Hey everyone!
This is my first post on the forum but have been reading and learning a lot from the posts for quite a while now. I'd like to share some of my experiences with running.
A little background: I'm 6'3 and weight 215 (this has been consistent for the past 10 years). I'm a bit heavier than the average runner but my journey into running began while I was training for the military years ago. I didn't consider myself "fit" when I began running. I struggled a lot, often pushing myself beyond what my body was capable of handling. I don't want to write a memoir but here are some of the lessons I've learned:
1-When beginning to run, my goal was to run non-stop for either 20:00 min or 2 miles, not necessarily worrying about speed/pace - a realistic "stretch" goal. If you can't do this right away, no worries, just alternate walking/ jogging in a manner thats not too difficult. This also resonates with a concept in S&S: Own the Weight(or distance/time) before adding more. Let this become easy (which is a sure sign you're progressing). Using the Maffetone method (if you have a HR Monitor) and nasal breathing helps immensely.
2- Consistency is VITAL, but when starting out, I limited myself to 2-3 times per week. Make sure to listen to your body. Do 3 sessions if you feel you can, if not, theres no shame in backing off. You are working on improvement, not screening for a Tier 1 Military Unit.
3- This is probably the most important - Do NOT neglect strength training. I love pushing my limits, so I eventually signed up for several ultra marathons. After completing my last 50 miler, I took 2 weeks off then went to the gym. I've never felt so weak in my life, since I had neglected nearly all strength training. Had I known about S&S or strongfirst in general, I truly believe I would have made everything about my training easier and more enjoyable. I feel that this neglect deeply ingrained the concept of strength as a foundational skill.
4- Besides strength training, running form is HUGE (and I think this comes into play with the idea of being "fit to run" considering the possible causes of being "unfit", such as sitting too much, wearing all sorts of crazy shoes, short/tight muscles, etc...).
Maybe it's just me, but saying "you can't run to get fit, you need to be fit to run" sounds like good fuel for excuses. After all, what EXACTLY does the term "fit" imply? It seems more of a direct, rather than an inverse, correlation between running and being "fit". If you take the time to "Practice" the skills through technique and patience, you will undoubtedly progress.
All the best and stay strong!