Does running get easier!?

[Chrystee 838]

@@Brians147

good advice! I've got the exercise down, but I cannot wait to be able to take it to the next level.

[par1959 470]

I am 55 just lost 110 lbs and also just started running. I had not run more than 1 mile in the last 30 years. So if I can do it anyone can. It is amazing what I can now do after the huge weight loss. On week 2 I am up to slightly over 2 miles without stopping. I don’t run out of air, but my legs get a bit fatigued. With some advice from my running friends I went to a running shop and got fitted to shoes. I am overwhelmed at the difference between running shoes. It is night and day. Sure they aren’t cheap, I spent $170 at Brooks, but my feet feel great. And one can get great shoes for about $120. I just liked the more expensive shoes better. And hey I am worth it. At first I was thinking 5K but in one week can no doubt make that. So I have set my goals higher to a ½ marathon in April with a 10 k in February.

[jess9395 5,450]

Yeah the proper shoes make such a difference!!! I am shoe junkie now, but once you are fitted you can get great deals on the good shoes online at places like 6pm and Active Gear Up and even Amazon. The big brands clear out their last years models for like half price. I've gotten my $120 Mizuno's for $64 and my $160 trail shoes for $80. Runners Warehouse website also has great sales and clearances and I got my Hokas for $60 there.

[2lovebugs2love 6]

Running is definitely hard in the beginning but it does gets easier the more consistent you are with your runs. I have never enjoyed running on a treadmill and will only do so if I have to run late at night or so early in the morning that it is unsafe for me to do outdside alone. Like you I had visions of being a runner with my "running friends" and had aspirations to run a 5k. My running friends had a different plan for me and my first run happened to be a 1/2 marathon. As intimidating as it sounded, once I wrapped my head around the fact that I wasn't trying to run to win, simply to finish at and at MY OWN pace, not my friends pace or the pace of the random runner in front of me it changed everything. I am proud to say that I trained for 5 months and in December I completed my first 1/2 marathon. It was quite an achievement and one that I will always be proud of. As for "my thunder thighs, I will tell you that the more I run the smaller my boobs seem to get...lol, and my lower half doesn't look to shabby. So if you want to run...RUN GIRL!!!

And yes, good shoes, inserts and for me running socks (may sound silly down to the sock) make all the difference int h e world...good luck!

Edited January 15, 2015 by 2lovebugs2love

[Brians147 50]

Ran 10k this morning. That's 67k in January so far. Feeling great in our Canadian prairie winter wonderland.

[esskay77 785]

@@Chrystee -- which socks do you recommend?

You are all doing amazing!! @@Brians147, that is impressive!

[Brians147 50]

AGAIN I COULDN'T HANDLE A RUNNING REST DAY. TOO DARN NICE OUTSIDE AT 32F AND SUNNY.

"REST DAY?! YOU TAKE A REST DAY! I'VE GOT ASPHALT MOCKING ME RIGHT NOW!"

Ran 10k quickly yesterday, and legged 6.24k today flashing my new FXR running shirt.

"Yah! That's right. Running shirt. Get over it BMX kid. This baby boomer is changing the world one bariathlete at a time." 

[Chrystee 838]

That wasn't me per the socks.. I just like thin athletic socks. The shoes make the diff for me!

[tekjr1 22]

Why run if you don't like it? There are so many other things you could do that aren't as hard on your joints. Exercise should be fun.

I too have to motivate myself to run. Its not my favorite discipline but there is nothing that gives you that same feeling as running. If you work your body hard enough it will reward you by producing "feel good" hormones that I have never been able to replicate with other cardio activities. I bike and I swim which I enjoy more, but there is a reason they call it a runners "high". I run for the feeling it gives you.

[PeterCGhizLaw 0]

I really like working but I started out with gradually walking and performed my way up to operating a variety of meters, then walked, do it again. Progressively I was working a range or more before I got injured and had to stop. I think you're asking for a harm if you are starting out working a range and your whole body not in type or ready for it. Try decreasing it down a bit, research some working publication s and talk about to other sportsmen / teachers.

[Lani789 128]

I started with a c25k app and I'm finally on week four or five. Omg it cued me to run for 8 minutes. Yes I did 1, then 2, then 3 minutes in the previous weeks, but 8? Sounds like serious stuff now!

I am actually liking it. I was the pudgy one who never did sports or PE (always had an excuse) in school. Now at 59 I like running?

I have been doing strength training for a few years so the owner sent me to the best place to get shoes and socks for running. Bless him for that. I sweat but don't hurt after 35 minutes. It took me 47 minutes to do 3.12 miles on the treadmill so now I have a base time to improve on. And I think I'm ready to move outdoors (was too embarrassed before!).

[Indieflickers 298]

I realise this is an older thread, but what do you runners do for shin splints? I get them really badly, particularly in my right leg. I stretch (after warming up - no static stretching) and have really good shoes, but nothing seems to help.

[deedadumble 1,033]

Best thing I ever did was to find out what was causing them and follow the instructions for healing. I never buy eBooks, but this one was so worth it. I can send it to you if you PM me your email. Here's the link if you want to read part of it. http://saveyourself.ca/tutorials/shin-splints.php

My shin splints were chronic (non-acute) compartment syndrome, so your results may be different if yours are truly shin splints (fracture in the shin bone).

[Indieflickers 298]

@@deedadumble How did you figure out if your really were shin splints?

[jess9395 5,450]

Also you need to find out about your stride/gait and buy the right shoes for that. Often shin splints are caused my over pronation (do you wear out the insides of the soles of your shoes faster than the outside?). You need a motion control shoe.

changing surfaces from what you are used to or ramping up mileage too fast can be another cause.