Struggling!

lizard053

Hi all you C25k-ers! I was wondering... I'm having a horrible time getting past 1min 15 sec for consistent running/jogging. I'm find the first minute, but by 15 seconds into the second I'm dying! My chest constricts, my ankles hurt, I even get dizzy sometimes. Even my heart rate jumps way up. I was wondering if anyone else is having a similar issue, or had it but worked through it. Looking for some advice, thanks!

helpmelose2011

I just posted this on my status - maybe it will help. I'm going to try this tonight to see if I can go longer without the "OMG I'm DYING say walk SAY WALK!!" Problem

Just thought Id share for all those starting the C25K plan. I wasnt landing right with my feet thus hurting my calfs & shins. http://video.about.com/running/Proper-Running-Form.htm

lizard053

I'm trying all sorts of things lately. I don't watch the time, but I can always tell when 1:15 to 1:20 hits. It just hurts!

I'm trying to use the chi running technique, where I land more on my arches (flatfooted), it helps prevent the shin splints. Haven't had any for a long time!

crystal8208

I just started and I'm breathing very hard and my shins kill after about 20 minutes. I made it 21 mins last night before walking the rest. How should you 'land' when running to prevent the splints? And how fast should you really go? I cannot keep a conversation going while running, but maybe I just really really out of shape????

lizard053

I average between 5.0 and 5.5 on a run/jog, and 3.0 to 3.5 for a walk. No way I could hold up a conversation! I'm gasping for air during the run and barely able to keep up with the walk. I can get a few words out after about a minute of walking. How fast to go depends on what my body can do. I'm up from jogging at 4.5. I just can't go that slow anymore! LOL!

Try to avoid hitting with your heels to avoid shin splints. Land further forward on your feet. I land right about on my arch most of the time, on the ball of my foot uphill. No shin splints in years! Chi Running is an excellent technique. I need to really re-read the book!

crystal8208

I'll have to try to remember to do that. I walk practically on my heels. I did that Dr. Schoal's thing where you put your feet on the sensors, and the front of my feet barely registered. :noway: Just big orange circles where my heels are. I'll try that. Good to know I'm not the only one gasping on W1. :laugh:

flabulous4

Lizard, maybe you need to slow down a bit, you don't sound comfortable if you're gasping for air. Don't worry about speed because you will get faster the more you run.
Are you on a treadmill? I don't like using treadmills because you can't vary your speed as naturally as if you were outside.

courtneymal17

Try running slower maybe? I've been doing most of them at somewhere in the 4 range, and I'm up to the 5 min runs....I tried to do every run on 4.5 today (2 3 mins and 2 5 mins) as compared to doing them on 4.0 on monday and I noticed a MASSIVE difference in how tired & out of breath i was after each time.

lizard053

Apparently something somebody said worked because I was able to do 2 minute runs today. All at 5.0. I want to get running outside, just haven't had a chance yet. The treadmills are much nicer in the sense that the environment is controlled. So I did 6 intervals of 2min run, 2 min walk. Plus walking to round out to 35 minutes. I know it's a lot, but I have a reason for the 35 minutes.

fourluvbugs

I'm glad things are going easier for you. I too was going to suggest that you slow down. When I was starting the C25K I read that if you can possibly run any slower, you are going too fast. The point is to just be able to do it now and that the speed will come later. Good luck!

Julialee123

Good job with getting to two minutes! It is amazing how hard those 2 minutes or 60 seconds can be starting out! I feel like sometimes my walking intervals have to be faster than my jogging! I run out side so I can not really gage my speed... I just know that speed will come later and getting through the runs is what matters now. Best of luck!

lizard053

Thanks! I'm trying to slow down, but I'm already stumbling over my own feet! I really can't go much slower! Still having issues towards the end of my run, but I'm so happy I finally made it to 2 minutes! My BF thinks I might have exercise induced asthma, as he's listened to my breathing and he should know as a former asthmatic himself! I keep forgetting to ask my doctor about it! LOL!

Next week, 3 minutes running!

mmsilvia

Glad to hear you were able to run to minutes now

I was going to ask if you checked your breathing while running. Make sure you are inhaling & exhaling. Nice breaths, not quick short breaths. Makes a difference.

Good luck!!!

ltlemermaid

gald to hear on your improvements. Just a bit of advise if and when you start running outside--it is a lot harder to do the same distance etc outside than it is on the treadmill--At least it was for me when I made the transition. The ground is not flat and it doesn't move helping you along....