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Beginner Running
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Hi Mischell! You'll find plenty of motivation around here. FR (about to be) sent.
Are you active at all other than the C25K program? Are you running out of energy quickly, or does something hurt?
posted about 1 year ago
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in reply to what Michael said:Hi Mischell! You'll find plenty of motivation around here. FR (about to be) sent. Are you active at all other than the C25K program? Are you running out of energy quickly, or does something hurt?
Hi, thank you! I'm either running out of breath, or muscle fatigue in my legs feels like I can't push off enough to keep from stumbling. Nothing hurts beyond what I assume is normal soreness. I have just discovered a new way to connect with the pavement though; I used to roll my whole foot as with power walking, but now I have just discovered hitting with the midfoot, then pushing down onto the heel, before pushing off with the toes again. As a result, my calves are sore instead of my thighs. I hope this was progress! :)
Edit: also I am not active in any other way besides walking.
posted about 1 year ago | edited about 1 year ago
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Sometimes, if you're completely out of shape, it takes a little longer than following the laid out plan. Repeating weeks is totally okay, and to be expected. It's called couch to 5k for a reason, it's supposed to kick your butt more than once. I'm asthmatic so I have to take it super slow, and build up my endurance first to walking at a good pace, then incorporating some slow running and then eventually working on pace and distance. I'm working on a different couch to 5k program (actually several) that is much, much more gradual.
You might also want to add some strength training/ cross-training like biking or swimming to build up muscles. Remember, those muscles are not use to being used with that much intensity, it'll take a while for them to stop screaming.
posted about 1 year ago
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Great site for motivation! I remember when I first started the c25k, I was the exact same way! Its a great program though, and if you keep with it, you will be running in no time, without a struggle! :)
posted about 1 year ago
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I agree with Lisa. Add some extra strength training and cross training. Working different muscle groups is always helpful. And, most of all, do NOT ignore your rest days. They are necessary.
Don't worry about repeats. Better to gradually build than to try building too fast and hurting yourself. FR on the way!
posted about 1 year ago
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I actually have been walking/jogging almost every day; I have vowed to take it easy on in-between days. To be honest I definitely don't want to "work out" at the gym, I hate hate HATE HATE HATE strength training exercises. :) I know that's just an awful, lazy thing to say, but I DREAD the thought of ever having to do that. I want to cry just thinking about it. It's something I've never been able to make a lifetime habit out of, and I will just quit after a year.
I started with the Couch to 5K program that's linked to Active.com, but I was so frustrated with their website (and the fact that repeating a run meant overwriting my previous data) I'm following the 5K program that comes with Runmeter (which is linked to Dailymile). It's awesome, and very customizable!
I think today or Saturday will be my last day on week 1, and I will move on to week 2 (1:30 runs). Thank you all for your responses! It's so inspiring to see everyone else's results. :)
posted about 1 year ago | edited about 1 year ago
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Well actually I'll probably be repeating week 1. Again. For the third time. Has ANYONE had this kind of trouble moving ahead?
posted about 1 year ago
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I did the C25K program Mischell and was exactly where you are. I repeated the first week at least 3 times as I couldn't run 30 secs continuosly when i began. Stick with it and repeat as much as you need - it does work and you WILL get there!! I just finished my 4th 5k in a little over a year and am looking forward to my next in a few weeks.
Lots of knowledge, advice and motivation here!! FR on the way!
posted about 1 year ago
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Ahhh yes. I'm 5'9 123lbs, a carnivore and I am out of shape. I started running last July but have been inconsistant with it so I still consider myself a newbie. Welcome. :)
posted about 1 year ago
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This hasn't been mentioned, but be sure you're getting proper nutrition to fuel yours muscles during a run and to help them recover afterwards. I found that my legs had a much easier time of things when I started paying attention to what I was eating. And make sure you're well hydrated, too.
