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Barbara H
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# Posted: 30 Jun 2008 22:26


Quoting: jackieathetimeshealthcouk
the freedom of cross-country

Sounds wonderful, Jackie. So much better than pounding the streets. Glad to hear how well you are doing.


Sue Skinnier
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Posts: 116

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# Posted: 30 Jun 2008 22:37


Its my inspirational name Fiona. One of the things they tell you at teacher training is that if you call a pupil something enough times then they become it. e.g. You are a naughty boy. Interestingly, when you quote me my real surname comes up.

So hopefully I am skinnier! Actually I am a bit, just need to lose the weight to go with it!

I can't agree more about the freedom of cross country Jackie - I love it. There are loads of web sites that use satellite pictures and allow you to work out how far you've gone (if you want to). I use www.walkjogrun.net , but there are loads of others.


jackie morton
Fitness Guru
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# Posted: 30 Jun 2008 22:53


Quoting: suehills
use satellite pictures and allow you to work out how far you've gone


I tried using a couple of them and got nowhere, from an old OS map we have I could hazard a guess at around 4 miles. Living where I do I have a few variations on my doorstep, well almost.


Sue Skinnier
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# Posted: 1 Jul 2008 23:12


Hi Fiona,

Its my inspirational surname! When I did my teacher training they taught us that if you call someone something often enough, they believe that they are it and become it. e.g. You are lazy, naughty etc. So the idea is that I will become skinnier! Funnily enough when I get quoted, it uses my real surname.

And I am a little bit skinnier than I was in January!


Pippa Cotton
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Posts: 359

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# Posted: 3 Jul 2008 16:14


Well done Jackie, Barbara and Carol. It is so much nicer outside in this lovely weather even if it is windy!

I agree Sue S I used to count but now I can do more so don't look at the watch. I can understand if you were put off Barbara but keep going cos you can improve quite quickly which is a real boost to confidence.


Mother Nature Knows Best
TimesHealth Regular
Posts: 30

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# Posted: 3 Jul 2008 17:55


Quoting: jackieathetimeshealthcouk
mostly cross-country.


Hi Jackie
It's interesting to hear you say Cross-country. Does this involve fields and if so how do you find it. I imagine running cross country to be full of ruts and holes.
From 1 hour to 45mins is a big improvement, well done you.


carol


Fiona C
The Master
Posts: 2639

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# Posted: 3 Jul 2008 22:27


Quoting: suehills
the idea is that I will become skinnier

Aha - I just had to quote you to find out what you're really called, Sue!

The inspirational name's a good idea - Sue (Reed) has started a thread on one minute of positive thinking a day - those of us that have been on here for 6 months need something new to amuse ourselves with each month! Your idea fits in very well with July's challenge.


Sue Skinnier
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Posts: 116

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# Posted: 6 Jul 2008 00:04


Will you all be changing your names then?

I put my message on twice because I thought it hadn't come up the first time, but it was because I was on the first page of the thread -
my excuse being that it was fairly late at the time


Barbara H
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Posts: 675

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# Posted: 6 Jul 2008 20:47


Just reporting in on my so-called progress this week. I had intended to do 3 walk/runs, but in fact only completed the one last Sunday.
Due to the rain, I did my walk/run on the treadmill today, but managed to up the speed of my walk. I think I also actually ran further as I counted at least 130 during the walk minute whereas last week I worked on a basis of 200/100.
Let's see what this week brings.


Sue Skinnier
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Posts: 116

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# Posted: 6 Jul 2008 22:56


Sounds like good progress Barbara. I missed a run today Barbara too as I had too much preparation for the last week of school - soon there will be no excuse for me! But we cannot become slaves to our exercise programs, just as long as we don't miss out too often.


Amy Lawrence
TimesHealth Newbie
Posts: 1

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# Posted: 8 Jul 2008 12:22


Check out the Cancer Research 10k site - they have beginners plans for 10km and 5km


Carol B
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# Posted: 8 Jul 2008 18:36


Quoting: Relapsed
my so-called progress this week

I only managed 2 of 3 last week too and didn't run/walk outdoors because the green was covered in magpies and seagulls bathing in the puddles.

Briefly I've contemplated challenging myself to make up for it this week by working out 4 times but I may just be setting myself up for failure. If I can achieve my goal of 3 this week I'll be happy and if I make it to 4 will be over the moon.

As Sue says "as long as we don't miss too often I think it's ok". A few weeks ago I wasn't taking any exercise so to have worked out last week is still a positive improvement.


