Health & Fitness
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
Dear Community,
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Wanting to become a runner
Hi,
I am new to this board, but I have a question or two. I have been thinking for quite sometime that I want to become a runner/jogger. I want to get into shape, lose weight and just get healthy. I have even thought about if I can do this, that maybe I might be able to run a marathon someday. It is on my bucket list. I am a beginner and really don't know where to start. I have a short list of health issues and one of them is asthma. I have been asthmatic pretty much all of my life. When I use to run in school, I would feel very short of breath and it made it difficult to breathe and actually enjoy my run. One of my questions is that I want to find a running/jogging buddy near where I live. How do I find a running/jogging buddy? I want a person to run not only for motivation reasons, but also to be there if something happens due to my asthma. I don't feel comfortable being by myself. I have heard that running isn't necessary a good exercise for asthmatics, but it is an easy exercise with great results. You don't really need equipment except for a good pair of running shoes and a good supporting sports bra especially if you are big chested. Of course clothing that keeps you cool and water water water. I use to play tennis when I was in school too and felt that out of breath sensation too. Do you have any recommendations for me since I have asthma? Anything to help me to become a runner/jogger on a regular basis since I have asthma and I am a beginner. I just want to get into shape and lose weight and become stronger and overall a healthy person mentally, physically, and emotionally. Also, this is something I can do for myself and I have for myself. So to speak. It would be good for me to take time for myself and think and even meet a great friend too.
Thank you for the advice and if you have any pointers on what kind of gear such as shoes, sports bra, clothing, etc that would be great too.
-Laurie
I am new to this board, but I have a question or two. I have been thinking for quite sometime that I want to become a runner/jogger. I want to get into shape, lose weight and just get healthy. I have even thought about if I can do this, that maybe I might be able to run a marathon someday. It is on my bucket list. I am a beginner and really don't know where to start. I have a short list of health issues and one of them is asthma. I have been asthmatic pretty much all of my life. When I use to run in school, I would feel very short of breath and it made it difficult to breathe and actually enjoy my run. One of my questions is that I want to find a running/jogging buddy near where I live. How do I find a running/jogging buddy? I want a person to run not only for motivation reasons, but also to be there if something happens due to my asthma. I don't feel comfortable being by myself. I have heard that running isn't necessary a good exercise for asthmatics, but it is an easy exercise with great results. You don't really need equipment except for a good pair of running shoes and a good supporting sports bra especially if you are big chested. Of course clothing that keeps you cool and water water water. I use to play tennis when I was in school too and felt that out of breath sensation too. Do you have any recommendations for me since I have asthma? Anything to help me to become a runner/jogger on a regular basis since I have asthma and I am a beginner. I just want to get into shape and lose weight and become stronger and overall a healthy person mentally, physically, and emotionally. Also, this is something I can do for myself and I have for myself. So to speak. It would be good for me to take time for myself and think and even meet a great friend too.
Thank you for the advice and if you have any pointers on what kind of gear such as shoes, sports bra, clothing, etc that would be great too.
-Laurie
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
Re: Wanting to become a runner
Well I was in your shoes a few months ago. Wanted to get back into shape etc. I dowloaded the couch 2 5K app on my phone and worked my way through week by week. Sometimes I had to repeat a week. Sometimes I fell off the wagon for a week or so but always got back on!! I would also suggest if you have a running store in your town or next town over..... go there. I am sure 1. they will get you a good pair of shoes (always key) 2. help with finding a running buddy. A store near me has all sorts of classes to teach beginners proper for etc.
I ran my first 5K in April. Never would I thought I would do that...... I wasn't the fastest but I wasn't the last to cross the finish line. I was very proud of myself and became hooked. I am running my 3rd in a few weeks and hell bent on improving my time. Even if it is by a mere second.
There are lots of resources online also. Blog etc. Look on FB. I am sure you will be able to gather lots of good info!!
Good luck.
