Motivating a new runner

Missa

The Meek One

posted: 7/25/2007 at 8:39 AM

I am new to the running community. In fact I just started running this week. My first couple of runs have been about a mile long, and I know my lungs are protesting, but overall I feel great about getting out! Does anyone have advice for staying motivated during these first efforts. Also I want to run the Turkey Trot 5k here in Detroit as my first race any suggestions for beginning a training program? Thanks Big grin

Run To Win

Blaine Moore (MM#2867)

posted: 7/25/2007 at 8:41 AM

Quote from Missa on 7/25/2007 at 8:39 AM:

Also I want to run the Turkey Trot 5k here in Detroit as my first race

That's my advice in a nutshell right there: Register for a race. That is one of the best ways to motivate yourself early on to keep going. If you can keep up an activity for 30 days, it will probably become a habit.

Run to Win
23 Marathons, 10 Ultras, 16 States (Full List)

va

posted: 7/25/2007 at 8:52 AM

Read this thread: From a slug to a runner.

zoom-zoom

Fanatic #3965

posted: 7/25/2007 at 8:56 AM

Missa, the Couch-to-5k plan is really excellent. A lof of folks, including your's truly, got started with that. Smile

WELCOME! k

Kirsten

'07: 1324.5 | '08: 1561 | '09: 1810.9 run ~ 208.7 bike | '10: 1,000.3 run ~ 3513.5 bike | '11: 710.3 run ~ 4157.9 bike '12: 659.9 run ~ 3365.6 bike (100% benched by ortho last 4.5 weeks while in long-arm cast)

'13 Goals:

• DON'T BREAK ANYTHING!!!

• get within 5#s of 130#s (and stay there, gotdammit!)

• 1st olympic distance duathlon

• 1st Iceman Cometh mtn bike race

• Half Fanatic

• punch Type 1 in the junk

smitty42

posted: 7/25/2007 at 1:48 PM

Like you, I'm a fairly new runner. It was very hard at first. I could bairly run one time around the track. The hardest part for me on each run was always the first couple of steps. Once I got going, I really enjoyed it. But, it does get better with continued effort. The key for me has been patience. I'm slowly building my distance and speed - adding a half mile to a mile each week.

"If I control myself, I control my destiny."

Coach Coop

posted: 7/25/2007 at 2:51 PM

My advice, for what its worth: 1. Don't get complacent but don't set the bar too high! You can run 1 mile consistently. That's awesome. For the next run see if you can run a little farther. Or a little faster. Small improvements over time add up to monstrous improvements over the long haul!!! 2. Variety is the spice of life. Run a new route, encourage someone to join you, listen to different music (if you are one that runs with music). I have found the best way to stay motivated is by looking forward to something different as oppose to just doing the same old thing over and over. Smile

Congratulations and keep up the great work!

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty, and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: "WOW... WHAT A RIDE!!!" Muskingum College XC

modal

posted: 7/25/2007 at 2:55 PM
modified: 7/25/2007 at 2:56 PM

I suggest keeping the mile run up and adding to that walking over long distances. If you can try to get an hour in a day. Whatever you do... dont discount it... especially walking. If you get need entertainment while running purchase an ipod and load it up with stuff you want to listen to.

Vim

CoachC

Go Green Wave!

posted: 7/26/2007 at 4:57 AM

Watching one of the Prefontaine movies is a motivator at times too! Smile

hillsaremyfriend

posted: 7/26/2007 at 8:58 AM

Being a new runner as well. I started slow and just keep adding a mile or so every week. It is the improvement that keeps me motivated. Yah I might be slow but at least I'm moving.

My sport's your sport's punishment

2012 goals

100 Km month 150 K month 200K month

5K run 10K run 20K run 30K run

sub 30 min 5K sub 55min 10K

KennyRun

posted: 7/28/2007 at 11:25 AM

Glad to have someone from the D with us. My suggestion is not to wait for the Turkey Trot. There are so many races. Check out www.runmichigan.com. If you can't finish your first 5K running, walk part of it. You will meet lots of great people. Make sure you tell people it's your first ever race. I guarantee you will get a ton of encouragement. Good luck - you can do it!

Missa

The Meek One

posted: 8/1/2007 at 6:59 AM

Thanks everyone! It has been very helpful and I have increased my distance by .4 of a mile in just over a week. What a blast! I still can't believe how enjoyable running is. I appreciate the help an encouragement. Missa

Motivating a new runner (Read 960 times)

'13 Goals: