Newbie - Major Fail!!

ronanmac · 12-05-2010 06:35AM

Fair play, NiMhaoldearg. Maybe part of the struggle is your early starts. I definitely find any training much harder early in the morning, rather than later in the day. Best of luck with the running...

The_Morrigan · 12-05-2010 07:38AM

ronanmac wrote: »

Fair play, NiMhaoldearg. Maybe part of the struggle is your early starts. I definitely find any training much harder early in the morning, rather than later in the day. Best of luck with the running...

Thanks ronanmac, Unfortunately, I have college at night, so the mornings are the only time I can really go out. Plus its quieter on the roads and a bit safer now that its light at 6am - I don't think I'd want to be out alone at 10/11pm.

RoyMcC · 12-05-2010 07:56AM

Good work NiMhaoldearg. It's good for the soul to haul yourself up and out the door in the early mornings. Plus you're then set up for the day and you don't have to worry about finding time in the evenings when you might be tired anyway.

Good approach you're taking by reining back on the running bits. When you feel it's right just set off for a short little jog and then walk again.

And keep us updated - yours could be an inspiring thread and we don't want it disappearing off page 1

The_Morrigan · 12-05-2010 08:04AM

RoyMcC wrote: »

Good work NiMhaoldearg. It's good for the soul to haul yourself up and out the door in the early mornings. Plus you're then set up for the day and you don't have to worry about finding time in the evenings when you might be tired anyway.

Good approach you're taking by reining back on the running bits. When you feel it's right just set off for a short little jog and then walk again.

And keep us updated - yours could be an inspiring thread and we don't want it disappearing off page 1

Thanks RoyMcC, I must say even the encouragement I got from the members over the last few days has made me realise that I can do this, and its not just a case that I'm a lost cause that can't run.
So hopefully if I can haul my overweight ass outta bed in the mornings and keep on track - it might encourage someone else who doesn't think they can do it, or who feels stupid looking like they are about to keel over when they are out.

The_Morrigan · 12-05-2010 12:11PM

Ok so as you all have figured out from the previous posts, I may not be able to run yet, but I've learnt I can climb 7 flights of stairs without falling over or needing an ambulance....
Property management called a fire drill today and as per every fire drill the lifts take forever to get back into service and I couldn't be assed waiting for them.
So I took the plunge expecting to collapse around floor 4, but I managed to make it to floor 6 before the pain started in the legs....breathing didn't get too heavy either. Took a nice steady pace the whole way up the stairs.

I'm ever so proud of that achievement seeing as this time last year I would had stopped every second flight for a sit down.

So deffo on for more of the stair climbing, couple of weeks of that and I don't think the running for 60 secs will be so damn harsh on the system!!

Wonkagirl · 12-05-2010 01:55PM

Well they do say that incidental exericse is the best of all- easiest to sustain on an ongoing basis - taking the stairs instead of lift etc.. do you work on the 7th floor? that wouldbe bloody great exericse if you could take the stairs twice a day.. dont even consider the lift, just straight onto the stair well, let the lift not even be an OPTION anymore!

i'm really starting to think that you should start off on the treadmill running like i did- honestly.

The_Morrigan · 12-05-2010 02:08PM

yup, top of the building - I have a fantastic view of Dublin & the "demolition" of the Anglo Building!!
My only fear on taking the stairs in the morning is that I could be late!! but if I manage to get on the bus on time to be ten mins early then the stairs will be the way to go.
I'll looking into the treadmill alright, trying to see if I can get my hands on a Reebok I Run (preferably second hand or on sale) - they are so compact and I'm in an apt so don't have room for a monster of a machine.

The_Morrigan · 22-05-2010 11:08AM

Just a quick update, for those that were so encouraging on my first week out.
I'm still walking, but I've purchased a second hand treadmill which arrives today YAY!!

So going to start on the running/walking intervals when that is all set up in the apt.