FR sent!
posted about 1 year ago
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Great point! I've just started taking iron supplements because my taste for iron-rich veg foods is really lacking lately (even though I've been eating about a cup of steamed soybeans for lunch every day this week, I LOVE soybeans)... I will eat something like a banana or half of a Kind bar before running, and the other half afterward, until I get home about 1.5 hours later. Dinner lately has been either brown rice with tofu and broccoli (all steamed), or a 6" Subway veggie patty sub packed with lots of fresh veggies. I also eat a LOT of fruit.
I may be dehydrtaed a lot though... I don't drink anything except coffee unless it's some kind of emergency. I hate water, it makes me gag unless it's warm and I can just chug it and get it over with. I think all the fruit I eat allows me to survive. :)
posted about 1 year ago
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Welcome and FR sent! Anyone feel free to add me too, can always use more motivation :)
posted about 1 year ago
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in reply to what Mischell Y. said:Great point! I've just started taking iron supplements because my taste for iron-rich veg foods is really lacking lately (even though I've been eating about a cup of steamed soybeans for lunch every day this week, I LOVE soybeans)... I w... read more
Hi Mischell
Drinking only coffee my be what is causing the endurence problems. Since you do not like water have you tried any of the sports drinks? Just a thought. FR Sent.
posted about 1 year ago
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Please don't feel discouraged! I started trying to run around mid-March. I couldn't even run 30-45 seconds with slowing down to walk. I'm pretty certain now that I was actually trying to run too fast and was wearing myself out instantly. Anyway, it's now about 8 weeks later, and I can maintain a very slow jog for 15 minutes! And, I finished my first 5K yesterday which felt GREAT! I had to walk some of it, but not much!
My reason for sharing that is to let you know that I started out in terrible shape (I'm about 60 pounds overweight), and had to repeat the first week for about a month. I even stopped for 8 days at one point because I had shin splints so bad. But then it all started coming a little easier for me! I'm still at 14-15 min. miles so I'm not exactly a speed queen, but I'm starting to find real joy in running! Just stick with it -- I PROMISE it gets easier!
posted about 1 year ago
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Just wanted to chime in and say it looks like you're doing great Mischell. Stick with the program, repeat any weeks you feel necessary (and don't feel bad about it), and give yourself a big giant pat on the back when you've finished! You won't regret it.
posted about 1 year ago
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Coming back from surgery on my foot, so I know what you're going through! FR sent. :)
posted about 1 year ago
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in reply to what Cathy K. said:Hi Mischell Drinking only coffee my be what is causing the endurence problems. Since you do not like water have you tried any of the sports drinks? Just a thought. FR Sent.
Hi Cathy!! I have just very recently been brewing mint tea to drink (yummy but expensive if you want tasty tea and not cardboard), and also gagging down a glass of water a day (usually sipped over the course of 8 hours). It certainly can't hurt! :) I also really love coconut water, but it's pretty "caloric".
