[seeker33]

Today I went jogging for the first time. I'm an overweight female with a very poor fitness level. I went at 5am when it was still dark.
I jogged for about 30sec and walked for about 2 min .i did this for about 20 min. It was very strange but after I returned home I felt full of energy! I think I'm going to do this regularly.
I need to lose about 25-30kg (60-66pounds) but I want to do this primarily for my mental health.
I also enjoy walking in nature and recently I've discovered strength training (I have resistance bands and dumbbells at home).
Anyone else enjoys running or walking? What benefits have you seen? Do you walk/run in rain or in the winter too?

[ShadowGX]

I sort of like walking, only because I do enjoy being out in nature at times, but not really enough to get out and do it. I'm also very self-conscious, so walking around my neighborhood feels very scary to me. On top of that, I'm very sensitive to weather when I have to be out in it... I can't handle heat/humidity, which we have had a ton of lately, and I don't like to be wet so rain/snow is out. I'm also extremely afraid of bees (mostly just wasps) so that has pretty much killed any drive to be out in nature. Wasps are very common in the very areas I enjoy being. =/

[WastingAsparagus]

I enjoy running thoroughly. Sometimes I cannot convince myself to go, however, on days like today. But, I'll run any day I can convince myself to go. That ends up being about four days a week. I find it helps a lot with my mental health, even if it only helps for the time I'm out running. But, I find sometimes the positive after-effects of running last for a while, too. In a nutshell, I love running.

[SorryShaped]

Awesome that you're exploring fitness! I'm always proud of someone that takes interest in themselves like that.
Try to remember, it's not how you look, but how you feel and how you treat people that really matters.
I like the feeling when I run but my knees can't do it consistently. I do the elliptical and get a very similar buzz.

This thread has inspired me. Thank you for posting this, Seeker. I think its great that you have started running. I walk and jog. Usually on the treadmill (its been quite warm out this summer, and I don't do the heat well, though I like the idea of starting very early in the morning. I don't know if thats realistic for me, but its also something I may try, anyway, good going!). To be honest, I have "fallen out of it," and really want to get back into it.
PS: I saw this article yesterday, and its pretty fitting. It's about running and mental health: Depression, anxiety, OCD - running helped us beat them - BBC News Anyway, good for you for starting, Seeker. I think it's great.

[seeker33]

Originally Posted by KnitChick

This thread has inspired me. Thank you for posting this, Seeker. I think its great that you have started running. I walk and jog. Usually on the treadmill (its been quite warm out this summer, and I don't do the heat well, though I like the idea of starting very early in the morning. I don't know if thats realistic for me, but its also something I may try, anyway, good going!). To be honest, I have "fallen out of it," and really want to get back into it.
PS: I saw this article yesterday, and its pretty fitting. It's about running and mental health: Depression, anxiety, OCD - running helped us beat them - BBC News Anyway, good for you for starting, Seeker. I think it's great.

That was a truly lovely read KnitChick :-)
I think it's great that you move and make your heart pump. I think I've made a massive change of thinking. Before I got very scared as soon as my heart rate went up. I associated that with anxiety, panic, shame and "dieing". Recently I decided I would interpret these physical signs as "being alive". This change wasn't easy, it took me about 20 years and many attempts but I guess now I'm beginning to get the point slowly.
I mainly saw exercise as necessary torture and punishment for being fat. Now I found a new approach. But it's only beginning so I wonder if I'll be able to be consistent.
However simple morning walks are definitely extremely calming and anti depressants so I'll definitely do my best to take them daily,even if I don't jog.

I wish you all the best on your journey to health!

[SorryShaped]

For those of you in the USA, check with your health insurance companies for fitness benefits. I have several gym memberships and I pay nothing. Sometimes they'll give you a discount

[mcl6136]

Running is what is keeping me from falling apart. My job is really turning destructive (I'm a fundraiser and our donors are growing meaner and more petty by the day). But when I get out an run, I feel free.

I am running about three times per week lately, and I've joined a running club, which does a Fun Run weekly. Today I am volunteering to help with the Fun Run. That's a big step for me, as I deal with a fair amount of anxiety around social issues (some of which is generated by my lousy job; see above).

What I didn't mention is that I am SLOW!! Like 11 minute miles, which is really more jogging than running. But this summer I have competed in more than 12 5K races. I am not the only slow one...not by a long shot. There are always very heavy people, old people, people pushing strollers, walk/runners ....so I am not alone.

I always finish. And I always feel like a million bucks after I do.

Running is saving me from being very medicated or very depressed or, let's face it, both.

Off I go!

[lizardlady]

I used to run, not jog, run. I loved the feel of pounding the ground with my feet. I can't anymore. Arthritis in both knees makes it darn near impossible now.

Seeker, good for you for your new interest in fitness!

[seeker33]

Thank you. I'm sorry you aren't able to run anymore. I can only imagine that it feels good to be able to run so easily and freely. Running has always been a struggle for me so I could never run for extended periods of time.
When I started this thread I wanted to run our jog but it didn't work for me. However I'm quite proud to say that I've been able to walk consistently and even go for walks now in the winter. It brings me peace of mind and makes me feel great.

Being an athlete, not doing consistent exercise effects my mental health, mostly in winter months. When I lived in a smaller neighborhood, I would like to run three times per week 6miles. I know this is not the best for my knees but I feel great after. In fact, running past a 'for rent' sign is how I found my next apartment. I have moved (again) since then and it more challenging to run in this area. I tried biking for some time and that was okay (better for my knees), but was not able to get out three days consistently. Now I am part of an exercise fitness program, which I attend three days, but could go as often as I'd like and I love it. (Although, I had trouble getting there in December, I will start up again this month). One of my problems with keeping my mental health stable is moving around so much (job to job, place to place, school to school) and am now enrolled in online classes and plan to stay where I am.

seeker, I think it is great that you made a commitment to yourself to walk regularly (much better for your knees than running). and I encourage you to continue through the winter months. I try to not go more than three days without exercise and am sure to work in stretching, yoga, tia chi, as often as possible. Stretching is recommended before and after exercise, and so is fully hydrating. I am glad to hear you have continued your routine. Keep it up

[seeker33]

Thank you, AB, I'm glad you've found a good place to exercise now and plan to keep going after a short Christmas break It's absolutely great that you're consistent with you exercise and incorporate restorative practices as well.
BTW I was too lazy for my strength training however after reading your post I think I might make myself do something for half an hour I'm gonna read some stuff in a fb group and that will hopefully kick me to get moving

[Ford Puma]

I think it is great that you decided to give walking and running a go. Its always about making a start and going from there.
I do a fair bit of cycling myself for that last 7 years or so. I also often feel the same energy rush when I finish up and get home. I think the body sometimes just likes to feel alive.
Keep it up Seeler33. Best of luck

[stewartmays1]

i dont run but i do walk bike ride ect ect and it can make a big difference i get that runners high and it feel great so keep up the good work