Anyone feel like they can't run?

lemonsurprise

I do between 30-45 mins of cardio at the gym each day. No problems at all.
I push myself, sweat buckets, and enjoy it. Apart from when I try and run.
The whole thing is just awful. It's so uncomfortable, I feel like I need to be breathing way more than I'm actually able to, everything hurts and I feel so heavy and gross when I run. So far I've gone from 225 lbs to 190 but I don't feel like it's any easier AT all.
I've read so many times that very often people that get in to fitness discover a love for running, where is this love?!

shadow2soul

Have you tried a couch25k program?

happyfeetrebel1

I couldn't even run 30 seconds in June. I mean, it, not even 30. I dowloaded the C25k app, and I stuck with it. It sucked. It was horrible. I had to do each day twice, and sometimes 3x. I completed the 9 week program on Labor Day weekend and can now do the full 5k to 4 miles in less than 40 minutes.

My point is, there is hope!! Start small, even 30 seconds will make a big improvement if it's consistent.

I still hate it, but I do it

gobonas99

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess you're running on a treadmill? If I'm right, do yourself a HUGE favor and get off the dreadmill and go outside!

I can only take 10-15 minutes on the dreadmill, but can run for 90+ minutes outside.

LoneWolfRunner

Just relax, go for it and feel the love.... running rocks....

Jessimaaka

Yup, I third the C25K program. Makes a world of difference. You've got this

lyrics09

Yeah I'm with you. I'd love to run but I just feel like those baby deer that can't coordinate or something lol. I do high intense cardio on elliptical and arc on pretty high resistances for 30-45 min at a time. I do great, no stops. But I try and run on the treadmill and I feel like a total moron/out of place.

No idea how to break that.

rach3649

You can download a c25k app on your phone for nothing and its a great way to start.

lemonsurprise

No I'm too ashamed to try at the gym! It's just out in field etc
Happyfeetrebel, this is where I'm at now. 30 seconds would be a victory!
I've looked at the C25k challenge briefly but, even with that name, thought it would be too advanced for someone who can't even run for a minute?

Contred

Love for running doesn't happen until you hit routine running. It took my about 4-5 weeks of running 15 miles a week to get "runners high" (endorphin). Remember to vary your exercises as running can cause some joint problems.

lemonsurprise

Any tips for the breathing? Is it normal to feel like your lungs can't keep up with you at the beginning?! I've never had this with any other cardio!

shadow2soul

There are different ones.
The one I have on my phone (Zombies,Run5k...it's not free but there are a bunch of free ones) starts off with like 15 sec run bursts. Example workout:

10 min brisk walk
_____
1 min brisk walk
15 sec run
**repeat 10 x
----
10 min free walk/run

davert123

running uses a specific set of muscles, and ligaments and bashes you about in a way I think only running does. I bike 15 miles a day and can go on the elliptical for over an hour but running for half hr hurts if I haven't done it for a while. I've been there before though and I know that when people keep it up it does stop being so uncomfortable. I like the idea of run/walks above as well - this is exactly how I got into running Good luck, I hope you get it because it is brilliant when you do

zyxst

I'll run when chased.

12_oz_Curls

lemonsurprise wrote: »

Any tips for the breathing? Is it normal to feel like your lungs can't keep up with you at the beginning?! I've never had this with any other cardio!

I've been running most of my adult life and I still feel like my lungs can't keep up. The difference is when you hit this point. Trust me, start small. It's miserable. running 1/2 a mile is misery, running a mile is misery. Running 3 miles is misery. Then suddenly you're looking forward to that 6 mile relaxing run. But it takes a LONG time to get there, so don't sweat it.

mysmileighs

lemonsurprise wrote: »

Any tips for the breathing? Is it normal to feel like your lungs can't keep up with you at the beginning?! I've never had this with any other cardio!

My mom used to run track and she always told me to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. I usually try to time each breath to last 2-3 strides. In In In, Out Out Out........

If you keep trying and you still don't like it, don't do it! All things are not for all people. Find something you enjoy and do that! :flowerforyou:

shadow2soul

zyxst wrote: »

I'll run when chased.

lemonsurprise

The bursts sound good to me too. I'm a dog walker so it'll be really easy to incorporate.
Thanks for all the advice - I'm starting tomorrow!

fswku

lemonsurprise wrote: »

Any tips for the breathing? Is it normal to feel like your lungs can't keep up with you at the beginning?! I've never had this with any other cardio!

When I first started, I felt the same way. The hardest thing for me to get into my head is "if you can't breathe, you're going too fast."

Before I ever started using C25K, I went for a brisk 1.5 mile walk 3 times a week. After a week or so of that, I upped it to every day. Once that was comfortable, I did the same pattern with 3 miles. Only when I was comfortable walking 3 miles at a brisk pace every day did I start C25K.

When you start actually running, don't try to go flat out. Instead, work on controlling your breathing. Aim for a pace that would let you carry on a conversation comfortably, but shorten your breathing pattern if you need to. If two steps in, two steps out is too hard, then slow down until you can manage that. It doesn't matter how fast you're actually going as long as you're using a running motion instead of a walking one. The speed will come with time. If you concentrate on your breathing, then you'll be able to maintain a steady pace, and will find that pace increasing over the course of the program.

