I don't know how to run!

The only thing that helps my run is to run. Before I joined the Army I rarely would run, so I had a time getting good at it. Sprints help you get faster. Long distances help with endurance. The Army APFT has a timed 2 mile. So every so often run a timed 2 mile to see where you're at. Then just make sure you run frequently.

After I had my baby in the Army my post partum PT instructor got us in shape by having us run everyday mon - fri. The two muscle failure days had sprints and then on one of the run days would be the timed 2 mile. On the other run days we would run anywhere from 2.5 - 4 miles depending on the instructor and how many in the group had just came off of conv. leave. I also found it helpful to run longer distances on the weekend (about 4-6 miles), but I did that more for losing the preggo weight then to improve my run. Just don't forget to let your body have a rest day every so often.

There are a lot of different exercise programs as far as getting in shape for the military if you google it. My husband swears by crossfit.com but I'm not a big fan now since all I really do anymore is run.

I just noticed you didn't specify which branch you're joining so if you're not joining the army just go ahead in substitute the "2 mile" part for whichever branch timed run you're going for

I'm currently interested in joining the military, but have some time as DH is finishing his degree. However, I am horrible at running! Anyone have suggestions, or stories of how they got into shape so the military didn't totally kick their butt?

Hello,

As a former "runner" and current "jogger" I suggest you start by walking/hiking first in order to get your legs, (ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones) ready for the activity.

Whenever I go for longer periods of NON running and want to start back that is what works for me. I recall reading that you can/could jog half the distance that you know you can walk...so if you can go for a three or four mile walk several times a week for a couple of weeks then you ought to be able to start substituting a 1-2 and so on mile "jog" in there and work up to increasing those to actual jogs a couple times a week interspersed with the walking and after several months be running/ jogging.

Thing is, stress fractures can happen if you rush it and just start running/jogging without preparing for it.

OH and remember, if you feel like you cannot do it then just SLOW down. :) Biggest hurdle I think is that folks do not realize that a mile run is not the same as a 100 meter sprint.

Good luck!

Gen

p.s. I used to run x-country in h.s. (1980, 1982 and again in college in 1999 and 2000 and ran/jogged two marathons in 1992 then one in 2006 and jogged one in the heat of Texas in 2007 and would still like to try to train for some speed but have been succesful for my age group on two AFPTs so far). Best Wishes!

oops, edit, not allowed but needed:

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OH and remember, if you feel like you cannot do it then just SLOW down. Biggest hurdle I think is that-new to running- folks do not realize-yet- that a mile run is not the same as a 100 meter sprint.

Thanks so much. I walk quite a bit (besides the 5 miles a day at work). I have tried to start a few of the "couch to 5k" type programs, but seems like I stall after a few weeks and can't seem to get past that "plateau" for lack of a better word. I'll definitely try your suggestions, thanks again!

Hi! just a quick note. I was an athlete my whole life, but never a good runner, did sprints in high school softball and college but not a true runner. At the age of 37 I had one year left of eligiblity and went back to play one more year of college ball!!! I found myself working out with 19 year olds and very intimidated.. Needless to say I told myself that I wanted to be a runner. I started doing the elliptical trainer 5 -6 days /week. I would run for 30 seconds and then build myself up. I have done the couch potato to 5 k thing and it wasnt for me ... My lungs were killing me at first and I told my husband he needed to call 911 but after awhile I was able to run 30 min at a time with no problem... You have to condition your lungs and it takes 72 hours to get out of shape, cardio wise. TRUST ME when I say this... good luck , hope this helps:heartbeat

hi! just a quick note. i was an athlete my whole life, but never a good runner, did sprints in high school softball and college but not a true runner. at the age of 37 i had one year left of eligiblity and went back to play one more year of college ball!!! i found myself working out with 19 year olds and very intimidated.. needless to say i told myself that i wanted to be a runner. i started doing the elliptical trainer 5 -6 days /week. i would run for 30 seconds and then build myself up. i have done the couch potato to 5 k thing and it wasnt for me ... my lungs were killing me at first and i told my husband he needed to call 911 but after awhile i was able to run 30 min at a time with no problem... you have to condition your lungs and it takes 72 hours to get out of shape, cardio wise. trust me when i say this... good luck , hope this helps:heartbeat

yep the process is slow (for me anyway), of course i started the process late at the ripe old age of 45. although i stated at the gym at age 44 and wasted six months on the treadmill... the times i was hitting on the treadmill have never carried over into the real world. good running shoes and persistence helps....

still the terms fun and run together strike me as an oxymoron ....

that is commendable for going to the gym at that late of the game I n eed to get out and run but in Yuma its 110 right now .. JD where are you in Ga we just moved from there. good luck to everyone on the running and the fitness !!!!

go early in the morning and in yuma i think a good place to go is over by kofa high school. i never minded running in the heat in yuma, i hate running in the cold/snow. i am not a runner either, but sprinting has helped my time and distance has helped my endurance. i had a friend suggest jump rope to help with running. i just picked one up and have not had time to really see if i think it is true or not, but it is sort of fun.

that is commendable for going to the gym at that late of the game I n eed to get out and run but in Yuma its 110 right now .. JD where are you in Ga we just moved from there. good luck to everyone on the running and the fitness !!!!

Welcome to GA

Milledgeville GA... Hot, dry, and everywhere going up hill

Yep I think my run time would improve (quicker) if I had something large, furry with big teeth behind me or maybe drill SSgt ....:chuckle

lived in Ga for 3 years but now in AZ but considering a move back depending on things.. Im gung ho but nervous as well.... Milledgville, trying to place it , went through dawsonville anywhere close :) we lived in Kingsland ... ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS OR INPUTS ON OBC AS A RESERVE??? IM LIMITED ON MY TIME ON THE COMPUTER, LITTLE ONES AND FT RN.... THANKS ! RANEL:coollook:

Hi! just a quick note. I was an athlete my whole life, but never a good runner, did sprints in high school softball and college but not a true runner. At the age of 37 I had one year left of eligiblity and went back to play one more year of college ball!!! I found myself working out with 19 year olds and very intimidated.. Needless to say I told myself that I wanted to be a runner. I started doing the elliptical trainer 5 -6 days /week. I would run for 30 seconds and then build myself up. I have done the couch potato to 5 k thing and it wasnt for me ... My lungs were killing me at first and I told my husband he needed to call 911 but after awhile I was able to run 30 min at a time with no problem... You have to condition your lungs and it takes 72 hours to get out of shape, cardio wise. TRUST ME when I say this... good luck , hope this helps:heartbeat

Hi there to another over 30 year old working out with 19 year old college athletes!

they were so good! I was so glad to have had that opportunity myself. :)

Gen