Will running get easier
StuartW1991
Posts: 15
So I've been running at least 3 times a week for the past month. I tend to run different routes with different amounts of time but on average Im doing 15-22 minutes.
Obviously some days are easier than others but I doesn't feel like its getting any easier as a whole. Surely I should be able to run a bit further and a faster by now? And with a bit more ease?
By the way, if you're running to loose weight too, please add me
Obviously some days are easier than others but I doesn't feel like its getting any easier as a whole. Surely I should be able to run a bit further and a faster by now? And with a bit more ease?
By the way, if you're running to loose weight too, please add me
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Replies
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It does get easier. For me, slowing my pace down helped a lot. And the first mile sucks the worst.0
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Running strategies are often really helpful. When I first started to run I was doing the 10 and 1s system. You alternate walking and running, (http://www.runnersworld.com/beginners/running-101?page=single). The merit of this system is that for a new runner you will be less discouraged because of being in a structure, get a sense of your abilities, learn how to work on improvements (whether that is running a distance for the entire time, improving a PB on a distance run in a set time, or working on running for longer). The run/walk system is used by the Runningroom and they run their clinics that way. They encorage people to run races that way as well because from what I understand you time is not significantly effected by the stopping for a walk part of it over the distance (you would normally change pace at various times so it evens out). I found it to be very useful.
The biggest thing to running (apart from good shoes or a great bra - which judging by your photo is not going to be an issue for you) is that it is a head game. You are able to do what your mind decides you can. Sure you need to run safely and keep at a reasonable pace and not bite off more than you can chew - but you also have to realize that anyone who gets out the door to run has already got a huge edge on the next guy who stayed home and gave up instead...it is hard but at the end of it you feel like you conquered not only the run but yourself as well.
The good news is - and I can attest to this - running in particular (but exercise in general) is highly addictive...especially if you turn it into a game. You will learn to love it. If not the actual doing - then the results. Sitting down stretching after a 10KM I feel invinsable! Another thing I think is: No goals - no ambition. So set yourself up with some goals on the fitness side of things. For example, find out if there is a fun run in your area to participate in. Give yourself about 8-12 weeks (depending on your basic fitness level) and sign up. Having something you have signed up for will keep you motivated and honest - after all you don't want to spend $25 - $60 and then not do it.
Finally, reward yourself with gear. Beginner gadgets that I have: iPhone incase holder, Nike+ mileage chip shoe insert...I am a bit of a geek and so it is cool to log my runs automatically with that system (it works with iPods as well, and it likely works with other smart phones - but if not there are a load of these kinds of things that are relatively inexpensive). I also like to keep a log of the mileage on my shoes (the nike+ does that automatically for me) so that I don't wear shoes beyond a certain amount of KMs (I have pretty serious injuries that flare up if I don't change my shoes religiously).
Enjoy. One of the coolest things that you can do for yourself is to run. I have lost nearly 40lbs doing it. Did it before I was overweight (although babies and a significant brain illness stopped me) and my body didn't actually forget how to do it. Once you know you can and build your confidence you'll find it is a very liberating, and addictive hobby.0 -
It hasn't for me, but I have only been doing it about a month this time. I can't actually "run" much of the time just really fast walking with jogging/sprints thrown in. I have other health issues that are probably complicating it for me but I am hoping the day comes when this will be fun or less of a chore.0
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I did mention that I love running right? Sorry I waffled on a bit there but am VERY enthusiastic about it...
Not that you could tell...0 -
Yes. It will. You may need to build up the duration of your runs to get there, but eventually it becomes addicting and low effort. One thing that really helped me was the "Zombies, Run!" app. It's not cheap but it kept me engaged and turned running into a game. I don't use the app anymore because I now LOVE running.
For what it's worth, it wasn't until the 5k distance became "easy" and I started going longer than I began to experience the runner's high. Go slow - aim for distance/duration, not speed. Make it as low-effort as possible. Eventually it actually becomes relaxing.
I took most of the spring and summer off from running, then began training for a half marathon. The first two weeks of running were torture. I hated even my short runs and was questioning dropping out of my races. Then once I became conditioned to running again, bam - they became awesome. I spend all week looking forward to my Sunday morning long run! I am doing 12 next weekend and am giddy about it 0 -
Go farther to go faster. So you shouldn't be setting the mile time on fire here. If you are huffing and puffing and so winded you can barely breathe, you are going too fast. At this stage, most of your runs should be done at a conversational pace, meaning that you could talk with someone while running. It wouldn't be easy but you should still be able to do so. IF you can't, you are too fast. You need more mileage before it becomes "easy." 15-22 minutes is what, about 2 miles? It is great that you are doing it, however, you need LONGER distances to make the shorter ones easier. I have been running for years, and the loop I live on still kicks my butt on a simple 2 mile run if I do hill repeats. Easy is subjective.
