Running Question - Please Help?

saltorian

I was really looking forward to my early morning run this morning. I'm very new to running, but it's been rewarding so far and it gives me goals to focus on other than weight loss. Even though I felt good when I got up and walked down to the track, my energy bottomed out wicked bad once I got started.

I was hoping to run a mile straight (this is a new accomplishment for me but I'm trying to get my time down to 10 minutes or less). Sadly, I only ran half a mile (in about 5 minutes) before I was winded and my body felt heavy. I stopped and walked a lap, then ran one more lap before I felt I just didn't have it in me.

What happened? I feel like I've been doing well building up my endurance and I used Sunday as a rest day. Was I so tired because I'm not used to sustaining this pace? (When I do run the whole mile, my time is closer to 12 minutes.) Or did I not eat enough yesterday? Maybe I should have eaten or drank something before going down to the track??

Help me out, please!

cynthials

I would wonder first about dehydration. Some days are just better than others, don't let it get you down.

k2d4p

Maybe it is because you are not a morning running person. I run much better after I have been up for a little bit. I get up at about 0400 and I don't run until about 0500. I need to wake up first or I just don't have the energy.

splashwags

I would work on getting the mile down first, and feel good about that, and then work on cutting time. As my running teacher told us this spring focus first on the mileage. Its good that you are giving yourself a day of rest. Are you doing any strength traing?

kmeekhof

Maybe you were going at a pace that was too quick for you for now. Running is a mental game for me... somedays I can go 6 miles without stopping, other days I feel like I can barely do 2.
I would suggest eating a small complex carb 30-60 minutes before your workout. You aren't doing your body any favors by not eating, especially when you get into longer workouts. It is impossible for your body to burn pure body fat (why some people exerxise on an empty stomach). You'll be suprised how much energy even a banana will give you!

kje2011

work slowly into it.
I am not a committed runner, but I try to run in the mornings too. I warm up for a minute or two, then run 1 min, fast walk 1 min and repeat. 12min mile. I'm happy with this result so far, and it feels good in the am (when it;s done,lol)
You may then do 2min run and 1 min brisk walk etc., then 3minutes and so on and so on and so on.
Good luck,
have fun!

Nikstergirl

Try doing short bursts instead of an all out pace to get you faster. Moving from 12 minute miles to 10 minute miles is a huge jump and one that takes months to really get good at. I wouldn't push it that fast that quick! Also adding mileage (or time) instead of speed is often encouraged before you worry about how fast you run. I could run 6 slow miles (13-14 min average) and now can run it at about 10:45, but it took me months to do that!!!

In other words, get realistic about your goals. Not that you won't be able to run a 10 minute mile, but maybe not today!

LorinaLynn

The weather can make or break you, too. Not sure how it was in upstate NY this morning, but in northeast PA, it was crazy humid when I was running, especially as the sun came out and any leftover moisture from last night's rain turned to steam.

merrillfoster

I have days like this too. I max out at about 2.5 miles before I feel like dying, but some days I just can't get into it at all. The other day my legs felt like lead, it was SO hard and I ended up walking part of it. I think everyone has days that they just aren't feeling, don't beat yourself up over it and get back to it next time!

Noonoo757

I always make sure I'm super hydrated so the night before I drink lots of water the morning of I have a protein bar or shake about 2 hours prior an couple sips of water. I make sure I stretch a lot then to start out I warm up by walking a lap first then make sure I'm pacing myself an controlling my breathing to do that I sing while I run or listen to music I can keep pace with I do about 3 miles a day. It's diff for everyone though could be just a bad day so don't beat itself up ok. Hang in there it gets greater later

saltorian

Moving from 12 minute miles to 10 minute miles is a huge jump and one that takes months to really get good at. I wouldn't push it that fast that quick! Also adding mileage (or time) instead of speed is often encouraged before you worry about how fast you run.

I guess I didn't know it was such a big step! I was all proud and surprised I when I realized I could even *run* an entire mile, so I guess I thought maybe I'd surpass my expectations again. Beyond that, thanks for the advice. Most of my runs are geared toward increasing total time / distance, but every once in a while I get a craving to try a faster one.

saltorian

Also, thanks, everyone for all the encouragement and advice! I'm pretty new at this, so I need all the help I can get. Please feel free to friend request me if you wouldn't mind supporting me!

phitme

Jumping from 12 mins to 10 is huge. It doesn't seem like it shuld be right? But it really is.

As far as food, I have found that my most favorite pre run snack is 1 piece of toast (or a 1/2 a sandwich thin), 1 TBSP peanut butter and about 1/2 a banana. Since turning to this as my fuel, I am feeling much better on my longer runs.

I'm a newbie too but I am really enjoying the process. Good luck.

rybo

Most likely it was due to the increased pace you attempted. That is really the only thing changed, you tried to go faster.
Stay at the slow pace so that you can build up running longer. That in itself will help you run faster, once you have the endurance to go longer.

As far as eating/not eating, that's really just personal preference. I got up and went for a really long run this morning without eating and didnt feel any different than the mornings that I do eat. I actually may have even felt a little better.

arc918

My $.02 - no way hydration or food should be a factor at that duration & distance.

Slow it down and build your endurance, then worry about speed.