I can do anything BUT run. Help?

amvanwin

So I am by no means in shape. I am 24, 5'6, and 237 lbs. I work out anywhere from 4-6 days a week for 30-90 minutes and I enjoy it. I can go to the gym and bust my *kitten* on the elliptical for an hour and burn over 700 calories easy. I can lift, ride a bike, do the stair-master, take a step or zumba class (even though it's not pretty) but I can't make myself run...shin splints, cramps, my foot falls asleep, etc. I couldn't even run as a teenager...

I want to be a runner...I am not even so ambitious that I want to run a marathon, I would be happy if I could run a mile straight! So I got new shoes, strapped on a couple of sports bras, got a few running apps and headed out. Today was week 1 day 1 of the C25K app (you jog 60 seconds and walk 90), I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. I managed to make it through but I really suffered.

I guess the point is, am I doing something wrong? Will it get easier? Anyone else been in my shoes and can now run? I just need advice.

KANGOOJUMPS

but,,, YOU CAN RUN!
I started at 40...
and I am in the best shape of my life!

Ninkyou

What kind of shoes did you get? Are they running shoes? Or walking shoes? For me, cross-trainers helped take away my leg pain. I tried running shoes and the leg pain comes back. So yeah, It was like magic.

Also, it could be too much too soon. This was my case 8 weeks ago. I tried day 1 of C25k and couldn't even make it through 7 minutes of it. I was in sooooooo much pain. So I went to my doctor. She said to slow down and ease into it by starting to walk. So I did. I started to walk, and I'd walk, and I'd walk. I've been walking since July 4th. I now walk 3.5 miles everyday. Yesterday, I finally decided to make a serious attempt at c25k again. I succeeded. I did the whole damn thing. And I did Day 2 today. I won't lie, it's still hard. But it's nowhere near what it was the first time I tried it.

So yea, the short of that is, start building yourself up to it. Start walking first and then when you've got that down, try doing c25k again.

3dogsrunning

You probably took the jog sessions too fast. The whole point of c25K is to learn to pace yourself properly. So run SLOW. Slower even than a quick walkiing pace. That's what I did (I've never been a runner either) and I found that while it was hard to get used to, it actually did help bring that endurance up. As you go, you'll naturally be able to quicken your pace, so don't push it.

Enjoy c25K! It really did improve my self-esteem, to know that I could run even though I never thought I could.

Yup, this.

One of the common things you hear about running (not just running but it applies well) - whether you think you can or can't, your right". The mental side of running is hard at the best of times, add in getting used to it physically makes that harder.

The number one mistake people make is going too fast. Don't be afraid to slow down, speed comes later.

I always thought I couldn't run. I even went to my doctor to see if there was something wrong with me because it was so difficult. Her answer - running is hard. I didn't have a choice, I needed to pass a fitness test, so I ran through it.

Keep going, don't be afraid to repeat weeks of C25K. It will come.

amvanwin

I did go slow...slower than when I was walking...it's just so frustrating because I can do so much more during other activities. My husband says I probably have "bad form"...maybe I need running lessons! lol

Hezzietiger1

It will get easier.. as the weight comes off and also as your muscles, joints, and lungs adjust to the movement. Just keep practicing. If you need to stay at week 1 for a few weeks, stay at week 1.. but always try to add more running less walking til you are ready for week 2. Push yourself but don't kill yourself! Also practice breathing. I struggled for a long time and finally figured it out. Try breathing in for 2 counts and out for 3.

_HeartsOnFire_

I have shin splints, asthma and just started running. If you have a smart phone search for couch to 5k apps. Or if it's better for you find a local group that trains for that. I found Zen Labs C25K on my iPhone and LOVE it. I can listen to my own music. The first time I didn't complete all the jogging (it'll say start running, but in the instructions at the top it says to jog). Then the next time I did it I was able to do a little more. I got to week 2 day 2, and had to stop because I had the wrong shoes. Last night I restarted it and did the whole Week 1 Day 1 from beginning to end.

First thing to do is go to a local running store and have them fit you for shoes. I needed shoes that helped with more stability. So do that, get good shoes, get a C25K app or group in your city and start off slow. If the shin splints bother you then take 3 ibuprofen 30 minutes before and that will help (those were my doctor's instructions to me).