It is tempting to go fast, but your body and system aren't ready for it. So slow down and enjoy it. It shouldn't be painful to the point where you are an abusive relationship with it. There are some days I hate running and some days I would marry running 30 times. But even on the days I hate it, I love it still. It isn't for everyone though.0 -
I started doing couch to 5 k and at first the 60seconds killed me to run!!! I am now up to 5 min runs!0
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Run slower you'll find that helps. Don't worry if its the same speed as your walk speed will come in time. You should be able to hold a conversation and yes it does get easier0
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As a new runner, don't shoot for speed. You should be running slow enough to be able to easily hold a conversation if someone was next to you.
I'll plus the c25k app again. This is a GREAT way to build your distance. Speed will follow.
To answer your question, no. If it was easy everyone would do it. It never gets easier, you just get better at it. Keep plugging away at it. Don't give up. Best of luck!
ETA-I started running in Jan and an just now able to run a complete 5k. It's a slow process. You are not going to run a maraton in a month. The more you do it and stick to it, the better you will get.0 -
I started doing couch to 5 k and at first the 60seconds killed me to run!!! I am now up to 5 min runs!
I started the C25k in April.....I'm running 7 miles now and I started out at 204lbs so believe me that you WILL get stronger. That's (in my opinion) what happens....yes you'll notice your times get faster, the distance you can go will increase, and maybe most importantly the "rest time" you are doing when walking makes your body recover quicker and quick so you can start right back up running after a short walk break. It's amazing and I highly encourage you to not give up. Not only will you be so proud of yourself and lose the weight...but it's the cheapest therapy there is for stress Keep at it...it's worth it! 0 -
It gets easier and it will become addictive lol I used to only be able to run 1 minute before feeling like i was going to die, now I am training for a half marathon and i'm up to 10.5 miles.0
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Run slower you'll find that helps. Don't worry if its the same speed as your walk speed will come in time. You should be able to hold a conversation and yes it does get easier
Agree^^^ I call it the "barely making it shuffle", haha. But it does work. I started running in April. Back then, I couldn't make it once around the high school track without stopping. I ran my first Half Marathon two weekends ago. Took 2 hours, 9 minutes. Not too shabby for a beginner, no?
Good luck and don't quit.0 -
Keep at it and work on your stamina vs. pace. Last year I was running 3-4 times a week and was able to run an 8 minute mile, when I first started it was about 12 minute mile. I got off track after my last 5K in March and now I am back to square one. I know I will improve my pace once I can improve my distance.
First time I used C25K app, now I started with Ease Into 10K... love it! Keep at it, and yes you will have good days and you will have not so good days! Sometimes you never know.0 -
Run slower you'll find that helps. Don't worry if its the same speed as your walk speed will come in time. You should be able to hold a conversation and yes it does get easier
Agree^^^ I call it the "barely making it shuffle", haha. But it does work. I started running in April. Back then, I couldn't make it once around the high school track without stopping. I ran my first Half Marathon two weekends ago. Took 2 hours, 9 minutes. Not too shabby for a beginner, no?
Good luck and don't quit.
That is amazing, good job!0 -
It sounds like you don't really have any kind of plan or anything to aim for with your runs. Like what was said before, running is 75% a head game. So if your brain knows you have a target, it will push you a little more. I'm not a fan of rigid training schedules as I just get disappointed with myself when I don't stick to them. If it helps, this is usually how I work it:
1. Choose a short route to start (2.5km for me).
2. Run/walk/crawl whatever you have to do to cover that distance and time yourself.
3. Every day you run, your aim is to walk less and less when completing your route...you'll notice your time coming down.
4. The first time you complete the route without walking (or stopping!), complete and obligatory fist pump, and then...
5. Choose a new, slightly longer route (3.5km maybe)
6. Rinse and repeat.
Using this fairly simple method, I'm now working on completing a 6k route. I understand that this might not be ideal for everyone, but this method has pushed me up to 12km in the past so I like it 0 -
Yes, it does get easier and that's one of the reasons I keep doing it. I hate when I start slacking off and have to start again, though thankfully, my body allows me to start back without starting at scratch. But either way, pretty much every run gets easier after you get past the first 10 minutes or first mile, whichever comes first.
I would strongly suggest doing the Couch to 5K training, though. It allows your body and lungs to build up at the same time.0 -
It WILL get better, trust me. It definitely gets easier as you condition yourself and as you lose weight. For me, I think finding a route that I use all the time helps too because I have a more tangible grasp of how much further I have to go.
I have never been a runner and have found on several occasions that I set out to run a 5k and wound up doing a 10k. Keep it up, and make sure and pace yourself! Even still, I find it hardest from the 1st 1/2 mile or so to mile 2, and then after that, it's pretty smooth sailing (at least until 7 miles... that's the most I've done recently).
HANG IN THERE!0 -
Oh, yes, yes it does get easier. Don't give up before it happens!
Consider using a C25K (Couch to 5K) app to help you know that you are progressing along. I used Ease into 5K http://easeinto5k.bluefinapps.com/ .0 -
Try going the same route for awhile and check your times. I think you will get satisfaction seeing that your time is geeting better and soon you will have to extend the distance to get the time.
