https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:26:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2406132 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:23:51 +0000 Carol 2406132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules--good to know, especially about running with music. I know several people who have gotten in bike accidents, fatal or otherwise, from commuting a lot.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2406130 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:12:46 +0000 Jules 2406130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve done Couch to 5K at least three times but running never stuck for me. I found I only experienced cardio high towards the end of the program, in the last interval (5th? I can’t remember) of my run. I get there much more easily with other forms of cardio and some good music on my headphones at the gym helps too (I don’t feel safe running outside with music). I realize the runner’s high would probably come easier/sooner if stuck with it but it was such a high barrier to entry compared to other activities. Combined with the fact I don’t think it’s particularly suited to my body, including my bad ankle, I finally decided I’d given running enough of a chance and I just plain don’t like it. Very freeing for me personally. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2405708 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 04:48:57 +0000 Carol 2405708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet--good advice. I have no running shoes now.<br />Sarah--thanks, love strength training, balance, flexibility. You know, I did not know the definition of cross-training until you put it here. They all sound good...step by step.<br />Laurie--sounds like a great running history. I do like walking, but when you really try to get in a lot of steps, it is boring. I like the low-impact effect... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2404700 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:00:11 +0000 Laurie 2404700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was a regular runner from age 20 to 54 when I had my first hip replacement (following 2 yrs later by my 2nd one). Running was never "fun" but it was the best, most efficient use of exercise time, and it was my #1 stress relief. I ran everywhere I traveled, and got to see places more intimately on foot.&nbsp; I only took 3 breaks - during both of my pregnancies because the babies used my bladder as a trampoline, and when I was in treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma.&nbsp;<br />I was never fast, but I was a steady 10 minute miler, and I ran many 10Ks, wonderful 10 milers like the Cherry Blossom run in DC, a few halfs, and 2 marathons (in my 40's). I ran in all weather, and temps down to 20 degrees. I knew exactly what to wear in each kind of weather.<br />It's been 10 years, and I miss running, deeply, almost every day of my life. I walk 3.5-7 miles at least 4 times a week. I don't like to walk, it takes FOREVER. It does nothing for my stress. It's boring. I'm either too hot or too cold, I can never figure out the layers.&nbsp; It's hard to get the cardio release of running with any other exercise, in my experience.<br />I did love distance cycling and did that for many years but have decided that the risk of injury or death on busy roads is not worth it now.</p> <p>Lots of good advice above. If you are able to run, and if you can make it through the first few months that are always hard, it's so rewarding. Just go little by little. You might amaze yourself. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2404628 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 02:39:22 +0000 sarah 2404628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Just to add/reiterate:</div><div><br /></div><div>1) Use a "couch-to-5k" program to build up slowly (you can download apps or find programs online)</div><div>2) I strongly recommend also doing regular strength training - it will help you avoid injury and help your running.</div><div>3) Be sure you have good shoes fit as a reputable running store.</div><div>4) Mix up your running with cross-training - biking, tennis, pickleball, hiking, swimming - whatever you like! This will also help you avoid injury</div><div><br /></div><div>Good luck!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2404623 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:38:33 +0000 Janet 2404623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you pursue this, I highly recommend visiting a good running store and getting professionally fitted. I size up a full size for my running and hiking shoes, and it helps prevent a lot of problems!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2404565 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 03:32:55 +0000 Carol 2404565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AndiB--yes, running is hard on knees, which is why I would want to do it occasionally. I love the practice between you and your accountability buddy.<br />Janet--cool stories, I love that part of&nbsp; what got you into it was a cause important to you. I did one like that a few years ago, but mostly walked.<br />Reminds me that I might need proper shoes at some point! All I have now is Adidas, basketball shoes, etc. Perfectly fine for light jogs, but not for a real running habit.<br />Bijou--wow, that training sounds cool. I bet karate is fun. I do have an elliptical in the apartment gym here, so maybe I will use that more.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2404562 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 03:00:23 +0000 Carol 2404562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>kkards--good info about the app.<br />LJP--I have done something like that before, and it is a great way to ease in. thanks.<br />Helena--you know, maybe I should sign up for a run.<br />LJP--running group--I will consider it.<br />kellygirl--I am a nerd for form, posture and stuff, so I will look into that.<br />Judy--I still have to check out&nbsp; that article--looks great. My body loves dancing, not running. But the reason I want to add it in occasionally is for that air, that oxygen, that cardio.