for all you runners out there...

[ziggystardust]

I'm a wannabe runner. One of my goals in life is to complete a 5k and once i do that, move on to bigger and better races.

My problem is that i seriously lack discipline and rarely stick with anything. So out of the 4 or so times that I started the couch to the 5k program, I stopped a few weeks in. I don't have anyone that would be a running buddy so I'm totally doing it on my own and very easily lose focus. But I'm going for it one more time.

I have asthma and live in NY (cold climate this time of year) and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for cold weather running?

I just cancelled my gym membership to save money and would have to run the old fashioned way, outside without a machine. I'm planning on starting slow to get my body used to it, I'm not technically overweight but I am heavier than my normal right now but I am definitely out of shape.

So any advice? any suggestions? Look forward to starting and actually completing it this time!

 

[FireDancer]

I love winter running. I am just outside of Cleveland so I get plenty of practice each year.

Find a good local running store. Not only will they be the place you want to get the proper running shoes but they will have a lot of weather specific clothing. What you wear will depend on a couple of things: the temperature, the wind chill, how windy it is, how well you warm up, and how fast you run. For example, on a day that is 40 with a wind chill of 35 but no wind I will still wear shorts. That same temp with wind needs wind pants.

A good breathable hat or headband will be your best friend. If your head is warm enough you will stay much warmer. Same goes with gloves. Get something that is wicking so that the sweat gets off of you head and hands and out of the covering while you stay warm.

The only time I won't run outside is if it is icy, the snow piles are taller than me making intersections unsafe, or wind chill that is colder than about -5.

 

[Swmr359]

When I find myself losing motivation I find a race and register. That way I know in 2 or 3 weeks I'm going to have to be able to walk or run so many miles and if I don't get out and train I'll be a mess when the time comes.

I also recommend going to a running store to get good shoes and advice for winter running clothes.

 

[redlight]

Unless it's really cold, the cold doesn't bother me (yay layers!) What I am concerned about is ice. How do you deal?

 

[VernRDH]

I would also recommend going to a running store for gear and shoes, but also they may be able to direct you to a running group.

Where about are you in NY?

 

[KirstenB]

I'm a wannabe runner. One of my goals in life is to complete a 5k and once i do that, move on to bigger and better races.

My problem is that i seriously lack discipline and rarely stick with anything. So out of the 4 or so times that I started the couch to the 5k program, I stopped a few weeks in. I don't have anyone that would be a running buddy so I'm totally doing it on my own and very easily lose focus. But I'm going for it one more time.

I have asthma and live in NY (cold climate this time of year) and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for cold weather running?

I just cancelled my gym membership to save money and would have to run the old fashioned way, outside without a machine. I'm planning on starting slow to get my body used to it, I'm not technically overweight but I am heavier than my normal right now but I am definitely out of shape.

So any advice? any suggestions? Look forward to starting and actually completing it this time!

I notice you have asthma, I do too. One thing that helps my breathing is to wear a scarf, and lightly cover my mouth with it. It warms the air you breathe in, and makes it much less likely to trigger an attack. Another thing I do, is layer my tops. I wear a long sleeve tshirt, then a heavyweight sweatshirt. I wear an earband, then a baseball cap over it. I know a lot of people swear by the lightweight running tops, etc, so you might look into them. Lastly, I wear 2 pairs of socks.

 

[ziggystardust]

I notice you have asthma, I do too. One thing that helps my breathing is to wear a scarf, and lightly cover my mouth with it. It warms the air you breathe in, and makes it much less likely to trigger an attack.

my sister happened to mention this to me just a little while ago. I think its something that I'll definitely have to try.

Where about are you in NY?

I'm on long island.

I think i'm going to hit up a running store this weekend. I'm getting excited about this

 

[swim-mom]

you can do it!!

 

[lil mermaid]

I agree 100% with everyone here who says to get yourself to a local running store. A REAL running store, staffed with real runners!

As for cold weather clothing, it will probably take you some trial and error to figure out what works for you. I live in Texas, so I don't have lots of experience running in weather much under 40 degrees, although yesterday I had the rare pleasure of running in a cold snowy day. It was fantastic! One basic rule of dressing for running is that you really should be chilled when you step out the door. I always find that my hands take the longest to warm up, so I always wear a pair of lightweight running gloves.

About a year ago, when my son was a little bit over a year old, I wanted to get back into running. I was in "okay" shape, had a bit of baby weight, but exercised at the gym (elliptical, etc.) before and during my pregnancy. I also have a nice bike and rode quite a bit before kids. I ran years and years ago, pretty regularly, but usually not more than four miles or so at a time.

