Running question for a beginner.....

Hi all,

I am curious about starting a running program, any advice on how to start??? I've lost 145 lbs and have about 30 more to lose...I am not an avid exerciser which I am trying to change,. Currrently I do 1-3 mile walking tapes and I just bought Zumba for the Wii, I really want to be a exerciser lover because I know it is key to losing and keeping the weight off! Any suggestions or ideas would be GREAT! Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it!
Bridge27

Hello,

Congratulations on your weight loss!!  That's fantastic....and a lot of weight.  I remember when I first started running, I took a "Learn to Run a 5K".  In that program, we would train for 30 minutes at a time.  Within that 30 minutes, we would break it down into five minute increments.  We would jog for a minute, then walk for four.  We did this 6 times (thus filling up a 30 minute time period) and progressed from there.  In a week or two, we'd bump it up to 2 minutes of running and 3 minutes of walking, then 3 minutes of running and 2 minutes of walking.....eventually, you are running the full 30 minutes.  This is a great way to build up your fitness level and to not get injured.  It's not about mileage at this point, it's about building your muscles up to the point where they can handle the impact.  I love running and am now starting my 4th running program.  I'm doing the Iron Girl in August and 1/2 Marathon in October.  Heading out now for our "long run". 

I hope this helps.  BTW - I exercise a lot where it's running, zumba, etc.  It does help to keep the weight off and there are a lot of other great benefits too.   

Tammy

Very similar to Tammy's program is the www.c25k.com program. Short running intervals at first working up to a full 30 minute run/jog.

I'm finishing up week seven and am very happy with the accomplishment. Signed up for my first 5K next weekend!!

Oh, and I was NOT a runner at all just a couple months ago!

Best of luck,
Chad

Couch to 5K is what allowed me to learn to run successfully. I was never able to run when I tried it in the past.

Couch to 5K program!  Week one I thought I was going to die running 60 seconds.  Today to finish up week 6 I just ran 27 minutes straight without thinking of dying.

Thank you all SOOOOOO much!!!! I will definetly give your ideas a try! I appreciate you thoughts! Thank you ! Bridget

Thanks Dan!!! You are 1 of my many mentors on this site and have been since I started, you have been so successful!!!! Thanks for being a GREAT motivator and contributer on this site!! Take care and thanks again!!!
Bridget

Ditto on www.c25k.com ! Congrats on the success and kudos for wanting to run... Be careful, it's addicting. I started off barely walking 10 minutes at 2.5mph on treadmill after surgery... Now, I can run a lil faster, and a lil longer! :)