I want to be a runner

[Creekwood 702]

I've seen a lot of weight loss success stories and in nearly all of them running has been a huge part of their success. I really would like to work up to eventually doing a marathon. I know' date=' at this point, a marathon is a longggg way off, but I'm willing to work to get there. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for beginner runners ?? Thanks![/quote']

I love your goals! I share in them that I want to be a runner too!! Right now I'm training to "run" my first 5k. I know that I will have to walk part of it, but my goal is to finish and I'll be happy with that!! Good luck! I can't wait to see your post after you run your marathon!

[Creekwood 702]

What a great goal. I run too. The benefits from runny surpass just the weight loss benefits. Belly fat just melts away. The psychological benefits though are outstanding. Pick an event' date=' sign up for it and train for it. The funnest thing ever!

Oh and if you have any trail run races near you give one of them a try too. They are amazing!

[/quote']

Love the picture!

[stept04 465]

I'm so jealous. I'll never be able to run. I went into the Marine Corps and was in my best shape ever, but could barely pass the running part of the PT then. I am now 47 and have bad knees so I don't see running in my future, but I do wish I could. So when your running I'll be there in spirit. Good luck in achieving your goal.

~~~Stephanie

[MiniMi 1,468]

Check out Jeff Galloway. He is famous for his "walk/run" training. He also has training apps on iTunes called "lolo" easy 5, 10k etc.

[lafaye999 32]

I'm a beginner. Get with some local chapters in your area or log on to www.active.com... Great tool to help u get started. I actually like virtual runs.

[Erin O'Donnell 61]

I love your goals! I share in them that I want to be a runner too!! Right now I'm training to "run" my first 5k. I know that I will have to walk part of it' date=' but my goal is to finish and I'll be happy with that!! Good luck! I can't wait to see your post after you run your marathon! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

I'm starting with a 5K too! It won't be my first but hopefully it will be the first one that I can actually run the majority of. thank you! And good luck to you too! We can do this

[Erin O'Donnell 61]

I'm so jealous. I'll never be able to run. I went into the Marine Corps and was in my best shape ever' date=' but could barely pass the running part of the PT then. I am now 47 and have bad knees so I don't see running in my future, but I do wish I could. So when your running I'll be there in spirit. Good luck in achieving your goal.

~~~Stephanie[/quote']

Aww I'm sorry to hear that! Thank you for the encouragement

[Erin O'Donnell 61]

Check out Jeff Galloway. He is famous for his "walk/run" training. He also has training apps on iTunes called "lolo" easy 5' date=' 10k etc.[/quote']

Okay thanks!

[Erin O'Donnell 61]

I'm a beginner. Get with some local chapters in your area or log on to www.active.com... Great tool to help u get started. I actually like virtual runs.

Okay I'll check it out! Thanks!

[KAATNS 1,473]

From www.mamalaughlin.com

I am a Runner

There was a time when I doubted even calling myself a runner.

Sure, I ran, but I was doing it for weight loss purposes, so I didn't feel like I was a TRUE runner.

I felt like a poser.

I thought I'd just lose the weight and then be able to stow my Brooks and never run again.

How wrong I was.

Because I found a passion for something I was never even looking for.

It took me until after my first half marathon to really consider that title legit.

Today, I am a runner.

I am a runner because I run.

Because when I'd rather sit on the couch, I lace up and head out.

Because at 4pm every day my legs are bouncing up and down, itching for the pavement.

Because one day I decided I wanted to run, having never ran before.

So I committed. And I ran. And when I first started I could barely run for a whole minute without stopping.

But I kept on. Day after day I laced up and headed out.

And with each new mile I ran I felt empowered and a sense of pride I'd never felt before.

And now I can run for close to 3 hours without stopping.

I am a runner.

Because it's hard.

Because I love knowing there are only a select few people that can do what we do.

Because I've got the tan lines to prove it.

Because the rhythmic sound of my feet on the pavement is far better than any amount of therapy.

Because I can clear my head when pounding it out.

Because when sweat is dripping off my forehead and into my eyes, I am proud.

I am a runner.

Because I've worked my way up.

Because it's made my ass jiggle less and my legs stronger.

Because I cried the first time I ran 10 miles without stopping. Uncontrollable tears poured down my face and my entire body was covered in goosebumps thinking about what I'd just done.

How I was amazed at what my body was capable of. How I was thankful to be able to do things I never imagined I could.

I am a runner.

Because I'm not a mom, or a maid, or a chauffeur, or a cook, or a wife when I'm out there- I'm a runner.

Because when some people would give up when feeling weak, I keep going.

Because I push through when I want to stop.

Because just thinking of crossing the finish line of another race gives me chills.

Because if it weren't for running, I'd be lost.

Because I'm not the skinniest or the fastest, but I damn sure try my hardest.

Because I dread the actual RUN... until I get out there.

Because I love a challenge.

I am a runner.

Because when I cross off my weekly runs in red marker I feel like a rockstar.

Because running gear makes me happy.

Because I think Sports Beans are the best Jelly Beans there are.

Because I get excited about a new pair of Brooks.

Because I don't focus on time or distance, but rather just FINISHING.

Because I search for Runner's High.

Because I've had to work my butt off to do so.

Because through running I've inspired people to want to better themselves.

To know it's possible to push your body to extremes you never imagined.

Because through running I found myself again.

If you run, you are a runner.

No matter what distance. Or for how long, or how often.

It doesn't matter if you're the fastest or the slowest. The skinniest or the fattest.

If you run, you are a runner.

Don't let anyone tell you different.

Today, I am a runner.

Because I run.

[naibrittany 2]

I'm a beginner. Get with some local chapters in your area or log on to www.active.com... Great tool to help u get started. I actually like virtual runs.

Have you heard of Black Girls Run, they have changed my life by making running fun.. I enjoy hitting the pavement and running races with these ladies:)

[healthy and happy 64]

I never thought I would be running unless something was chasing me. Now, I love it. I first started signing up for 5K and 10K runs just to keep me motivated to run. You have to train if you are going to do these things. It was too easy to skip days if i wasnt training for a run coming up. The more the weight dropped the easier it was to run, so I signed up for a half marathon. My first was the Rock n Roll half marathon in VA Beach. I was so proud of myself. I felt so accomplished. The good news was that all the training I was doing was making even more pounds drop. I completed another one in March. I am signed up to do another one in September and then I will be doing one in November in Outer Banks, NC. I love running at the beach.

To train for it you just have to set mini goals for your self. I run as far as i can, then walk, then run, then walk. If you set goals and say that you will run for 2 minutes then walk for 5, then repeat. After you have that down, add another minute to the running, etc. Before you know it you will be running for miles. It gives you one heck of an adreneline rush. And you know what, even if you walk the whole thing, you did it!! That is an accomplishment in itself. I will never win a race but I just set personal goals for myself and work towards them. I am racing against my own time, not the other competitors.

Good luck! you can do it!

[leannel90 206]

Take it very' date=' very slowly to start. I had lost weight a few years back, and worked up to a 5K. I signed up for it, so it gave me a huge motivation to keep going, but I allowed plenty of time - several months (about 6, if I remember correctly.) This was starting from scratch. I followed a couch to 5K program (there are many available if you google it) and I did have an experienced runner as a mentor. I still wasn't able to "run" the whole 5K - I had to stop and walk a couple of times, but many people do. Not comparing yourself to anyone else is also very important as everyone's pace is different and how quickly they improve. I highly recommend reading a book or two by John Bingham - "No Need for Speed" is a great one!! he started off obese and now runs marathons... very slowly

I will give you the link to his website - well worth a look for any beginning runner!!

http://www.johnbingham.com/index.php

I'm going to start back myself in a couple of weeks when I heal from my surgery. Good luck!!

Cat...maybe we should look into the Queen City Marathon...or something like it...for a goal. How exciting...I've always wanted to be a runner.

[lafaye999 32]

Have you heard of Black Girls Run, they have changed my life by making running fun.. I enjoy hitting the pavement and running races with these ladies:)

Im a member of BGR Jackson, MS. I am currently working on the Walk B4U run training.

[GuyMontag 1,264]

Tracking my progress has been key for me. I use the Nike+ app on my iPhone and the couchto5k app as well. Both are great.