How do I start running? I cannot Run. Or Can I? page

[m051012]

So how does a person start running when they have not ran before?

It seems strange just running. Besides I have not ran a distance before. So How do you start to run?

[Lynna]

this is how I started in 2007

Cool Running | The Couch-to-5K ® Running Plan

[Graycat]

I started in the Spring. In the beginning I could hardly do quarter of a mile without having to decrease my speed and walk. I alternated between running and fast walking for months, with my running intervals getting longer and longer each time. Now I can do 4 miles without stopping at moderate speed and a small grade incline, something that seemed beyond my reach several months ago.

Now, whether running is the best exercise for your body (chronic cardio), or whether is Primal, I don't know. I'm kindof addicted to it now and it seems to work well for me.

[Lynna]

I wouldn't say that running 3 to 5 miles several days a week is considered chronic cardio.

[PrimalMama]

au contraire, I think that's the definition of chronic cardio...

I wouldn't say that running 3 to 5 miles several days a week is considered chronic cardio.

[Dr. Bork Bork]

Try Jeff Galloway's run-walk-run program. Very primal friendly. I did 2 half marathons this summer using his system

[Lynna]

au contraire, I think that's the definition of chronic cardio...

au contraire, no it isn't. An example of chronic cardio would be high intesnity running everyday, for an hour or more, such as training for a marathon. Three to 5 miles 3 days a week is not chronic.

[PrimalMama]

maybe it's because I'm not a runner, but RUNNING 3-5 miles SEVERAL times a week (which is what you originally said - the word "several" implies more than 4) sounds like chronic cardio.

JOGGING 3-5mi three times a week does not necessarily sound like chronic cardio.

does that make sense?

au contraire, no it isn't. An example of chronic cardio would be high intesnity running everyday, for an hour or more, such as training for a marathon. Three to 5 miles 3 days a week is not chronic.

[Graycat]

I wouldn't say that running 3 to 5 miles several days a week is considered chronic cardio.

Here's my take on this:
For me running 4 to 4.5 mi. 5 days a week doesn't seem like I'm doing any harm to my body (well, except risking an injury, but there is a risk involved with any type of exercise). I don't feel exertion to the point I feel like I'll faint unless I stop right now, on the contrary it's rather effortless. I feel good while running and how could that make my body release cortisol?

So, IMO of a person enjoys a certain type of physical activity and it doesn't feel like it's putting much stress on their body I don't see anything wrong with continuing that activity.

[Alex Good]

Put one foot in front of the other. Increase speed.