The Couch-to-5K app suggestion from the PP is a great suggestion! I would get on Fitocracy.com or get that app as well, it's a big community full of nice supportive people and you can join groups of people with similar interests. Plus, it makes exercise like a game, which gets pretty addicting!
There are groups for people with ashthma on Fitocracy:
Asthma, Hay fever etc. sufferers - https://www.fitocracy.com/group/2384/?chatter
Ashtmatics - https://www.fitocracy.com/group/2062/?chatter
You could also use the groups to find people in your area that are interested in running.
Nike+ and MapMyRun are good apps to use just for tracking your runs and your progress. I prefer Nike+, but my FIL uses MapMyRun and likes it. MapMyRun seems to have more statistics (altitude, etc.), but Nike+ has an easy interface that I enjoy.
It's awesome you want to start running! Best of luck!
First, I would talk to your doctor about your plans to run and how your asthma factors into that. If you get the go ahead, take it easy and start slow. The couch to 5k program is great for that. I agree that running is an awesome work out. I struggled to lose weight and get fit, but running was my turning point. I went from barely being able to finish a mile in high school to a half marathoner now (aiming to complete my first full marathon in 2015).
As for shoes, go to a running store and get fitted. They're examine the way you walk and find a pair of shoes right for you. Clothing wise, I like Target's Champion brand. Good luck!
here are a few brief suggestions to get you on your way:
#1- talk to your doctor, you need to make sure they approve of any excercise plan you want to tackel
#2- go to a running store- not Dicks or a big name sporting goods place but a running store. They will put you on a treadmill, observe your stride and recommend a good shoe for your foot.
#3- look into a Team in Training program. A lot of charitable orgs (Team in Training is for lukemia, Train to End Stroke, ect ect) create teams that train for and compete in events together. You commit to raising a certain amount of $ (doing a good thing) and in turn you train with coaches and a group of other runners, many of whom could be beginners. Its super supportive and fun! No pressure, no competitiveness, just people coming together for a great cause. If that isn't up your alley, get some great tunes and start out slow...there are several training plans online that incorporate walking breaks and ways to keep you going without overdoing it right off the bat...you are going to do great! Good luck!
I just started running as well. I found a great app called Ease into 5K and it uses interval training to build you up to a 5k over 8 weeks. When I starting my endurance was soooooo low and I had bad lungs. I used the app three days a week (which is what the program says you should do) and on the days I dont run I still go out for a quick walk for about 1-2 miles. I love running now! I'm not as good as my hubby or my marathon/iron man/triathlon family members. haha I've also been drinking a nice shake before each workout that regulates my blood sugar called Generation UCAN. Look it up! My hubby was able to run better and he lost 25lbs drinking it. And no it's not a weight loss supplement, its a starch. I'd never recommend taking weight loss or energy supplements!
Anyway, Ease Into 5K worked st for me.
First, definitely talk to a doctor about your plans to begin running and get a green light to do so.
Next, speciality running stores typically are the first places to check for running groups. Many stores have "group runs" which are really just a set date and time for people to gather and go for a run. That may be a good place to look for a running buddy. Otherwise, why not try to inspire someone you know to become a runner with you! Speciality running stores are also good places to find shoes that work with your running style.
With running, just increase your distance slowly. If you feel out of breath, slow your pace or walk, then start back up when you can breathe again. A certain amount of breathlessness is to be expected when running and usually subsides when you slow down or walk.
Good luck! You can do it!
I'm addicted to the app Runtastic. It helps me stay motivated and visual progress. I also like that it can track other activities as well.
My Blog:Through My Eyes
Running is awesome, glad you're letting us talk you into our world of crazy fun
Wanted to add one more piece of advice, if you haven't already thought about it since you have asthma. Running in the summer in the midwest is HARD. It is always humid in July and August. Try to find some motivators to get out the door early in the day before it is too hot, and avoid exercising outside between noon and 4 or 5pm. You've got some great goals so don't burn yourself out on unneccesarily hard runs during the summer, and make sure you have good quality gear and a hand-held water bottle or fuel belt.
Seriously, go be BFFs with your local running store staff and you'll be all set