Pippa Cotton
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Posts: 359

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# Posted: 9 Jul 2008 11:07


Don't despair but view each new day as a challenge! I agree with Sue and well done for moving on up from last week!


Barbara H
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# Posted: 9 Jul 2008 23:26 - Edited by: Relapsed


Walk/run transferred to treadmill again this evening as a result of dreadful weather conditions. I couldn't 'persuade' myself to go till 9pm, but got there in the end. This done, I should be on track to achieve my 3 sessions this week.

I decided to up my running part by half a minute as I didn't feel I was ready yet for the full minute increase per segment. I will probably stick with this for the next session too and then go for 2 minute run segments after that.

How are you doing on your 3 sessions, Carol? I wouldn't worry too much about trying to get out to do them with the weather the way it is.


Carol B
TimesHealth Fanatic
Posts: 78

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# Posted: 10 Jul 2008 09:20


Well done!
I managed to complete my second session last night on the treadmill. I moved up to a couple of 3 min runs last night. With 2 min walk breaks inbetween I ran 1-2-3-3-2-1 which was my plan then added 2 more 1 min jogs at the end I think I covered about 4km in total.
A book I have promotes this pyramid idea which I've found to be effective when I'm trying to up the length of a run session. It means that you don't have to mentally face the increase on the very first run interval, when you are still warming up and the shorter sessions towards the end are a welcome relief.
Barbara - why not try increasing just one of your run intervals to 2 mins next time? You may surprise yourself.


Barbara H
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Posts: 675

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# Posted: 10 Jul 2008 22:29


Quoting: bcarol
1-2-3-3-2-1

Great stuff, Carol. You're moving on well and it looks as if you ran for nearly 15 mins.

I think I understand. You walked 2 mins then ran 1 min, walked 2 mins then ran 2 mins, walked 2 mins then ran 3 mins etc. Is that it?

I could try increasing my middle run to 2 mins next time. I'll certainly give it some thought, work out what the pattern would be and then give it a go if I feel up to it next time.

I don't actually intend to move up more than one increase per week, due to my weight and age. Got to protect those bones and joints. But I might try your suggestions as it would mean just one additional increase of 30 seconds next time.

Thanks.


Carol B
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Posts: 78

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# Posted: 11 Jul 2008 18:23


Yup you got me right. I think in about 2 weeks time I'm supposed to drop the walk intervals to 1.5 mins which I'm not looking forward to. Generally I try to stick to 2 mins but if I'm v.tired that day or get a stitch I will walk for a little longer and not beat myself up about it. There are so many different suggested programs around but I think what's most important is to listen to your own body and make small increases when you are ready, which seems to be what we're both doing
Good luck with your next outing. Fingers crossed for better weather!


Barbara H
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2008 15:41


Carol, I tried the little pyramid you suggested with a 2-min middle run. I managed it, but have to say that the 2-min walk directly before and after seemed shorter than the other 2-min walks! I don't see me managing this pyramid walk/running outside for some time though, as I find it really difficult to keep time, so the 'sections' will have to be quite a bit longer than 2 mins for it to work for me.
I'll probably have a go at this again the next time I'm in the gym. The good part of being on the treadmill is that I do increase my walking speed to try and offset the 'easier' factor.
Anyway, this was my third walk/run of the week, so if I managed it this week there's no reason why I shouldn't manage it quite a few other weeks.
Have you been out today?


Carol B
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Posts: 78

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# Posted: 14 Jul 2008 08:56


I forgot you're mostly walking/running outside where it's much harder. Good for you.
I've been hiding out in the gym I didn't workout on Sat but did yesterday so I completed my week on 3 sessions an improvement on my first two weeks when I only managed 2.
I felt quite down over the weekend but yesterday I figured I could lie around feeling down and later guilty for not working out or I could just get up and do it. Just do it is my new campaign slogan.


Barbara H
Fitness Guru
Posts: 675

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# Posted: 14 Jul 2008 19:51


Quoting: bcarol
Just do it

Well done, Carol!


Deborah lynch
TimesHealth Newbie
Posts: 4

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# Posted: 16 Jul 2008 12:09


Hi

I wondered if anyone out there lives in Ealing, West London. Am managing to walk every day but would love buddy to try jogging with - have lost quite a bit of weight now and really need to tone up.

debsx


Pippa Cotton
Fitness Guru
Posts: 359

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# Posted: 16 Jul 2008 18:48


Hi Debs
I Live in Amersham and having read your profile am amazed at what weight you have lost so not near enough to jog with but wish you all the best. I started with run 1 min then walk 1 or and gradually built up. You might want to start with power walking which would be better as running does put pressure on your knees. Anyway I followed the advice in the library see how to start running. Get good supportive running shoes and just go out and start especially while the evenings are light. Good luck. Don't worry about how you look is my best advice to you. I remember a dog walker saying to me " Are you ok?" when I first went out and I was really embarrassed. Now I don't care having lost nearly 2 stone since March and now able to run for over an hour having hated running at school and now I love it!


