Some people aren't built to run....HUH????

Yes! This! Foam rollers are just about miraculous!

Also, to be honest, as someone who has started running only two weeks earlier than you have (and someone who works at a gym at the front desk) If you are going to run, and take your workout to the next level, you also need to take your stretching to the next level. This is where even one half-hour session with a trainer who knows how to teach stretching, or with a stretching clinic, or a good friend who is a runner can really help.

I believe some people are built to run faster than others, and maybe you won't be qualifying for the Boston Marathon this year, but that doesn't mean running isn't worthwhile, that it can't be a great source of fitness and stress relief to you and also burn mad calories. Get some help doing it right, which might mean joining a running club or hiring a trainer for a few sessions, but it might also mean getting a stride analysis or getting running shoes fitted at a running store to fit your needs and pronation.

there are 2 types of people , people who hate to run and people who hate to run and say they love it...

I'm not built to run. And it's not boobs, injuries, asthma, shin splints or lack of patience, I just have always hated it and been bad it. I've tried C25K, foam rolling, Chi Running and gait analysis. I'm good at all other cardio I've done and have great cardio health, as measured in a lab. I walk a ton. I have sisters that have the same feelings about running. Y'all can work toward that goal all you want. I wish you the best.

You see every shape and size imaginable at races. If most of us weren't "built to run" you wouldn't see that variety. I like running and I know that I never will be particularly fast or graceful or have the endurance to run really long distances. But I have been able to make significant improvements in less than a year. I could barely run a mile without stopping, and now 6 miles isn't that difficult. My pace earlier this year was over 13 min/mile and now I am under 12 min/mile for long runs and under 11 min/mile for shorter runs.

I went through something similar recently with my left calf. Anytime I ran 5 miles or more it would tighten up so much that I would hobble around for 2 days. I started stretching and doing calf raises daily. My husband (a very experienced marathoner) said that it would improve as my body got used to the new distance. This started about a month ago, or a little more. I ran 6 miles on Saturday, and have had no tightness at all! I never tried the foam roller so I can't give any advice on that. Stretch, get fitted for shoes if you haven't done so anyways and stick with it. It will get better!

Before I even start, let me say I am not a professional, a running coach or a fitness expert. This my opinion based on my experiences...so with that...

I don't buy that someone isn't "built to run". Granted, the heavier you are the harder it is, but if I can run, anyone can. I too had the usual pains when I first started and it's your body telling you that those muscles haven't been used very much! There are some good strength programs out there for runners that target key areas that runners need (ie..core, hips, etc..).

Other issues could be your running form, where you run and what you run in. If you seriously want to be a runner, then I'd recommend getting fitted for a good pair of running shoes. Go to your local running specialty store. Not only will they help you find a good pair of shoes, but the can evaluate how you run to determine things like if you overpronate etc.. If you have shin splints it's most likely due to your shoes or the way you run. Your local running store might also offer a good form running clinic, so ask.

If you're running on the streets, stay off the sidewalks if at all possible. Concrete is much harder than asphalt and your body gets beat up even more by running on sidewalks. Some don't have that luxury, but if you do, try to run on the asphalt.

Lastly, and this is the best piece of advice I have gotten, listen to your body. If you're still hurting, don't run. And know the difference between hurting and sore. You can still run if you're legs are sore. It's not a good idea to run if you have sharp pains.

Good luck! After 40 years, I discovered the joy of running and I hope you do the same!

I don't believe I'm built to run. I can do other excercise, including high intensity stuff like netball, I swim, walk etc. Running will trigger my asthma fast, plus it makes my boobs, ,joints, legs and back hurt.

I probably wasn't born 'not built to run' but it's certainly not a good idea now. Running just doesn't suit some people, IMO.

This for me exactly. Running is too harsh. I have to do activities that are less damaging on my joints. I will say that fast paced walking has gotten a little easier now that I have lost weight. So, maybe the burning is coming from the impact of your body weight on your legs and calf muscles. I have heard that shoes are crucial for runners, so maybe try talking to a running shoe professional. Good Luck!

I have never been a runner but I am finishing week 3 of C25K and I a loving the workout! My calves actually hurt the day between my runs and not during. Kudos to you for trying.

I think we need to shift the focus here. Humans ARE built to run, that's just an evolutionary fact. However, some humans are built to be better runners than others. I'm a big lumbering Oaf. Most of my runs are around 3 miles. If I want to extend my distance any further than that I have to really train for it, which I'm in the process of doing. Where as my Adventure Race partner can rattle off 10 miles without so much as walkng to the mailbox for training. If I lived in an acient community my job would be to carry the hunted game back to the village, not chase it down.

All that being said when I started running I had bad knees and asthama. Both of those things improved with slow increases in distances and speed with running.