Trying to Start Running & I Need Help.

gloryjay
gloryjay Posts: 11 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys!

So here's the background: I'm 19 years old. Pretty much my entire life I've been overweight. I've never been able to play sports like all the other kids could, and so I sat off on the sidelines watching everyone play, wishing I could do the same. I'm 5'2", and my heaviest was about 2 years ago when I hit 168/169. It was awful, but recently I've dropped a fair amount of weight, but I would like to lose the extra fat and get down to an ideal weight. Right now, I'm probably around 125.

Now, my goal is to be able to run. I want to run every day, all the time, and use that as my cardio. It's something I've always wanted to do. My issue here is that I can't run for a long period of time. When I say "long period of time", I mean the longest I've gone for was about 7 minutes, really pushing myself, and I wasn't even fully running.

I want to be able to jog and run and sprint and do all those things. I get a tightness and burning in my chest as soon as I hit 2 minutes, and my knees start to burn -- not a severe burn, but enough to make me need to stop. I'm just wondering if this is normal for someone out of shape. I can walk for a really long time, but as soon as I get into a jog or a run, I feel like I just can't anymore.

And even if this is normal, I need some pointers. It's really hard to stay focused on my goal of weight loss and toning when cardio is really hard for me to achieve. I can't afford classes anymore, and I experience the same effects on my joints if I'm on an elliptical or a recumbent stationary bike. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Replies

  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Start out slow - the Couch to 5k program, or c25k, is a great tool to get you running - worked for me!

    Google it and you'll find websites with overviews of the program. Basically it's about a 9 week plan, you run three days a week, starting with intervals of walking and running, building up your running time as the weeks progress. By the end you are running 30 minutes without stopping and about a 5k distance!

    I used an app on my phone - c25kFREE by Zen Labs - worked great, giving the prompts for when to walk, when to run, etc. The three days a week plan is perfect and gives your body rest in between run days and helps prevent injury. Sounds like just what you need!

    Make sure you have good shoes, go slow, and stick to the program. Search for a 5k race in your area about 10-12 weeks out and register - it's great motivation to stick with the program, and a fun reward when you've completed it. Have fun!
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Yes couch to 5K. It build you up slowly. I started that program in March of 2012 and my first half marathon is in 3 weeks. Running is still hard for me. It likely always will be. But it's doable.

    Go to a running specialty store (not a typical sporting goods store) and get fitted properly for shoes. This is a must!
  • gloryjay
    gloryjay Posts: 11 Member
    I'm basically trying to force myself into enjoying running. So the burning sensation in my chest and knees, is that normal for a beginning runner?
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Yes, it's perfectly normal. Your cardiovascular system isn't conditioned for running yet. You will get there, but slow down and take your time. The C25K program is 8 or 9 weeks. It took me 13 to complete it and then another two weeks afterwards to actually hit the 5K mark.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I'm basically trying to force myself into enjoying running. So the burning sensation in my chest and knees, is that normal for a beginning runner?
    Not necessarily - it is often a sign of you trying to do too much too soon. The c25k program starts you out with 60 seconds of running, and 90 seconds of walking. If your chest is burning or your knees hurt, then go slower - go as slowly as you need to - slow running is still running! You will feel some discomfort at first as you body adjusts to the exercise and becomes more efficient at it. But your knees hurting shouldn't be one of them - make sure your shoes are fairy new and not old and broken down. If you have the means, go to a running store and get fitted for shoes - many of them have a treadmill in the store and will film you running to analyze your gait and that sort of thing, to help find the bets fit for you.
  • Tonya0605
    Tonya0605 Posts: 111 Member
    This helped me more than anything. Even if you aren't running 30 mins yet, it helps to know what's happening the first few minutes. It helped me push thru. Hope it helps:
    http://www.active.com/running/Articles/What-Happens-to-Your-Body-on-a-30-Minute-Run
  • gloryjay
    gloryjay Posts: 11 Member
    Thanks for all the response, guys! I recently got the C25K app, and I read the article. I'm hoping that soon, I'll be able to do some serious running! :D

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