running/jogging

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Im going to start running tomorrow to help me burn off more fat.

I was a bit scared to go on my own as there are regular attacks on women in my town, but I saw a lady running the other day in very tight revealing trousers so I figured if she felt safe to run then I should.

Any hints or tips on running you would like to share?

any running experiences you can share?

I've been a jogger for many years. I love to run on the hiking trails out in the desert near my home, which I find much more interesting than running in the street or in city parks.

Regarding the safety issue, you do have to be mindful, but no more than you normally would, I don't think. Just don't go anywhere where you wouldn't normally go alone. I know women who carry pepper spray. I don't myself, but it's probably not a bad idea.

Do you work out in a gym now? Are you already in some kind of condition? If not, then just take it easy and slow at first, and remember that it probably won't be especially fun at first. But you don't have to become an Olympic marathoner the first week ... even if you just go a block or two, it's better than nothing.

Eventually, if you keep at it, you'll find that your daily run becomes an important part of your day, and it's easier to do it than not. The running itself is never easy, but your body will acclimate to it, and mentally you'll find it easier to do.

Get the best running shoes you can afford. Go to a store that specializes in running shoes, and spend some time trying on different styles. Tell the sales person that you're a beginner ... most of them them are runners too and they know what they're talking about.

It's important to listen to your body. The old "no pain, no gain" saying shouldn't be taken literally. If you're hurting somewhere, then stop!

The benefits of running are legion. Your heart and lungs will function better. Your metabolism will function better. Your mental state will be better.

And besides all that, your legs will look better ...

I could go on and on ... by all means pm me if you'd like to hear more

i was about your age when i started running. it is very hard at first, so don't expect to be able to rip off mile after mile right away. it was about 2 weeks before i could complete a mile. then i gradually got better. at the end of a year i was ready for my first marathon. i felt wonderful.

it hurts. no doubt about that. but that goes away. you must know what your body is telling you so you do not cause any damage to feet, ankles, legs or back. go your own speed and distance. do not let anyone push you into doing more than you are ready for. that is very important. GET SHOES THAT WILL HELP YOU, NOT HURT YOU.

i was about 230 or so when i started and got down to around 145 with a resting pulse of 39/40. my legs were simply beautiful. i also started riding and became a bicycle racer.

running long distances also helps your mental state remarkably. i was severely depressed and that went away completely. it was like i had been reborn.

then i was run over by a drunk driver and 'murdered'. lost everything.

you will probably be harassed by some jerks sometime. you must ignore them. stay in populated areas till you feel confident. having a running buddy will help in numerous ways.

and watch out for drunks in pick-up trucks. they can destroy your life.

good luck on your running. i hope it goes well for you. don't give up after your first few times. it is worth the effort you will put into it. i would give almost anything to be able to run long distances again.

honest, what i wrote was independent of tucson. amazing that we wrote almost the same thing.

If you've not done much running before you need to start off doing it in small doses, perhaps combined with a walk. You could, say, do a 4 mile walk and maybe run for just 5 minutes for the first session. Do that a few times then increase the run time a little. You also need to give your body a rest for a day or two after each outing as if you're not used to running you'll get problems that are very difficult to fix quickly. You need to stick with it as you won't see results immediately, but after a few weeks you should see an improvement in how far you can run and how fast. I started like that, but off road over hills.

Theres a nice lake close to my home which Im planning on running round, it has a bout a mile or so circumphrance so is nice and doable, and lots of nice wildfowl and trees and reads so very pretty. However its a bit dodgy for safety, but Im going to go for it anyway, Im sure it will be mostly safe in the daytime.

Ive got some asics trainers which are very good and a freya sports bra which is fab!

Im reasonable fit already but will bear in mind what you have both said and will take it slow, I thought I shall start by running for a bit and then walking and then running again as Ive heard thats appropriate.

Its lucky in my town as there are these paths called 'redways' which are walking/cycle paths which go along side the roads and round the parks and lakes so its safe from cars, but thats also is what makes it risky from attack as all the paths are tree lined and away from houses and roads so theres a few sex attacks a month. But its a risk as much for walking to the shops I think, I just worry that I would be too tired from running to fight back or run away lol, maybe I will get an alarm (pepper spray is illegal here).

Thanks for your helpful advice and sharing of experience

How are you now Danandlouie? Are you able to run at all now?

yes I shall walk briskly, Im quite a 'high achiever' person so I expect I shall mostly run . However saying that when I last went for a run a few months ago it was more of a lollop than a run lol!

I run 6-8 miles a day. It is probably my favorite time of the day. My city has access trails that can be used. They seem relatively safe, but I am a decent-sized guy. For a woman, you may want to choose something like a public park just to be sure. Taking your phone with you and mace might be a good idea depending on where you live. Most people I run across are friendly but every once in a while you will get a couple of obnoxious teenagers who like to harass women with descriptive language.

Loosen your muscles by walking more and more briskly before adjusting into a slow run then build up to your target pace. Set a decent pace where you are breathing hard but not gasping for air. Try to keep good form to help avoid repetitive injuries. At the end, cool down in reverse of how you started followed by stretching, especially your quads and hamstrings.

as you can tell by reading above, being able to engage in long distance running is a wonderful thing.

i couldn't walk for a year or so but gradually got to where i could walk several miles. after a few years, i was able to get on a bike and ride, although nothing like i could ride before. running was not possible, too much damage. i was doing ok, actually.

then in a 'no good deed ever goes unpunished' moment, i was involved in a multi-rollover car crash and broke three vertebra in my neck plus other injuries. can't ride at all but can walk some even though i sometimes have trouble walking in a straight line. that's the way it goes.

i was born a loser, finally escaped for a few years, but, eventually the universe puts you in your place.

no need to comment further lotusblossom, i know you feel bad about what happened to me but it's over and nothing to be done. at least i'm still able to take care of louie the wonder dog, his feline sisters, and animals at the various shelters i go to.

I think mixing long/medium paced runs up with short/very fast paced runs is very beneficial. Running like crazy is really buzzy too. Sometimes I used to run 'til I felt like throwing up. I don't do that any more.

That sucks very much Danandlouie Im very glad you have your dog and cats.