Trust me when I say I know how hard it is starting out. And I'm not gonna lie, the first couple of days where there's no walking allowed were BRUTAL. But if you stick with it, you WILL get better. I'm on Week 9 of C25K and can maintain a 3-in, 3-out cadence for all but the final push I do at the end of a workout (which is maybe 300 yards tops). Even then, I don't go faster than would be comfortable at a 2:2 cadence.

Finally, I still can't say I LIKE running, but I love how much better it makes me feel afterward. I also like the time it gives me to let my mind wander and sort through whatever is bugging me at the time.

Stick with it and you'll get there!

jillyrose0711

When I run, I run for spurts until the breathing becomes an issue and I feel like I'm straining. Then I stop to walk for as long as I need to fully catch my breath, breathing in and out slowly through my nose. Then I go back to running. If you try this for 20-30 minutes without timing yourself or worrying about how long your "breaks" are, you should slowly be able to run for longer periods without even realizing it. At least that was my experience, as someone who has never experienced the "runner's high" and still feels like running is a chore

consideritdonemi

It took me a month to even be able to start to run. But I've found endurance running is boring for me, although I **do** like the intermittent HIIT 1 minute run/2 minute walk thing (15-20 mins of that with 5 mins each warm up and cool down). I especially like the fact that you don't have to put in as much time in to effectively burn decent calories. I agree with taking your running action outside on occasion. I bore easily so I have a few different parks with tree-filled/paved paths (Michigan has an excellent parks system). I am okay with the fact that I will never be a marathoner.

Cortneyrenee04

I was the same as you! About a year ago, I tried C25K and lasted about two weeks. I was miserable and I hated it. I was 195 pounds and it HURT! I restarted it lately, almost 15 pounds lighter and it feels so much better. So I can say it will definitely get easier as you lose weight and get some practice.

Today, I got some amazing new running shoes because I haven't been progressing the way I wanted. (I was sore for days after running.) I did so well but the last 5 minute run was a challenge. I had to tell myself that a few more minutes of being uncomfortable would pass and then I could be proud all day! Corny, but it's true!

It's wonderful to run outside, but no one will be watching you at the gym so don't worry!

tedsmama

I used to feel like I couldn't run. Now I feel like I cannot NOT run.

Amanda4change

lemonsurprise wrote: »

Any tips for the breathing? Is it normal to feel like your lungs can't keep up with you at the beginning?! I've never had this with any other cardio!

I still use what my high school cross country coach taught us. Seriously it works! Download some military cadence songs (there are tons on iTunes) chant along with them as you run. You don't have to do it out loud but it will regulate your breathing. In through your nose and out through your mouth. I even had my kids do it when they were running to train for sports.

whitehorse67

I had ACL reconstruction in my knee in 2007, so running is pretty uncomfortable for me. Plus, I feel uncoordinated while doing it n a treadmill.......I do think though, that running for 30 seconds to a minute each time will eventually put my mind at ease that my knee can handle it.

I would say.....try it for a short period each time you walk and then eventually it will get easier. For myself, the more weight I lose the easier I thin it will be to run.....and doing a %k is something that I think will make me feel like I have succeeded in my journey!

Good luck to you!.....you can do it!

0torque0

i hate running too. but i started off with a very light jog first, like a little faster than a fast walk. then after a week or two went between that and jogging faster. you got this, don't feel like you have to go from zero to marathon all at once. Once I dropped some weight running got easier and easier. Sounds like you have already dropped some too and it just keeps getting better. I still hate to run but it works on days i don't have time to ride my bike.

pmur

When you feel out of breath you are running too fast. Slow down. Start couch to 5k. Take it really slow. If you cannot hold a conversation whilr running, it just means you are going too fast. I tried and gave up many times before c25k. I started the c25k and gave up without even completing day 2. Then I found the c25k group here, followed all the tips and advices and nine months to the day of restarting the program I ran a half marathon. I know if I could do it, anyone can.

SLLRunner

lemonsurprise wrote: »

I do between 30-45 mins of cardio at the gym each day. No problems at all.
I push myself, sweat buckets, and enjoy it. Apart from when I try and run.
The whole thing is just awful. It's so uncomfortable, I feel like I need to be breathing way more than I'm actually able to, everything hurts and I feel so heavy and gross when I run. So far I've gone from 225 lbs to 190 but I don't feel like it's any easier AT all.
I've read so many times that very often people that get in to fitness discover a love for running, where is this love?!

Maybe running is not your thing. Nothing wrong with that.

socalkay

I agree with SSL. There's many other ways to get a good cardio workout besides running. Nothing wrong with opting for something else you enjoy more. The only time I ran was to stay in shape when I was in my 20's because I was a wildland firefighter. I hated every minute of running. It's just not my thing.

klkateri

I run for two reasons:
-Away from fires
-To the ice cream truck

Honestly, if you want me to run either chase me with flames or have Mr. Softee 5 feet in front of me the whole time.

brandiuntz

You've probably already been told this (haven't read all comments)...SLOW DOWN. Seriously, run way, way slower until you can breathe more normally and run longer. Don't be surprised if you run slower than you can brisk walk! It's okay. It's normal in the beginning.

It's the most common mistake most people make when first running (this includes me)....running too fast for your endurance level.

Following a C25K program or some other walk/run interval program will help you build up the endurance to run longer, and eventually faster. You'll be amazed at how quickly you do advance, once you get on a progression program and find the correct pace for yourself.

I took up running in January 2013, using a C25K program. I could maybe run for 2 minutes back then. Now, I'm training for my third half-marathon and my "short" runs are at least 3 miles.

Check out this excellent post with tips:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1217573