeavor for over a year now. my "best" hour is around 7.5miles. i've done a half-marathon. it feels AMAZING to have come so far.

and....that accomplishment feeling can really encourage you to take care of your body all around.

Guest

14. Dec 25, 2007 10:16 PM

in response to: Guest

my shoes are terrible. I wear them for work every day at a hospital and they are pretty beat. I looked at running shoes yesterday, but I'm not prepared to coughup 120 bucks for shoes that may just turn into crappy hospital puked and bled on shoes. I'd rather snag the 15 dollar target shoes for that. maybe it's just WHERE I looked at shoes though. I haven't done much comparison shopping yet.

I agree that you have to love yourself first. you are right, hate is a strong word. But you know how us women get. one day you feel like the sexiest thing alive and the next you feel like a whale. It's been a few days of the "whale" feeling that finally pushed me over the edge. Skirts are the worst.

Hearing positive results from other first timers is helping me keep my heart set on staying the course with this. I promised myself I'd try for a week, see how my knees do (because they are kinda bad. patellofemoral syndrome) and then if I do ok I'd commit to 6-8 weeks. I figured by then I'd have a routine and be able to continue on

http://This message has been edited by Boardachick (edited Oct-24-2007).

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Oct 24, 2007 9:40 AM

I'm new at this; is it worth the pain?

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