Want to start running

I would love to get into running but have anxieties about it. I tried doing it in Valley Stream State Park last year (when I lived there) and stopped b/c I felt uncomfortable, felt like the whole world had front row seats to watch my butt jiggle the whole way. Now I can't get back into it because of that and the fact that I can't run for more than a block without wanting to die and feel people will judge if I run 2 minutes and walk 10

Now I live in Merrick and want to start up again. Anyone have any suggestions on how I can do this without feeling so self conscious? Is there a track somewhere I can run on? Or a park with lots of shade?
Is there a running club I can join that Is for beginners? I also need some sort of push.

Sorry, I know I'm all over the place but that's because I have no clue where to start.

Message edited 6/12/2009 11:28:03 AM.

Re: Want to start running

Hi! Maybe you can go to Calhoun High School. I used to live in Merrick, but I never ran there, but I'm sure they have a track. I highly recommend the Couch 2 5k program. Check out the link in the post titled "the unofficial Couch 2 5k thread". It starts you off doing intervals of jogging and walking. It was tough for me at first, but after nine weeks i was up to running the 3 miles! Take it slow, do what you can and know that there are so many people in the same boat. Don't worry what anyone else is thinking, if anything they're probably thinking "hey i need to get out there and run like her!"

Re: Want to start running

Posted by jeanyus27

Hi! Maybe you can go to Calhoun High School. I used to live in Merrick, but I never ran there, but I'm sure they have a track. I highly recommend the Couch 2 5k program. Check out the link in the post titled "the unofficial Couch 2 5k thread". It starts you off doing intervals of jogging and walking. It was tough for me at first, but after nine weeks i was up to running the 3 miles! Take it slow, do what you can and know that there are so many people in the same boat. Don't worry what anyone else is thinking, if anything they're probably thinking "hey i need to get out there and run like her!"

Re: Want to start running

I am an avid runner but had my son 10 weeks ago. When I started running again 2 weeks ago I began by running for 2 mins, then walking one. Try this, before you know it you will be running several miles.

I understand you being body conscious, but you just have to get to this point where you say forget everyone else, I am doing this for myself. I find that listening to my ipod makes those "thoughts" drift out of my head and focus on myself.

Good luck and just keep going :)

Re: Want to start running

Message edited 6/14/2009 12:17:10 PM.

Re: Want to start running

Runner come in all shapes, sizes, ages, etc so dont be scared! Get out there and do it!

Maybe look into Team in Training - they meet up and have all different levels of runners. I am not sure where they meet. I am in a running club in NJ and love it! It is so motivating to go with people and we always chit chat which makes the miles go by faster!

Re: Want to start running

Also runners never judge other runners (at least I dont and no one in my running group does either). Taking breaks is good, it gets your heart rate down. Sometimes when I am on a long run I take a few breaks. I just say to myself, hey at least I am out here! I could be sitting at home on the couch! Do what you feel comfortable with and remember that there are all different levels of runners out there. I know some people who can run an 8 minute mile pace in a marathon and then I know some who run a 12 minute pace and stop every mile for a break! Like I said, at least you are out there and think of all the people sitting home doing nothing at all!!!

Re: Want to start running

Thanks guys! I think I'm going to start running in Eisenhower Park and try the Couch to 2k program...I got one of my friends to come a long a few times a week so hopefully that will help make me feel a little less akward in the begining.
Thanks to all for your input!!!

Re: Want to start running

Re: Want to start running

Re: Want to start running

I don't have any suggestions for where you should run but you definitely shouldn't feel self conscious. If anything, people are looking at you and thinking how they wish they could get their butt off the couch and run like you. Even if you can only go a small distance, you'll get better and better.

There's a girl at my gym who is on the larger side and she's been working out with a trainer for awhile now and she looks fantastic. The weight is just melting off of her and she looks thinner every time I see her. Dont' let other people sabotage your health goals.

Re: Want to start running

Re: Want to start running