From Walking to Running . . .

[famousohara]

So a question for those of you who transitioned from power walking to running . . .

When do the burning lungs and legs subside - and you are actually able to do more running than walking? I bought myself some decent running shoes and would really love to experience that "runner's high" that everyone talks about someday . . . but it feels like I will never get there. If anyone can share their "transition" experience, I would love to hear it.

Thanks,

Mo

 

[Fitmommyof2]

Hi there! I have been a runner for over 10 years now, but I have 3 children and after having each of them (via c/s) I had to start out slow and work back up to running again. I would start w/ walking then running 1 minute then walking and running 1 minute. Gradually increase to 2 min runs then 3 mins. Pretty soon you will be running more than walking. At first I would aim for 3 miles total w/ the running/walking. Then once I could run the entire 3 miles w/out walking I would add more distance. I think running it a good part mental. I still have to talk myself into not walking some days. I am not sure at what point you will get the runners high.

One thing that helped me after my last son was to sign up for a 5K. I then did a 10K. You will def. be hooked on running after running a race. There is nothign like it. There are all fitness levels as well as faster/slower runners so don't worry you will to slow or the last to finish. I was so worried before my first race, but really everyone is just so supportive and it's awesome! you can check on www.active.com to find races near you. Good luck!

 

[materialsgirl]

Mo, you may want to check out Cool Running's Couch-To-5k training plan. It's a training plan that gradually increases the amount of time you run, until you're running a full 3 miles. The strategy is very similar to Trish's strategy, where you insert running intervals into your walk, and gradually increase the length of the running intervals until you're running the whole time.

Now, if your lungs are burning when you run, you may be trying to run too fast. Slow down. Run at an "easy", relaxed pace - no need to sprint.

Keep at it, and before you know it, you'll be signing up for races.