<br />unfrumped--I do know about that. It's a great idea, but I know it takes effort.<br />Suz--endorphins, yes. and serotonin. and heart rate! I also love biking and hiking.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2404471 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:12:04 +0000 Bijou 2404471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never been a runner but as part of my karate training had to run 1 mile in under 10 minutes (after having done an hour of karate and 50 push ups, sit-up and squat thrusts as a final fitness test). I trained for it on an elliptical machine in the gym, as it helps you develop a good running style and is kind to your knees. Getting good running shoes is important. I still enjoy running on the elliptical machine, but don't run outside anymore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2404386 Sat, 24 Jan 2026 14:31:38 +0000 Janet 2404386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>About 15 years ago, I learned of a friend who was going to do a half marathon — she signed up and trained to walk it. I remember thinking, well I know I can walk 13.1 miles, but if she is doing this maybe I can try running it! </p> <p>Please note, I was not a runner up until this time. Ever. I was 45. </p> <p>My friend had signed up with our local Team in Training group which trains participants and raises funds for the Leukemia &amp; Lymphona Society. One of my dearest friends lost his wife to multiple myeloma so this was a cause near and dear to me. I went to the next gathering of the group, which was held at a local running store. I got fitted for shoes, got the training program materials and schedule, and came home and informed my husband what I was doing.</p> <p>He looked at me and said, “Who are you and what have you done with my wife?” LOL</p> <p>Ok, so to shorten the rest of the story: I trained, in something similar to a couch-to-5k program. I started in February and ran my first half marathon the first weekend in June. I ran the vast majority of it but always took walk breaks at certain intervals to keep my muscles from getting overly fatigued. I ran a few more in the years following that, plus some shorter events too. </p> <p>I was never fast, just steady. I didn’t love the actual running, but I do love being outside, seeing the landscape, and I do love the feeling of accomplishment. </p> <p>After my hysterectomy, running did not feel comfortable for a long time. I took up more frequent bicycling but have gotten very wary of riding on the roads around here, so I don’t ride as often as I used to either. Now I mostly walk and hike. It’s all good. </p> <p>So my long-winded response is just to let you know that running can be very rewarding — I cried when I finished that first half marathon. It’s something I never thought I’d do, growing up as someone who was not athletic. When my coach called me an athlete the first time, I laughed, but she stopped me and told me she was serious and that’s what I was. Running can be an amazing way to discover strengths you never thought you had. Training with a goal in mind, and with accountability to a coach or a group will help keep you motivated.</p> <p>These days I will sometimes run a half mile or so, a few times while I’m out walking, just to mix it up, when I get a burst of energy. I also go to a Pilates class 3x a week, and I have a walking pad at my convertible sitting/standing desk in my office so I can get in some miles while I work (I can even run on it if I want to). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2404183 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:37:33 +0000 AndiB 2404183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I ran for a few years, and started with couch to 5k, which was really reasonable.&nbsp; Did a 5k as soon as I hit the 5k part of the program, then continued to run for another couple years. I probably never ran long enough distances to get that euphoria thing going.&nbsp; It started bothering my knees (early 60s now so probably started running in early 50s?)&nbsp; Ran for 2 or 3 years regularly.&nbsp; Even now, when walking outdoors is challenging due to cold and ice I might hop on the treadmill after yoga at the Y where I work out, and my body just wants to run still. And so I do a bit but my knees always trouble me the next day.&nbsp; I keep forgetting!</p> <p>So much of any workout activity is just making a habit of it.&nbsp; I have an accountability buddy for lifting at the gym, and I'll tell you:&nbsp; She keeps me accountable!&nbsp; We early mornings W, Sat and Sunday, and our deal is . . . don't tell me if you aren't showing up, cuz then I might not!&nbsp; I also see a personal trainer at a different gym (so 4 days of lifting most weeks), and I think paying for that helps with my Y lifting accountability.&nbsp; As others have said already, get a buddy, pay for something, commit, and all of that could help build a strong habit.&nbsp; But you have to run regularly to see if you even like it!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2404113 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:56:13 +0000 Suz 2404113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't love running but I do it occasionally. As <b>LJP </b>said, it can be hard on an aging body and can lead to injury (I tore my meniscus on a run a few years ago.)&nbsp;</p> <p>My main cardio is biking and hiking. I also walk a lot (but often I'm not raising my heart rate much on my walks, so&nbsp; walking is more of an "active rest" for me). I also lift kettlebells with gives a mix or aerobic and anearobic exercise. And swiim sometimes, and skate sometimes.&nbsp;</p> <p>But running is a way for me to get. a quick workout on days when I'm pressed for time and/or don't have access to my regular equipment, like when I'm travelling. A run can be easy to fit into the schedule, with no need to travel to a gym. Plus, like you, I really prefer to exercise outdoors when at all possible. So I do it.&nbsp;</p> <p>What I've found is that for the first kilometre I'm a bit grumpy about the whole thing, and by the end I'm glad it's over...but I do tend to feel great after I'm done. And occasionally that great feeling will appear during the run. It's the result of endorphins.