Today’s Featured Comment
I agree about attacking [a new running program] with moderation and building up.
I started jogging when my daughter was about 2 – mostly to get out of the house and be by myself for a bit.
- I actually started out walking. But my husband had just taken up running (still does it at 61), and I thought maybe I could do that too.
- I would do my walk, but jog when I was going downhill for a bit.
- When I was able to jog down all the hills, I started jogging on the flat parts of my walk. I was in a residential area – so I’d set my sights on a driveway several houses away and jog that far.
- After a few days of that, I’d go an “extra driveway”.
- When comfortable at that, I tackled going up the hills.
- Eventually, I was jogging the whole route.
- Then I added speed and distance.
My husband and I never go together. He runs, rather than jog, and and has a much longer stride than I do. So I would hold him back. He can leave the house after me, run the same route, and be showered by the time I get back. 
- I asked my doctor years ago if I was going to kill my knees. He said he’d prefer that I do something lower impact. But if that was my favorite way to exercise, he preferred it to not doing anything and damaging my knees and the rest of my body by being overweight. He also said that most knee problems from running were due to injuries from not warming up, and running the wrong way, or on the wrong surfaces. He said to be an educated runner and I probably wouldn’t have a problem.
- I encourage everyone to get out and at least walk regularly. For those of you intimidated by what the neighbors think of you, or other runners blowing past you, don’t be. When I see someone new starting a walking or jogging program in our neighborhood, it just means one more person trying to stay healthy. I admire anybody who does that. I sometimes slow down and walk or jog with them a bit. Because that’s what other joggers did for me and it was very encouraging. And I’ve met some very nice people that way.
[This comment was originally posted in this conversation. ~ Eds.]
Do you run? What advice do you have for new runners?
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Thank you....I know there is hope.
Oh, how sweet. Yep, looking back, I just embrace the awkwardness of her. Thank you for your sweet and meaningful reply.
Shirley - that's funny but what you are saying is true about the men...first sex, then a little company, then back to the dating sites. :) There are too many fish on line to stick with just one so they go back to see what else is available. I am a me
Encouragement with any program is always helpful! Best of luck.
I used to run in the 80′s, and my best advice for anyone running is to use Cho-pat straps around each knee to protect your knees. Also, start gradually, and don’t forget to stretch before starting, and periodically. In the 80′s I ran 9 marathons, and those straps prevented knee problems.