[Yahtzee!]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone has started running and had success. I've never been a runner before, but I really want to start. Just slowly... don't want to over do it. Was wondering if the running for "x" amount of minutes then walking for "x" minutes is the best way to go about it? If so, are there any iphone apps you would recommend that allow you to play your music, but beep every so often to let you know when to walk or run.

[Sofia*]

Google C25K - its a pretty popular program/app that takes you from the couch to running 5km (or 30 minutes, which isn't necessarily the same thing!)
I started running almost 2 years ago from being an absolute non-athlete and have completed 10, 12, 14km races plus a half marathon. All my family and friends are completely astounded!
My best advice for getting started:'
- run slowly, you want to build endurance before speed.
- get good shoes and a good bra. Everything else is optional
- enjoy!

[DandS]

Couch to 5k program! (Which is the type of program you are talking about). I started running 12 months ago, after not ever being able to run at all, and I have recently finished my first half marathon (and it won't be my last!), and have also done several 5 & 10k races).. I love running, and still get a buzz that i can do it. This program was the perfect way to ease into running, and I can't recommend it enough. There are heaps of apps that you can use for c25k, I can't recommend any particular one though as I did the program without a smartphone.

Good luck

This post has been edited by DandS: 14/11/2012, 05:57 PM

[Petdombri]

Try the couch to 5k app. There are a few EB members who have tried it and had success.

[Delirium]

Up until May last year, I hadn't run since primary school. I downloaded a Couch to 5k app to my iPhone and I think it was instrumental in helping me to learn how to run.

I ended up with a knee injury a few months ago (unrelated) and I'm using a Couch to 10k app to get back into it again. My physio thought this was a great idea to prevent re-injury because I could take it quite slowly and build up. You can play music while the app is running and it interrupts the music to tell you when to start running or start walking again.

These sorts of apps are great to let you build up slowly. Good luck!

[mini mac]

Me too... I've been wanting to get back into running since just after my son was born 3 months... And then I broke my little toe. DOH!!

Check out www.c25k.com

I believe it's a great program that shows you how to get fit running and quickly. I'm sure there are loads of apps out there too regarding music and running tracks. Personally I like my own mix of beats to get me pumped.

Happy running!

[katniss]

I've also used couch to 5km & can't recommend it enough. I was never a runner & now I do run thanks to that program.

[wrena]

I'd also recommend c25k. I went from not running at all to now running 10km three times a week and I've just started training for a half marathon. Google "podrunner dj beatsmith" to download free music tracks that tell you when to run and when to walk. Good luck! Running is great!

[jeska~and~her~se...]

Hey there
I found that the C25K program wasn't for me. (I seem to be in the minority though!) It was because my body just couldn't do the required running so early in the program.
Ultimately I started running until I needed a break, then walked till I got my breath, then ran again. I always ran the same route in the first month or two, and made sure I ran further every single time I went out. I actually built up stamina much more quickly than I expected, without feeling like a failure if I couldn't reach the goals set by the C25K program.
Ultimately I got to running 7km, within three months of starting my own program. I completed a mini triathlon and was so awesomely proud of myself.
By all means try the C25K, it has had a lot of success, but don't hesitate to tweak it if you need to.
Good luck!

[missy78]

I also highly recommend couch to 5k. Totally worked for me; I discovered a real love of running! After the baby is born I am tackling the couch to 10k.