new runners advice?

[beckx]

before this past month i had NEVER had ANY interest in running or jogging WHATSOEVER. i hated it, always have. this past month i joined a gym and started doing elliptical workouts; i have a bunch of weight to lose and don't want to put too much strain on my knees with the impact of running. i've been RUNNING (!!) on the elliptical with an average mile time of 9:30 lately, and have run 31 miles so far this year... which is amazing to me.

miraculously i've found that i really enjoy it and have been thinking about doing a half marathon in the fall, but i have no idea how to work out to get there. should i be doing short runs and then one or two longer runs per week and building up the longer runs gradually? is that kind of training something i can do on an elliptical for now? what other exercises should i do at the gym?

and do you have any advice for longer sessions? i haven't gone farther than 3 miles at a time yet.

thanks in advance for any pointers!

[Shuu]

The elliptical is fine for cardio, but since it's such an unnatural movement, it won't really help you with actual jogging. Here's an example of a running plan if you've never jogged before.
http://www.americanrunning.org/associations/412/files/12-week_walkrun.pdf
For me, I just push myself everyday as much as I can and I find the next day I can push myself farther. It's really up to you HOW to train, but the key is to just get out there at least 5 or 6 times a week (with a rest day) and do your best. You'll feel fantastic the rest of the day when you jog in the morning, trust me! Good luck.

[jeanneroth]

Yay! We got another one! I hear you about the joint issues. BUT running is the best overall aerobic activity out there. I like Hal Higdon for beginner running plans. Here is the link:

http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm

It is always more fun to run with a group, so maybe get some friends together and run a couple of times a week.

You can also join Team in Training! You can raise funds for a wonderful charity that trains you at the same time and travel with a great bunch of people to a fun race. I have done 2 T-N-T events and really loved them.

Have fun running! remember if you run outside, to be very safe. Wear bright colors and no headphones! :D

[nfracer]

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=37317:D

[rawfoodmommy#1]

Yay! We got another one! I hear you about the joint issues. BUT running is the best overall aerobic activity out there. I like Hal Higdon for beginner running plans. Here is the link:

http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm

It is always more fun to run with a group, so maybe get some friends together and run a couple of times a week.

You can also join Team in Training! You can raise funds for a wonderful charity that trains you at the same time and travel with a great bunch of people to a fun race. I have done 2 T-N-T events and really loved them.

Have fun running! remember if you run outside, to be very safe. Wear bright colors and no headphones! :D
I went tho this site and I found it very helpful, thank you

[rawkchicster]

if you want people to run with, "women on the run" (I think it's by SELF or HEALTH magazine?), has a program so you can find local women runners at your fitness level. It's really cool.

[hydrohawk]

CONGRATS on your decision! Hal is a great resource. The tip on the elipitical is also dead on, it is NOT the same as running, but the treadmill, on an incline .5 or 1 is. Cross training is great, biking, swimming and strength training (core and arms)... hill and interval training will also give you an edge, depending on your goal. I have run 2 marathons, qualified for Boston and plan my next one in April RAW, which I am excited about! Good luck and stick to your goal, it is a great one!

[nfracer]

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=37317:D

beckx and hydrohawk-would love to hear from more runners on our fitness thread! Congrats to you Hydrohawk for qualifying for Boston. Did you say you've run that particular race before? It is my absolute FAVORITE.....Maybe it was the fact that my entire family + parents were there or that it was my 38th birthday (2005) AND I pr'd but I just love that race and am hoping to qualify for it again when I run Ottawa in May. Good luck to you!!!