3dogsrunning

I did go slow...slower than when I was walking...it's just so frustrating because I can do so much more during other activities. My husband says I probably have "bad form"...maybe I need running lessons! lol

You can't compare it to other things. I don't find running compares to the stair climber or elliptical at all.
I was a good runner, then I got in the pool, I couldn't swim a lap (due to cardio, not a form issue). People who could out swim me, couldn't run. You are asking your body to do something different, it takes time. A good cardio base helps, but it doesn't mean it should make running come easy.

jvincent1976

You can do it and it will get easier, just stick with it. How fast did you run? I began running in March. I am 5'9" and was about 230 at the time. I am 36 years old. I started with a couch to 5K app as well. When I ran, I ran at a 4.5-5.0 mph pace. The first time I had to run 8 minutes in a row I thought I was going to die. I stuck with the program and by the end of the 8 weeks I could run for 36 minutes without stopping. In June I ran my first official 5K race (my profile pic is me at the starting line.)

I really enjoy running now. (I HATED it when I started.) It helps me clear my head, and lets me just zone out to the music for a while. I am not fast- I enjoy my 12 minute mile pace and have no desire to go faster- but I do run about 3 times a week and I miss it when I can't fit it in. It has been almost five months since I started running and I have dropped about 30 pounds. It really made a difference in my weight loss journey. But what has been the absolute best was how proud I felt when I crossed the finish line of that 5K. It was awesome. So awesome I have already signed up to run another 5K this fall.

ETA: I agree with the poster who said you should go get fitted for running shoes at a running store. They look at your feet, how you walk, what your tread looks like on your current shoes and fit you with the right type of shoe. Then they let you walk/run on the treadmill in the store to make sure they are the right ones. The right running shoe makes all the difference!

redheaddee

You probably took the jog sessions too fast. The whole point of c25K is to learn to pace yourself properly. So run SLOW. Slower even than a quick walkiing pace. That's what I did (I've never been a runner either) and I found that while it was hard to get used to, it actually did help bring that endurance up. As you go, you'll naturally be able to quicken your pace, so don't push it.

Enjoy c25K! It really did improve my self-esteem, to know that I could run even though I never thought I could.

In for food for thought. Been kicking around the idea of adding running a couple days a week.

kristyb1982

Yes, it will get easier. I was 245 lbs when I started doing C25K. I couldn't even make it all the way through day one. I am now on W6D2. It is the last day of intervals before straight running. I agree that you probably need to slow down your running pace. I am not kidding when I say that fast walkers could pass my jog when I started. Something that really helped me was to buy a heartrate monitor and really pay attention to my range. If I got out of the high end of my range, I knew I needed to slow down. Don't give up on this. You can definitely do it!

ellen_kay

I run at the speed of a turtle, but I am running. C25K had helped me tons. I was a walker before I attempted the C25K , so yes I had the endurance part built up. Just take it slow and easy. Your are not in a race with anyone but yourself.

beachlover317

I started at 55. I started by alternating running and walking. Slowly I built up to running and today I can run for 42 minutes on a treadmill. I did my first run on an outdoor track yesterday.

Not sure how to address the problems, but if you really want to run - you have to keep at it. Good luck!

tennyllia4

As I tell everyone, ROUTINE ROUTINE ROUTINE....Running is like a job the more you do it the easier it gets. NO, day 1 will not be easy neither will week 1 or probably even week 2 or 3 but in time with a ROUTINE running will become EASIER. So if this is real* make it happen : )

gmallan

I did go slow...slower than when I was walking...it's just so frustrating because I can do so much more during other activities. My husband says I probably have "bad form"...maybe I need running lessons! lol

You could possibly take videos of yourself running and consult a physio or specialised running coach for a running assessment. This will be the easiest way to tell what you need to work on.

Further, it's taken me a looonnnnggg time to come to the conclusion that I don't need to run, at least not the way I thought I had to. I was convinced for the longest time that I needed to run a half marathon to be considered fit. I don't really enjoy long steady running so now I choose not to do it any more. I feel free. Although I still plan on doing sprint sessions and I play sport.

_HeartsOnFire_

It will get easier.. as the weight comes off and also as your muscles, joints, and lungs adjust to the movement. Just keep practicing. If you need to stay at week 1 for a few weeks, stay at week 1.. but always try to add more running less walking til you are ready for week 2. Push yourself but don't kill yourself! Also practice breathing.

