To run or not to run ...

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HunnyLuvsJorge
HunnyLuvsJorge Posts: 91 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
That's the question that's on my mind. I ran outside on Friday and although I've improved a great deal from just 2 months ago, I still suck as a runner. At the end of the run, my lungs were burning so bad that I had a sore throat the rest of the night.

Sometimes I think I like it because I have improved and I'm psyched that I can run short distances and not feel totally winded. But when I try to run longer distances, I get frustrated with myself because I can't keep a pace for more than 5 minutes. So many of my friends and family members post on FB saying how they run 3, 5, 10+ miles and how great they feel. It should serve as an inspiration, but it makes me feel like a loser because I can't run that far. :( I'm sure that with continued effort, I'll probably improve. But right now it's making me feel discouraged.

So I'm questioning whether or not I should continue to try to become a runner or if it's just a pipe dream.

Replies

  • baldzach
    baldzach Posts: 1,841 Member
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    Keep going! Everyone of those people that runs 5, 10, 15 miles at a time started right where you are now. The only difference is they've been doing it longer. When you say you "suck at running" you're comparing yourself to someone else. You definitely don't suck compared to the you of 6 months ago, right? Just keep at it. I still vividly remember the day I ran my first mile without stopping, and my first 3 miler, and my first 5 miler! Not to mention my first marathon without walking (was my 3rd marathon overall!) Consistency. That's the key. The only way to guarantee that you will get better is to stick with it! I'm not winning any races, but I can run a marathon without walking in under 5 hours. To me, that's huge. Set our goals based on where you are now and take each small improvement one at a time. You're on the right path, don't jump off now.
  • elle18287
    elle18287 Posts: 267 Member
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    Run! You will get better! And it feels so good!
    Do it for you. Who cares if you can't do as much. Just work up to it.
    You can do it!
  • Sasha_Bear
    Sasha_Bear Posts: 625 Member
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    You just said how much you have improved, then why stop now? Sure it takes some dedication and endurance to get to the point where you can run miles at a time but it's attainable just gotta want it bad enough!
  • brandis72
    brandis72 Posts: 12
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    definitely not a pipe dream, you can do it! I thought the same thing in January and now I can run six miles on a long run. It really does hurt at first, and sometimes you have an off day even when you get better. Just keep going out a few days a week and do a walk/ run program, it really helps! I have asthma, and taking singular has helped me a great deal also. Good luck, I know you can do it!
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member
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    I've always heard about the couch to 5k program. Sounds to be a good plan to start with.

    http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml <-- There is the link

    You can also check out my bottom link. Perhaps that will help.

    Running is a great way to loose weight! Don't give up on it!
  • michelletyler38
    michelletyler38 Posts: 469 Member
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    DO NOT GIVE UP!!!!!! You're doing great!!
  • brandis72
    brandis72 Posts: 12
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    great advice!
  • helenium
    helenium Posts: 546 Member
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    I've only started running in the past month and have only found slight improvements so far. But they're improvements. You're NOT going to get worse, you can only get better - if you keep it up. Nobody can be unfit and then go and run 3 miles.

    Consider a training routine if you haven't already. I just started C25k (after ages of thinking it meant "see 25k" and meaning I had to run 25 km) and finding it really good. Stops me from overdoing it and has better endurance-building than just flat-out running.

    It isn't always a good idea to run to exhaustion. Push yourself a bit beyond your boundaries, yes. But don't kill yourself! Hardly a motivating feeling.
  • loxleys
    loxleys Posts: 230 Member
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    keep trying - everyone starts at the same place, don't run too fast and take planned walking breaks. there are plenty of training plans online - try runners world or buy a specialist womans running magazine for a free plan.
    sign up for a 5k race in a few months time for some motivation.
    good luck
  • hill2302
    hill2302 Posts: 139 Member
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    Run. Give it a fair shot before givinig up.

    Just set your own personal goals. make them small and realistic. Just go out and try to run a little bit farther than the last time. If you do that everytime, you'll be running 3 miles before you know it. Don't judge yourself by how others run. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is yourself.
  • Curtism1234
    Curtism1234 Posts: 73 Member
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    As far as the sore throat goes, I use cough drops on cool evenings or under the fan at the gym. Might give it a try - just don't choke.
  • Calidaho
    Calidaho Posts: 110 Member
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    Check out John Bingham's "Running for Mortals". He gives some good tips for new runners. He calls himself the Penguin because, even after years of running, he isn't fast.

    I used to run almost every day for about two years and I didn't get fast and I couldn't run for a long time (I always wanted to be one of those five mile a day runners--heck, three miles of solid running would be great!) Even though I wasn't very good, I was still getting fit and I enjoyed getting out on the road. Running is fun!
  • outersoul
    outersoul Posts: 711
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    If I can do it, you can totally do it. I started out not being able to run to the end of my street. Fast forward a few months and I have my first 5k in less than a week. It's all about getting over that mental barrier for me.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
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    If I can do it, you can totally do it. I started out not being able to run to the end of my street. Fast forward a few months and I have my first 5k in less than a week. It's all about getting over that mental barrier for me.

    I have to say the same thing..If I can do it, you can definitely do it! For me it kinda goes like...I set a distance and try for it...it sucks..it sucks...it sucks...it sucks...IT DOESNT SUCK!!! I celebrate and then set a longer distance.

    I started in February and couldn't make .25 miles. Yesterday I made 2 miles and even jogged a bit more during the walk back.

    If you enjoy it, keep doing it. You WILL improve.
  • HunnyLuvsJorge
    HunnyLuvsJorge Posts: 91 Member
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    Everyone is so awesome! Thanks for all the encouragement and tips. I just get competitive with myself and beat myself up when I can't do something I really wanna do. I just have to keep in mind that I need to keep trying and that I have improved. It may not be as fast as I'd like, but it's not about speed. It's just about finishing the race. THANKS EVERYONE!!
  • outersoul
    outersoul Posts: 711
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    Everyone is so awesome! Thanks for all the encouragement and tips. I just get competitive with myself and beat myself up when I can't do something I really wanna do. I just have to keep in mind that I need to keep trying and that I have improved. It may not be as fast as I'd like, but it's not about speed. It's just about finishing the race. THANKS EVERYONE!!

    You just really have to keep doing it. I'm really competitive too. Knowing that, I'm going to be one of the slowest runners at my 5k on Sunday but as long as I run across that finish line...I'm happy!
  • fitnessjch
    fitnessjch Posts: 449 Member
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    Keep going. You gotta start out small, and as you get fitter, you can go further. You shouldnt try and do more than 10% more than you normally do, so you cant go straight to a 5k run from nothing.

    Keep at it, and when you get there, the victory will be even sweeter :smile:

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