Women Runners??

Question

I am thinking about starting a jogging/running exercise program to lose a few pounds that I gained recently from stress. I have heard negatives and positives about running, especially for women. Can someone give me their running plans, experiences, etc.

Answer 1

I really enjoy running. At first it is going to seem like work, because your body is gradually adapting to the stresses of running, but after a while, it becomes a part of your life and it's hard to live without exercising / getting that endorphin rush.

If you are starting off running, I suggest taking it slow. Perhaps run 1/4 mile and walk 3/4 of a mile and gradually build up to running over the course of 3 weeks. The reason for this is that you want to build your muscles / system to accomadate the stresses of running. Doing too much, too soon is a certain path to injury and ultimately disliking running.

If you succeed at getting into a daily habit, consider signing up for a local 5K race. They are competitive but you don't need to be a speedster to do well. You'll find other people who are runners and it becomes a social event in some cases.

There are plenty of good books that you can find at Borders. Also consider getting a subscription to http://www.runnersworld.com or http://www.runningtimes.com to learn more about the sport, apparel, and tips / tools.

Just remember to build up slowly and give yourself some rest days. Running is tough on the body and has its host of injuries. However, most can be avoided by sensible training and the right shoes.

Feel free to drop me a line if you need more suggestions / info.

Good luck.

Answer 2

GOOD FOR YOU!

Before you start, invest in a good pair of running shoes. Go to a specialty store and spend the money. Bad shoes will do bad things to your body.

When you start, go slow. Running is not about speed, it's about endurance.

If you have it available, run in different areas: street (avoid concrete if you can), sand and water (beach), hills and tracks.

Make sure you aer always hydrated. After your first 20 minute run, when you get back in the house you are going to pour sweat.

Don't get frustrated when you have bad days. It happens! The next time, you will be back to normal.

Increase your distance OR pace by 10% each week.

This is how I started: The major streets in my hood are 1.5 miles in a square. I started by jogging a block and walking a block. The next day, I jogged two blocks and walked a block. I continued until I was jogging the entire 1.5 miles.

I hooked up with a Nike Training Run in Los Angeles, and got great support and tips.

My mistakes:

Not having good running sneakers. I figured "I have 15 pairs of sneakers in my closet, something is good for running. NOPE! That resulted in inflammed knee ligaments.

Not slowing down when I increased my distance, incline or intensity. I wore myself out and got frustrated.

Not keeping healthy food in the house. The first day I ran 3 miles at Venice beach with Nike, I was fine for a few hours. Then my appetite hit like I had food poisoning for 4 days. I was STARVING! I hadn't gone grocery shopping yet so the only thing I had in the house were Pringles and a pickles. I ate all of them.

Good luck!

Answer 3

RUNNING IS AMAZING! IT IS THE BEST SPORT IN THE WORLD! Just start off at and easy pace that you feel comfortable with. I'm in Cross Country and the first day of practice we ran two miles. It was not easy! lol! but it got easier! in fact today I had a cc (cross country) race and it was 2 miles and it was soooooooo much fun! I'm not sure what you would like to run.....but pick a distance run that distance and don't stop (unless you feel like you're going to faint or barf...maybe) Don't eat before you run trust me I ate 2 cookies and ran and ewww it was so gross coming back up! lol! Drink alot alot alot ALOT of water! Water is a runners best friend. lol. Run with a friend work at your own pace even if is slow. Just have fun be out there for the view! and have fun! good luck!

Answer 4

no, actually. I'd rather not