Trouble with running, is it just a mental thing?

jtheroux89

For as long as I can remember, I've been a terrible runner. I've never enjoyed it while I was younger, but in the past year or so I've been really trying to get outside and run. It's not like I'm in super terrible shape, but I can barely run outside for more than 3-4 minutes without having to walk. It's not like this is my first time going outside and running, I can try for weeks and I just can't run without stopping.

I've always wanted to run a 5k but I can barely run a mile. It's really frustrating, I can swim and swim without stopping and I'm fine on cardio machines. Am I mentally keeping myself from running for longer than 4 minutes? Do I convince myself that my body hurts and that I need to stop? This may seem vague but it's really been bothering me... any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

peaceinside

Ditto so BUMP!

kgarman

Like anything it takes practice. Since you haven't ran before, I suggest googling a C25k program. It uses walk/run intervals to help you build stamina. You have to begin somewhere. So start there.

jtheroux89

Like anything it takes practice. Since you haven't ran before, I suggest googling a C25k program. It uses walk/run intervals to help you build stamina. You have to begin somewhere. So start there.

I started it last year and stopped around week 5 because I had trouble running more than 5 minutes. Perhaps starting it over again and being consistent will work in my favor.

lizard053

I am the same! I always hated it. I can't run for more than a minute without gasping for air. But I'm doing a modified couch-2-5k program, focusing on running those one minutes for all I'm worth. Last workout I ran for 7 minutes. Although with 2 minutes of walking between each minute of running, but hey, that's something! I keep trying to beat my "distance" each workout. I'm using a treadmill, so it's easy to time the intervals.
It's so freeing to run. I'm really starting to enjoy it!

lizard053

Like anything it takes practice. Since you haven't ran before, I suggest googling a C25k program. It uses walk/run intervals to help you build stamina. You have to begin somewhere. So start there.

I started it last year and stopped around week 5 because I had trouble running more than 5 minutes. Perhaps starting it over again and being consistent will work in my favor.

My first time trying i stopped at week 2 because I couldn't run 2 minutes! LOL

jtheroux89

I am the same! I always hated it. I can't run for more than a minute without gasping for air. But I'm doing a modified couch-2-5k program, focusing on running those one minutes for all I'm worth. Last workout I ran for 7 minutes. Although with 2 minutes of walking between each minute of running, but hey, that's something! I keep trying to beat my "distance" each workout. I'm using a treadmill, so it's easy to time the intervals.
It's so freeing to run. I'm really starting to enjoy it!

That's great!! It's definitely hard to stay committed to a program when you feel like you're dying after a couple minutes, haha. I think I may start running on the treadmill again instead of outside to really track my intervals.

momof3and3

Running is a mental game...Try starting out at a slower pace than you usually do so it is super easy, that way you don't have an excuse to stop because it is really easy. Do this for a few days and slowly increase your pace....

Also try going out with a friend who runs and see if the "competiion" will keep you going...

You defintaley need to get your head into it, otherwise you'll always talk yoursefl out of it. I honestly HATE running, but I do it anyway...I ran 8.5 miles today and usually have to talk myself into doing it for the first 2 miles....

DannyMussels

I started running trails with an old friend of mine about 3 summers ago. My first time I think I made it about 8 or 9 minutes before having to stop and walk. Turns out I was about 50 meters from the end of the trail. So that was good motivation for next time, cause I KNEW I coulda made it to the end.

It was a chore for the first 3-4 weeks, some days I didn't wanna go. But with him calling every day or two, sorta pushing me, it really helped. He'd have us running the trail fully...then once and a bit...then twice. Before long our runs were regularly about 25-30 minutes.

I even went a few times after he moved away. I found it kinda relaxing.

Maybe that'll help you out a bit, maybe not.

betsyr13

I think the key is to run really slowly at first. Speed will come later, after you've built up your ability to cover the distance.

Also, I had trouble running for more than 2 or 3 minutes at a time until I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma and started taking meds for it...it was amazing the difference that made. All that time, I had thought I was just out of shape, but it turned out I just couldn't breathe. Now that I have the right meds, I can run 7 or 8 miles without stopping. You may want to check with your doctor to make sure it's not something along those lines.

cindyb6045

Hi
I am the same way. the whole time I run I keep telling myself I'm bored or when can I stop. I have always admired people who make it look fun and effortless.
Have you tried the C25K (couch to 5k) program? you can goggle it. I have tried that with success.

I have also joined a running club at a nearby store called the Running Room. I signed up for the 5k class and ran a 5k on New Years 2011 in a blizzard. It was a lot of fun! it help to have others to run with.


