Starting to Run - Advice Needed

When I switched from walking to running, I took this approach: Jogged flat areas, walked the hills. Eventually, running the entire distance was nothing. Then I slowly increased my distance.

I know take approx. 3 runs a week, each between 5-7 miles. And, I just completed my second hood to coast--you can do it! It's the most efficient way to exercise & keep up with those little ones!

Find a local store that specializes in running - have them fit you for a shoe based upon your gait. Locally, we have a store called the running company erunningcompany.com founded by former Olympic long-distance runners.

I have non-stability shoes so my orthotics do the work to correct my natural foot issues. However, I did a 1/2 marathon in May, followed the Running Company's training program as best as possible, and I had major IT Band issues.

So, I'd start now, set your goals appropriately, and gradually work yourself into it so you do as little damage to your body as possible.

Good luck! Running is definitely destressing and rewarding!

YAYA!! Youre going to love it - I have been running most of my life and am a daily runner. Yes, you need the right pair of running shoes or you could cause leg and foot problems. Find a local running store, they will talk to you about your goals and fit you with the right pair of shoe.
I take my daughter running with me in a jog stroller that has a rain cover, or leave her home with her father or run at lunch during work, we have showers available - so 30 min run, 20 min get cleaned and 10 min eat. Anyway - you can take your toddler with you.

See Mommy Run is a really good free support next work, you can read tips and even find a local running partner to cheer you on: http://www.seemommyrun.com/
Baby Boot Camp can also be fun - there is a charge to participate - but your first class is free: http://www.babybootcamp.com/

I just run in regular running clothes, and mostly old 10k run shirts. You can go out and invest in clothes that keep you dry. Some work well some dont.

Good Luck and Have fun with it!!

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YAYA!! Youre going to love it - I have been running most of my life and am a daily runner. Yes, you need the right pair of running shoes or you could cause leg and foot problems. Find a local running store, they will talk to you about your goals and fit you with the right pair of shoe.
I take my daughter running with me in a jog stroller that has a rain cover, or leave her home with her father or run at lunch during work, we have showers available - so 30 min run, 20 min get cleaned and 10 min eat. Anyway - you can take your toddler with you.

See Mommy Run is a really good free support next work, you can read tips and even find a local running partner to cheer you on: http://www.seemommyrun.com/
Baby Boot Camp can also be fun - there is a charge to participate - but your first class is free: http://www.babybootcamp.com/

I just run in regular running clothes, and mostly old 10k run shirts. You can go out and invest in clothes that keep you dry. Some work well some dont.

Good Luck and Have fun with it!!

I'm NOT a runner but have heard a lot about and have a friend who completed the 'couch to 5K' program. maybe google that.
Also, I have a friend involved with running a website called irunlikeamother.com for running moms. Maybe you could check it out.

I also work full time and have two children, a 3 year old and a 14 month old. I began running in January for the first time in my life. I started out slow and set gols for myself. At first it was just to run for 15 minutes, then 30 minutes. I ran my first half marathan in July. It is hard to find time with the kids, but I felt it was important to give myself this time to work on me. I usually go running in the evenings when the kids are asleep or winding down getting ready for bed. I look forward to the time spent pushing myself towrd a goal and just listening to my ipod. I would definately recommend buying a pair of running shoes now. you don't have to spend a lot of money. i bought a pair on sale for $40. I run outside rain or shine and when it's raining I wear the thin running shirts that do not absorb a lot of water.

My main advice is to just set small goals. Since I have been running I actually have more energy during the day and actually feel like the time spent with my kdis is even better than it was before because I have more energy to keep up with them. Good luck!

Do you have a man/husband in the house?
Then have him babysit while you run.

If you go to www.prevention.com (which is a good magazine), they have articles on running and how to get started.
I just read an article on it recently.

Here is the link:
http://www.prevention.com/health/fitness/find-a-workout/y...

I highly recommend the Cool Running website's couch-to-5K program. It's a great starter program to get you back into the swing of things. Here is the link:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

The great thing about the Cool Running site is that once you graduate from the C25K, you can start training for your 10K, your halfs, etc. It has great advice, community, and information for runners of all ability levels and not just elites.

As far as shoes - yes, buy new ones now. Go to a store that specializes in running and has trained staff who can assess your stride, gait, and strike pattern to recommend a shoe that will adequately support your unique needs. Skip the mall stores - you don't want a clueless teenager trying to sell you a product they know little about. I don't change much about my outfit when it is raining, but I don't run in a downpour. I do have a bit of an advantage because I have access to an indoor track when I have inclement weather. There's always the treadmill option if you have a gym membership. Wear comfortable clothing. I prefer spandex/compression shorts because they won't ride up, chafing won't happen, and they help keep the quads/hams/glutes nice and warm during the run.

I, too, work full-time and what works best for me is working out in the morning. On the weekends, dad watches the kids on Saturday morning so I can get my workout in and on Sunday I load up the kids in the jogging stroller (we go when they get up - around 6:30 - and I don't even bother changing them out of their jammies!) However, if you don't have those options you can always work out in the evening. Go for your run after your daughter goes to bed or start out running every other day and trade off days with your husband/partner putting your child to bed.

Good luck!

