Does it Get Better?

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Replies

  • Sobus76
    Sobus76 Posts: 242 Member
    As far as C25K is concerned, you're probably running too fast. Focus on controlling your pace and running as slow as possible. It may seem counterproductive, but you'll be able to run farther and won't feel like death.

    This. believe me when i did the C25K running 60 seconds i thought i was going to die, once i realized i needed to slow down it got easier, finishing that program was a big achievement, and i dont like running, i now run 5k 2-3x a week.
  • Graelwyn75
    Graelwyn75 Posts: 4,404 Member
    It takes time. I still struggle sometimes to get going, and yes, a lot of the time it is uncomfortable for me, because I have COPD and only 68% or so lung function. It means I have had to push through a lot of workouts I did not enjoy, due to the added effort on my lungs, to get to the level of fitness I am at. I found a love of cycling though, I have always liked walking a lot and I do a lot of boxing training which I also enjoy and which has improved my cardio fitness no end. You could also look into bodyweight exercises... a good book for those is 'Bring It' by Tony Horton who created P90X I believe. There are also a lot of free workouts on sites like fitnessblender which are free and you can do at home, choosing your own difficulty level.

    It does get easier, certainly for those with full lung function.
    I tend to say that if I can do it, with my condition (including running for 40-50 minutes with hills... very uncomfortable for me), you can.
    Just keep at it, keep in your mind the end result you would like and use that as your motivation.
  • ravenmiss
    ravenmiss Posts: 384 Member
    Find something that you like doing. Join a kickball team or start lifting. Go on hikes or start trail running. Go swimming or rollerskating. There are a ton of ways to get exercise without being miserable. You just have to find what you like and expand your tastes from there.

    This.

    Why do a form of exercise that makes you miserable, that's just silly.
  • dewell2
    dewell2 Posts: 36 Member
    Keep at, don't give up and dont be so hard on yourself. I know easier said than done. I started running a few years ago and I still have days that suck but I also have days that are great. One of the things that I started doing is through FB following Runner's World. They are great about giving tips for beginning runners. You probably dont have a strong core built up yet and that is really important. Don't overlook strength training. If you can, purchase some weights. Also pick new places to run. Having a new route is half the battle sometimes. Just know that there are a lot of components to running and it takes time. Good luck.
  • TheVirgoddess
    TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
    Okay, so I am horribly out of shape. For the past 2 months I've been doing the C25K jogging program. According to the schedule I'm supposed to be doing a 22-25 minute run, but I can't make it past 12-14 minutes without resting even jogging at a very slow pace. I also recently added the 30 Day Shred to my regimen (I alternate the workouts 5 days a week and take 2 rest days). Honestly it's hard for me to understand how anyone actually enjoys working out because it is sooooo miserable. I'm always proud of myself afterward, but in the moment I feel like I'm going to die. I'm wondering if that ever goes away. I mean, I get that the better shape you're in the more you can tolerate, but you're also supposed to keep moving up the bar so that you keep challenging yourself. So I'm wondering if it's possible I'll ever be able to actually enjoy working out (or at least not feel like I'm dying) and if so how long it usually takes.

    It's totally fine to redo a week or two in C25K if needed - you need to go at a pace you're comfortable with. And I HATED the 30 day shred.

    I thoroughly enjoy working out though, it's a matter of finding stuff you enjoy. I love running, but I'm very slow and I walk when I need to. I also do Latin dance videos on YouTube at home - those are lots of fun and the one I do is only 16 minutes - it's a nice, intense, but short work out. I'm taking a jazz class this summer at a dance studio (sorta nervous about that one!). I also really love yoga, and I use free weights to tone my arms.

    You need to remember that you don't have to workout to lose weight. It's a way to speed things up, and get in better shape, but it's not required.

    You'll find your thing. If you hate doing something, I think you should stop doing it. That's my opinion of course :)
  • Cerakoala
    Cerakoala Posts: 2,547 Member
    I hate running :) I do a couple 5K's here and there to feel accomplished and they are goals I set for myself but I rarely run for fun. Instead I play softball, take a cycling class and do crossfit 4 days a week :) I find those things enjoyable they don't seem like word but they push my body :)
  • ashleighjoy2007
    ashleighjoy2007 Posts: 150 Member
    Girl, find something you enjoy! I've done the 30 Day Shred, and it was miserable for me too. But I've done two programs since that I absolutely love and have enjoyed doing. Maybe jogging and Jillian just aren't your thing. Keep trying new things until you find something you enjoy!
  • LKM54
    LKM54 Posts: 48 Member
    Find workouts that you like. I love working out and like most. I was not built to run and I don't even try. Maybe you are doing the incorrect workout for yourself.
  • jaireed
    jaireed Posts: 333 Member
    I recommend starting with a program called Bikini Body Mommy. Even if you aren't a mommy it's great! It's free on youtube. I would start with her first one and even though you may feel like you are going to die its a great starter work out. I did it for a month before going on to do 30 day shred. Now I'm doing Jillian's 6 wk 6 pack and C25K but I wouldn't have if I wasn't eased into working out with Bikini Body Mommy. Her workouts are great and designed to be 20 min or less so there is no excuse. I'd do that and build yourself up before you push too hard and decide working out isn't for you. :wink:
  • Snip8241
    Snip8241 Posts: 767 Member
    What did you enjoy doing when you were young? I swim because that's what I loved growing up. Anything you do will be trying at times. Push through it. You can do this it just takes time and effort.
    I am starting the 30 day shred tomorrow. Not sure if I will enjoy it but I must challenge myself.
    Good luck to you!
  • zenhiker2014
    zenhiker2014 Posts: 84 Member
    I know everyone keeps saying "find something you like instead of running" (and that was my first thought too, when I read your post). But you've said that running is the thing you can do for free, from home, with your kids - so from a practical standpoint it sounds like the best option option if you want to do cardio.