Still, I wanted to get back into running and knew I had to do it slowly so I wouldn't become discouraged or hurt myself. I tried to do the couch to 5k, but I kept dropping out. Then I found out about a program at our local rec center that started in early September with a goal of finishing the local 5 - mile Thanksgiving race. It was a program very much like the Couch to 5k, but with some differences. We met once a week, and ran on our own two other days a week.

So I signed up, and did the five miler. I have also done two other five milers, 4 5k's, one 10k, one ten miler, one half marathon, and I am signed up for another 10k and plan to do the WDW 1/2 in January. More importantly, I made lots of new friends through the program, joined a running club, and have people to run with every weekend. I like to run by myself sometimes, but those longer runs are much more enjoyable with friends.

I've also recently started to work out one night a week at the local track with a coach. It is great because there are some very accomplished athletes in the group who are VERY fast, and they are all very encouraging to us slower runners.

So my point is - see if you can find some sort of "learn to run" group in your area. It is one of the best things that I have ever done for myself, really.

You can do it!!!

 

[cewait]

You gotta get the stuff!!

Being from Houston I can only give you limited advice; though since I travel extensively I do have to get out in the cold. I think you will really grow to love cold weather running. It just feels fresh and clears out the mind during a period when we are all cooped up in buildings due to the weather. Layers are the way to go. You really want technical fabrics to wick moisture away from your skin. And a shell of some sort for any wind that may creep up.

Motivationally, When you go to the running store ask when the next local race is. I am betting that 3 weeks from now you could be in your very first 5K. Enter it that day. DOIT!

Now you have an end goal and how are you getting there. Skip the first and possibly second week of couch to 5k. Start with a 3 mile run the day you buy your shoes. Repeat – GET OUT THE DOOR and go three miles. I will bet that your 3 mile run will not go all that well, but who cares. Just get to mile 3 before you say I am done. Chances are you will walk 2.8 of the 3 miles. Ask anyone on this forum and if they are honest they will tell you their first run was not much different.

Get out at least three times a week between now and New Years (The date of your first 5k). With every run, try adding a little more run and less walk. Most newbie’s find run/walking to be the best way. Jeff Galloway (the godfather of run/walk) would have you start with a 4 minute walk and 30 second run. If that is all you can do then you are doing more than most others. With every run, work to move that ratio so that eventually you are running 4-5 minutes with a one minute walk. After you get to this point you are ready to decide if you want to keep pushing it out to continuous running. Note you will not be thgouht of any less if you are a run walker vs a continuous runner.

One more thought – this is a very doable sport even with your asthma. That is just a little hurdle that you can work around. If you are having issues with that, just slow up your run and slow up the push to improve. You may need to talk with the doc to get their thoughts also.

So now you are ready. You are going to eliminate the obstacles and create a goal by entering your first race.

Get out there, have fun and before you know it you will be thinking about entering a marathon.

 

[luvsTink]

OH, my friend, I have been where you are. I am still more of a slogger than a runner, but in my heart I am a runner! I started last March at 238 pounds, no exercise for about ..hmm, ever....and I signed up for the Disney half (how else could I get my DH back to Orlando??!!)
Anyway, it is almost a year later. I have only lost about 27 lbs, but last Sunday I walk/ran 8 miles at just over a 15 minute pace (remember, when I started I couldn't do 20 a minute mile pace for longer than 30 minutes).

So, I definatley agree with the sign up for a race thing! And, clearly it is better to have one that is not a year away! It took me a long time to get motivated, but the thing that actually got me fully engaged was a 5 k race. I had been working out kind of aimlessly due to injury. According to my original plan I was supposed to be at the 10k race point by the time our local festival came around. The same day there is a 5k and a 10k. My good friend was doing the 10k I was supposed to be doing so out of shear determination I enterd the 5k and finished with a 16 minute pace ---all I could think of was....I beat the sweepers! It was amazing to finish that race and not be last From then on I have been going going going....and once you catch the "bug" you will too! In the immortal words of the Nike marketers: JUST DO IT!!
Good Luck!
Anne

 

[fashionista311]

if you have asthma, i would definitely tread carefully with the winter running. cold weather is harder on your lungs to break in then warmer air. make sure you give yourself extra warm up time (let's say if you would normal warm-up for 5 minutes, go for 10-15) and start your pace slower than what's comfortable and gradually build to your normal pace. and make sure you that you have enough pockets on you so you always have your emergency inhaler on you, and pay extra attention to how you are feeling. don't be afraid to take a walk break if you feel like an attack is coming on. it's 100 percent doable, but it's so important to take the necessary precautions. i have asthma myself and when i first got diagnosed i never thought i would able to be a runner, but with proper medication and training i've been able to run 5 milers, 10ks, and even a half marathon without walking. good luck!