posted about 1 year ago
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in reply to what Becki W. said:Please don't feel discouraged! I started trying to run around mid-March. I couldn't even run 30-45 seconds with slowing down to walk. I'm pretty certain now that I was actually trying to run too fast and was wearing myself out in... read more
YAY!! You rock! Seriously, wow... 15 minutes!!! I've actually been really feeling stronger and I can run for at least a minute at a time now, quite a few times in a row. And thank goodness I have had no injuries, no shin splints or feetie pains, no knee-burning (which I used to get when I tried running before (bad form lesson there)). Thank you for the words of confidence, I'm glad to hear you're enjoying running now! :)
posted about 1 year ago
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in reply to what Mischell Y. said:YAY!! You rock! Seriously, wow... 15 minutes!!! I've actually been really feeling stronger and I can run for at least a minute at a time now, quite a few times in a row. And thank goodness I have had no injuries, no shin splints or feetie pai... read more
Thanks Mischell! I'm sure my aches and pains are due to the extra weight I'm carrying around. As I lose weight, I'm sure things will hurt less! After looking at your training entries, it looks like your endurance has really improved since you first posted this 18 days ago! Isn't progress the greatest feeling in the world? :)
posted about 1 year ago
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Hi Mishell,
Fantastic work! Keep it up and as others have said, take it easy in between. It is a slow process but it's exciting to see the progress. I've smoked all my life, stoped last year and took up running. While I was always envolved in various types of classes at the gym, I was never very eager nor good at cardio stuff. A year after, I run one night a week with a club (very friendly and casual atmosphere) and am now training for a 10k event scheduled for June 2. I never in all my life thought I would be able to pull that off. About the gym... The machines, the mirrors, the loud music, the people watching, all of that was so dreadful to me! I hated it with a passion too, until I started to take classes. I've tryed martial arts, toning with the ball, step, zumba, african dance, aquaform, spinning, free weights, body bar, yoga, and all sorts of other classes; some I loved, some I didn't but throughtout all of those experiments, I discovered that fun and camaraderie for me is the key. I have been a member of the local YMCA for ages since then and discovered there a non-treatening, easy-going and fun atmosphere that make the actual training a great experience. The key of any activity is fun; if you ain't got some, you'll never stick to it. You probably just need to find what's right for you! Good luck and godspeed to you! Isabelle
posted about 1 year ago
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I agree about looking at your diet - making sure you are getting enough protein and vitamins. I started paying attention to what nutrients I wasn't getting enough of (as well as eating too many carbs) and my runs are going so much better now.
I did C25K last year and I'll be running my first Half Marathon in June! It definitely wasn't easy though. I remember how hard it was and out of breath I was after 60 seconds of running.
You might want to slow your pace as well. Maybe you're trying to run too fast. My first 5k pace was really slow and over time I have been able to improve.
posted about 1 year ago
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Send me a friend request. I started last year. Fall of 2010 I weighed about 65 Lbs more than I do now and decided I had to drop my weight if I wanted to make it to my young girls' high school, college graduations and weddings. I'm a 44 Yr old man working to keep it off now. Went from Couch to 4 or so miles per day now and lost all the weight through diet and the running. I'll be happy to motivate you along if I can. I think the key is just do some everyday and listen to your body if you are hurt etc. It's a marathon so no need to worry about what you can do now or how fast you're progessing as you didn't get out of shape in 2 weeks, you won't get in shape that fast either. If you do some everyday you'll be shocked at how quickly your condition improves and how much better you feel physically.
posted about 1 year ago
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in reply to what Becki W. said:Please don't feel discouraged! I started trying to run around mid-March. I couldn't even run 30-45 seconds with slowing down to walk. I'm pretty certain now that I was actually trying to run too fast and was wearing myself out in... read more
You're awesome!! And you're right, people tend to want to run way too fast... so did I a year ago. I started with a program that was about timing not distance so my first run was a very slow 20 minutes of steady running, I now can run more than an hour continuously. Now my challenges are intervals and hills. Thanks for sharing, you're an inspiration!
posted about 1 year ago
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Just finished the c25k and it took way more than nine weeks for me. But I did it and am proud of myself. I am now focusing on training for my first 5k run on July 4th. Would love to stay in touch with you.
posted about 1 year ago
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Mischell, you can do this. My wife is 38 and I am 42. We are true couch potatoes. We both ran our first 5K (and first race of any sort....ever) last weekend. Just try to keep up with it.
Have you gotten recent labs? I don't have many vegan patients but one in particular had some serious issues with anemia. Might want to get it checked out if you have never had any lab work done.Anyhoo, best of luck with it. I firmly believe in the system now and I am going to run 1 more 5K before starting C210K.
Dr.Phil
posted about 1 year ago
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I'm struggling with endurance while running too. FR sent!
posted about 1 year ago
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Wow, I could have written this post!
I'm 37, 5"5', 160lbs and repeating week 1 of C25K for the second time. I'm pretty positive I'll be repeating it for a third time as well.
