Beginner Runners
Replies
-
Whats wrong with breathing through your mouth?
Open Your Mouth
Your mouth is larger than your nostrils, so it's more effective at taking in oxygen. Also, keeping your mouth open keeps your face more relaxed, which makes it easier to breathe deeply.
from:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--12989-2-1-2,00.html0 -
I feel the same way, it is way harder to run, as opposed to using an elliptical. I can last about 1/2 mile, very slow pace, but really want to work up to a 5K by November. I hope it becomes easier and less painful with more weight loss. Maybe try to supplement with other cardio activity to improve your endurance and work other muscle groups...0
-
I just ran my very first 5km race today.
Believe me. You CAN do this!
I have never been a runner on my life. Always kinda loathed it, actually. I'm much happier walking. BUT- I wanted to be able to say I could do it. Even just once. I've been training myself since the beginning of June. It was horrible at first. I could barely make it through without wanting to collapse on the pavement. But I stuck with it. I did have to stop for about a week and a half after developing runners knee. I just wasn't stretching enough, was all. Once I was back on track, I just kept plodding along. Sometimes I needed to repeat a set of runs etc. but here I am...today...and I ran 5 km!!!
Start slow. Take as long as you need because there's no rush. Go to cool running and download their 8 or 9 week program for a C25K and modify it as you see fit. If a particular run is a struggle, try repeating it a couple times before you move to the next level. I did that a lot!
Pace is also important. I found that I tried to run too fast and had to keep slowing myself down so that I would have the endurance to go for 5km as well. I'm running a 10 minute mile now and I'm happy with that. But when I was training, there were many days when I ran a 12minute mile...or longer. Just as long as I kept running and moving those feet, I didn't care how fast or slow I was going. So many days I wold be chanting in my head over and over: "just keep going. It doesn't have to be sexy. You just have to keep going!"
The other thing I did was to do cross-training. So I alternated my running days with days of biking and took the occasional day off to let my muscles rest. You need to take the occasional day for rest. Trust me. It will make you feel SO strong the next time you run!
Stick with it! If I can do it, so can you!!!0 -
Whats wrong with breathing through your mouth?
Open Your Mouth
Your mouth is larger than your nostrils, so it's more effective at taking in oxygen. Also, keeping your mouth open keeps your face more relaxed, which makes it easier to breathe deeply.
from:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--12989-2-1-2,00.html
I always thought this too and make an effort to breathe through my mouth and maximize oxygen intake.
If it's the other way well then.0 -
i just finished C25K W2D3 this morning. i weigh 390 pounds and have ALWAYS hated running!! BUT, this time is different!! I tried C25K a couple of months ago, but I decided I was in shape enough to skip straight to week 2 ... EPIC FAIL!! this time i have commited to doing the program exactly as its laid out!! and right now, i am SO EXCITED!! i actually WANT to run every day!! i get so excited on my days to run!! fight for it!! don't quit ... don't give up ... KEEP GOING!! we ALL can do this!!0
-
you can do this! I could not run one lap and I decided to set a goal to run 1/2 marathon. I found Hal Higdon website, there you will find his beginners guide to running and a training program . he has a program for 5k 1/2 marathon full marathon etc. I followed it exactly and was able to run the entire 1/2 marathon without stopping. When you are training just remember this is for you and no one else. if you can only run 1 lap then walk the rest do that. thats what i did. if you start running and feel like you need to stop then stop! run/walk run! that is the key .. I was always told by other runners to not pay attention to the way you breath concentrate on running and breath however you are comfortable. Good luck you can do this... you will be at the finish line in no time
0 -
I was gonna' make sure that you were really starting with C25k and not bridge to 10k, but it sounds like you are!
I should have made myself more clear. Yes, I'm starting with 5K, which will LEAD to 10K way in the future.
