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Brand new. Worried about winter.


HRCJ
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I've never been a runner, but don't really have time to walk as much as I'd like, so I'm going to give running another try to increase the intensity of my walk (now run!) time. I'm 41, probably 41 pounds over weight right now, walk semi regularly and bike commute to work 3 days per week. I find running and runners somewhat intimidating. There's all the talk I don't understand and then there's the gear. I have decent shoes I like now, but have even run a bit in jeans when I wanted to sweat a bit on a walk. And I live in the cold upper Midwest, so I am wondering how I'm going to keep it up when it really gets cold. It's been ten years since my last attempt at running. I worked my way up to a mile while I was in grad school in Washington DC area ( such a great place to run outdoors!) but pulled a hamstring and got off track. Fast forward to today with three kids and I'm dreadfully in need of a plan. Hoping easing into it with this program will help me avoid injury and keep it up!!

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I'm in kind of the same boat. I live in northwest Indiana in the lake effect snow belt, so I'm sure I'll be indoors pretty soon. I was never ever a runner, but this program really makes it easy and enjoyable! Definitely go to a running store and get fitted for a pair of good running shoes. They make such a huge difference! Keep us posted!

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I say try the cold before you make any judgement. It's actually rather comfortable after you warm up in 5-10 minutes. What I used to do was do the 5 minute warmup walk on the treadmill and at 4:30 I walk outside and boom as soon as I get out it's time to run. It's less humid so running physicalkly feels easier than in the summer and you run faster.

 

Are there days I just don't feel like dealing with outside? Sure. Then I go to use the hamster wheels at Planet Fitness but it's a boring way to run every time.

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HRCJ, put all the running jargon and gear out of your head. I second Wendell in recommending a running store fitting. 

 

I hated running my whole life. I had the false notion that people fall into one of two categories: can run and can't run (with myself in the latter category). This is completely UNTRUE! I started this program able to run for about 30-45 seconds. I'd have horrible, horrible shin splints, side stiches, dizzy, and gasping for breath afterwards.

 

Following the sessions one at a time in C25K and repeating any sessions I needed, I was able to increase the amount of time I can run. It's not fast. That's ok. Speed work comes later. If you use this app 3 times a week and listen to your body (adjust posture/stride if you feel any pain, slow down your running so you can talk, etc.) you WILL see improvement. If you have any moisture-wicking pants to run in, use those instead of jeans. If you don't, try cotton pants (if you're on a budget). I actually found performance capri pants on clearance at Sears this time last year. They were originally ~$40, but I got them for $7.

 

Put your faith into the first workout. If it's too difficult, try again tomorrow and see if you can complete more of it. Let us know how Week 1 Day 1 goes for you.

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 If you don't, try cotton pants (if you're on a budget). I actually found performance capri pants on clearance at Sears this time last year. They were originally ~$40, but I got them for $7.

 

If on a budget, check out your local Walmart. They have a ton of synthetic clothing by Russel Athletic. It's not going to top an 80 dollar pair of Nike running pants but for a 14 dollar pair of track pants, it's pretty darn good stuff. The wicking properties are not half bad.

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I ran yesterday and it was 40 and very windy outside. You're right Azatol, the first ten minutes were brisk, but after that I had to take off my hat and gloves because I was frying!

Yep yep. It was 32 this morning and and I had on a base layer and a long sleeve shirt with a windbreaker. Had to peel off the windbreaker after a mile and a half. They say to always dress as itf it's 20 degrees warmer than it is. I prefer to go with a 10 degree margin. I'll take too warm over too cold any day.

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same boat went with long sleve under wind suit jacket should have gone short sleve but i liked my head band over my ears wind realy hurts my ears and i wore baseball cap cause i hate my hair blowing all over i pull the pony tail out the back loop i looked silly but hey it held my headphones in and kept my ears happy gloves on to warm gloves off fingers hurt i hate being older

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