I'm unbelievably out of shape....all I did was sit on my butt all day long. I got ZERO exercise for years. :(
It's taken me 6 weeks to get to the point where I could start week ONE of C25K. When I first started, I couldn't even run for 30 seconds, let alone a whole minute.
My main problem now is calf pain/tightness/fatigue. I'm desperately trying to find my way through that pain!
I start a 'Learn to Run' clinic next week and I'm hoping they can help me with it!
Good luck...you can do it! :)
posted about 1 year ago
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One thing I dont like about the C25K program is that it makes poeple feel like they need to restart the same week over and over again..I say just keep going no matter what day you miss. By you jogging longer distances up will build the endurance and you wont feel so crappy. Its hard to get over that hump but that is the best way I have learned. If Im struggling with any type of mileage I know I have to bust past it in order for me to move past it.
posted about 1 year ago
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Make sure you are stretching after! That will help with pain and tightness
posted about 1 year ago
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I was SO happy to see your post and troubles, not because I am sadistic of course, but because I have just started the couch to 5k program last week and I am struggling. This is my second week on week one and my calves are still killing me all of the time now. I am good at walking and at fast walking but the 60 second runs kick my butt.
I would have to say that right now I am out of shape, but I do not know how much out of shape I am. I was walking 4 miles a day last summer, but have not really had any regular excercise since September 2011. They say muscle has memory but...?
How long did it take for it to get easier for you? Have you seen any changes in your body yet? (That is a good motivator for me, and I would like to know if/when it happens.) Any and all information you could give me would be great. Like I said above I can speed walk forever, but I aspire to be a runner....and oh my goodness I am finding it difficult. Thank you for your time!
posted 12 months ago
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in reply to what Lauren S. said:Make sure you are stretching after! That will help with pain and tightness
You are ABSOLUTELY on the mark here, Lauren! Stretching afterward (not beforehand, contrary to popular belief) made a world of difference. :)
posted 12 months ago
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in reply to what Christina B. said:Wow, I could have written this post! I'm 37, 5"5', 160lbs and repeating week 1 of C25K for the second time. I'm pretty positive I'll be repeating it for a third time as well. I'm unbelievably out of shape....all I d... read more
Hi Christina!! I'm so glad you responded, it's not "nice" to hear your tough time getting started with running, on the contrary it both encourages me to realize we are all only human and some of us just need more time especially if we've been truly sedentary (me too!), AND says to me: "Hey, we can ALL do this, if we respect our limits and celebrate our successes, regardless of our pace." It's wonderful to hear you are progressing. I'm sure many DMers would love to hear some tips from your running clinic. :)
posted 12 months ago
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in reply to what Loni T. said:I was SO happy to see your post and troubles, not because I am sadistic of course, but because I have just started the couch to 5k program last week and I am struggling. This is my second week on week one and my calves are still killing me all of... read more
Hi Loni! Please check out my DM page and read through from the beginning (I get wordy, but it might be worth the read to inspire you)!), and you'll see that I most DEFINITELY have seen and felt changes in my ability.
I was a walker too - I felt like I could walk forever and never fatigue, but once I started to jog... pfffft, forget it, I died. It took me 5 weeks to graduate from C25K "week 1" level: to be able to run for 60 seconds at once. I have been on a Couch-to-5K program for 2 months, and I am now on "week 3" level. However, I am ecstatic at my progress because just looking back 2 months ago I couldn't run (meaning "gasp and stumble") more than a minute at MOST, 30 seconds, 45 seconds a few times if I was lucky. It's a transformation, and you WILL feel it; you WILL amaze yourself!
My breathing was the first thing to change - instead of HEAVING and GASPING for air, my breathing has slowly started to become true breathing. This wasn't very long ago, honestly! It was difficult to stay true to my rest days, but when I did, I noticed that my breathing was fueling me instead of slowing me down. It was amazing, to finish a minute of running and not have my lungs be on fire!
