No More Excuses

missdeise

This is it. I've been telling myself for the last three years that I want to become a runner. I've made loads and loads of starts but not many finishes. I did a half marathon three years ago and nearly died, I walked most of it and hobbled over the line as my feet and hips had given up on me.

This is it. I'm starting today (after work). I'm going to make myself accountable by keeping this log and hopefully a few people out there will spur me on. I'm aiming for a half marathon in August. I can jog roughly 1 or 2 miles without stopping, depending on the speed.

Any tips or suggestions whatsoever would be very much appreciated.:D
And if anyone could tell me where to start that would be great.

token56

Hi missdeise,

First of all best of luck with your training. Personally I think the most important thing which is often forgotten for people starting off running is to try and enjoy your running. If it becomes too much of a chore especially at the start people tend to give it up.

You said your goal is a half marathon in August, depending on how fast you are planning to run it is probably achievable but it will take alot of work between now and then. Is there any reason in particular you have this race and this distance in mind? You might be better off trying to aim for a few of the smaller distance races, such as 5 and 10k's. Just a thought.

Regarding training, the most important thing starting off if just getting your legs used to running longer distances, there is no need to worry about speed just yet. First of all just get the miles in. Start off running whatever you are capable of at the moment and build it up. Just try to get out maybe 3 or so times a week if possible. Doesn't have to be running very hard but just enough so you know you have been running. Every two or so weeks add 5 or 10 mins to your runs. Once you start to feel stronger you can start to vary pace on some of your runs, maybe push harder in one or two and have a rest run in between. Its a gradual process but you will get there.

You might also find some useless links here:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055609384&page=last

A bit down in it there are links to a few training plans for different levels for people aiming at different distances, might come in handy.

missdeise

Yesterday I decided to start at the beginning. I downloaded couch to 5k and started on week 1. I was quite proud of myself because I was actually running (rather than jogging slower than i actually walk) during the running intervals. I covered 2 miles in half an hour (not sure how good or bad that is).

Tag Rugby tonight so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to run again.

Token 56, I decided to do the Longford Half Marathon because I wanted to improve on my first try. But I'm just going to take it one day at a time and see how it goes. I would like to complete a half marathon before i'm 30 and that is next year, fingers crossed. Thanks for the tips

RayCun

Three bits of advice -
Make sure you have the right runners for you, get them in a shop where they know what they're talking about
You'll get to a week in the Couch to 5k where you don't think you can run all the way through the running intervals. Slow down. Everyone seems to make the same mistake of running at a pace that they can't sustain. The speed will come over time, concentrate on keeping running.
Find some shorter races to run before your half. They're good experience, it's good to have closer targets to aim for, and they're great fun.

missdeise

I've been out twice more since my last post. My legs were a bit heavier yesterday but I'm feeling better each day. Starting week 2 of couch to 5k tomorrow, so looking forward to that.
Raycun, I got new runners on saturday but i'm not sure if I need to go to a specialist shop because I wear orthotics. I assume they correct my stride . And I'm trying to slow down. Thanks for all the advice, keep it coming

dublinrunner

Hey, well i cant offer much in the line of advise as im a realtive newbie myself! What i will say is there is a wealth of info on boards, loads of experienced runners to keep us right!:) Just wanted to wish you luck with it, and remember , if you miss a run or have a bad week, dont give up, just start again!

missdeise

I didnt get much running in last week but I did manage circuit training and tag rugby so not too bad.
I started week 2 of C25K last night. I really noticed the difference this week, 90 seconds feels a lot longer towards the end. I've been trying to slow down but not sure if its happening. Anyway I'll try again tomorrow.
Of all the times I've stared the C25K this is the first time i've managed to make it on to week 2 :-)

missdeise

We are into the third week in june and i've just started C25K again.
But this time I have a friend. We are going to do it together and hopefully will be more successful.
Took it easy today and we completed all the runs and walks so very happy.

Bally8

Best of luck with it. I started trying to run so many times over the years and would give up after a few run/walks take anything from a few weeks to a few months off then try again. Eventually I set myself a goal of running a local 10k race. It kept me focused and got me out the door when I didnt really want to. Even though I had a few more stops and starts since then I am now a regular runner with one marathon under my belt. What Im trying to say in a really waffley way is that its great to see you trying the C25k again!