Barbara H
Fitness Guru
Posts: 675

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# Posted: 16 Jul 2008 19:05


Hi and welcome, Debs

I don't live near you, I'm afraid, as I live in NE London, but not that far from the river.
Well done on your weight loss and your decision to take up running. I'm at a very early stage on a walk/run programme and agree with Pippa that it's a good way to start. Correct and well-fitting trainers and a good sports bra, then start with the normal walk/brisk walk and then progress first to walk 1 min/run (or jog first) 1 minute. Aim for about 20 mins in total if you can, if not aim for 15 or 10, whatever gets you started. Take the time you need before you move up and enjoy... As Pippa says, there is advice in the TTHC library - and log on and check how other TTHC members can help.
Oh, and don't forget to stretch afterwards. You want long strong muscles, not short strong ones. Good luck.


Carol B
TimesHealth Fanatic
Posts: 78

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# Posted: 18 Jul 2008 09:34


Hi Deb,

Welcome and congrats on the weight loss. Barbara and Pip have given great advise so I don't really have anything to add.

I started out a few weeks ago running a minute and walking for 2 and have gradually been increasing my run times.

The only thing I would add is to listen to your body while you are exercising and slow down if you need to, you can always speed up again when you have recovered. Don't listen to your body when it tells you you'll exercise tomorrow. One thing I have learnt is there will rarily be a day when I WANT to exercise so if I plan to exercise I just get up and get dressed for it while all the excuses are running around in my head for why I shouldn't/don't need to that day. Usually I find once I'm dressed I'll follow through and exercise.

Have you been out yet? Let us know how you get on.

Carol


Carol B
TimesHealth Fanatic
Posts: 78

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# Posted: 18 Jul 2008 09:36


Quoting: amersham
run for over an hour having hated running at school and now I love it!

Well done Pippa! Here's hoping I can say the same in a few months time. The idea of being able to run for an hour seems miles away when you can only run for a few minutes so it's good to hear a success story.


Pippa Cotton
Fitness Guru
Posts: 359

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# Posted: 19 Jul 2008 18:56


Carol
smalll steps mini goals thanks for your kind message. I remember back to running for 2 mins and though how stupid I looked but now it seems a long time ago!


Pippa Cotton
Fitness Guru
Posts: 359

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# Posted: 3 Aug 2008 16:55


Carol
How are you doing?


Barbara H
Fitness Guru
Posts: 675

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# Posted: 3 Aug 2008 16:58


Yes, Carol, I was wondering too but was looking for you on the wrong thread!
Thanks, Pippa, for bringing this back to the top.


Carol B
TimesHealth Fanatic
Posts: 78

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# Posted: 4 Aug 2008 19:00


Thanks for asking I've been neglecting my posting.
I'm running 6 min intervals now on the treadmill. Yesterday for some reason I couldn't face the gym and so decided to go for a run outside.... something I haven't done for a long time. I thought because I'm running 6 min session on the treadmill I'd be able to run a lap of the green but I found it much more difficult outside!
I could really feel my lower legs being worked - something I don't notice on the treadmill but I guess outside on an uneven, wet surface they have to work harder. I think also my pace was faster outside as I didn't have the treadmill to regulate me.
Anyway on a positive note I've started to notice the first changes in my body. I've been working out 2-3 times a week for 6 weeks now and have noticed that the saddle bags on my thighs have started to melt away and my bum is getting tighter
How are you getting on?


Barbara H
Fitness Guru
Posts: 675

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# Posted: 4 Aug 2008 22:08


Quoting: bcarol
the saddle bags on my thighs have started to melt away and my bum is getting tighter

Sounds just what I'm hoping for, Carol. Great stuff!

I went on the treadmill today and did a 30 minute mini-pyramid of walk/run of 2/3 with a 1/3 but as I hadn't worked it out beforehand, my pyramid would not be pleasing to any purist as it was leaning to one side. I will need to work it out properly next time or go for 2 x 1/3 to make it work properly. I am moving on, but at my own speed. You're well on your way with 6-min running!


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