Runner envy! How do they do it?

My only advice would be to just keep with it, take it as steady as your body wants and you will soon see a difference

Good Luck! :flowerforyou:

Couch to 5k app, good running shoes, slowing down and try try trying again. I went from never running, to a 2 and half hour half marathon, to a sub 2 hour half marathon in about a year. Feel free to add me if you want to talk any more about running

I've always had issues running long distances, I was always better as a sprinter than a distance runner in high school. I've started doing Couch to 5K (C25K) using an app on my phone.

In four weeks I've gone from barely lasting a single minute of jogging before being out of breath to being able to jog for 3 consecutive minutes without being out of breath. For me this is a huge improvement!

When I was a baby, I couldnt run. I couldnt walk. I couldnt stand unaided. I couldnt crawl so I had to be helped.

Moral? Take it in stages and dont expect it to come all good immediately.

4 years ago I couldnt run 100 metres and had a fifteen minute mile pace.

Now I can cover three miles @ 7 minute mile pace and can run 12 miles no problem.

I get injuries but they are all part of the training progress eg IT band issues, achilles issues, DOMs etc.

*****

Run if you can
Walk if you must
Crawl if you have to
Just never give up

C25K. Take it slow. Be patient and be consistent.

Invest in good shoes and have someone at a specialty store check out your stride and make sure your form is good, that may be why you are hurting your back.

I used to be exactly the same, hated running, couldn't see how people could be bothered/put up with the pain.. I kept 'starting' running. I'd go out two to three times before I quit again.
And I know its not quite the same, but for the last 3 weeks I've been on he running machine at the gym. I plug in some opera music (I know, a bit odd?) and run like I'm in some epic movie (slowly though.. of course). Since I started, I've cut 8 minutes off my 5k run and got to a point where I quite enjoy the challenge! I've also noticed a difference in my legs, they seem so much more toned
I haven't quite managed to get outside running again yet, but I think I'll be ready soon.
I try to keep setting myself little goals, trying to run faster, or for a bit longer. Sometimes I just have to cover up the time on the machine and promise myself I won't try and sneak a look until the next 2 songs I've listened to have finished. I get on the machine and say I'm going to do the whole 5k, even if it means walking, but then the challenge of beating my previous best pops in to my head and I can't help but turn the speed up again..
I apologise if i've said all this and you have no access to a running machine. In which case, i'd say make it through the first 2 weeks, just getting out, and hope it catches on?

I have scoliosis. And asthma. And I always wanted to run but never thought I could - C25K changed my life, seriously. I've run dozens of 5ks and 10ks and am currently training for a half. I cannot possibly recommend it enough!

For me it was drive. I marked distance on the road I run. Every day I had to get to a new mark, and I simply wouldn't allow myself to stop running. By the time I hit a mile a mile and a half became easy. Now I can do a 5K without flinching. I just had to push myself to do it. But people are unique animals, what worked for me may not work for you. The C25K programs are pretty good, they didn't work for me, but my wife uses one and loves it.

Rigger

Don't be afraid to walk during your runs, also, learn to pace yourself (much easier said than done).

I've been struggling for 15 months but have never given in. Last week I finally managed to break my 1.25m miles max and did over 2 miles. It just takes time and not giving up.

As others have suggested try C25K and also make sure you get your running shoes fitted.

P)s I also have quite bad asthma but make sure you take inhaler before running and I've found having water with me helps.

2 advices:

-Couch to 5k (C25K)
- SLOW DOWN your pace!

I am 58 years old and have never been a runner. A few months ago I started the c25k training. I took it really slow. I did some weeks or days twice. When I first started I got out of breath running 2.5mph for 1 minute. Now I can run 5 miles non stop with 3.7mph being my slowest during the run.

Yep, slow is the key. Slower than you walk. Stupid slow. So slow that you feel like an idiot.

******But then the magic happens***********

You realize....I'm still going....I feel like I could go a little further........

(And when it gets hard, instead of stopping completely, try to slllloooooowwww doooowwwwn even more.)

It worked for me. I went from no running at all ever in January (as a fat 36 year-old with two kids) to running 8 miles (the first time ever this past Saturday) in 96 minutes. I never used C25K, though I'm sure it's very good. But without C25K there was not the encouragement to stop running (like a turtle) and walk. I prefer running my whole distance, even at a pace that resembles stumbling through mud.

Did I mention going slow?

Couch to 5K! With a group if you can. It provides comraderie and accountability. Take your time and slow down whenever you feel like you're out of breath. Also, get a professional to fit you for shoes. I have lower body injuries and properly fitting shoes make all the difference. Good luck!