Basil0 -
No.0
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Chiming in on using a C25K app to help with running. I'm using the Zombies, Run! 5k app (https://www.zombiesrungame.com/), which is great. It's got a story line - which keeps me motivated - and the training sessions (or missions) are very doable for someone who is not a natural runner and who has a few physical issues. Definitely challenging, but not overwhelming. I highly recommend it.0
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It does get easier. But it takes longer than a month. Just think, if your body is going from very little cardio activity to running/jogging three times a week a month isn't that much time for it to improve. Keep going and it does get better. In the meantime, here are some tips:
- Go slow. If you're unable to carry on a small conversation, slow down.
- Keep your head up and look out down the road, don't stare at the ground.
- Keep your arms pumping forward, not side to side. This will help propel you.
- Make sure you're in the right running shoes! Go to a Fleet Feet or TrackShack if need be to be properly fitted.
- Keep your chest up and try to keep your hips and knees aligned under you. Looks funny but works much better than leaning over trying to drudge forward.
Also, I will say this. I run 2:1's. Which means I run for 2 minutes and walk for 1 minute. This method has given me my personal bests on my 5k races even though I'm walking part of the time. Try it for youself. You might also want to try this warm up. It's long but it's very effective:
Walk for 5 minutes.
Run for 30 seconds and walk for 30 seconds for a total of 5 minutes.
Run for 1 minutes, walk for 1 minute.
Run for 1 minute 30 seconds, walk for 1 minute.
Then begin running or run/walking. and then cool down by walking for 10 minutes.0 -
No.
You just get better at it!0 -
So I've been running at least 3 times a week for the past month. I tend to run different routes with different amounts of time but on average Im doing 15-22 minutes.
Obviously some days are easier than others but I doesn't feel like its getting any easier as a whole. Surely I should be able to run a bit further and a faster by now? And with a bit more ease?
It does get easier. And should be noticeably easier after a month. Are you doing this ad hoc, or with a plan you can track your progress with? In my experience, a "Couch to..." or "Learn to..." defined program helped immensely. And if you have a smartphone, using something like Strava or MapMyRun will give you concrete, detailed performance tracking.
And to re-iterate - yes, after a month you should certainly be feeling improvement.0 -
Yes running does get easier it just does not happen overnight. What I do now is run 6 times a week not for time necessary but for more endurance and I just run a 5K / 3.1 miles. So your time will get faster as your run more just its never as quick as some of us would like. As Mazmatez already said in her reply running is a head game. You have to get into the mindset that you’re at least ok with running not hating it every time you go out to run. I have the idea I don't mind it because I know it’s good more me and helps me lose weight. I have lost over 12 pounds since I got here to my deployment zone about a month and a half ago. Feel free to add me if you would like0
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Bump.0
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I would respectfully disagree that it gets easier.
What it does, however, is go from I-hate-this-so-much-why-do-I-do-this-to-myself difficult to I-love-pushing-myself-and-the-feeling-of-being-fit-and-fast difficult.
I started Couch to 5K June 19.
I hated the first three weeks.
HATED IT.
There were times I wanted to quit but I stuck with it long enough to turn the corner, that place where your cardio fitness has improved enough to make runs about 10 per cent physical and 90 per cent mental.
I ran my first 5K six weeks after starting the program.
I ran my first 10K three days later (I can run 5K, let's see if I can do 10 was my thought process).
I ran my first 15K five days after that.
I ran my first non-race half marathon (in the pouring rain no less) two weeks later.
Add to that bike rides of 24, 28, 32, 58, 100 and 111K in between runs and I've been able to drop 20 pounds in 3 months.
I'm here to tell you if I could do it as an overweight, out-of-shape 41-year-old with a bad back and knees, anyone can.
Oh, and it turns out my back and knees were fine. They just didn't like carrying around 20 extra pounds.
This was me before I started my new lifestyle.
This is me after finishing my first 21.1 in 2:28.
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So I've been running at least 3 times a week for the past month. I tend to run different routes with different amounts of time but on average Im doing 15-22 minutes.
Obviously some days are easier than others but I doesn't feel like its getting any easier as a whole. Surely I should be able to run a bit further and a faster by now? And with a bit more ease?
By the way, if you're running to loose weight too, please add me
It definitely gets easier when you make it easier for yourself!
By that I'm suggesting you slow down a little bit so your'e not struggling so much?
If you are 'serious' about running, then it might be an idea to get fitted running shoes from a running store, and following a c25k plan.
Eating at a HEALTHY deficit combined with running will really boost your weight loss goals!
Good luck!0 -
By "get easier", I mean "still feel like **** during and afterwards, but covering more distance for the same level of misery".
That'll be there until you get to the point that you're running for maintenance of fitness, rather than improvement of fitness.I ran my first 5K six weeks after starting the program.
Ditto. And that was starting from scratch - I couldn't run the initial one-minute intervals in week one without feeling like I wanted to hurl.0 -
I'm a newbie runner, and yes, it does get easier. I recommend C25K http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k0
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