As a fairly unfit thirtysomething I started jogging for the first time in my life about 5 weeks ago. Through sheer bloddy-mindedness I've kept going and currently go out almost every other day. I can now just run for four to five minutes with two minute walking intervals repeated 4 times. But it's hard work and each time I increase my running time I feel a bit despondent that I'll never be able to run in an event or have a decent run that's not all stopping, starting and feeling like I'm dying! I could really do with some encouragement right now. How did other people start out? Was is hard at times and did it get easier? It is worth it?

I started running about 4 or 5 years ago (in preperation for the Sheffield Half in 2004). For me, I got in to it with friends; which is great, you get the encouragement, company, and of course the friendly rivalry and competition! hehe.

So, if you can run with someone, or with a group, maybe that'd work for you too? Or even join a running club? Steel City Striders, Hallamshire Harriers and also the Sheffield Running Club (some of whom I think post on here) are all Sheffield based clubs.

Do you have a target? Maybe a 10km road race would be a good start? You'll get a good sense of acheivement and feel great just from the exercise itself.

Best of luck!

It gets easier, it's suprising how quickly.

But you have to be prepared to push yourself to see the improvement.

Maybe I should make more of an effort to run with others. I've had a few offers but quite like the convenience of doing it whenever suits me. I guess it might make it more fun though.

It makes sense about pushing yourself to see improvement - to be honest running for a minute killed me at first so my efforts so far have paid off a bit. I just want to keep heart and not loose what I've gained so far. I'm just not that to pushing myself physically!

Don't get disheartened- most people who run start with a mixture of walking and running, and it can take a while to really get into the swing of things, Everyone who runs regularly has had to start somewhere. It definitely gets easier with practice, and even though it doesn't always feel like it you will be improving bit by bit every time you run. These things take time.

It's always good to have something to aim for, maybe start off by entering a local 5km in a few months' time? Usually there will be people walking it for charity, so even if you don't manage to run the whole course you won't be alone if you walk for a bit.

Best of luck, once you get into it's great, whether you want to really push yourself or just go for a relaxing jog now and again! :)

have you tried running as SLOW as possable? I found this a big help when starting out as I was trying to run too fast and got out of breath.

It is well worth it or it was for me as once you get the bug you get hooked.

Also dont forget good running trainers.

Was thinking of doing one of the Race for Life 5km's and am trying to pursuade a friend/friends to do it with me so I don't loose my bottle. Just hope I can keep my momentum going that long!

Thanks for the tip on my pace. Think last time I went out I was going up more inclines than I had done before and perhaps I went at them a bit too fast.

Definitely pace yourself on inclines- I sometimes forget how hilly Sheffield is! :hihi: As Fudbeer suggested, maybe you are trying to go too fast too soon generally. Although pushing yourself sometimes can be good, you don't have to kill yourself for every minute of every session to make progress.

And remember to relax and have fun :).

I like to have a series of routes, when I don't run for a while I fall back to the shortest one, when I've been running regularly I use the longer ones, it kind of gives me a target, without over stretching myself. I get quite disappointed if I have to walk, so I don't commit to the longest route if I've not been running for a few months. On the other hand, I do push hard to keep going, even if it's at a wheezy slow jog.

I'm a 34 year old bloke who had NEVER done any exercise before recently taking up running. I started in July last year, running for 2 mins, walking for 1 min for 30 mins. The following week I ran for 5 mins, then 8 mins, then 12 and so on. I think I repeated a couple of weeks. Progress was hard, but I was really strict with myself. My first 30 min run almost killed me, but I felt so proud of myself afterwards that it was worth it. Then in the second week of September something weird happened. I actually enjoyed my run and didn't feel as though I might die!! I now go out 4 times a week and run about 20 miles in total. On Sunday I ran 13.1 miles, which is the distance of a half-marathon, for the first time. I'm having a week off this week (my first since July) because of the snow.

One thing which has really helped to keep my interest was the purchase of a GPS watch with a heart rate monitor. I like to see where I've been, and it's really satisfying to see the improvement over the weeks. It also keeps my spirits high, because some days I feel as though I'm running REALLY slowly, but the data shows I'm actually running really fast!

It gets a LOT easier with time, and in my experience the changes and improvements you feel come in noticeable steps. Stick with it because it will be worth it in the end. Good luck!!