Check out running clubs in your area. Don't be intimidated I am 53yo and was the oldest in my class.

good luck

AlmstHvn

I've wondered the same thing... when I was a kid, I played on the church softball league. I was a really good hitter and catcher, but slow at running. I was going from 3rd to home and I heard my mom on the sidelines, laughing at me for being so slow.

That was 1978 and I haven't tried to run since. I'm pretty sure after 30+ years of telling myself I can't, I probably can't. It should take quite a miracle to get me running.

StephnElbow

MUSIC!!!!

its the only way i can keep running. if i dont have music i dont last more than 5 minutes either, but with it i can run and i dont even realize how long it has been

missigus

I used to run a lot before my knees went bad, but I really felt there was a mental aspect to it as well. Running is not a pain free experience, it at least it wasn't for me. There was a lot of pushing through to get to the point where your endorphins take over and it actually becomes comfortable, not easy but comfortable. I know i'd be hurting, lungs burning and then after 10 min or so of pushing through I'd feel like I could go for a long way, hit my stride so to speak, and got that feeling of perserverence. I was never a marathoner or anything but I ran a lot of 5ks and 10ks. If you are sure your not breathless because of asthma or something, or your not experiencing physical pain because of ill fitting shoes or bad joints, I'd say it's mental. Build slowly as another mentioned, follow a good 5k building program and keep pushing through. Eventually you should find your break-through spot, or your stride, when the endorphins kick in. Good luck- I miss running!

maidentl

Like anything it takes practice. Since you haven't ran before, I suggest googling a C25k program. It uses walk/run intervals to help you build stamina. You have to begin somewhere. So start there.

I started it last year and stopped around week 5 because I had trouble running more than 5 minutes. Perhaps starting it over again and being consistent will work in my favor.

My first time trying i stopped at week 2 because I couldn't run 2 minutes! LOL

If you can't complete a week, then just keep repeating it until you can. Nobody's keeping track except for you and it doesn't matter if you take longer than the nine weeks.

p.s. Slow down if you must! Endurance is more important than speed in the beginning.

lukeout007

Like anything it takes practice. Since you haven't ran before, I suggest googling a C25k program. It uses walk/run intervals to help you build stamina. You have to begin somewhere. So start there.

I started it last year and stopped around week 5 because I had trouble running more than 5 minutes. Perhaps starting it over again and being consistent will work in my favor.

I'm proof that C25K works. It is mental and I spend most of my runs trying to rationalize slowing down and walking...but then I tell myself that I'll never make any progress if I do that and I always finish my run. You can do it.

PlunderBunneh

MUSIC!!!!

its the only way i can keep running. if i dont have music i dont last more than 5 minutes either, but with it i can run and i dont even realize how long it has been

That's me. I have to have just the right song, too. Something with a strong beat that corresponds with my breathing and pacing, or I find myself holding my breath or run too fast, which of course causes me to tire out and fall over. Embarrassing.
Right now, my running song is Bust a Move, by Infected Mushroom. A good solid trance song, great for zoning out, and at 8 minutes long, I put it on repeat and don't really notice.

holmevik

+1 for C25K. The program worked beautfully for me. The first mile is always the hardest, after that it's usually smooth sailing. Best of luck to you!

bonjour24

I started out spending 2 weeks building up to start c25k! i measured myself going to 1 lamp post, walking 2, then built that up to running 2 lamp posts! then i started c25k.

music is a must- i listened to the chemical brothers- great beat and not too fast.

the trick to begin with is to go as slow as you can. speed comes with practice. i had to learn how to run- that sounds so stupid, but it's true! i started off going too fast. you have to learn how to stride, what body position is comfortable, etc.

but mostly it is a mind game. i suggest you start with c25k. and just do it! the thing is that you only need to do a run once, then you know you can do it again. that 20 minute run in week 7 or 8 seems like a huge thing, but you just need to remind yourself that thousands of other people have done this- so why not you too? and keep going. don't stop.

good luck to you.

joni

jtheroux89

I started out spending 2 weeks building up to start c25k! i measured myself going to 1 lamp post, walking 2, then built that up to running 2 lamp posts! then i started c25k.

music is a must- i listened to the chemical brothers- great beat and not too fast.

the trick to begin with is to go as slow as you can. speed comes with practice. i had to learn how to run- that sounds so stupid, but it's true! i started off going too fast. you have to learn how to stride, what body position is comfortable, etc.

but mostly it is a mind game. i suggest you start with c25k. and just do it! the thing is that you only need to do a run once, then you know you can do it again. that 20 minute run in week 7 or 8 seems like a huge thing, but you just need to remind yourself that thousands of other people have done this- so why not you too? and keep going. don't stop.

good luck to you.

joni

I definitely agree that music really helps and you're definitely right about the importance of learning how to run, I always feel awkward at first but after running/walking for a while it seems to get easier. Thanks for the advice!!

ljm0521

I have not read the previous responses, but just wanted to share my experience. I am a lot like you. I absolutely could not run more than a couple minutes. I really wanted to love running, but I couldn't get past it. Then my husband started heping me figure it out and he said the secret is to start slow. Like really slow. I felt silly at first, but it worked. When you start getting tired, slow down even more but don't stop. Within a couple months, I could run a 5K without stopping. It's been several months since then and I'm back in the "I want to love running, but can't" stage. Lol.

