How was it at the very beginning?

I got my very first experience saturday.

It was quite lame. I ran maybe 30 meter before I had to stop to not push myself to much. It wasn't physically painful, but it was more my lungs who couldn't take it. I walk double of that to calm down and breath properly again and ran an other 50 m. (I took my inhaler before to go running)

If I can get to run 5 meters extra everyday, At the end of the year, I should be called jogger!

Any first times experience?

keep up the good work youl get there as long as your dressed in the right gear

The fact that you even started means you have already overcome the biggest challenge there is, so trust me when I say that its easy from now on!

Just remember that every jogger you see had to start somewhere. Keep at it, the rewards are worth it as the many runners on this forum will tell you.

In Zurich the most *expensive* gear is more important than the *right* gear...

I took up running as an adult and it was very rough at first. It became a lot more enjoyable for me once I found the right footwear. Having a running specific shoe that is suited for your type of foot makes all the difference.
They also say that increasing your distance gradually, about 10% a week, allows your body to get used to the strain of running and prevents injuries.
Like anything else, if you stick with it, you'll get better at it.

Well done! (you're doing much better than my wife - she's being talking about running again for quite some time )

Yoy may be going too fast - take it really easy. If you are as out of condition as your description suggests, you may damage something if you go too fast.
It takes at least ten minutes to warm up so another reason for taking it easy.

Running a bit then walking then running a bit more is fine and is better than running flat out, stopping, gasping for breath and then running flat out again.

Nil if a lump like me can run 5km you can eventually!

Start out on the treadmill - I found running on there easier at first and i then gradually switched to out doors - I could only run for 5 minutes my first time on the treadmill then I gradually did more and more each time - my first run outside killed me - I was running 5km on the treadmill easily then i went out doors and i was almost dying after 2km, it takes more effort out doors but now I can manage 5km to 6km outside

My best advice is to start at a very slow pace that is achievable, as you warm up your pace can quicken - get a nike plus thingy and then you can monitor your pace - my husband has a tendency to run too fast out doors and tires himself out too fast - he runs slower and steadier on the treadmill as he can see his pace

Good luck and stick at it - it made me feel brilliant when i got into it last summer - unfortunately i have not been for a run since Feb due to medical reasons and my body can feel it

Starting out for the first time is the best time when running. You improve really really quickly and you feel great about it. When you get better you see less improvements so don't feel as awesome about it. Stick with with tho. I have recently rediscovered the massive smile you get when you return home so tired that doing anything is a massive effort

I know what you mean. I hated running when I was a kid and when I tried is as an adult, I also could only manage very short distances before I was out of breath. And I did not enjoy it a bit. Do you? If you don't, let me suggest something.

So what did I do - I found some cardio activities that I enjoyed. Aerobics classes, bodycombat, bodyjam, rollerblading etc and built up the form a bit this way. Then tried runing again and while it still took some time before I could manage longer distances without walking or stopping, it was definitely easier. Maybe this would work for you too?

If you actually like running, then there is nothing wrong with alternating jogging and walking, over time you can shorten the walking parts. Have fun, weather is excellent!

a good rule of thumb for finding your "slow pace" is you should be able to hold a conversation while running. you're probably not there yet, so begin with a run/walk combo and take it slow. set a time or distance goal for daily outings and give yourself 3-4 weeks to see improvement. you'll have good days & bad, but getting out is typically the tough part.
everyone is different, but I can only tolerate the treadmill if it's freezing and blustery outside. I find the scenery and getting outside part of the joy of running - and you can't beat the scenery in CH!
good luck!
I've been running for pretty much my whole life, but every break I take leads to the humbling task of regaining fitness....it's an ongoing process.

Have you ever tried touch rugby?

Non-contact, very an-aerobic, so good for getting fit.

PM me if interested.

Speaking to my Doctor he suggest the best thing is allways a warm up try climbing a few stairs first in that way your legs are fit for training once youve gone up and down 4-5 times its much easier to jog. The other thing he told me is to dress as little clothing as possible so that you dont have to much weight to carry

Well done Nil Just don't run too fast. Slow down a bit and don't break any speed limits


You don't look like a lump!

I hear you Mod, I mean sista I was doing 50 min steps at the maximum possible setting, weights for 45 minutes and biking outside 50km and right now I can't even walk properly Currently I feel like your avatar.

Come on Nil thats pathetic, even when I started I was better than that. Your probably running to fast most people do when they start. Try the run walk solution but come on you must have gone further than that.

Congrats on getting out there and getting started!

I find techy stuff keeps me motivated...heart rate monitor, GPS program on my iphone (Runkeeper)...and music...it all helps!

Agree with what the others say...work on increasing workout time than workout speed.

c'mon tim, that's a bit harsh - esp. as she probably had kids with her!

I know some people who have followed this program successfully.
http://www.c25k.com/

Most important thing is not to push yourself too hard and end up with injury. If you're not used to the exercise then you need to build up those muscles!

Years ago, when in my mid-fifties I decided that I had to get some fitness into my body, I started walking on the flat. First I increased the distance, then, gradually, the speed. After several months I started keeping a spreadsheet, distance, time and calculated speed.

I then moved from flat road walking to walking (UK) or hiking (US) in the low hills around Boston. A very different animal!! Once again, first went for distance, then speed.

It took time, but in about three years I became a completely different person.

Running, jogging, cycling are all good ways of getting fit if you enjoy them. But they are not the only way.

Years ago, I was in very good shape. No fat, muscle and nice small firm ''derriere''. I was very active and going up and down the hill all the time in Istanbul.

I used to live on a hill. To go to my house I had to walk up a 60 degres street's level, on 1/2 kilometer.

The first few months, I was dying everyday until I could go up the hill on speed walking while have a full conversation with myself (before realising people were still far away behind)

So I know it takes time and commitment. I lost my shape but this will come back fast.

My big challenge, and this is why I have to stop running at the moment I feel it is the asthma. This is a big challenge for me now. To overcome this problem and get my lungs to be stronger.

I don't feel pain in my legs or somewhere else when I run, but I feel my lungs not able to handle it. So right now, I run around the block only. It is a 15 minutes by walk, so pretty small. My principal goal is to be abe to run that small area without stoping and without feeling anything from my lungs. It is a small goal, but people with Asthma condition will know how big it is!

Zurich Tim, one day, I'll run enough fast and far, I'll be able to catch you and kick you ass! Wait for it!

What everyone else says and if you can enjoy the extremes in the weather, you'll look forward to heavy rain and wind and snow in winter or heat in summer. And decent music on your iPod, I'd recommend Apollo 440 "Can't Stop the Rock", you can't jog slowly to that track.