(no subject)

[axelrod]

I have a chronic health problem (at least one, anyway) and very variable energy. I miss running a whole lot, but it's hard to get started again. I know there's that "couch to 5k" thing, and I'm still considering it, but the jogging and walking just don't seem like much fun - though I guess the point is that it gets you up to being able to run a decent amount relatively simply and easily.

Does anyone have suggestions about how to run more or less regularly despite unreliable energy levels? Does anyone know of methods besides the "couch to 5k" thing, for easing oneself gently back into running? Recommendations of books and websites are appreciated.

Thanks in advance! :)

Comments

[blnchflr]

I used to try to get back into running by going out and running for as long as I could, then feel defeated when I had to stop and walk. And then again when, after walking, I ran again and had to stop even sooner.

It was really hard for me to change to interval running this spring after a long winter break - to stop and walk when I was supposed to, to feel that it was ok to stop and walk. But, it got me in shape faster than ever, running was more pleasurable than ever, and much gentler on my knee than ever. Now, I'm a complete convert, and while I intellectually know what works for me doesn't work for everyone else, I really want to preach it :oD

What I've done, and what works for me, and what allows me to compensate if I have less or more energy on a given day, is short intervals on slowly increasing distances, e.g.:

1st run: run/walk x-number-of-K (whichever starting point is relevant for you, may be 1K if you haven't run in a long time) in 2/1 minute run/walk intervals.

2nd run: run/walk same-number-of-K in 4/1 minute run/walk intervals.

Repeat 1 and/or 2 as needed until you feel ready to run that same distance in one stretch.

Than add a K and start with 2/1, then 4/1 again.

As I'm getting to, for me, longer distances, say the 8K I'm currently working on, I also added a 7/1 interval run.

So, yeah, this way of progressing really works for me, because even on short distances, and even stopping to walk often, I can do especially the 2/1 intervals at fast running (for me! Not fast for someone like ilanarama, whom I think disagrees with this methods for beginners, but I think she doesn't realize how slow my fast running is :oD !), so that I'm actually getting good exercise still.

And not feeling so defeated when I stop to walk (I'm not giving up, I'm supposed to stop and walk now!), and my knee not being so strained - it's very good (for me) :o)

[axelrod]

It sounds like intervals are the way to go for me, at least at first. Thanks for telling me about how you do it, it seems very flexible which is what I need.