Joggers? I need your advice?

[DisFam95]

I've been walking for exercise for YEARS!! Afetr some "time off" and having baby 15 months ago I'm back to walking 45 minutes, ~3.4-3.8 mph, 4-5 days/wk. I've always said I'm not a runner but I feel like anyone can be 'trained' or 'conditioned' to start. I've tried in the past and QUICKLY said no way this is too hard!!

How do I start? What should I expect? What did you go through when FIRST starting to jog? I want to do something to burn fat faster and I've known so many people who started joggng and just dropped the pounds. Do I just have to suck it up??

Thanks for any advice.

 

[kayeandjim00]

My DH started jogging again when we began dieting and it is true that the weight just FALLS off when you really get into jogging! He's lost twice as much as me as I just walk. Well I have been trying to work up to jogging and he advised me to do it the way he did which is to do it in intervals basically.
Week One - Walk 5 minutes, Run 2 minutes
Week Two - Walk 4 minutes, Run 3 minutes
Week Three - Walk 3 minutes, Run 4 minutes
Week Four - Walk 2 minutes, Run 5 minutes
Week Five - Walk 1 minute, Run 6 minutes
Week Six - All running!
I do this on and off but tend to get a little frustrated with myself for being so out of shape! You've motivated me to try to get back on the jogging tomorrow instead of just walking.
Hope this is helpful - good luck!

 

[Alex]

kayandjim gave you excellent advice! That is a great way to start. The other thing I would add is watch your shoes! Especially when you are overweight good running shoes can save you a lot of pain.

 

[ohMom]

yes kayejim's plan looks good. i wouldn't label myself a "jogger" but I have had phases where I did some jogging. and YES to the good shoes. take the plunge and get good running shoes (Saucony, New Balance, maybe?) I didn't two years ago when I restart some jogging and now I have tendonitis in my foot and that never completely goes away. Hence, my latest jogging break.

Anyhow - when I restart a new jogging phase I usually have shin splints the first week or so, and myself I just work through them. I also have to remember to stretch my calves really good before and after and then whenever I think about it. Once I got horrible calf cramps jogging and that was enough!

Pace yourself, who cares if you're slow! Completing it is more important.

I always listen to music to help the time go by. I'm not a true jogger at heart and when I get burned out I stop for a few months. I love the results and convenience of jogging, but when I dread doing it then it's time to stop. Give yourself 4-6 weeks before you decide if you like it or not. I find it takes me a while to get into the groove of it and enjoy it. It's ok if it's not for you - find something you LIKE - that's more important. There ARE other ways to tone your legs, pilates is one great example!

Good luck!

one more thing - I have begun powerwalking instead and though i get a bit frustrated as I feel too slow, it's better on the bod!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Check out the library. Believe it or not I have found that there are actually helpful hints in some books about how to start off. Runners World magazine is also good for a quick read. Back issues have the short version of the books.
Basically the advice you have here is what I have read.
The way I read is to not go too fast too quiclky. Vary your tempo and strength train some if you really want to go to it.
Shin splints can certainly be a bother and will stop your program. A great build up exercise is while you are sitting "write out" the alphabet with each foot using your "toes" as the point. You will feel it in your shins as you "build up." Strengthen you core muscles, Pilates is great for that, and you will also find an improved difference in your ability to kick in.

Oh yes, shoes. Go to a runner's store if you can. Good fit for shoes by people who actually do it (running) is a plus. They actually can analyze your needs and fit a good shoe.

Good luck and keep it fun!

 

[DisFam95]

So do REALLY need 'running shoes'? I just bought some new general aerobic tennis shoes like I always wear when walking. I remember years ago when I tried jogging and bought 'running' specific shoes and I remember the angle on the sole was completely different than what I was used to and I did get the worst shin splints!!! I got rid of the shoes and got my old style and continued walking! So what's so different about 'running' shoes?

I did try my 2 min of jogging the other day and was ok. Felt very different on a TM! Lats time was on land and I had more control than my bobbing up and down lunging for the control knob every few minutes!

Thanks guys!

 

[disneychick05]

I got into a jogging/running routine with my jogging stoller in September. I quickly lost 10 pounds while also doing WW. Since it was nice out I would walk/jog outside. I have sinced stopped that routine and my weight loss has slowed down a lot. I would walk for about 5 minutes then jog. I would have landmarks that were in my neighborhood. Every week I would push myself to a farther landmark. It was nice to challenge myself. That is the great thing about being a runner...you can always challenge yourself and your endurance. It also becomes addicting...but that's a good thing!! Good luck!

 

[PAdisMOM]

I read about this program today called Couch to 5K. It's a jogging/running program that starts you off slow and in intervals and works you up through 5 weeks to 3 miles.

It sounds great. I think I'm going to start on saturday.

Here's the address to an article on this program:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml