I want to become a runner. How do you do that?
I have never been athletic at all but I have always kinda wanted to be. I have always struggled with my weight and I don't want to anymore.
So today my question into the void is, How do I become a runner?
What do runners do when it is snowy and icy outside? What do I do to get started? (I am REALLY out of shape) And, how do I stay motivated to keep running?
Any suggestions, answers or advice are more than welcome.
Thanks
Mrs. S
I ran my entire mission and loved it. When it was so snowy it was dangerous outside I'd run in the parking garage under our apartment building or run in place in my apartment (that's really hard to do by the way...) The thing is, once you start YOU MUST CONTINUE for at least, like, a month. EVERY DAY except Sunday of course... and THEN you should be able to easily go do it. But skipping days is BAD because once you skip one day, you'll want to skip two, then three, etc. I am so out of shape and practice that it's scary. I want to get back into running too. I've always wanted to run at least a half marathon, if not a whole one.
ReplyDelete*lightbulb* what if we committed to each other to run M-F for at least 10 minutes a day? I mean, start at ten minutes and work our way up? I think it helped me on my mission to have someone to report to at the end of each week... I think I'm gonna do that either way... Let me know if you need a reporting-buddy. I can't run with you from AZ, but I can encourage you :-)
...long comment, sorry :-/
Oh, and p.s. to start, you get your shoes on and go. even if it's once around the block, or to the corner and back. just go. and running totally helps so much with energy. the first week or so you'll be really tired all the time. then once your body gets used to it you'll be tired when you first finish, then later in the day it'll be like a new person has come along :-)
ReplyDeleteSpeaking from a runner's point of view (or rather, a former runner), I would suggest finding someone to run with for the motivation thing. Find someone that's like you, and wants to start running, not someone that's been running all their lives and can run a mile in six minutes or less. It doesn't have to be someone you are best friends with because you're probably not going to talk anyway, just someone that will help you keep to a schedule.
ReplyDeleteHaving an MP3 player of some sort is nice to have. Good, quick songs will help you keep jogging to a rhythm and you can sing along when you get bored. It'll get easier the more you run.
As for the snow and ice problem. The easiest solution (for a student) is to use the school gym. Find an elliptical if they have one. It'll be nice on your knees and you'll stay warm. If there's an indoor track you can use, that's always good too.
To start, just go and do. Find a place you like to go. Find a time it's good for you to go. It doesn't have to be early in the morning. I always went in the middle of the day when it was hottest, even in the dead of summer. I know people that go in the dead of night because they don't want other people watching them necessarily. Just make sure the place is safe if you're going to go at night (carry pepper spray if it helps you feel safer too).
Running isn't all that hard once you get used to it. It's actually very good for emotions too. All those endorphin thingies that get released and all that stuff. It helped me with my depression, helped keep the world from spinning too fast. The key is to keep with it, even though your legs are going to want to kill you for the first week or two. Just keep at it!
Start out by walking. I have a friend that is in a similar situation as yourself and she does a run/walk program. Over time you will get to the point that you are running several miles at one time. To curb boredom I change the music I listen to. Having a running partner is also good, but sometimes it is just nice to use that time to be alone and clear your thoughts. If you need a running program let me know and I can send you one. Hope you are feeling better soon!
ReplyDeleteMorgan! Has it been a long time, or what?!
ReplyDeleteI too have wanted to become a runner and have struggled. My biggest problem has always been figuring out how to make my very out-of-shape heart and lungs keep up with my moderately less out-of-shape legs. Motivation wasn't my problem -- breathing was. Then I found this: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
The program is very doable for people like me who need the cardio/pulmonary training as badly as the running practice, and it's *extremely* doable for people who already have their hearts and lungs ready to go for the long haul.
Anyway, I don't know if that's of any interest to you, but I thought I'd share anyway! Best of luck! -- Emily Holzmer