EDIT: This is what I followed - http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=30

I had last week off because of a twisted ankle and wanted to get out this week, so far nothing doing :-(

I'm a 34 year old bloke who had NEVER done any exercise before recently taking up running. I started in July last year, running for 2 mins, walking for 1 min for 30 mins. The following week I ran for 5 mins, then 8 mins, then 12 and so on. I think I repeated a couple of weeks. Progress was hard, but I was really strict with myself. My first 30 min run almost killed me, but I felt so proud of myself afterwards that it was worth it. Then in the second week of September something weird happened. I actually enjoyed my run and didn't feel as though I might die!! I now go out 4 times a week and run about 20 miles in total. On Sunday I ran 13.1 miles, which is the distance of a half-marathon, for the first time. I'm having a week off this week (my first since July) because of the snow.

One thing which has really helped to keep my interest was the purchase of a GPS watch with a heart rate monitor. I like to see where I've been, and it's really satisfying to see the improvement over the weeks. It also keeps my spirits high, because some days I feel as though I'm running REALLY slowly, but the data shows I'm actually running really fast!

It gets a LOT easier with time, and in my experience the changes and improvements you feel come in noticeable steps. Stick with it because it will be worth it in the end. Good luck!!

EDIT: This is what I followed - http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=30

I love stories like this, well done Chris!

I bet you feel a lot better too, in yourself, scince you've been running?

I love stories like this, well done Chris!

I bet you feel a lot better too, in yourself, scince you've been running?

Thanks Waldo, I do feel loads better. It's a great way to shake off some of the stresses of the day, and now I finally believe what they say about endorphins being released during exercise! Though, - to Gravey Boat - I wouldn't have believed it in the first few weeks!!

Gravey Boat, I am FULL of admiration for you! All my friends jog, and it'd be nice to be able to join them, but the thought of running just fills me with terror!-to the point that I studiously avoid the threadmill at the gym, never never never! I did accompany them on a jog before Christmas, but my Lord, was it hard! I absolutely hated every minute of it, and ended up walking far more than I jogged (miles behind my friends, natch!). I keep toying with the idea of trying to get 'into' running, but haven't managed to push myself over that cliff yet.

So a huge 'well done' to you! - even if it feels like you're getting nowhere, I, for one, am impressed! Now that you've started, I reckon you should try to keep it up, because can you imagine the sense of achievement the first time yoiu actually feel like 'A Runner'?-that's gotta be worth it!

started out much the same as you have GB then i started to go to run ltd at don vally now i run with a local club ( http://www.xoolon.com/clubs/sheffield-running-club ) and at the moment i am training for my 4th sheffield half so i wold say yes it is worth it keep up the good work but dont try to do too much too soon as this will lead to you geting injurys and then giveing up work at it nice and slow you will get there in the end

Thanks for all the encouragement. THEREALCHRIS's story is really inspiring. Yesturday I have a 5min x 4 run wih 2 minute intervals and it went really well. I think the advice about slowing down was spot on for me - yesturday the icey conditions forced me to and it was a lot less painful and more enjoyable as a result. I've also taken the plunge, "outed" myself as someone trying to run and I've arranged to go out with a friend which I'm now looking forward to. I'm not giving up yet!

i have a bus time table if anyone wants it ?

I shall soon be in training for Race For Life!

I used to run frequently, but over the past few years have dropped off with few runs. Last run I did was the Great Yorkshire Run which I did with a couple of people from the forum and even though I had not trained that much, I found that I had retained a level of fitness and stamina. Don't get me wrong, it was hard work getting around and I didnt get a personal best, but it was worth it. Since then I have been meaning to get back into it, but I find getting the first few runs out of the way is the hardest part.

My advice would be to hang in there, dont expect too much too soon and more importantly, listen to your body. As suggested before, I find the best way to get and stay motivated is to give yourself something to aim for. So, in your case, entering the Race for Life would just do that :)

Best of luck and happy running :)

Yes it is worth it.

My knees have suffered badly which means I don't do an awful lot of running these days. (In a nut, if my right knee locks, then it would require a journey to A & E immediately so I rarely venture out.)

But how I miss running. I started seriously around 1986/7 and would run for miles, by myself, enjoying the peace, the scenery and the fact that there was no-one to bother me. I'd run up to Redmires Dams (an 8 mile run consisting of a big climb and a big descent); I'd run along the A57 to the old hospital at Hollow Meadows and then run back home (10.2 miles) and at least twice a week I'd do a 6 mile block Fulwood - Broomhill - Hallam Head - Fulwood (which I managed to get down to less than 44 minutes).

Even when the weather was rubbish, it didn't matter. Freezing cold, wet through or often, both, a good run would be followed by a hot shower and a wonderful satisfaction that whilst everyone else has been sitting on their backside complaining about the weather you'd been out and done something.

My advice is pretty simple. You'll have good days and bad; listen to your body. If something aches (beyond reasonable expectation) then you're either overdoing it or doing it wrong. Run early, run late, try different regimes. You might wish to run with others, I always preferred not to. I also can't understand folk who run listening to music. Part of the appeal is listening to the sounds of nature (I live up Lodge Moor so I'm surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery) but you might prefer to have music with you. Do what feels right, what gives you the incentive to get out there and run.

Also, have realistic aims. A 5 or 10km run in a few months' time is probably not asking too much. Get it in your calender and aim for that date. This will help you get out there when it's minus five and pitch dark. Do a couple of easy runs and then a longer, slower one each week. Remember to take days off.

Finally, the obvious stuff. If it pains you to run half a mile maybe you should see if you're wearing the correct shoe and even if a visit to the doctor might be necessary.

Above everything else, get out there and enjoy - I wish I could!

As a fairly unfit thirtysomething I started jogging for the first time in my life about 5 weeks ago. Through sheer bloddy-mindedness I've kept going and currently go out almost every other day. I can now just run for four to five minutes with two minute walking intervals repeated 4 times. But it's hard work and each time I increase my running time I feel a bit despondent that I'll never be able to run in an event or have a decent run that's not all stopping, starting and feeling like I'm dying! I could really do with some encouragement right now. How did other people start out? Was is hard at times and did it get easier? It is worth it?

I remember when I started running for the first time a couple of years ago, I couldn't even do 10 minutes without my legs feeling like lead and that funny raw feeling in your throat, and REALLY not being able to go any further. Me and my OH were training for the Sheffield Half and following a training programme which helped a lot.
I always remember one day looking at the programme and thinking 'oh good, only 30 mins today, that's easy' - something I NEVER thought I'd be able to say! And then I realised how much I'd progressed without even noticing, beyond what I'd ever done before. I thought it had all been pain and struggling in my OH's footsteps, but that put things into perspective.
I managed to complete the Half Marathon without walking (or getting picked up by the sweeper bus!) and to me that's a real achievement. However, I never really 'enjoyed' running, but the process of the training has given me the confidence to know that I can perform physically, so have been more into outdoor long-distance swimming and hiking etc, things I really love.
So, YES, it's worth it!

My answer to your question is yes, it's definitely worth it, though as others have said there will be days when it really doesn't feel like it! A couple of years ago, I was in a similar situation. I got to the stage where I could run for 20-30 minutes on a treadmill in the gym, then decided to venture outside. I found that I could barely manage 10 minutes without stopping!

I decided to keep at it, though I rarely run outside more than once a week. I can now do up to 10km, but haven't ever managed to break that barrier (due to lack of time to train more then anything else!). It's definitely improved my overall fitness, and most of the time I really enjoy it, though there are still occasional exceptions where my legs feel like lead and I wonder whether I shouldn't have just stayed indoors!

If you have a car, a great route for beginners is the path around the Dam Flask out near Bradfield. It's 5k long, reasonably flat and incredibly scenic! As others have said, the Race for Life is a great thing to aim for - it's the first 'proper' run I did, and the atmosphere was fantastic. Besides, raising money for a good cause is very motivational!

There are some online tools that you might find useful. I got addicted to plotting y routes on google maps, and feeling very pleased with my self when I'd managed to go further than the previous week. www.mapmyrun.co.uk/ is another website, that allows you to store your routes,work out calorie expenditure, and include elevation information (so you can feel pleased with yourself as you finally conquer the Sheffield hills!). Also, the website www.runnersworld.co.uk has lots of useful info for beginners as well as seasoned runners.

Good luck!

Sorry, meant Google Earth, not Google maps!

Some lovely replies on here. I just can say that I agree with the heart-felt messages of support and encouragement.

I`d just add that you ought to occasionally buy yourself something new to run in, whether it`s socks, a hat or the latest body armour; it`s a nice way to reward yourself as you progress with your training.

Just logged in for the first time in a while to some very motivational posts. It's really helpful thinking about the fact that when anyone starts out they find it hard but most people seem to get there in the end. Unfortunately, when In was out running a couple of weeks ago I went over on some uneven ground and sprained my ankle. Wasn't too bad a sprain but I've been resting up and doing a bit of swimming instead, just to make sure it heals ok. Am gonna try and start up again this weekend. Lets hope I haven't slipped back to where I started. Also, I'm planning on investing in some decent running shoes as soon as I get paid! Hope the other posters have been having better look with their training.

I`ve been running for over 20 years and about 3 years ago developed really high blood pressure. I had to stop all exersise for nearly a year while it was sorted. By this time any exersise was really painfull. It wasn`t until this xmas that i started running again. I was ok until i missed 3 weeks because of other commitments. I`ve been going out again this week but it`s still quite an effort. I`m going to try the sheffield running club thursday night for a bit of motivation. That`s what i lack a lot of the time. I used to be a member of valley hill runners. Clubs are great if motivation is what you need.

hi spudgun look forward to seeing you at the club we also do a run on tuesday and most weekends

you should try the running club at Don valley Stadium or concord sports centre

i've been to the one at Don Valley and after a lot of hard effort can now run upto 10k

Yeah if you keep at it you can soon build up your distance. Worry about speed later

If I miss the running club or a session at the gym I feel terrible for a few days. Think my body is addicted to exercise. OR when I get fed up of running you could try an alternative like ice skating or karate or a fitness class. You're then motivated by the other people in the class. I do the adult ice skating course at IceSheffield, it's nothing like I expected, I'm completely addicted to it and my legs always feel like I 've had a workout.

Think some local gyms in Sheffield may offer running clubs - have a look on web, usually helps even for tips etc

In my humble opinion, running is lethal on the knees.

I did lots of running back in the days when I was competing, sadly my knees are paying the price now. My knees these days, at times click like a spanish seniorita's Castanets

If you are going to try running, make sure you get proper running shoes from a proper running shop. I think Keep on Running on Attercliffe are very good and the staff know their stuff.

As for a run route, I think Dam Flask is good, there is a path, fairly flat and its about 3 miles.

Also running is a treadmill is lots easier than running on normal ground. I once took a fitness class out for a run as it was a hot day, so instead of doing the indoor circuit we went for a run.

Many of the class members could run for 30 minutes plus on a treadmill as a warmup, however the same people were struggling after about 10 minutes on normal ground

Got to agree there. I`ve been running for nearly 20 years and my knees ache just about all the time now. I much prefer running outside though than on a treadmill. I find it really boring inside and soon give in. whereas outside on some days i could run forever.

Have to say although I think there are loads of good things about running the knee issue is a serious negative side of running,you hear of so many people with problems.including myself.

I think serious thought needs to go into footware, running surface and not overtraining.

You can pay a price for training hard can't you? My mum was a racing cyclist in her youth and I'm sure it's contributed to her arthritus now she's older. If the heart disease or cancer doesn't get you then it's flippin arthritus. I think I can take my chances with my knees for now though, I wasn't use 'em much before anyway! Am back to running again by the way. My level has slipped back a bit but I've definately still got the bug and am gonna keep going.

As others have suggested, I would thoroughly recommend a gait analysis and the right pair of trainers to anybody starting running - it will save you all sorts of bother (esp. with knees and ankles) down the line! Up & Running in town were great with me and they give you the price of the analysis off the cost of the trainers if you buy some from them wihin a week or so of getting it done.

I need an entry (number) for the Sheffield Half. They've all gone! Has anyone entered, got their number and decided to pull out?

If so, can I buy your number? Please PM me, thanks. :)

Try joining a local friendly club, all ages and all abilities welcome.

http://www.rothervalleyswallows.com

im not a huge fan of running, im more into workin on the weights at the gym, unless playing football i find cardio vascular excercise really hard, but that makes me want to try it more. i entered into the percy pud 10km race in dec 2008 and did it without stopping in just over an hour (yes a know its slow but i hadnt trained much due to a chest infection), it was painful and i ached for a couple days but the achievement factor took away the pain, i raised £100 for cancer research and felt amazing, i vowed to never do another run again (LOL)....and now ive entered into the 2009 half marathon, trinaing has been hit and miss again as im havin a bit more trouble with my chest (i didnt mention im asthmatic) but im getting there, i think i will do it in around 2hrs 25 which again isnt a quick time but my target is to just finish it, running is hard but the achievements make it worth while....i plan to raise a few hundred pounds for cancer research for the half marathon and ive vowed i wont run again after this one...got a big feeling i will end up doing a full marathon before i hang up my trainers though!!