99cherrypie99

I started running in November 2010 at 289 pounds. I thought I would DIE after 2 minutes. I now am running regularly - my longest run is 8 miles so far. The best advice I got was SLOW DOWN. And when you feel like you're going so slow you're not moving, SLOW DOWN MORE.

It worked for me.

libland

I run/walk - 4 minutes running / 1 minute walking. I completed four half marathons using this method.

RepsnSets

I prefer to run on a treadmill than outdoors as the footpaths around here are dodgy. Also, you may need to have your running technique looked at. Sometimes being taught how to run correctly makes all the difference thus enjoying it more.

RepsnSets

I prefer to run on a treadmill than outdoors as the footpaths around here are dodgy. Also, you may need to have your running technique looked at. Sometimes being taught how to run correctly makes all the difference thus enjoying it more.

Forgot to mention. I did though first start out by running lamp post to lampost then walking to the next then after A while I was jogging to every third lamp post and walking the next when I decided to run on the treadmill I did it by running two minutes then walking one and running two and gradually changing the times before I knew it was was running 30 minutes straight.

Loseweight1980

Despite what missigus says, and this is no slam, running should not be painful. you have to focus on one foot in front of the other, breathe in and breathe out, one of the hardest things is getting the breathing part. I breathe on each foot fall, in for 2, then out for 2, that way, you don't end up gasping for air. And definitely slow, slow, slow. I started barely able to run for 1 minute and ended up doing 4 1/2 marathons in 3 years along with countless 5Ks, 10Ks, and a few other random races, triathlons, etc. It turned into something I could enjoy at times, even if I'm still not the kind of person who says, oh, I love running, can't live without it.

Lolamako

95% of it for me is mental. Some days I just can't get out of my head; This sucks, it's hard, you can stop, you're so slow, you can't do it.....I NEVER thought I would be able to run, I knew that if I put the work in, the cardio would come, but I didn't think I had the mental stregnth to actually commit to doing it enough to get better.

I started trail running, walking some, running some. Walking the up hills and flats, and running the downhills. Then I started to run the uphills and flats and waking the down hills, then one day running both. I remember not being able to imagine running this one loop without stopping, it seem IMPOSSIBLE. I went out one day, just planning on running as much as I could, and realized that if I got over this hill and didn't stop, no matter how slow I was going(I could have walked faster at this point) that that was the only thing standing between me and being able to say I DID IT!

The quote "Don't exchange what you want most, for what you want in the moment" has been my mantra while running. It takes time, and I think you're always going to have bad runs; runs where it is harder than it should be. But you need those lows to have the super highs that come with running.

Also, jumping rope, doing one minute intervals, has made me a MUCH faster runner.

TMJOHNS12

The one thing to remember is something a co-worker told me is that "every step you take is one more step futher than before". She is now been running for a couple of years now and lost a bunch of weight and has kept it off. She is now doing something she never thought she would do-running the Boston Marathon in April of this year! She is an inspiration to me! It got me to start running last year and ran my first 5K and she was there. I broke my ribs this past fall and now have just begun to run again and ran my first mile again last night and the first questions she asked me at work was how I did and I know to her a mile isn't anything but she knows that a mile to me is everything! Start slow, start slow, start slow. Even if you have to stop while you are running and start walking at least your trying! The more running you do, the better you will get.

katcod1522

I used to be that girl that hated to run. I would only run if a bear was chasing me..and then I only had to be faster than you..not the bear. Now..I am running my first half marathon in less than 4 weeks. I get grumpy if I dont run every other day. Even my kids notice. Its alot mental. You have to remember..you are only competing against yourself. A little further..a little harder..a little better time...every time.

tiptoeketo

I joined a community based 'Learn to Run' program last spring and went from couch to 5K in ten weeks. Having other people do it with me was really helpful, and also kept me motivated to do my running homework. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you! Maybe you could look into something like that?

mamaistired

I had problems with running, too. I have tried a program on iTunes called Personal Running Trainer. I just completed the 4 weeks to 1 mile program and am starting the 8 weeks to 5k program tomorrow. What I LOVE about this set-up is the slow start (more walking than running the first week) and building up as my strength and stamina improves, having a coach talking in my ear, training only 3 days per week, and a great beat to the techno music. It's worked great for me and I have tried many programs before without success. Check out the website at www.personalrunningtrainer.com