Dotcomdolly · 23-05-2010 07:15AM

Good stuff, I did most of the c25k programme on the treadmill.

littleredspot · 25-05-2010 08:44AM

Hi,
Just to add to the tons of encouragement you've already gotten.

I was very over weight this time last year. Joined up with WW and lost lots of it, reached a plateau like yourself and after a 'late in the pub' conversation, decided to sign up for a triathlon. I have cycled and swam in the past but never ran so that was my biggest problem.

I'm lucky in that I live beside a canal, so there was only a few alcoholics about to witness my first tentative steps outdoors in my shiney LIDL lycra. Nobody believes me when I say I couldn't run 100m and at that it took me 4 days to recover from my first outing!

I decided that I'm still a bit heavy to be pounding the pavements so I upped my cycling training which is a lot easier for someone "big boned" like myself and really good for the cardio. Then when I tried the "running" again I decided to slow it right down, as in I looked like a pensioner shuffling along. Bit by bit I was soon managing to shuffle along for further between walks and before I knew it I'd managed to jog the 5k I was aiming at.

I still feel that I'm a bit heavy for running, whereas I can cycle for hours without much discomfort. Just as a matter of interest why are you running, as supposed to say cycling or swimming, which would be just as good for weightloss/improving fitness (I think) with much less risk of injury?

Best of luck

The_Morrigan · 25-05-2010 09:01AM

littleredspot wrote: »

Just as a matter of interest why are you running, as supposed to say cycling or swimming, which would be just as good for weightloss/improving fitness (I think) with much less risk of injury?

Firstly well done on the achievement

Secondly,in response to your question - its a combination of embarrassment and safety!!
I couldn't possibly get into a swimsuit in my current state..and that thought alone deters me from swimming, also have a pretty hectic life between work and college so trying to get to a pool and all that goes with it seems like too much hassle right now.
As for cycling, too dangerous where I live, between the buses and trucks that frequent the area I'd be flattened in no time..

I can get out walking/jogging at a moments notice - which is so much easier.
I found last night I walked at a fairly fast pace while watching the simpsons and the time flew cos I was watching the tv rather than the clock. Have college tonight so its a night off, so tomorrow night it I might try for the Simpsons and some of Hollyoaks!!

Although I've not actually lost any weight, I've noticed i'm not so much out of breathe and tired these days, and even in the last few weeks the OH has noticed that I've slimmed down a bit, so if he can notice something is obviously working here

littleredspot · 25-05-2010 10:14AM

Ah, I love the idea of getting fit while watching the Simpsons:D

I can appreciate what you mean about the swim suit, I've a tri suit that can really only be decently worn outside after dark:o

I've found that since the trianing has increased my weightloss has slowed too, but I don't mind because I'm feeling so much better and as you say your OH is noticing some toning up which is great for the confidence.

Maybe its time to change the title of the thread? Newbie - slight hiccup

Oh, and 7 flights of stairs is not an easy task!

The_Morrigan · 25-05-2010 10:21AM

I think at this point my focus has changed from weightloss to getting fit.

I'm curvy, that is never going to change, if I have less of a curve then YAY...but I like looking like a woman and not a 12 year old boy - and the OH loves my curves, but he realises I'm not happy with my current shape. Especially when I see really nice clothes and they don't come in my size!!

So for now I'll stick with my Simpson workouts and stair climbing - getting into smaller dress size will be a bonus

diceyreilly · 25-05-2010 10:24AM

I was in a bad state (weight wise) 18 months ago, i was 20 stone and 3lbs.. I'm 6ft 3.. I decided i was going to do something about it, and i just started walking cos couldn't really do anything else..
Cut down on crappy food and soft drinks..

The weight started to fall of me and i managed to run the marathon last October and will be doing it again this October, i'm now 16st still a bot overweight but not dangerously..

Keep going with it you'll notice the weight loss soon..

The_Morrigan · 25-05-2010 10:37AM

diceyreilly wrote: »

I was in a bad state (weight wise) 18 months ago, i was 20 stone and 3lbs.. I'm 6ft 3.. I decided i was going to do something about it, and i just started walking cos couldn't really do anything else..
Cut down on crappy food and soft drinks..