I still have a long way to go to reach even average fitness, but again, my individual progress is unique, and I am "running my own race" as it were... I can't compare myself to the very fit, or even the averagely fit, so please don't do that to yourself. Here on Dailymile I have never felt like I was any less of a runner than even my marathon friends. I hope you are finding your groove, please keep in touch!
posted 12 months ago
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in reply to what Philip C. said:Mischell, you can do this. My wife is 38 and I am 42. We are true couch potatoes. We both ran our first 5K (and first race of any sort....ever) last weekend. Just try to keep up with it. Have you gotten recent labs? I don't have many v... read more
Wow, congratulations and WELL DONE!!! I haven't had true labs done ever, I don't think... I've been taking an iron supplement for the last couple of months but I am hard-pressed to consume enough potassium, and water... UCK. :) Great advice, and the more I know about my body the better. This year's physical I will ask my doctor.
posted 12 months ago
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in reply to what Isabelle M. said:Hi Mishell, Fantastic work! Keep it up and as others have said, take it easy in between. It is a slow process but it's exciting to see the progress. I've smoked all my life, stoped last year and took up running. While I was always envol... read more
Isabelle thank you for the response and advice... you know what, the camaraderie is something I've never really taken seriously as a motivator to workout and stick with a regimen, because I've always been more comfortable alone. Now I say: "Well, self, being a workout-loner really NOT been working for you to stick with a regimen, now HAS it??" Maybe it really is time to find a gym partner. Oh, the pain... it's like trying to find a date!! :)
posted 12 months ago
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in reply to what Jeanine C. said:I agree about looking at your diet - making sure you are getting enough protein and vitamins. I started paying attention to what nutrients I wasn't getting enough of (as well as eating too many carbs) and my runs are going so much better now... read more
Jeanine, congrats on your half-marathon! It's amazing what one year has done for my DM friends, it's almost unbelievable... and SO inspiring. :D
I'm definitely getting enough protein (most people get too much protein, did you know??) but I as definitely falling short on IRON. Now I'm taking a supplement. Potassium I am still falling short, and water... that's a horror story! I hate water, it makes me gag. I'm such a baby!
About pace: would you mind sharing what pace you ran your 5K? For example, when I run right now I average a 9-11 minute mile, and when I walk it's about a 15-16 minute mile. When I slow down, I have the urge to briskly walk instead! Do you have any personal recommendations for pacing yourself, say, with breathing difficulty or distance? Thank you!
posted 12 months ago
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Try some energy gels. They seem to help me.
posted 12 months ago
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you gotta start somewhere! =) ive been jogging/running/flailing down the street, whatever you wanna call it haha, for a few years and since this past year ive just started getting more into it. just stick with the program and dont beat yourself up if you feel like you had a bad workout! they happen all the time, and lately i feel like they happen everytime for me, but just remember you are doing something good for your mind and body! sometimes its hard to get out of our comfort zones so dont be afraid to push it but you know your body more than anyone so listen it what its telling you!
posted 12 months ago
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It is really nice to connect with someone that can relate to what I am going through, that way I do not feel "alone" in my adventures of going from a walker to a runner. Thank you so much for all of the information and encouragment! Like you (in the beggining) I can jog for about 30 to 40 seconds before I start to gasp for air, but what is getting me in addition to my breathing is my leg pain. It is not quite in the calf but below the calve and above my ankle on the back of my leg. WOW! The pain I feel is intense at times, and I have been having to honor my rest days just due to the pain and tightness. I am so glad to hear that will go away.
Have you notcied any changes in your body such as weight loss or any tightening of your body? How long did that take? I know it is not an overnight change, and that people change at different rates. It would just be nice to see what rates some people experience the changes just so I know if I have been doing this for an extended period of time and have seen no physical changes maybe I would need to look at what I am doing. Tomorrow is my 2nd run of my 2nd week of the C25K: week 1 (hopefully that made sense...) I have a feeling I will be on week 1 for at least a couple of more weeks, as I would like to be able to run the full 60 seconds before moving on.
