Sticky: Introductions!

[prettypistol]

Greetings fellow newbies! My name is Angel and I live in Seattle, WA USA. I downloaded Get Running based on it's great reviews, and my own desire to once again become active in my fitness. (Never, ever, live with a chef!) ha ha. I have two goals I hope to achieve with running:

1) Loose the 20lbs I have gained over the last 5 years.
2) Get in shape so I can return to rock climbing. : )

I have never been a fan of running... I mostly say this because I'm surprised at all the other people on here who have confessed their loathing of running in the past. My hope is that I will have a change of heart due to this approach. I had my first run of week 1 tonight with my dog. We did great but definitely need to work on our pacing together. LOL. She's going to be a great motivator! I traveled 2.3 miles on our first trip out... half down a gentle slope and half back up. (I live on a big hill... woohoo! Oy.) I'm really looking forward to this journey and I hope to find some new friends going through the same tribulations and triumphs.

Catch ya later!

~a

[Dredemer]

My name is Dave and I just finished my first week with the Get Running app. I use to work outdoors, but switched careers last year...now I sit in an office and I just needed to get active.

I had been thinking about running for sometime, but finding the app really helped get me started. So far I am really enjoying the experience and look forward to my "run days". I have developed some pain in my knees and im concerned that I might get derailed from my training. ( i will post about the knees in another thread).

Anyway Im 43 years old, live in Sonoma County and have a great creekside path to run along, I am hoping to eventually run a 5k, as well as expand into trail running.

Thank you.

Dave

[nzjeff]

Hi everyone!

Like most, I've never really been into running. My past endeavors have usually consisted of running two or three times, then completely giving up, mostly due to burning myself out, or getting too sore.

So earlier this year I received vouchers to purchase shoes from Shoe Clinic, and I thought, "What the heck, maybe I should give it a proper shot." Initially I planned to run simply with music on my iPod touch as my motivator but thought I may as well make use of the technology I had and find a suitable app.

Boy am I glad I found Get Running!

I've just completed week 1 and am absolutely loving the pacing and quality of this app, so major kudos to the developers. I'm really looking forward to upping my fitness and burning the fat -- and who knows, I might become a running convert

Just a note re: shin splints. I got them every. single. time. that I would run - but these last two sessions I haven't had them at all! Here's what I'd recommend:

- Proper running shoes (a given, really)
- When running, try leaning forward to move your centre of gravity away from being vertical - this way, gravity helps propel you forward rather than overworking your lower legs by pushing your whole body forward with your toes
- Conscioiusly use your quads to lift your legs in succession, with the mindset that your legs are stopping you from falling rather than moving you forward. Try to avoid slamming the ground with your heel too; try a rocking motion with your foot instead.

Anyway I'm no professional, bu if this helps one of you out there then that's mission accomplished for me.

Good luck to you all - and wish me luck for Week 2, starting this Sunday!


Jeff
New Zealand

[Nurse_Kim]

Hello all! Like most here, just attempting to start running. I just signed up for my first 5k, to be completed just as I'm graduating from the program. I actually did my first run this morning ... Hate to admit it but I enjoyed myself!!!

I NEED / WANT to keep going!!!!

Nurse Kim

[Ian]

Ive just finished week 1 run 2 and wanted to say thank you. This is eminently manageable. I tried running last summer but with no programme and had more injury time than running time. Severe shin splints. For those that mentioned them two of the things I was doing wrong were running on concrete and in bad shoes for my overprinting gait. The third thing was pushing myself too hard and not taking enough rest days. I got my gait analysed in amphibian king in bray (ireland) last week and invested in good shoes for my gait... What a difference! This app is fantastic and I'm already looking forward to my next run. Maybe I'll even quit smoking (maybe). Gps would be great but I wouldn't put it on this app. It would encourage people like me to push myself further than I am able for yet. I can't help it... I'm just competitive like that even without anything to back it up. Thanks again. I REALLY appreciate this app.

[bearlady]

Hello I'm Alex. Living in Oxfordshire, UK and have just started the 5k programme.

Three years ago I completed the London 10K (Ok, I didn't run the whole way, but got round in a respectable 1hr 12mins) but since then various things have got in the way and my fitness levels have fallen off the cliff. Not helped by a year in Dubai where it is too hot to run outdoors for some of the year, and very easy to eat all the time - middle age etc. I could find many more excuses I'm sure!

A visit to the doctor last week revealed rising blood pressure, and I am determind to try and get in back down!!

[Midge N]

Hello, my name is Midge and I completed my first run yesterday....this app is awesome. I never thought I could be a runner because I don't have the body of a runner short and a little over weight, but the app talked me though every step of the way. I was really impressed and I am planning to stick with it. I want to be able to do a 10K in maybe 12 weeks.
Thanks again for this app.

[Amyacey]

Hi, all. I'm Amy and I am on week 2, day 3 which I did today. Running is not something I've ever enjoyed, My usual response is that I only run if something is chasing me! HOWEVER, I decided it was time to get moving. I turn 50 in April and would like to be feel more healthy and energetic. I've been walking for exercise for many years off and on. I just decided it was time to move it up a notch so to speak. Anyway, this is HUGE to be doing this, but I am finding that I really enjoy the gradual way it has me training. I am hoping to do my first 5K this November for my son's school, if that's when it's held. Otherwise, I will find one to do in early spring. Also, I am an elementary teacher, and I've found that it definitely helps with the stress from work!

Thanks for the program and encouragement.

[jojomac]

Hello there!! My name is Joanne(Jo) & i've just finished wk3 r3.....phew!! Never been a runner/jogger....tried many times.....photos to show i came last in a school cross country...bless....God loves a trier eh?
Anyway, really quite enjoying the app...did i really just type that? Although resembling a Ribena berry by the time i finish a jog is not a fetching look!!
I'd love to hear from anyone who's attempting this programme...especially anyone in the beautiful Ribble Valley....beautiful but, by god it's hilly???!!! And does anyone else feel like they're wearing a pair of lead boots sometimes...my legs feel sooooo heavy!!
Turned 40 last Aug and promised myself that'd i'd do something....well, 41 now and i've at last got round to it.
Looking forward to hearing from anyone and don't forget, it's the Great North Run this wkend......inspirational...maybe one day?

Regards,
Jo

[Queeny]

Hi,

I just wanted to say hello to everyone.

I live in the UK in a little village in Suffolk, I work in IT, so spend far too much time sitting on my bottom in front of computers

I hate the idea of gyms and as much as I enjoy swimming, I find it takes up a lot of time.

So I thought I would try out this app, as the reviews were great and the plan is backed by the NHS also.

Just home from my week 1 day 2 run, and im already amazed how well its going. Im looking forward to week 2 but must admit, the following weeks are very daunting LOL

Im going to give my all and really hope that I get to hear the ladys voice on week 9! LOL

Good Luck to everyone!

Abby x