The weight started to fall of me and i managed to run the marathon last October and will be doing it again this October, i'm now 16st still a bot overweight but not dangerously..

Keep going with it you'll notice the weight loss soon..

Thanks Dicey -I think now that I've finally conquered the psychological defeatist attitude I'll get there eventually.
However I've one problem - I've been told though that I'm not allowed to loose too much weight in certain areas lol Not to sure how to accomplish that!!

The_Morrigan · 26-05-2010 06:57PM

Guys and Gals,

As you've all be so helpful I've a quick question - I'm on the treadmill now but unsure of how to not kill myself on it, but still make progress.

I'm currently doing 30 mins every second day, started at a speed of 3.5, but I've worked up to 4.2 - I'm only walking to get the fitness up, rather than going full whack at attempting the running at the minute.
OH is teasing cos he can manage a speed of 6, I'm a short ass compared to him so that speed might cause me to roll off the end and break my face!!

So as you lot know all

can you advise as to a good pace that won't kill me, but still push me in the right direction, keeping in mind that I'm only 5'6 and currently weigh 15.4 stone (which is a whole lotta ass to be hauling with me

)

rainbow kirby · 26-05-2010 07:10PM

I'm the same height as you and was about the same weight when I started Couch to 5k - my running pace was about a 12 minute mile (5 mph / 8 kph) for the first few weeks. If you're trying Couch to 5k (or something of that sort) maybe alternate between a 3.5-4 mph walking pace and a 5 mph running pace?

The_Morrigan · 26-05-2010 07:12PM

Thanks Rainbow - one problem though - I can't run (yet) lol

littlebug · 26-05-2010 09:50PM

When you get comfortable with 4.2 maybe you could try intervals of sorts. For example try ramping it up to 4.7 for 1 minute and then back to 4.2 for 3... if that doesn't work out try a lower upper rate or for a shorter time and as you get fitter move up to a pace where you have to move slightly faster than walking but not quite running and do the same e.g. 1 minute faster/ 3 minutes slower and keep ramping it up bit by bit til you do the faster pace for longer.. then bit by bit you can up the pace a bit too. I suppose that's what couch to 5k does. I didn't do "the" couch to 5k but my own version ie "I'll run to that tree or pole" and then " When I get to that gate I'll start running again". Remember you'll have days where you'll feel you're going backwards but that's all part of the process. Great progress already. You should start a log in the running logs section

Bugsy2000 · 27-05-2010 04:18PM

NiMhaoldearg wrote: »

Guys and Gals,

As you've all be so helpful I've a quick question - I'm on the treadmill now but unsure of how to not kill myself on it, but still make progress.

QUOTE]

Good going. This thread is up for a while now and you can tell that your as 'Up for it' as day one.

Try enlisting the OH's help while you are on the treadmill. Let him control the speed and have him increase it by one unit every 1 minute or so. You won't notice the gentle increase that much and will help you progress to that next stage. If its getting too much its easier for him to drop the speed really quickly if you are out of breathe. (I completely understand that when you are in your stride on a treadmill it can be akward to reduce the speed when you are getting tired)

Good luck & keep at it

The_Morrigan · 27-05-2010 09:20PM

Thanks for those pointers -
should point out that the speed is in miles per hour - not kilometres...turns out I'm actually going faster than the OH lol:D

The fecker nearly broke his own face when he nearly came off the treadmill here last night

turtlesdove3 · 29-05-2010 04:14PM

diceyreilly wrote: »

I was in a bad state (weight wise) 18 months ago, i was 20 stone and 3lbs.. I'm 6ft 3.. I decided i was going to do something about it, and i just started walking cos couldn't really do anything else..
Cut down on crappy food and soft drinks..

The weight started to fall of me and i managed to run the marathon last October and will be doing it again this October, i'm now 16st still a bot overweight but not dangerously..

Keep going with it you'll notice the weight loss soon..