0 -
Congrats! Are you going to do the 10K challenge?0
-
I've always heard to breathe through you're nose. And when I see runners, no one is breathing through their so I just assumed I was breathing the wrong way. Plus, my throat gets dry and becomes a little sore.0
-
bump for help0
-
I've always heard to breathe through you're nose. And when I see runners, no one is breathing through their so I just assumed I was breathing the wrong way. Plus, my throat gets dry and becomes a little sore.
You might not be drinking enough during the day if this is happening to you. Focus on getting in lots of water. But if you live in a dry climate (arizona, new mexico, desert) this might be inevitable. You could try something like Quench Gum?
Some people do recommend breathing through the nose for this reason, but I think if you're running out of air it's not working for you. Either that or you're going way too fast.0 -
If you are running the same path each day (like a jogging path or maybe your neighborhood) instead of looking at "times" choose areas to run to. for example when I was running I would say Ok i am going to run from this light pole all the way to that fire hydrant before I walk again, then the next day from the light pole to the mailbox (a little farther) etc etc.
That really helped me be able to run longer rather than staring at a watch or timer and thinking OMG 30 more seconds,...I cant do it!!0 -
I started running again a few months ago, without using couch to five k but using the same basic principles(start slow, work up, take your time, etc). Everyone has already told you exactly what I would have told you! Stick at it, be patient, it works.
And welcome to the happiest thing in the world.0 -
I agree with the posters who have said slow down. If necessary slow down to just over walking speed. Concentrate on getting through the program rather than speed; that will come later as you progress. The first day of the new week on the program is always the hardest, but the following two usually seem easier.0
-
"Ease into 5k" is the app I'm using, and I love it! The first week started pretty simple running times were 30, 45 & 60 seconds. Then they creep up... I'm in the middle of week 4, and I'm running for 6 minutes at a time! I still can't believe it! LOL!
The best part is trying to beat your pace from the last workout, or feeling that the running segments are getting a little bit easier. I'd suggest you move down to a 5k program. You might find it more suitable for your level.
I will definitely be looking into this app...I have downloaded couch to 5k....and I"m nervous...I've never been a runner...but I'm going to try!!0 -
I'm hoping to be ready for a 5k this November too!! Good luck
0 -
Keep trying. I have been doing C210K for a few months now. I was not a runner to begin with and spent about 2 weeks on Week 1 and then 2-3 weeks on Week 6. Just keep going with that same day until you feel comfortable enough to move on to the next day.0
-
I used to be very fit and into most sports (I was training to become a pro footballer or at least that was the dream when I was diagnosed with a disease in my knee and stopped me playing all sports overnight!) The last 5k run I did about 6 years ago I finished in 11 mins! Id love to be able to do it again but so far Im not allowed to run at all under doctors orders as I just had an MRI on my knee. Once I get the go ahead Im going to start again real slowly - its a process and if you have to do the first week a few times over then do it, it wont happen overnight but with willpower you will get there!0
-
If you are running the same path each day (like a jogging path or maybe your neighborhood) instead of looking at "times" choose areas to run to. for example when I was running I would say Ok i am going to run from this light pole all the way to that fire hydrant before I walk again, then the next day from the light pole to the mailbox (a little farther) etc etc.
That really helped me be able to run longer rather than staring at a watch or timer and thinking OMG 30 more seconds,...I cant do it!!
This is what I have started doing. I don't have any apps - just have decided to start jogging a little bit. My walk in the morning is only 1.7km. I run a block, walk a block and if I need more time to breathe or drink I take it. Slow and easy wins the race hehe0 -
The longest time I could go without stopping is around a 90 seconds. I feel so embarassed about it.
I'm more or less in the same boat as you. I tried running at gym today for the first time in over a decade and I only managed to go for about 2 minutes before I started to get a stitch, plus my pants are a bit loose from losing weight so they started to fall down and I had to stop.
But I actually ran!
My advice is keep trying I guess. I've seen people bigger than I am running for longer than I can. It they can do it so can I and so can just about anyone else.
I guess all it takes is practice.
