Why can I not run?

Try couch to 5k (C25K). This is how I started running at 50. The program is slow and easy but it works build the stamina and lung capacitiy before you know it you are running 30 mins.

Small spurts of running helped me. I started with Couch to 5K training program and it helped me. I finished the program but now that I am outside instead of on a treadmill it is a bit different so I'm still doing run-walk spurts.

the 'feeling wrong' could very well be the shoes you are wearing just aren't the right ones for you to run in.

But try the C25K program - I started running at 40 with it. I had never been able to run more than 30 seconds before I started it. I ran for 30 minutes straight yesterday.

If you really want to start running, look into visiting a running store, and get fitted for proper shoes. They can make a world of difference.

Remember to go slowly. Try the Jeff Galloway run/walk method. It helped me complete a quite a few half marathons. I'm using it to help me get back to running. I did not run during the 2012 due to a spiral ankle fracture in April 2012. I was a long distance runner in high school and realized that i needed to change my running method. I would also go to a running store and get fitted for the correct shoes. I find that the big box stores are not the best place to get fitted for shoes. They often cannot tell you if you are over or under pronated. Whereas usually in the smaller/local specialized running stores, the employees/owners are runners and very well versed and willing to spend the time to help you find the correct shoes. Good luck. And most important don't give up.

i hated running but using a HIIT program has made it more manageable, and i can vary this up to higher levels or for longer time, depending on my workout that day. Couch to 5K is basically the same thing - once you get started you'll see how easy it is:

For example:
warm up at level 1 for 1 minute, level 3 for 1 minute
1 minute at level 5
2 minutes at level 1
repeat 4 times.
cool down

that's what i just did last week. just have to ease into it with different intervals, not straight out run for as fast as you can, as long as you can! :happy:

Oh boy! I could have posted this. I too played soccer in high school and college. I loved it. I played the sweeper position and ran pretty much the entire length of the field for the entire game. Of course that was 30+ years ago, when I was a 120 lb 18 year old.

Now, I'm a 220lb 50 year old woman. I want to run - I have a new puppy, an Australian Cattle Dog, and she will require intense physical activity to keep her happy when she gets older. I envision the two of us running miles around our small community.

But before I can do that, I have to learn to run again. I decided to start a C25K program last week, but running feels so awkward - I feel like an elephant plodding around the track. I couldn't even to W1D1 - I'm in such bad shape.

I have since joined Anytime Fitness and have gone 4 times in the last 6 days. I just stick to the treadmill for now. I am working on increasing my stamina and endurance. I will be ready to try C25K again in about 1-2 weeks, and I know I will be ready for it. We can do this.

A lot of people have had success with C25K.

When I tried to get going a month ago I couldn't seem to get anywhere with it, unfortunately. Not everyone is physically able to start in the same place of course. As I'm only able to jog for 15 seconds at a time before I'm rolling on the ground grabbing my burning knees and gasping for air while pleading for help as people run past, I need a remedial C260S (Couch to 60 Seconds) plan first. :ohwell:

But yes, the principle remains the same whether you're able to jog for 6 seconds or 60: alternate low-intensity and high-intensity (in relative terms) to build up the duration of your high-intensity phases.

I used to play soccer.....ok, some 25 yrs ago and could run. Now I am walking but want to start running and I just cannot do it. :frown: It seems when i start to run, and not at a fast pace, i am flat footed or something and it just feels wrong. I went for a walk today and tried to run and all I could do before it hurt and I could not breathe was 3 houses. This is depressing. help, please!!

Try going in to a REAL running store to have your gait evaluated for the right kind of running shoe, and ask if they can please take a look at your form and give you some basic pointers. I too felt like I was doing something wrong and with a few minor tweaks to my form and the right running shoes, running felt SO much more natural.

That said, it's just going to feel weird for awhile until you get used to it. You will get there!

Good shoes.
Loose clothing.
Proper form - make sure you're not bending over a little bit, it cuts off proper air flow

Three houses is fine to start. Then walk five. Run three. Walk five.
Before you know it, you'll be running the entire way.

We've all experienced this. just keep doing it.