Invest in a good pair of running shoes if you are serious about doing this. Also, check for running groups in your area or of you have the money a program that gets you ready for runs. My friends did this and swear by it - great tips, training regiment, and support from like minds. Good luck and have fun!

I just took up running after my son was born. The best investments I made were new running shoes (Nike Lunarglide2+ they auto correct your gait while you run so you never have foot, knee or back pain) a nice jogging stroller (I had to get a double!) and an ipod. It actually ends up being a great break for me. When I started I started slow, trying to get to a mile without having to stop. It took a few months to get there, then it got so much easier after that! I ran my first 10K and felt so proud of myself. It is amazing how much of a treat it can become....especially after a long day. I also felt less guilty about pushing the kids in the jogging stroller because I still felt like we were spending time together....and it really only takes 30 minutes or so when you get fast enought to run 2-3 miles. I also run really early in the mornings so I can spend time with the family when we all get home. Good for you! I waited until I was 27 to take up running (and I have never been an athlete) because my 50 year old Aunt ran her first marathon.

I would recommend starting REALLY slow and also make sure you get an EXcellent pair of running shoes. If you are overweight I would actually advise losing some weight before taking on jogging through diet and walking or something lower impact. It is too hard on your knees and feet if you are overweight you don't want to risk getting plantar faciitis

I don't know if Jock and Jill is still in Greenlake but they watch you run and check to see if the shoe is best for you. e.g. if pronate

I LOVE to run, but it has trashed my knees. Now I do the eliptical on the days I work (I work part-time and there is a workout room in the office complex), and I do Gillian Michaels or Billy Blanks workouts at home. I love the eliptical because I can get the running motion without the stress on my joints and I can up the intensity. I do a program that changes the focus every minute or two (pushing arms, pulling arms, legs only, sprint, backward). I get very bored when working out so I need some sort of change. I think it's great that you want to run, I am jealous of all those who can. I just thought I would give you some other ideas in case you run into issues.

I have a 3 yr old and a 4 month old... I go after they are in bed. It can be pretty late, so I don't know what your neighborhood is like. I have a 1.5 mile loop near home I'm comfortable on at night. My husband set up a bike on a spinner for me in our sun-room for rainy days. Good luck!

Check out couchto5k.com. It's a program designed for brand new runners to help them prepare for a 5k. The Jingle Bell Run in December is a fun one that is far enough away to give you some time to get ready.

I just started running this summer even though I have NEVER been a runner (or even wanted to be one!) and I'm loving it! I've been doing the Couch to 5K Program (C25K) and highly recommend it. The program eases you in with running/walking intervals until you get to a non-stop 5k in 30 minutes. I am signed up to run/walk in the Portland Half Marathon in October and am planning on some other milestone races before that, as well as after to keep my motivation up.

I would say, yes, buy new shoes now--it could save you a lot of pain later. Most good shoes are right around $100, but you can find them cheaper too.

As for your schedule, that depends on you, but I get out first thing in the morning (usually before 5am). I'm up before everyone else, it's a great way to get the day started, and nothing "comes up" to prevent me from running later in the day. Plus, the temps are nice and cool. :) I also work full time with 2 kids and plenty of other activities, and this is the best way that I've found to make sure I get the time for myself. Also, my husband is awesome about letting me get out for longer runs on the weekends, but I still go in the morning.

Running in the rain.....I don't know yet! I'll let you know tomorrow morning! Actually, I think it'll probably be my regular outfit: shorts, a tank and a long sleeve shirt. When it gets to really raining (winter rain) I'll probably have to modify that, but it should work for now.

The best thing is just to get started, but don't overdo it, or you'll get discouraged. That's why I love the C25K plan. It increases your fitness and endurance at a pace that challenges you, but is totally doable.

Good luck and happy running!

I work fulltime with 2 kids and I just ran a marathon in May (ran a 15K in April also). If anyone can attest to what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it, I can. I never in my life thought I could ever say I ran 26.2 miles, but here I am! I had never even ran 1 mile before I started training last December. My husband and I did it together. It was one of our proudest moments.
1st and formost- YOU MUST HAVE GOOD RUNNING SHOES!!! That doesn't mean they will have to cost a fortune, but its a must that they are right for your feet. There are videos on youtube that can guide you though determining your foot type which will aid in finding the right shoes. If you live in a bigger city, go to a running store and see if they do fittings.
2nd-google training programs (we did a 26-week marathon training program) and find something that works for you. They are all pretty basic.
3rd- Join www.dailymile.com you can track your mileage, meet up with other runners, track your races, get and give encouragement.
4th-dont think that running alone will get you in shape. Running is amazing and very good for your heart (as long as you dont over do it), but its not nessesarily a weight loss tool in itself. Diet plays a huge rule. I remember my friend was running at the time and she said, "the great thing about running is that you can eat whatever you want and still lose weight!" she found out real quick that isnt true!
5th-be flexable in your schedule. I ran a 20 mile training session on a treadmill at 9pm. Got done at 2am. But I didnt have to take part of my saturday or time away from my kiddos for running.

P.S. I live on the coast in a very rainy enviroment, but I love it. I prefer running in the rain. Its not too hot and its kind of exilerating!!!

Good luck to you!!! Now get out there and go for a run!!!