I saw that you completed your first 5K. Congrats! Keep up the good work, and keep posting about it, you are an encouragement to people (like me) that are currently struggling... So thank you and FABULOUS WORK!!!
posted 12 months ago
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Can you explain what those are?
posted 12 months ago
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Can you explain what those are?
posted 12 months ago
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Welcome and FR sent :) Anyone feel free to add me as well...can always use the motivation!
posted 12 months ago
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I started running about 2 years ago with the C25K. I don't think I would have made it through the program if I didn't have my running partner. If you don't have someone to run with, I would highly recommend finding someone. Happy Running!!
posted 12 months ago
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I would love to add you as a friend. I'm doing C25K as well. And like everyone has said, it is ok to repeat the workouts. I've done week three for about 2 weeks. Eventually you catch up and you start going, but it does take some time. I'm a beginner runner too. I would love to add you as a friend.
posted 12 months ago
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Hi Mischell I feel like I am in same boat I realy get discourange and need encouragement
posted 12 months ago
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I'm popping back into this thread to report/bump that I'm almost regularly running Week 4/5! And just a couple of weeks ago, I RAN MY FIRST WHOLE MILE, in about 11.5 minutes.
And yes, it's been almost 20 WEEKS since I've started c25K. I'm still at it! I'm happy and heartened to see such great responses again, from runners like me who don't progress at a lightning pace, but we are still getting there.
We're runners because we run! Not because we're super fast, or can run this or that pace, or because we're winning races.
So for everyone new here or struggling... You can reach milestones you never thought possible! I'm Still open to FRs from those who may be having a hard time progressing!
posted 9 months ago
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Hi Mischell :)
I'm happy to offer a bit of advice that may be helpful.
1. I'm also a vegetarian (and pretty close to vegan with only occasional dairy). I found that having carbs in the form of fresh fruit smoothies made a big difference to my energy before I do any exercise. I put the juice of an entire young green coconut in the blender with a bunch of whatever fruits I have (strawberries, raspberries, peaches, etc.) with a huge handful of spinach which you can't taste anyway because of the fruits. Not eating appropriately instantly affects how I feel when I do yoga (1 hour power vinyasa flow) or running. I learned the hard way that it's critical to eat correctly when you are a vegetarian AND seriously work out.
2. For me beginning ANY workout program sucks in the beginning and it's hard! I think it's totally normal to feel that way. I used to run years ago and the first 15 mins was alway the absolute hardest and worst. I literally dreaded it. Then when I reached the point where I could run around 15 mins, something happened and it instantly became easier. I started to feel that "zone" and then started to be so excited to get there. I think for me the first 15 mins was never fun, it was always what was past that point that was great. This was why starting a running program wasn't much fun in the beginning, but it really paid off quickly.
I'm now back in the same boat years later, starting to run again. I'm finding it hard and not too much fun, but I know that it's the unfamiliar aches and pains and soreness and general "ugh, this is too much effort" feeling that will pass soon enough. You will TOTALLY get past it and look back and smile at how it all started :-)
posted 9 months ago
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I'm also new to running, and I was in the same boat as you when I began. DON'T get discouraged! Keep trying, you will get better each week! There is no greater feeling than when you go from no ability to run for a full minute to being able to run for 2 minutes, then 3 minutes, then 5 minutes!! Don't feel bad about having to repeat weeks. I'm thinking of repeating week 4 for the third time.
The Daily Mile consists of a very motivational community of folks at all levels of fitness. We are all here to offer support for each other!
Keep up the good work! You only fail when you quit trying!posted 9 months ago
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I just started the other day, and I am also looking for motivation, let's do this together. So far, all that I have seen on this site is really good people with really good things to say. Looking forward to running a 5K before year is up. Good luck to you.
posted 9 months ago
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