I’m a 36 year old who is (at minimum) 50 pounds overweight. On January 1st, I began a running program. Five months later, I’m still at it, even though I hadn’t run a step since high school. I’ve lost more than ten pounds, I am seeing actual muscle in my legs, and my self confidence is through the roof. I’m here to tell you – if I can do it, so can you!
On January 1st, I went to the gym and eyed the treadmills. I worked up the courage to step on and struggled to run for one minute. Five months later, I can easily run 30 minutes (or more – but not always easily!). I’m here to tell you that ANYONE can run – running takes persistence, not skill. Running burns approximately 100 calories for each mile, increases your lung capacity, tones muscles in your arms, legs, and stomach, and is a (somewhat) inexpensive method of exercise. At first, all you need is a good pair of sneakers. Later on, you’ll find out there are all sorts of neat toys for runners 
Find a Beginner’s Running Program
The first step, however, is to find a beginner’s running program. I followed the Couch to 5k program, designed to help you get your rear end off the sofa and running 30 minutes at a time in 9 weeks. There are lots of programs out there though – programs from Bob Glover, Jeff Galloway, Hal Higdon, and so many more. All of these programs follow the same essential plan – start out by running a short time or distance, followed by walking for a period, and then running again. The program I followed had me walking for two minutes and running for one for a total of twenty minutes during the first week of the program. Each week added more running and less walking, until I eventually ‘graduated’.
Don’t Worry About Pace
Every runner goes at their own pace. That pace will gradually get faster as you run more. I started out at a s-l-o-w 18 minute mile. Five months later, I still see the occasional turtle pass me on my route but I’m 4 1/2 minutes faster per mile than I used to be! I won’t win any races, but I can finish them! As a beginning runner, remember that you are faster than those people who didn’t bother to get off the couch. Celebrate your accomplishments, and after you’ve been running for a year or so… THEN you can work on ways to increase your pace.
Enter a Race!
Yes, that’s right. I think you should run in public. Find a local 5k (3.1 miles). Look for a fun run/walk, sign up, and give it a shot. I’ve entered a couple of 5ks and even a 10k! I came in last in at least one of those races… but who cares! I did it! I had fun! I met some great people who were encouraging and inspirational. I got a free tshirt
Running in an organized event may push you outside of your comfort zone, but your ‘comfort zone’ has included ice cream and fast food for too long. Try something new!
Keep At It!
Who cares if the neighbors see you when you’re running and sweaty? My theory is that the more neighbors who see me out running, the more neighbors there are who can call the ambulance when I collapse in their driveways! I’m not pretty when I run. But I feel STRONG! And I have a heck of a lot more energy than I did five months ago. I don’t always want to get my run in on the days I’m supposed to. I often look longingly at the couch. But I do this for ME. And so I strap on my shoes and head out the door. And I’m better for it. You will be, too.
Dianna is the mother of three and has a wonderful, supportive husband who often cooks supper while she heads out the door for a run. She blogs about life and running at Mama In Pajamas.
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Dianna
By day, I'm an editor, a writer and the mama of three girls, one of whom was adopted from Vietnam in 2007. By night, I'm a mama in pajamas and can be found lounging on the couch in my bunny slippers with a glass of wine (red, of course!).
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