    So how do you get to like it? Maybe you won't but before giving up try:
    -- walking fast instead. As you get lighter and stronger you can start breaking into a run more and more often, for longer intervals
    -- adding some simple strength training. It truly is amazing how much difference core strength makes to almost everything you do. It made me a better cyclist for sure, and as I've started trail running this summer I think it is helping there too. Planks, basic body weight exercises, or things you do with just a few free weights will be fine to start, and can be done at home.
  • awesome_ani
    awesome_ani Posts: 10
    Start slow, focus on your eating and add activity that feels good. As your endurance and stamina increases you will find yourself wanting to do more, to challenge yourself, and it will keep getting better. There is nothing that feels more trap like than forcing yourself to do something that is way harder than you can manage at that time. If it is a video or program you REALLY want to do but is beyond your current level of fitness Modify Modify Modify. Keep in the game but do it at your pace, the pace will pick up naturally. Mix it up too. Find the win. Maybe do the hard program once a week and then the other days do something easier that will condition you (weight training, yoga, swimming, walking, jogging, whatever...) How cool would it be to come back in a week and get a little further than you did the week before? WIN! Find what works for you. See this process as flexible, if you need it to bend it will. It only breaks if you quit.

    You can do it! We all can, we just have to find our groove. PEACE!:flowerforyou:
  • gary241069
    gary241069 Posts: 255 Member
    Just a thought here. People are probably going to hate me for saying this.
    Walking at a good steady pace (not strolling) for at least 1 hour burns up a lot more calories than running for 15 minutes. It uses up a lot less energy, you see more sights and enjoy the view. Don't forget to stretch before you walk though, you'll regret it if you don't.
    Have you ever thought of Aerobics in the gym. You can't get more fun and challenging than that. :bigsmile:
  • bwogilvie
    bwogilvie Posts: 2,130 Member
    As far as C25K is concerned, you're probably running too fast. Focus on controlling your pace and running as slow as possible. It may seem counterproductive, but you'll be able to run farther and won't feel like death.

    ^ THIS. Try going slower. If you can talk in a normal conversational voice, you're going too slow, but if you can't speak a full sentence, you're going too fast. You can work on improving speed after you've been running the 5K distance for several months and have built up a good endurance base.
  • JenniferRHughes
    JenniferRHughes Posts: 30 Member
    Have you tried Zumba? Love it and it burns lots of calories.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Yes, it gets better. I agree to some extent with what people are saying about finding an activity you enjoy--my sister loves DVD's like Jillian's workouts and P90x, and I don't, but I love running and biking and hiking. But the thing is that usually cardio just isn't that fun at first--you have to get in minimal cardio shape to be able to go long enough to feel like you aren't struggling and start enjoying it.

    And it's also possible the weather is making it harder depending on where you live. I find it takes time to adjust to hot or humid weather when you aren't used to it .

    As others have said, one key if you are a new runner is going really slow. That's going to allow you to get into basic cardio shape and set you up so it's not your lungs that are the issue. At least for me running when I start up again and have to deal with my lungs being out of shape is not fun. Once that hump is over with and it's a matter of pushing myself to go longer and get faster, that kind of pushing my limits feels quite different and is fun. When people first start the often think they should run faster than is reasonable for them, and that's what is likely causing you difficulties with the C25K long run.
  • beautifulwarrior18
    beautifulwarrior18 Posts: 914 Member
    First, I'd recommend you start doing things you love so when you're tired it's not as bad. Second, yes it gets easier. It sounds like you should have repeated a few weeks of the c25k before advancing.
  • kp1439
    kp1439 Posts: 343 Member
    yes it does .... i promise you that .... just have to be consistence .... and control ... you will be in good shape ... feel free to add me if you need motivations ...
  • Nuttynutnuts
    Nuttynutnuts Posts: 16 Member
    It gets so much easier! I used to be very unfit but now I crave the feeling I get from exercise and my mood gets low if I don't work out. I used to hate running before, but this year I ran a 10km, a 15km and a half marathon and I'm training for a marathon.

    I love seeing my body get fitter and seeing what I can achieve. I love finding muscles in new places. I've found the elusive runner's high. But running might not be what you love. I'd suggest trying out lots of different exercises until you find one you like - why not try cycling, hiking, swimming, classes at the gym or lifting weights? Exercising with friends is fun too. There's so much choice out there.

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