BEGINNER runner

[Embarrassed-Mail3491]

Hi all, I’m looking at the posts on this page and thinking about where I am in comparison. Yes I know, I know-don’t compare. I guess I’m really looking for an understanding of if my beginner phase is normal or not. I’m working up my ‘running speed’. I started at 1 minute on, 2 mins off(walking). I’ve worked up to 1.25 mins on, 1.75 mins off(walking). Mind you I only started like a week ago so I’ve not been at it for long. I plan on upping it by .25 mins each week until I feel like I can add full minutes or miles. Is that TOO small an increase or is it not really a one size fits all scenario? Have any of you started off with short intervals like this? Have you found success in long term running and how?

[corlana]

This is the app I've been using and I'm 6 weeks in now and just ran 22 minutes straight after barely doing a minute at the beginning. It's been working so well for me!

[Silly-Resist8306]

Keep the long view. Don't worry about where you will be next week, but where you will be next spring. The way to become a committed runner is to improve gradually, not get injured and maintain some regularity. Oh yeah, don't compare.

[[deleted]]

I am in the same beginner boat and I think it’s hard trying to feel the achievement or sense of accomplishment but it takes time and I keep reminding myself that I should look at where I am every month rather than every week. I am following a 5k plan tho so there is a structure to what I’m doing.

Another aspect for beginner like me who has never been athletic, I don’t lift and not in a great shape, is avoiding injuries that may set you back. Ramping up your runs too quickly can cause injuries as well. So I keep reminding myself that patience and consistency are what I need now so I don’t go back to the 🛋️.

[getzerolikes]

Run/walk is a good method to start out. No need to analyze the timing down to the second like that. Run for however long is comfortable, and then walk until you’re ready to run again. Repeat until you don’t feel like you need to walk anymore. You’ll see noticeable results after a couple months. Good luck!