Add me if you like.

My C25K always has you walking for 5 minutes first. As the one poster said, push yourself, but don't kill yourself. So do what you can, because the next time believe it or not, you'll be able to do more. You can repeat the same one as many times as you need to move on. The app I got the first 3 were the exact same workout. I now love it. I never thought I'd ever be a runner or even love doing it!

SteffiIreland

Hi there, I have tried to start running for many years and have given up more than I can count! For exactly the same reasons you're posting here.
I could walk faster than I ran - and some people just couldn't understand how that works! But my breathing let me down, and if I had a cold in winter I was knocked out for 3-4 weeks and had to start from scratch. Frustration doesn't even begin to describe it.

Eventually I decided to listen to my body, not compare myself to others, and it seemed I just needed more time - so that's what I can really recommend - give it time, stick with it and go small, tiny steps and goals, one by one.
I have first done a walking marathon last year - all the 42km of a normal marathon, just walking - and my goal was to finish in 7 hours and I did. That's a 10min/km walking speed - not super-fast for sure, but keeping it up for 7 hours was the key. I built my stamina over a good 6 months and it improved a lot. Besides any excess weight just falls off you.
This year I did a massive charity hike in Scotland (5 hrs up, 4 hrs down) - mainly to have a goal to train to, and to push myself and see what I can do or can't.
I thought in both events I'm going to die, but I just kept going... your body can do amazing things, it's all in the head!!

So a few weeks ago I signed up for my first proper running event, a half-marathon next year. I am giving myself a good 8 months to train properly for it, as I want to finish and enjoy it a little bit too, rather than see it as a chore and be scared... I currently do a "pre-training" training plan over 8 weeks for people who haven't been running in a long time. Works out well so far.

So my top tips after years of endless failed running attempts:
1. Go slowly, and don't be ashamed to go slowly, if you can run for half an hour at some point you're a runner no matter if you run a slow 10min/km pace. Ignore what others might say.
2. Stick with it, no matter what weather or whatever excuse might pop in your head. Results will show, they really will. Believe in yourself.
3. Set yourself a goal. Anything goes. While running, run a bit faster to that next tree; while planning for the next weeks, set yourself a 5km challenge. Don't look at your watch too much, just go meter by meter and finish it. It will work out eventually!!
4. Make sure you stretch after each run and don't neglect your joints; run on grass if you can, and cross-train with low-impact exercises if you feel pain coming up. Never run on 2 consecutive days, give your body time to adapt those muscles and tendons, and *listen to your body*.
5. Have fun!!! If it's all just a chore, it's ****. Meeting small goals brings fun, sharing success does, and buying new and shiny running gear is great. The feeling when you've completed a really good training run is priceless, keep that firmly in your mind.

I also agree with the focus on the breathing mentioned before - but that's very individual. Counting breaths in and out works for me too until I found my rhythm (after 5-ish mins, when the calves stop burning and you resisted the temptation to stop and go back on that sofa ;-). If you run in a nice and steady motion, I find it ultimately very relaxing despite being completely done afterwards, breathing like a steamtrain and looking like a sweaty pig :-) Who cares!?

I am very determined this time to keep training and really watch what I'm eating as I found it helps your stamina - that's why I'm on this site as I am very good at snacking and eating too much chocolate....

Hope that helps a but - keep it up, good luck and all the best!!
Stephanie

megan020103

I feel the same! I am so active and do just about everything, but I HATE running. I completed Insanity a couple times - but couldn't run! I absolutely hate it! It is seriously hard - hard to breath and high impact. Well, I signed up for a 4k so I have no choice but to run. Nothing like a goal to keep you going. Turns out - I CAN run and so CAN you!. I'm not super fast or anything but I can make it 2.5 miles in about 27 mins. I find the best way is to start out at a comfortable pace - whether it is walking or a light jog for 2 - 3 mins. Then, sprint (as fast as you can manage giving it all you got) for 1 minute or as long as you can manage. Then keep alternating between sprint and recovery. Gradually, you will be able to run harder for a longer period of time. It is still a challenge and way out of my comfort zone but that is where strength and change comes from! Good luck!