Running? Results by adding running?

F

FitNut

Cathlete
Hi there gals! Some of you know I just ordered a treadmill and it should be here any day:)

I am NOT a runner and have to push myself to stay on treadmill at the gym for 20 minutes. Which is why I bought one. I know it sounds crazy but I think the cross-training might help me in shedding the so resistant wt hangin' around my lower half. I also love being outside and would really LOVE to work myself up to being able to run outside longer distances.

Wondering if any of you have ever added running to your fitness program? If so, how did you do it? Did you ever get better at it? What were your results? What is the best type of workout? Slow with incline, fast? Or a mix of all?

Any help you guys can give me will be much appreciated! I am hoping running can become a new found cardio friend for me:)
 
we ordered our treadmil just over a year ago and i now use it three times a week. started out doing run/walk intervals and now i run about 40-45 minutes at a time (well, did until i became pregnant. now it's 30). i watch t.v. or listen to music while running. and i haven't started running outside because i'm trying to save my body from the impact. however, based on info from running books and the runners world web site i always keep the incline at a minimum of 1 or 2 - that's supposed to be close to the resistance you have running outside.

because i don't always have a lot of time i don't run more than 3.5 miles at a time. after the run i do a lot of stretching and core work on my stability ball. as far as results - wow!! well, my results were probably a combination of things. i started doing a lot more clean eating, getting 7 fruits and veggies and lean protein, about the same time as i started running. all last summer i heard from friends and family how "cut" i was and lean.

after i have this baby i hope to get back to where i was and start mixing some other drills and maybe do a half marathon, but just doing 10-12 miles a week worked wonders for me. i would recommend buying a running book before you get started and get fitted for good running shoes. i did everything right but still ended up with two months of physical therapy last summer because of my over-pronation. now with orthotics, the right shoes and keeping up on my exercises - i'm all set!
 
I prefer outdoor cardio, & think using a treadmill is pure boredom, but can give you some thoughts on running. Any new cardio activity or exercise routine will probably trigger some quick results because you're challenging your body in a new way.

I highly recommend a walk/run program for any new runner, no matter how fit they are. This will allow your joints & ligaments to get used to the impact. Andrea posted a program on the Ask Cathe forum a few weeks ago under a new or beginning running thread. You can also find walk/run programs & other great advice at Runnersworld.com.

I started running a few years ago so that dog exercise time became my exercise time too. I started with a 30 min walk/run program on soft services. Once you can run comfortably for 30 min, 3 x week, then you're ready to add speedwork, hills, longer runs, etc. It really depends on where you want to take it. I love endurance work & my husband wanted to do a marathon, so I worked up to a couple of half-marathons this winter. So yes I got better & worked up to some decent times in running events.

I can't say that running transformed my physique but I already did a lot of cycling & hiking. It does burn a lot of calories in a short time!

I've had 2 running injuries. It's critical that you listen to your body. It sounds like you like to cross-train which is great.

Hope this helps. I love Runners World magazine. It's a great resource.

Debra
 
Thanks for your post--my sentiments exactly. If anyone out there has suggestions for those of us (like me) who are cardio impaired and would like to run, please share!!!
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I know I can always count on you guys! :+

Also, do you think it is too much to combine Cathe cardio (or other) with running? Example would be Cathe cardio in the morning then a 20 minute run/walk on the treadmill in the evening? I really want to start running but know I am going to have a tough time giving up Cathe and my other favorite step classes at the gym. I am thinking of doing a combo 2 days a week.

What do ya' think?
 
Hi! I posted on another thread that I just started running at the gym using the treadmill. I LOVE it and it hits muscle groups that aren't hit with stepping. I get really sore along the sides of my hips and I lost 1 INCH already from my hips since running. It's great to add variety and if you're staying below 40 minutes for the day, I don't think there's anything wrong with it. Just listen to your body.

You don't have to give up Cathe or the gym. I alternate Cathe, classes at the gym and running. I love it!

I started out running 1 1/2 miles at 4.5 miles an hour and now I am up to 3 miles running at 5.5 miles an hour. I run about 2 times a week.
 
It worked for me!

I can definitely attest to the benefits and wonders of running!! I have been using a treadmill now for about 5 months and it has had such an amazing effect on my body... I used to try running outdoors, but the terrain never agreed with my body. I just couldn't get into it. But when I started out with an interval program on the treadmill (3 minutes walking at 4.0 at a 12% incline alternated with 2-3 minutes at 9.2 at a %4 incline), I got hooked... My legs looked so much leaner within a couple weeks and my ab muscles became so much more chiseled.

Nowadays, I run at a steady pace of about 9.2 mph at a 2% incline for 35-40 minutes, burning between 400-500 calories... I feel SO GOOD when I'm done. I alternate running with Cathe's newer videos... I keep up with the weights (usually 1 or 2 upper body parts after a run).

Anyhow, good luck! Running rules!

Amy
 
RE: It worked for me!

Amy, that interval training sounds interesting! I'm gonna try that!

I'm so afraid of going too fast on the treadmill because I'm afraid I'm gonna go flying backwards off of it! I'm still new to it so, I'll have to use the emergency magnet thing! Hee-Hee!
 
I love to run but for some reason refuse to use a treadmill! When I first strated out I would walk a 1/2 mile run about another 1/2 and so one. Eventually I was running totally. We moved about a year ago and I took time off from running,used only Cathe's cardio. Well, last month I decided to get out there again. I did NOT run/walk(dumb mistake). I tried to flat out run the 4 miles and my legs were sore for a week!! Next time out I walked/ran and am now doing much better!!
I often toy with the idea af buying a treadmill but I soooo love running outdoors! Good luck with your running! Don't push yourself too fast! Stay strong-Susan
 
I lost about 10 lbs very quickly when I started running. And trust me, I have a very hard time losing normally. Running will definitely take the extra fat off and I wasn't even running fast. Now, if I could only get myself back into it!!!
Good luck,
Lisa
 
I started by setting small goals. When I started I only ran and walked for 10 minutes and kept adding time, now I actually run and walk 1 hour which is about 3 to 4 miles. This is good for me because I was never very athletic before. I would run for about 10 minutes walk 4 minutes and run another 10 minutes etc. This is the best way to lose weight because you raise your metabolism and then you slow it and raises it again etc. You burn more calories this way. I usually have my threadmill at an incline because it builds my calves plus burns extra calories.

I have had very good results.
 
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