help becoming a runner

[Lunar*Fey]

I know this isn't really what I need to focus on right now, but it is something I want to work toward...when I walk all I really want to do is run...its like I am walking but feel myself running and something inside of me just begs to let go and fly (run)...but I never do because my mind takes over and I get afraid. sad, I know. My mom was a runner...she was one of the top in the state in highschool and she started in like 10th grade. She represented her town to race in England! Any way, I was just wondering if anyone had any tips on becoming a runner. There probably is nothing I can do but just run every day...but like I said I am so afraid to. and my mom would probably murder me if I ran. And for some reason, I am so afraid of not being good. Sounds stupid I know..but that is the sad truth. I grew up being really good at every thing I did...but once depression kicked in I stopped doing anything really....and then my eating disorder....and it just took a big chunk out of my life and growth. I am no longer one of the best (at...well...anything and everything I do) because I have lost time and this discourages me. I know it shouldn't, I shouldn't think this way...and I hope and believe that I am slowly overcoming it...this is probably getting too deep, so I'll cut it short.

anything any one wants to say is greatly appreciated!

<3

[sport]

I think that it is all the extra energy that you have from the raw food that makes you want to run. I feel the same way.

[Lunar*Fey]

hmm you are probably right. I really like the feeling, more like a yearning lol. But I still really want to be a runner, maybe it is just wanting to have something in common with my mom beside our appearance...but I don't think so...I have always had something in me with a yearn to run. I used to run everywhere, I rarely walked when I was little lol...I remember wanting to be "one with the forest" when I was little and silently run through the woods...I bet my siblings thought I was nuts for always leading them running through the forest...but hey they followed me (I was always the leader between my siblings lol) now I don't even see them anymore, except one of them

[Sharon in Colorado]

Maybe you could start off with a slow jog and see where that takes you. One step at a time. Eat lots of bananas afterward! :)

[Lunar*Fey]

Thanks Sharon, I would like to...I tried once but I have that voice in hte back of my head like "BAD GIRL BAD GIRL BAD GIRL...you know you are tired so stop and walk" even though I am no tired at all. it mystifies and frustrates me. Even when I am bikeriding sometimes...I'll get going at a good pace in the like "racers" position and am having a blast and then all of a sudden (after like 30 seconds of that pace) that voice comes and I obediently sit down on my bike and just cruise a bit. :confused:
But I am going to try again :) Maybe tomorrow morning if I wake up at a good time. I'll drink some water do some yoga and then eat then go for a little jog and eat tons of bananas when I get back! lol or a banana shake I suppose since we only have frozen bananas at the moment...or maybe a ton of watermelon...hmm. yum.

[dreamrawalwz]

Just like you said on livejournal, I know exactly what you mean and how you're feeling. I'm the same way in almost every way it seems. Maybe try fast walking until you get up to a light jog? Fast walking to the point that walking normally seems like a snail's pace lol. Then do the same thing with jogg, then go up to running. Run for a minute, walk for 3 and keep alternating and eventually you'll run 3 mintues, walk 1, or something similar. Then you can get to straight running. Make the sessions longer and longer when you're ready. Not sure what it would do for your weight though. I'm sure it'll build your leg muscles, but not sure about anything else. It's funny because for me I can't jog. I don't know how :rolleyes: I used to sprint for gymnastics (vault and floor routines), but I can't jog!

[madmel]

Lunar,

there are plenty of good plans online - just google around and you will find a plan that suits your needs.

I think running is a good exercise and would feel strange without it. but you should start "right" otherwise you might end up frustrated and bored and without the stamina a runner usually wants to achieve.

usually you start by run/walk at certain intervalls until you run 20 or 30 minutes at a specific speed. from there on you can further improve stamina and long runs - step by step.

success to you,
mel

[Lunar*Fey]

thanks, you have both been really helpful. So I should fast walk, jog, and run in intervals to build up to straight running? I am not sure if this is what either of you intended on saying. I'm not even quite sure exactly how to do this but I'll go give it a try lol.
thank you so much :)

[madmel]

Lunar Fey:

I would really advise you to google for some kind of plan - I have one myself which is for totally newbies to running who are aiming for marathon. This goal can be reached in one year with continuous training.

Please check this (http://exercise.about.com/cs/running/a/begrunning.htm) and this (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) or this (http://www.runnersworld.com/category/1,5034,s6-51-55-0-0,00.html).

You usually alternate between walking and running and will slowly decrease the time of walking and increase the time of running. When you succeeded at running for a straight 20 or 30 minutes, you will further build your stamina (longer runs) as well as speed.

Think about the right shoes and clothes - shoes are the most important and can make your running career very comfortable ;)

Pls. take your time and read the plans and check which kind of schedule is the right one for you.

I made the mistake and ran without a plan, building up my stamina for long runs (90 mins and more) way too fast and also increasing speed too fast. After a 4 weeks break (travelling) I found myself without any energy, stamina or anything and had to start over again. I also had pain in my feet from overexercising.

