Runner's Training Tips: Race for life and losing weight and never run before!!

 Need some tips for someone, overweight and has never run in her life before! and hasn't exercised since University!

Would like some training tips for the race of life which is on July 19thto help build me my stamina so I can at least eventually run the whole 5k without dying and not look beetroot in colour!

yes, juandez is right, you're doing just fine! just make sure, if you haven't already, that you go and purchase the right shoes! i recently started running back in january and now im doing 5ks all the time (not racing but just to workout). I was reluctant to go purchase new running sneakers because i already owned a pair. But after some pain in my achilles tendon and my ankles I realized the shoes i had were wrong for me. Now that I have the right shoes I feel great when running. But besides the sneakers, the best advice I can give as a semi-beginner runner is these three things.

1.  Warm up adequately and stretch! Some people stretch before, some stretch afterwards. Personally I do both, I'll walk about half a mile for a warm up and stretch my legs, then start running, when 'm finished I'll walk anywhere from half to a full mile(depending on how far I am from home) and stretch again when i reach my house after I've cooled down some. This will help with the soreness you will probably be experiencing as a beginner.(I'm never sore from running anymore)

 2. Feed yourself PROPERLY!! I can't tell you exactly what to eat being that I'm not exacty following a proper diet myself but I'm gradually getting there. Sometimes I run on an empty stomach but I've found that if I eat a lil bit(usually an apple) like an hour before I run, I run stronger and feel better throughout the run.

3. Take It Slowly!  Keep doing what you've been doing, although you have a race in july, I suggest that you don't push yourself too hard. That might work in the military or with a personal trainer behind you to keep you motivated but if you're self-motivated, it would help if the workout wasn't too strenuous because if you're too tired or in pain or exhausted every time you workout you will be reluctant to workout the next time. Personally I started out only jogging about .8 miles(i thought it was 1 mile lol) then after 2 weeks i increased to 1.5 miles. Then I got a little overzealous and jumped to 3 mile runs, almost daily. That's when I had lots of pain and almost lost my motivation to keep it up. After going almost 2 weeks without running I started back up doing 2 miles and now im back doing 3 mile runs, I also mix it up now that its warm outside I ride a bike, do cardio on an elliptical machine i bought off of craigslist, and try to play handball with some of my friends any chance i get. 

I too am a new runner and overweight.  2 of my girlfriends and I signed up for the Relay for Life in July.  Our goal was to be able to do 1 lap around the track.  However, we are probably going to be able to do the 5k.  The previous posts are awesome! The biggest advice that I have is to seriously listen to your body.  If you feel like you can go just a little bit further...do. But if you are feeling pain you want to take a break.  I almost really injured myself by not listening to my body.  Because we are carrying more weight this is really important.   It took me about 4 weeks before I could run 1 mile without walking.  Once I hit that first mile though, I was adding a lot of distance on.  I am now at 2.78 miles and going further every day!!  Good luck and WAY TO GO!!!!

Hi Sarah

i echo the above.  I had a similar experience where a friend entered us into a 10km charity run about this time last year.  I had never run before.  since then I have done several small runs + a half marathon.  It can be done!!!  Keep at it.

on the bonus side - have lost plenty of weight, dropped a few dress sizes, feel healthier and happier than ever and get itchy feet if I miss exercising - which I never thought would happen. 

most of all have fun with it!

FBP