Running: Why can't I do it?!

I can relate to you! I consider myself pretty fit, I lift four to five times a week and have no problem doing any other sort of cardio. I love plyometrics, kickboxing and strength and agility training. Running has always been my nemesis. The times I've attempted to condition myself, I've ended up with sore knees, aching shins and a broken spirit.

I recently joined a boot camp program to try and push myself to train in a way that I would not accomplish on my own. I don't mind sprinting, but running for anything more than a minute taxes me in a way that makes me feel completely unfit. While I run laps (obviously not literally) around my peers in my boot camp, I consistently find myself huffing and puffing at the very back of the group for our warm up run every morning at five thirty and can't seem to pace myself properly. I am quite discouraged.... like you, I've tried everything imaginable in an attempt to master a mere twenty minute run... or even jog, without almost falling out onto the floor. I'm not sure if it's that I just really dislike running or if there is a physical reason as to why I can't seem to make it happen.

I consistently find myself huffing and puffing at the very back of the group for our warm up run every morning at five thirty and can't seem to pace myself properly.

Pacing is hard! I always find myself running too fast; I have to consciously slow myself down. The treadmill helps with that in the short run, but in the long run I think it makes it more difficult because I forget what a "real" pace feels like.

Don't feel bad I found out at a young age that I was a short distance runner and my brother was a long distance runner. Now I walk. And I have done The Breast Cancer 3 Day (60 Miles in 3 Days). I know my brother couldn't do that running. lol. We are all different and it is okay not to be able to run. Enjoy being unique. Hope this helps alittle.

Have you ever been evaluated for asthma? Some forms (like what I have) are induced by exercise, and running is the hardest exercise for me. I've never had any stamina when I run, even though I've been training in tae kwon do for several years now and have increased my overall fitness level. Any kind of running was sure to bring on breathing trouble, even if I took my inhaler medication beforehand.

A few months ago I decided I was going to give running a real try, though. I tried the Couch to 5k program (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) beginning in December, and in April I ran my first 5k race. I wasn't blazing fast, but I ran the entire way at a steady pace, something I couldn't do a few months beforehand. I've noticed it increased my stamina for TKD training as well.

I still struggle running sometimes, because I have to pace myself and not go out too fast. A good runner's watch can help with that, or you can download podcasts to help keep you on a set pace. Still, if this asthmatic middle-aged lady can learn to run, I think anybody can.

I'd have to say its all in your head probably. I think about 90% of running is mental. If you think you're struggling, then your body will react in a defense mechanism and increase oxygen usage and heart rate to compensate. Once this happens, you're going to burn out too quickly. Try to relax during a run, talk to a person near you, hum a song in your head, just blank out, anything but think about how much you hate it or are struggling.

You will be amazed at the difference. Once I got this down running became very enjoyable.

I have never been a runner either, but recently decided I wanted to give it a try. I found a website www.coolrunning.com which has a great training guide "couch to 5k in 9 weeks". Also, if you have iTunes, there is a podcast by Robert Ullery, he has one for every week and he puts music with the vocal cues on when to run, walk, etc. It is basically interval training, where you run and walk 3 times a week, and each week the running increases a little. I am on week 2, and I am doing OK. i think the key is starting slow, making sure you don't go to fast at first, and make sure you rest in between each run. I have never been able to run more than a minute before I am heaving and feel like I am going to pass out, but I have been able to do this. The website is cool as well, with lots of articles and tips. Hope that helps.

You might not be warmed up properly. Seriously. I run a lot - earlier this year I was running about 30-40 miles / week (at the moment I'm recovering from an ultra-marathon and can only run about 4 miles before my knee hurts). But every single time, the first 2km (~1.5miles) is the hardest. It takes me at least 10 minutes of running uncomfortably before I get into my groove. After that, I can run all day (well the longest I've run is about 15 hours, but whatever). It still takes a long time to get into it. If I were with a group and they all took off, I'd be breathing hard to keep up with them for the first while.

Another thing I used to have was really tight achilles heels. You may need to stretch the running muscles more. That'd be glutes, hamstrings, calves, achilies.

I really became a runner because when I lived in rural China, I just loved running by the rice paddies between the lakes and mountains. If you run in a place that lets you slip into your zen, it can become a fantastic feeling. Good luck with it!