An easy method should never be practiced for weight loss, it may cause health hazards. Walking is known to burn calories. Congrats on your achievement and please don't go for crash diets. All the best!

The_Morrigan · 19-06-2010 02:56PM

Right so had to take a while off to do some exams so the whole walking/running thing went by the wayside and the cramming of both information and food took over for about 2 weeks!!

got back to the walking this week - going for 30mins at a speed of 4.5mph.
However, today I thought I might throw in a bit of jogging to see if I could manage it.....and major success for me.
I was able to run for 60 sec intervals for a whole 10 mins. Now I took the pace down to 3.5mph so I wouldn't fall over, get light headed or induce a heart attack.
I know thats only 5 mins of running in total, but considering on my first day out I couldn't even manage 1 minute I'm very much happy with that mini achievement, a step in the right direction

.

Maybe tomorrow I might try for 15 mins

RayCun · 19-06-2010 05:25PM

Take a look at the couch to 5k plan.
Week one is 5 minutes warm up walk, 1 minute run, 90 second walk, repeat the run/walk four times more, then 5 minute warm down walk. That's basically what you did today. You can repeat weeks as you go, but its a good plan

The_Morrigan · 19-06-2010 05:29PM

RayCun wrote: »

Take a look at the couch to 5k plan.
Week one is 5 minutes warm up walk, 1 minute run, 90 second walk, repeat the run/walk four times more, then 5 minute warm down walk. That's basically what you did today. You can repeat weeks as you go, but its a good plan

Thanks RayCun - thats the plan - I attempted this a few months ago, but cos of zero fitness I almost gave myself a heart attack the first time I attempted the first 60 secs of running. So now after weeks and weeks of walking on the treadmill I was finally able to make that extra push for another attempt - thankfully it was a positive reaction and no ambulances were required.

The_Morrigan · 20-06-2010 09:17AM

This morning I attempted the first day of week one on the C25K plan.
I've surprised myself that I managed to complete it without falling over or getting too out of breathe.

I did the five min walk, then the 20 mins of jogging/walking intervals and ended with another 5 min walk. Wasn't going overly fast on the pace - was at 3.8mph for the whole lot - but I did it, and I'm a very very happy bunny right now cos I've never managed to run for that length of time before in my life!!!

RoyMcC · 21-06-2010 09:01AM

Excellent, well done! Keep it steady and keep reporting back - we can give you a push if it gets tough.

The_Morrigan · 21-06-2010 09:17AM

RoyMcC wrote: »

Excellent, well done! Keep it steady and keep reporting back - we can give you a push if it gets tough.

Thanks RoyMcC.

I'll keep posting here alright - I've found the encouragement fantastic, and hopefully if someone else decides to take on the challenge, this thread might prove helpful for them too.
I've realised now, that you don't need to be super thin to be fit or take part in sports, and I'd rather be fit and healthy right now than a stick insect (like that would ever happen anyway!!). I'm curvy and I love my curves, and so does the OH, but I'm terribly unfit and if I continue as I am I will end up in a state.
If weightloss takes place in the midst of all this then its a bonus, but I'm more geared towards being able to take a couple of flight of stairs without needing oxygen.

guysmiley · 21-06-2010 03:53PM

I'm new to running also, and find it hard on the body. But have just discovered the "chi running" style. It is definitely worth a go. I did a 40 minute continuous jog last night using this method and felt fine. There are plenty of instructions on youtube. Has anyone else being using this ? And what do you think of it ?

The_Morrigan · 21-06-2010 05:57PM

Guy - that I've never heard of - but maybe some of the more experienced runners would be familiar.

I did another "session" just now...it was tough today, could feel my feet dragging a bit in the middle on the jogging intervals - but I started mentally shouting at myself to keep going - with the "Come on Ci, 30 secs left you can do this - its not that hard..."...if anything it made me more determined to finish so I didn't have to hear myself sound like my mother in my head!!
I also upped the speed a bit tonight for a while.

Day off tomorrow

Newbie - Major Fail!!

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