Not a runner!! but i want to be!

amylynn96
amylynn96 Posts: 114 Member
edited September 24 in Fitness and Exercise
Ok so im NOT a runner, never have been. I dont think i ever really tried because of asthma all my life. But now that ive taken on this new way of life and im making it a mission to challenge myself and work harder than i ever have i want to be able to run. SO we have a treadmill at home my husband can run like the wind on it and its just discouraging i cant even hold a jog. Ive got my asthma under control now and its not that i can keep up with my breathing its the fact that i havent gotten any stronger or better after over a month of trying to just hold a jog. Ive tried holding a jog and alternating walk/jog every other minute and its just not working. I have instant knee and ankle pain almost like feeling like ur running with 900 lbs on ur ankles every step, i just feel so heavy and im not i weigh 152!!!! whats the problem?! why is this so hard? does anyone else have this problem??!

Replies

  • DancingPixie
    DancingPixie Posts: 101 Member
    How about trying the couch to 5k? Google it. It will help you gain the strength too run :)
  • Newfiedan
    Newfiedan Posts: 1,517 Member
    at first its going to be hard as your body is not used to the impact of running, my advice would be to get a good running shor for your foot type first off, proper support will make a world of difference, do a wet foorprint on a piece of cardboard that will tell you your foot type, from that get the corresponding shoe. Next take some joint care glucosamine/chondroitin it will help lessen the impact to the joints. Now for training look up HIIT or high intensity interval training you will hate this advice once you do it for the first time lol, it will hurt and you will hurt but its hands down the fastest way to up your cardio. In as short as 5 weeks of HIIT you will be in much better shape.
  • epj78
    epj78 Posts: 643 Member
    Good running shoes are key - get fit at a professional running store - they'll watch your gait and suggest what you need, look at your arch, etc.

    Then you need to start out really slow. IF you haven't been walking - start with just straight walking. Then jump into the couch to 5k program (coolrunnings.com).
  • karensoxfan
    karensoxfan Posts: 902 Member
    I've never been able to run on a treadmill, but last fall when I tried running outside, it was a LOT easier than I expected, and I was able to keep running (jogging) without stopping far longer than I expected to (2 miles). I'm excited for warmer weather (and earlier sunrises) so I can try again in the spring.

    I don't know if it would help your ankle pain though.
  • AggieCass09
    AggieCass09 Posts: 1,867 Member
    Running sucks at first! Make sure you have properly fitted running shoes (i.e. get fitted at a running store) and take it slowly at first. If it hurts stop, if not keep going. It could be the treadmill that is causing your pain...I dislike running on them because I have a hard time finding the right pace to match my stride. Signing up for a 5k (3.2 mile) race is great motivation. I use runnersworld.com for my training plans.

    Best of luck!
  • sweetheart03622
    sweetheart03622 Posts: 928 Member
    Do you have joint issues? I never did until I started running on a treadmill and now my knees KILL everytime I'm on it (and after my longer runs outside). Get yourself some good running gear and do some research on proper form. My guess is that you're landing wrong on your feet (I tend to run on the outside of my feet unless I'm conscious of it) which is messing with all of your joints from there on up. I also agree with doing a program to help you out. The structure is what's helping me get to my first half marathon.
  • cleo77
    cleo77 Posts: 93 Member
    good shoes are important. In addition, start slow. I just started to learn how to run, and I am progressing at a nice steady pace.
    week one - jog for 1 min., walk for 1min, and repeat for 8 reps
    week two - jog for 2 min, walk for 1 min, and repeat for 6 reps
    week three- jog for 3 min., walk for 1 min, and repeat for 5 reps
    week four - jog for 5 min., walk for 1min, and repeat for 4 reps
    week five - jog for 5 min., walk for 30 sec., and repeat for 5 reps
    week five - jog for 5 min., walk for 30 sec., and repeat for 6 reps
    ***most important always do a good warm up, and a good stretch afterwards
    I do not use a treadmill, for the track works better for me.
  • Bubs05
    Bubs05 Posts: 179 Member
    I have never liked running but like you decided I want to run anyway. It still isn't my favorite but it's not as bad as it used to be.
    As was mentioned, a good pair of shoes specific to your foot and running style.
    Second, for non-runners I highly recommend Couch to 5 K (C25K). It is available for free in many formats (I use an app on my Android phone). Also, if you decide to use a running plan, don't get discouraged if it takes you longer to complete it. The first few weeks of the C25K plan I repeated a couple times.
    Finally, have a "goal". Maybe sign up for a race...and remember, there is no rule that says you HAVE to run the entire race without walking. Lots of people are afraid to sign up because they don't want to come in last. Odds are you won't. And unless you are planning to run in the Olympics, the point is finishing, not winning.
    Good luck but more importantly, HAVE FUN!!!!
  • amylynn96
    amylynn96 Posts: 114 Member
    Thanks everyone! I agree about the proper shoes thats literally the first thing i did when i started my shoes are great comfortble and the right fit for my shape. I really just think its my joints or im landing wrong like you suggested. A friend of mine had brought coolrunnings.com to my attention before but i never really attempted it just figured i could figure it out on my own just go slow. So for this on going knee/ ankle pain im gonna see a doctor first to know if im really having a joint issue or just continously hurting myself at attempting to run. Im so stubborn and determined and keep convincing myself "its all in my head" just try try and keep trying well everytime i walk away from the treadmill i hurt even worse. I need to see a doctor and develop a new plan. ty everyone : )
  • EmmmyK
    EmmmyK Posts: 21 Member
    Hi AMY

    YeS! Your not alone.. I too have that problem and it takes time..Just get used to the treadmill, try just walking for about a week..then speed walk..at like 3.5 mph stay on that for a couple weeks..believe me you will sweat..then you can maybe do one or two jogs in between a 30 min walk..

    That's what I have done and it's working..Now I to had asthma all through out my child hood years and sometimes have it as an adult. but as long has you take care of yourself your asthma might just go away.. Don't force yourself too hard on your joints you don't want an injury..and take the time like a few minutes of stretching good too before and after you walk..

    Remember Take it slow...You need to train your body not push yourself into it.. Good Luck!

    Emily
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