Jogging - ThinnerTimes

ajmoe · 03-03-2007, 05:39 AM

Anyone that is a jogger or runner how did you start? Have you always loved running or jogging or is it new since surgery?

I don't mind walking but I have always wanted to jog. I just don't seem to be able to do it yet. I find that when I walk I can not seem to go fast enough to get a workout so I thought maybe jogging would be good.
I went out the other day and tried to walk for a while and then jog. I got about 20 feet before I didn't think I would do anymore. I did that about twice and felt stupid. I know walking first is key but I am a slow walker. I enjoy walking but even when I try walking fast eventually I just slow down.
I want to learn to jog because I think it is a good activity that I can do anywhere no equipement necessary.

I used to run in high school for softball but I hated it. I felt like I was no good at it.

Anyone willing to share how they got started?

Gina in NY · 03-03-2007, 11:27 AM

When I came home from surgery, I did 20 minutes on a flat treadmill, slowly! I have a heart monitor and kept an eye on it and like you, got to the point that walking wasn't really going to work if I wanted my heart rate to go up. So here is what I did.

Step 1 - get good shoes.

Step 2 - start interval training and I would recommend a tread mill. Outside is much more punishing. You start with what works.
Walk to warm up
Run for however long feels okay - 15 seconds? Whatever it is - just remember it. Then walk for whatever - 3 minutes, 5 minutes, whatever and then jog for 15 seconds again. Do this your whole walk.

Keep increasing your running portion - 20 seconds, 25 seconds etc. You must go slowly - don't worry about if it seems like you are not running much - it is a very rough, high impact thing to do.

AND - only do this 2 -3 times a week.

I started with interval training and after about 4 months, got up to 2 minutes jogging and 1 minute walking, when I decided to ignore a pain I had, injured myself and now I'm in physical therapy for 6 weeks - so really - GO SLOWLY!!

Hope that helps!

ladytonya · 03-03-2007, 08:57 PM

I like this idea of interval training. I have always wanted to get in to running because of its cardiovascular benefits but have never been able to because of my size and lack of endurance. At this point, should I wait to get more weight off of me before I even try to run or should I jump in head first? I don't want to hurt myself and that's why I haven't tried. I think I could do 15 seconds at a time with walking in between. Also, I walk at 2.5 mph. Should I just bump that up gradually until I'm no longer walking? I have been mixing up my cardio because of the fact that I don't think I'm getting it done with just walking. I could walk for 45 minutes but that just doesn't burn many calories and doesn't keep my heart rate up so I mix my workouts up with walking and the bikes. I'm gradually working the elliptical in, but I still can't do more than 2 minutes on that thing before I have to quit. I want to get the best benefits that I can, I just don't want to injure myself in the process.

bubbasmama · 03-04-2007, 01:06 AM

Tonya I have found the the elyptical takes about 5 minutes to get over the stiffness and burn in thighs then you can go longer from there.Barb

Gina in NY · 03-04-2007, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladytonya

I like this idea of interval training. I have always wanted to get in to running because of its cardiovascular benefits but have never been able to because of my size and lack of endurance. At this point, should I wait to get more weight off of me before I even try to run or should I jump in head first? I don't want to hurt myself and that's why I haven't tried. I think I could do 15 seconds at a time with walking in between. Also, I walk at 2.5 mph. Should I just bump that up gradually until I'm no longer walking? I have been mixing up my cardio because of the fact that I don't think I'm getting it done with just walking. I could walk for 45 minutes but that just doesn't burn many calories and doesn't keep my heart rate up so I mix my workouts up with walking and the bikes. I'm gradually working the elliptical in, but I still can't do more than 2 minutes on that thing before I have to quit. I want to get the best benefits that I can, I just don't want to injure myself in the process.

Honey, I would wait. The other cardio machines you're doing are excellent. As you know, I hurt myself at about 205, but I didn't listen to my body. And honestly - that elliptical machine will burn your butt well enough!

I only do elliptical at this point. It is a good thing and I use the one that has the arm things.

You're doing a great job!!

ajmoe · 03-04-2007, 11:35 PM

Thanks Gina for the information. I think that is what I will try just go out and walk then jog for a couple of seconds then walk and just keep trying until I get there.
I was thinking it would be a side exercise for me, not my main one of the day since I don't think I will get a very good long workout from it. Maybe after yoga or stretching or something.

Do you guys really like the elliptical?
We are thinking or getting one this summer. Our local gym has two, it is small but going there when they are open is a bit of a problem. I like doing things at home where I can do them and still watch my girls during the day.

ajmoe · 03-04-2007, 11:36 PM

For exercise, we have an exercise bike, we will probably add one more machine do you like the elliptical better or a treadmill?

LisaM · 03-05-2007, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajmoe

For exercise, we have an exercise bike, we will probably add one more machine do you like the elliptical better or a treadmill?

Of the two, the elliptical appears to do less damage to knees and joints, as well as burning more calories. Because your movement supplies its power, it is also more adjustable in terms of where you put it. I think they can be less dangerous for little ones, too. Any powered exercise machine can be scary with kidlings... just my two cents.

bridgetgirl · 03-05-2007, 09:54 AM

This is a website to train anyone from a couch potato to be able to run a 5k race!

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

this makes it look very easy! Good luck!

Olusha · 03-05-2007, 10:19 AM

I've started jogging since the surgery! It absolutely amazes me every time I step onto the treadmill and start.

I've gone from barely being able to do a combo of fast walking and super slow jogging at 4 miles an hour for 15 minutes at a time to being able to jog from 4.7-5 mph for 30 minutes straight, no breaks.

Now I'm just trying to increase my speed in the same time frame. Definitely get some good shoes! I've always had New Balance and I went from using walking shoes to running shoes. It makes a big difference!

Good luck and when I get tired, I always think of seeing the people on "The Biggest Loser" look like they're about to drop from exhaustion and I think "I can do a little bit more!"