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't go far -- only a little over 4 k, which is about 2.5 mles. Definitely not an endurance runner!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2404038 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:44:52 +0000 unfrumped 2404038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might like to try HIIT. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2403996 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:23:52 +0000 judy 2403996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was a runner, long ago now, it was when people were just getting into it and and I absolutely loved it.&nbsp; I ran a few 10k races, just for the joy of all the women running together. I had coworkers that were also my good friends, one is still, and they were my running partners.&nbsp; It was the early days of this:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://boston10kforwomen.com/history/">https://boston10kforwomen.com/history/</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;&nbsp;With small children...and some injuries...I hung up my running shoes by 1984.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;I still love tuning in to the Boston Marathon every year to see not only the elite runners (a master class in form and not wasting movement) but also the sea of humanity that partakes of that difficult course with such courage.&nbsp; I love LJP's idea of walking ten, running one.&nbsp; And a group really helps.&nbsp; Now walking feels better to me, as running can take a toll, but I would say follow what your body loves. It's finding that sweet spot between pushing ourselves a bit...challenge...and taking good care of ourselves as well.&nbsp; Good luck!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2403986 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:50:12 +0000 kellygirl 2403986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that it's wise to take it slowly and build up a base. Running form is also important and that helps safeguard from injury--you could probably get some guidance from a running group. I'm not one of those people that find it particularly meditative but I do miss it if I don't but the first mile still usually always sucks regardless. It's more about just pushing through for me and I always feel great when I'm done. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2403926 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:25:55 +0000 LJP 2403926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second the recommendation to join a running group. &nbsp;And the couch to 5 km program is easy to find too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2403918 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:11:33 +0000 Helena 2403918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used the method Lisa talked about to do a 5km run ... I have to admit, I hated it but I did get through the run, so it worked! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2403872 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 21:23:47 +0000 kkards 2403872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back to say I’ve known a few people who’ve used a couch to 5k program. &nbsp;I believe there are apps that have full programs.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2403867 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:26:43 +0000 Carol 2403867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>kkards--great idea, I am not sure I have ever tried that technique.<br />LJP--the knees thing is probably part of why I don't like it, though my knees are healthy. I prefer the soft bounce of a trampoline to pavement.</p> <p>The 10:1 is a good idea--I did something like that a long time ago.&nbsp; And I do aerobic level stuff, but I want the cardio, partly for the brain boost. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2403857 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:26:36 +0000 LJP 2403857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beginning a running program always starts with a 10:1 repeat . Walk for 10 mins and run for 1 . Then add time to the run each week as you progress in endurance . I ran and ran and ran until my knee could no longer support it . I didn’t love it but I made myself do it . It’s very very hard on an aging body and not necessary for aerobic conditioning . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2403851 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:39:22 +0000 kkards 2403851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not a runner, never been one. But if I have a new habit that I’m trying to instill start with skin in the game. For example when I started Pilates I paid for 20 sessions right away because once I paid for it I was going through with it. If I wanted to run, I’d join a running group or find a partner that I had to meet every day. Once you have a commitment it’s hard to back out </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-runners-1#post-2403764 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 03:52:18 +0000 Carol 2403764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like running. I am reasonably in shape, so I can sort of jog/walk for awhile if I need to, but after straight running for a couple minutes, I don't feel good. Irritable, like a kid who wants to stop.&nbsp;</p> <p>But what if I WANT to run? I like that it is outdoors, and it is cardio, and a way to get out in the morning. And no, I don't want to walk.</p> <p>I am just curious what it is for those who ENJOY running. For some it feels like freedom, meditation--but I don't know why.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am also curious about those who don't really love it, but force themselves to do it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I enjoy dancing, swimming, walking....and the IDEA of running. I do want to do it, even if just a little. I want that cardio, that oxygenation, a little burn. Any advice or motivation for someone like me?&nbsp; </p>