I have now picked up training again, I am in month 3 of my 12-month-long plan and am enjoying it. My schedule is as follows:

Mon: rest
Tu: 30 min
Wed: 40 min
Thurs: rest
Friday: 30 min
Sat: 40 min
Sun: 60 min

The speed alternates too with the long run usually being on the slow side.

The time and speed will increase each month until you reach 200 min with you long run in month 12 with medium speed and a reserve for a sprint.

oops, writing about running is simply overwhelming... sorry for blabbering ;)

mel

[Lunar*Fey]

Wow thank you so much Mel! I read every word on each of the links lol. I can't wait, I too would love to run a marathon some day! How amazing would that be!? lol "Previous ED sufferer revived her health on her own and is now running marathons and healthier than she has ever been in her her life." lol.
By the way, do you run outside or with a treadmill? I would like to save up for a compact treadmill so I can do a mixture of outdoor and indoor (I get embarrassed and afraid running outside for some reason and so every time a car goes by I start walking :rolleyes: )

[Sharon in Colorado]

I think the reason why you are 'afraid' is because somebody in your life told you exercise is bad for you. Probably the only way to get over that is to re-affirm that exercise is good. Read about it, talk to POSITIVE people about it and then just do it.

[Lunar*Fey]

I believe you are right Sharon, thank you so much for your advice...I feel that I am slowly beginning to realize that exercise makes me feel good and is not bad for me.very very slowly though.

[madmel]

Hi Lunar,

I am glad I could be of some help - always happy to help fellow runners ;)

I have to run indoors, which is terrible. In Germany I used to ran outside in the woods but here in China the conditions are just not good to run outside and I prefer running inside although it's a bore. But what doesn't kill you...

mel

[Lunar*Fey]

thanks again Mel, you have been so helpful! Too bad you can't run outside where you live. I can, and like to but would prefer inside for those little embarrassment bursts....plus winter. I wonder if I could get a treadmill on ebay?? lol who knows.

[RawTruth]

Just popped in to say you all might be interested in visiting this link. He's a raw runner who's been at it for a while now:

http://www.rawrunner.co.uk/main/index.php

Plus -- there's the group of Alissa's teachers who are running the Chicago marathon in October, some of whom started from scratch, who might offer some assistance, too.

By the way, I got some great advice from a raw martial arts instructor the other day about how to start running -- I'd been sidelined because I'd been told my knees were too messed up to run on -- so, I went to the beach and ran & walked on the wet sand which cushioned the footfalls. I ran a bit past what was comfortable, then walked, then ran again, etc. It was amazing. My body was really wanting to run, too, LunarFey. What a cool thing, huh? I agree that it's the raw. BUT I'm also paying attention to eating enough.

Anyway, sorry to babble. Let me know if you find the link helpful. I thought his site was interesting and may contact him directly myself.

Happy summer running ... or walking. Whichever!

[daisyduke]

I have a question for you runners. Sorry if this is really basic, but how do you figure out how far you've run? Today I ran throughout my neighborhood. I ran for about an hour (jogging, then sprinting, then jogging, etc.). I have no idea how far I ran though. Thanks for any help!

[mcasburn]

Getting started running means getting started WALKING, to allow your joints to gradually adjust and strengthen. Even though your muscles may be screaming "RUN! RUN FASTER!", your joints are not yet with the program. Here's a great book that I highly recommend:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1553650875/sr=8-1/qid=1152582744/ref=sr_1_1/002-9010418-3176838?ie=UTF8

It's a 13-week program that gets you running in a safe and sane way, conditioning your entire body. It might feel boring for the first few weeks, but stick with it and your body will thank you. Good luck! I'm hoping to get back into it soon, too (am currently healing an ankle sprain).

Melissa

[Lunar*Fey]

RawTruth,
Thank you so much! The link is great, I've practically read the entire website! lol. Running barefoot (or not, either way) on the beach sounds wonderful! I don't live near an ocean but if I did I would be there every day! lol. Happy running and walking to you as well!! :)

Daisyduke, obviously I am not an expert lol but many runners seem to go by the amount of time they have run instead of the distance.

Melissa,
wow thanks for the book recommendation! It looks great. I'll see if they have it at the library until I can purchase it. thank you so much :)

[RawTruth]

DaisyDuke --

For walking, I've used a pedometer. They're available for under $10.

You can drive the "course" you will run in advance so you know how far it is. The basic running books (and websites) have very simple explanations.

The way you begin running depends entirely on your physical condition.

Best of luck!

[Mary Poppins]

I LOVE this thread!!! I've been wanting to run for months now, but I broke my foot nearly a year ago and still have a bit of pain from it. I was worried that it would act up. Today I decided to just get out there and RUN! I have worked up a bit of stamina and endurance by running on the treadmill and doing cardio exercises at home. So off I ran. I ran about three miles. It felt incredible. We'll see how "incredible" I feel tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to running!!!! :D

[RawTruth]

THREE MILES!?!?!? Good heavens, woman! No beginner, you!

[GreenPrince]

Lunar*Fey,

”I remember wanting to be "one with the forest" when I was little and silently run through the woods...”

I knew it! ;)