NOBODY IS ANSWERING MY HEALTH QUESTION in the fitness section : Need running help... total beginner... help?

Question

So, I've always wanted to run! I've read books, about both running for beginners and for women. I've observed, and asked questions. I got a treadmill. And, bien sur, running sneakers. I think about it constantly. I started walking (3.0 - 3.5 mph) a couple of summers a ago, and daily each summer, off and on during the year. Now i want to get serious. I "jogged" a mile on tuesday: warm up, slow jog at 4. 0 mph for 2 laps, walk at 3.0 - 3.5 to catch my breath, but not alter heart rate severly, two more laps at 4.0 mph, and a cool down. It was intense, and what I had always dreamed. Felt burning in the calves, quads killed. Ran same way next day, with aching quads w/ a 3/4 lap ratio. Yesterday it was only a 1/2 mile to rest quads (of course I stretched, doing slight aerobics as well) So I feel lazy, because my time sucks, it's so hard. I had to breathe through my mouth. Don't wanna give up, do any of you runners have tips, or memories about when you first started? It gets easier right?

Also, I want a sports watch, cheap. .. CALORIE COUNTER, DISTANCE COUNTER, and HEART RATE? any feed back? any other gadgets?
Also... (last one, promise) i don't feel comfortable in the outdoors yet, my running is too poor, and gravity makes it more difficult (although I long to share running paths, and breathe in fresh autumn air, and watch my surrondings, leaves..) Did anyone else start on a treadmill? Do you remember the transition? please share ALL advice...

Answer 1

Sounds like you've got a plan. main thing is just being consistent until it becomes habit. I think the walking/jogging combo approach is perfect. It gets easier but don't try to force yourself to far beyond the limits of your comfort zone or you will begin to associate this activity in your mind with unpleasantness eventually causing you to give it up completely. Also, I've found that it's good to establish a variety of activities such as bicycling, martial arts, yoga etc. They work your muscles differently and in addition to breaking up the monotony of doing the same thing, will serve to help you gain added prowess in regards to your running ability as well. Listen to your body. Some days you just don't have as much energy. even walking for an hour is better than nothing. When I run I will run at a moderate pace, sprint a quarter mile or so and then return to a moderate pace 'til my heart slows down and then sprint some more and so on. then maybe I'll cool down with a bike ride. Treadmills are okay, I guess, but not for me. same with stationary bicycles. Too much like work. I'd rather be outside. Also, you might consider getting yourself a high energy dog who likes to run who won't give you a moments peace until you get off your butt and exercise with her.(works for me) Heart monitors are a good tool and you can regulate your pace according to your designated heart rate. I just listen to my body. Also, you're not in competition with any one and so who cares if your not cranking out 6 minute miles. Most runners you encounter will respect you for the simple fact that you're out there doing it. Even the good ones probably didn't start that way. More often you'll receive appreciation and support in the form of the proverbial "runners nod" that runners give to other runners as if we are sharing a common goal and an awareness of sorts indiginous only to us. Slow way is best. don't get too attached to the results, just try to persue it in ways enabling you to enjoy the process.

Answer 2

Here is what I think:
Slow down and enjoy the race. Take it slow and go as far as you can and set milestones for yourself. When I first started running I was 240 lbs and I could only run one time around the track at the high school and then I would have to walk. 12 months later of persisance and dedication, I ran the Philadelphia marathon at 185 lbs in 4 hours and 20 min.
Do not give up before you see the miracle.
As for the watch- Polar makes a large variety of watches that range from $85-$400.
Good luck

Answer 3

Just jog straight through the mile even though it is hard to breathe and it hurts. Once you are finished then walk on the 3 for 15 minutes to cool down. Keep doing that everyday and you will be a great runner.

Answer 4

Your already doing it, starting slowly and building up, do some streting out first especially on your legs, and sane again on your winding down to finnish. Listen to your body, and work from there. I only power walk, my personal opinion is that p.w is better for knee, hip and ankle joints. Like i say you know how your body feels, work from there.

Answer 5

i remembered that i started running in secondary school..
when i was in primary school.. i was so round..
my classmates called me piggy.. fat.. etc..
i still remembered when i first started running, it was jogging rather, i started at a slower speed and after one year i was in my school's team.. of course when u run slower than most of the seniors, u will tend to give up easily, but its the challenge that keeps me going.. i promised myself that one day i'm going to "overrun" them.. and really practise makes perfect, within two years i represented my school in track and field and cross country races... yea.. that feeling rocks.. and naturally i become fitter and did better, both academically and physically.
i got four gold awards for napfa (national physical fitness award) for my five years in secondary school.. i've been running for ten years already.. and i'm proud of that...
and now although i'm not as heatlh-nut as before, but i do take time to do and explore other sports..
hope u enjoy my running journal..
:)

Answer 6

i would say builed it up and over time you will get better as long as you put ur mind to it as for the gadgets i have heard timex has good stuff hope this helps good luck!

Answer 7

Go to http://www.faithfulsoles.com