Does anybody run?

[Luna Baby]

I went out today and it was not a great day, but im going to go out again on Saturday and push.

Every day that you get out and try is better than nothing at all. Keep up the good work and you will start to feel better about your successes, no matter how small.

[ArcticChicken]

A couple of links to podcasts for couch to 5k. I think the first link is slightly different, but it's essentially the same.

Podrunner First Day to 5k

Go Nicole Yourself

Suz

[Amina516]

Thanks Luna. I did the 2 in 1 bra today, cut way down on the back ache. Definitely have to work on the accountability. I went out today and it was not a great day, but im going to go out again on Saturday and push.

[Luna Baby]

I've been trying to run off and on for the last 2-3 years. This year was the first year I've really stuck with it. Congratulations on your start! Like everyone said, first thing is a really good pair of shoes. Nothing can make you hurt worse than an ill fitting shoe, no matter how good it looks/costs/feels initially. You want a shoe designed for what you are doing and the type of surface you'll be running on.

I've not looked at the Couch to 5K program although I've been hearing lots of people do it. The biggest thing is to make yourself accountable. I started posting my "mileage" on my FB status, just so that I others could look for the next update, etc. It just made it easier for me. Do what works for you.

As for the bra issue, I have a friend that is very large, most likely a triple G or something of that nature. She mentioned to me once that when she did train/work out, that she wore 2 bras-one regular and one sports bra. Now I'm quite a bit smaller than her, but still do the 2-in-1 to minimize any movement. I had a breast reduction and I'm not about to mess up the beautiful work the surgeon did by allowing excessive movement. I wear just a regular padded t-shirt bra and then a simple sports bra over that (one that has about 6 snaps in the front) and have no movement. The sports bra is cotton, lightweight, so it doesn't feel uncomfortable. Again, try different things and do what works for you.

And hydration-can't say enough about hydration-before, during and after exercise. Personally, if I have a super busy day and forget to increase my water intake for the day, I might as well forget running 4 miles. I'll be lucky to get 2, and then I'm cramped for 3 days.

Good luck in your quest. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Running has become my passion.

[dalesys]

... end up smacking you in the chin.

What happened? Got knocker'd out.

[Amina516]

Otherwise they pick up a bit too much momentum when you're root-hopping, and end up smacking you in the chin.

Unexpected. Glad I kept the coffee down.

[Amina516]

Did the first couch to 5k workout yesterday, im pretty sure the boob bouncing gave me a back ache about 2/3s of the way through, though i wasnt wearing my sports bra at the time b/c im an idiot. The hunt for a good bra will be on this weekend. Theres several sporting good stores around, so ill look there first.

[ArcticChicken]

Kiakat, about the bra--does it work for large sizes? Like DD and up?

I'm at least a DDD (my bras don't have normal size labels, so I don't know what they translate as) I love Enell bras. Expensive, but very much worth the money.

[dragon_wings]

Re: food lady: I'm at least a DD. When I started running the only sports bra I had was an Ah! Bra. It cuts down on the movement. I'm still planning on investing in a running bra like I'd find in a running store but for now it's do able.

[KiaKat]

I can't say. I'm somewhere between a large B and a small C, and I buy a Medium. Though that's more due to my ribcage being oddly large (seriously, I'm a size 4-6 in women's clothing, and I wear a 38B bra size). It might be worth trying, since you want the girls to be fairly squished, especially if you're running trail, like I do. Otherwise they pick up a bit too much momentum when you're root-hopping, and end up smacking you in the chin.

[Amina516]

Wow, you guys are awesome! Thanks for the resources! Im guessing its considered a conbination of trailrunning and road. Its also not just a run, it also some some obstacles around and as i mentioned before, zombies chasing you.

I have a great danskin sportsbra b/c these girls get wild. I will def look up the philly store and update my playlist. Thanks all. Id appreciate anyone elses advice as well.

[Food Lady]

Kiakat, about the bra--does it work for large sizes? Like DD and up?

[KiaKat]

I've been running on and off for years. Currently training for a half-marathon in January, and I've learned the following:

1. Good music makes a huge difference. Mix it up, make sure you're not always listening to the same playlist. Also consider podcasts (Wait Wait Don't Tell Me! is a great one) and audiobooks.

2. Shoes. Are you trailrunning? Road? Track? Find out what the best shoes are for that surface, and get them. Runner's World has reviews and recommendations - trust them over salespeople.

3. Bra. Personally, I love the Danskin running tops (usually around $20-25 at Kohls), and they keep me pretty well contained. YMMV, try out a few different things.

4. Water. Find a water bottle you can carry, and use it. You'll find you can run further, longer, and more intensely if you've got water handy.

5. Nutrition. This is a big one. Make sure you're eating well and getting all the nutrients you need. Don't use those stupid nutrition bars or packs - they're no better than candy, and most of the protein drinks out there are intended for people who are professional athletes. I find that if I have fruit, granola, and yoghurt for breakfast, carbs for lunch (pasta with a great veggie-heavy sauce is a good one), and a veggie-and-protein-heavy dinner, I'm set. Maybe a couple of snacks through the day (veggies & hummus are good for that) if I'm feeling peckish. As you run more, you'll get hungrier, because you're raising your basal metabolic rate, and your body will compensate.

Runner's World is a terrific resource, especially for cross-training ideas. If you have a bike, go out one day a week on it. If not, try yoga or weighlifting. Building strength will help make running easier. In a good week, I do hill-sprints one day, yoga two, and run the other four. Not that I've done much the last two weeks, but pneumonia does tend to set one back a bit when it comes to athletics.

[Elspeth]

I am going to walk a 5k in December. I am going to start my couch to 5k program next week.

[dragon_wings]

I agree with good running shoes. I'm saving up for them. (I got a free fitting at Fleet Feet and the shoes fit like a dream!)
I'm using the couch to 5k program too. Don't hesitate to do a work out several times. I have and will in the future.
Enjoy and good luck.