When I first started trying to lose weight I couldn't really walk very far and it took a long time as I walked so slowly. I eventually started going to gym and riding the bikes there and worked my way up to the elliptical and now that I've conquered that I think being able to run for extended periods of time is the final frontier.0 -
When I started couch to 5k six weeks ago I could hardly run the 60 seconds, on week three I decided to repeat it because I couldn't face week four. Now I can run for 20 minutes without stopping, and without finding it uncomfortable. We do go a different route though, with less of a hill, no way could I do it with the big hill we usually run up, that's a killer!
You can do it, if I can do it anyone can do it, I've always been so rubbish at running but have discovered I could actually be quite good at it once I've lost weight, I've got a good pace and I'm really quite strong.0 -
I am on my last week of C25K. I registered for my first 5k - a Labor Day Weekend run near my home.
When I started I really struggled and I still struggle. Running three miles is hard if you have never done it before. Running for 90 seconds is hard if haven't done it for a while.
If you look on line you will find that the advice is to walk fast and run slow, really slow. It is good advice. The program is to get you to finish a 5k NOT win a 5k. You just have to keep moving. If you are having trouble, slow down. Each day do a little more for a little longer.
I now run 3 miles in 30 minutes most days. I do this on a treadmill; when I do it outside it is slower and shorter. When I don't do one of these I run for 20 or 30 minutes on a treadmill more slowly but with varying inclination. I keep track of my heart rate and calories with an HRM.
My advice may sound a bit pollyanna-ish but it has gotten me back on the treadmill each day. Do not be discouraged by what you did today. Be encouraged that what you did today, no matter how tough it was, is better than what you did yesterday. Tomorrow will be a little harder but you can do that too.0 -
Ugh, it's so hard trying not to breathe through my mouth. I'll be a lot more persistent next time.
I always breathe through my mouth when I'm jogging. It's not a bad thing - just get into a rhythm. I think that in thru the nose, out thru the mouth thing is something to work on later... For now I just do what's easiest.
In week 1 I was jogging at a 16min/mile pace (which most people can walk faster than!), this morning I hit a 13min/mile pace. It just takes practice. And you really have to want to get out there and push yourself to be better than you were the day before. Whether it's running for a longer period of time, resting for a shorter period of time, going farther or quickening your pace - there are small victories that should encourage you get get out there for the next workout. I go every other day and I really look forward to it now. When I started it was burdensome, but it becomes a habit and something to enjoy! 0 -
Do NOT give up! I'm now considered a runner and less than a year ago, the thought of running 3 miles or even 6 was a steep hill I never thought I could conquer. Just keep trying and do what you can. Jog a little, walk a little. Start with C25K, I know a lot of people who have had major successes with the program.
My training buddy, who recently ran a 1/2 with me, was in the same boat. She couldn't even run for more than 30 seconds when she started back to running after having kids.
Just keep at it, before you know it you'll be running marathons. 0 -
My husband is a runner and when I first started running, he gave me some tips, as did my marathon-running boss: (1) start your run SLOW (think "buffalo shuffle"), (2) make small goals for yourself at the beginning - e.g. go three light poles, walk to the next, do three more, get to that far mailbox, etc., (3) breathe in through your mouth and out through your nose to get the most oxygen possible, (4) buy new running clothes that you'll be excited to wear/use (I buy Tec-Wick stuff since it's super breathable and bought a fancy water bottle), (5) commit - I downloaded the C25k podcasts to help me work up to a 5k, (6) be accountable - I run with my dog and if I don't take him out, I feel oober guilty so that guilt helps keep me motivated. :-) (7) do a brisk 3-5 minute warm-up and cool-down walk to help keep your muscles safe.
Keep at it - make every day a little harder than yesterday and you'll QUICKLY see results.
Oh - one thing that's also helped me is to make a schedule of my workouts, put them on my Google calendar, and also put a copy on the fridge to help deter me from snacking, and to remind me of my goals all day.
Best of luck and we'll be here to support you!!! :-)0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.2K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 421 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions