are there any runners out there?

[jtickle 295]

I power walk 4 to 5 miles 6 days a week at the gym. I would like to get into running, but I am not sure how to start out. I know I can't just get in there and run a half marathon. Just needing some advice.

[Wallflower7522 328]

Have you tried couch to 5k? I'm also trying to run, but haven had much luck so far.

[enjoyinglife 313]

I don't know that I would consider myself a runner, but I try to run 4 to 6 miles a week. I have also run three 5K races so far this year. My training plan was pretty simple: put one foot in front of the other, repeat at a slightly faster pace. I let my body dictate how far I ran on each training run. Before I knew it, I was able to run for 3 miles at a time. (Something I hadn't done in 14 years) I also bought a subscription to runner's world magazine. I have never tried the couch to 5K, but that seems like a logical place to start.

[esskay77 785]

I have heard the couch to 5K was great. I'm thinking of trying it. I'm also trying to get ready to run. On my walks I've given it a bit of a try but it feels funny. And I don't like anybody to be around when I try it ! lol. But I have been trying it. I just feel like I can't get my body off the ground so my form isn't great yet.

Best of luck. If you are power walking that far that often, I am betting you won't have any problem transitioning to running.

[AutumnPunkin 313]

I would consider myself a runner. I love running now. When I started, I could not even run for longer than 10 seconds. Now I am doing 5k! I am still working on it, and running takes time. I would recommend short distances initially, and begin with interval training. I also highly recommend a couch to 5k program. I personally used zombies run 5k, because well, a great zombie apocalypse story to run to is awesome! Week 3 and 4 were brutal and I felt like they were asking way too much, and it is ok to repeat weeks. I repeated week 3 and 4 several times.

As an example, week one they have me start off with a 10 minute walk, followed by training of 1 minute walk followed by 15s jog/run, 5 times, ending with a 10 minute free form run. The free form run means that you can run or walk as much as you want in that time period.

I also need to stress the importance of rest days and progressing too fast. When a new runner starts out, they often try to progress too fast (increased speed, distance or pace). This can lead to injuries, so rest in between runs until you are able to run consistently.

Running is good for the joints and for building bones, however progressing too fast can cause wear and tear or the joints.

Trust me, running every other day will help you reach your running goals.

As an example, I have been running and training consistently for 7 months. Here is my schedule that I follow now.

Mondays: 3km

Tuesday: 1.5km

Wednesday: rest day

Thursday: 5km

Friday: 3km

Saturday: off

Sunday: 5km

I am running often, and have just increased my running days to improve my running time. Earlier I stated to rest every other day, please adhere to this when starting out. It will help to avoid injuries early out.

I am currently training for a 10 km urban obstacle race. If you can run 5km without stopping, 10k is no problem.

Remember, when running to go St a pace where you are able to comfortably speak. If you ar either of breath (which is everyone when they start out), you are going too fast

Also, good shoes! Trust me on this! It will save your knees and shins!

I hope I have helped

<3