Does Running ever get easier??

Certainly try the C25K program/App. It is more structured and keep increasing the running times every week. It is very satisfying to see the progression week after week. Also, it may be helpful to slow down your running pace a little. Try to run in a pace that you can at least take 3 steps breathing in and 3 steps breathing out. It might feel very slow but we need to keep in mind that people, even the elites, run faster in shorter distances than longer ones. We would need to slow down to run longer.

I started C25k two years ago and I am more than double your age, if I can do this, you can too.

monsterseatyourface wrote: »

I can maybe run for 3 mins then I have to walk then start running again

That's the standard way people progress at distance-running, so don't be dismayed. As Dhathri mentioned, the "couch to 5K" program has a structured routine for doing just what you're talking about. Even if you ignore the details, a lot of people follow that and have good information related to it. So maybe check it out:
https://www.reddit.com/r/C25K/

Yes, it does!

I was attempting to run on a treadmill when I was near my heaviest weight, starting about a year before I joined MFP. I could manage a few minutes of running, then I had to walk for quite a while until I could see again, then I'd run for a few more minutes.

After I had lost about 10 kg, I tried running on the beach and managed to run further than I had on the treadmill. Cool!

Fairly recently, after losing about 25 kg, I tried running on the treadmill again, and got up to running about 45 minutes non-stop. I got into a zone and it was OK.

3 minutes is a lot better than where I started, but now I'm able to run a full 5k without walking. Like the others said, a C25K will really help you work your way up to being able to run 5K in a couple of weeks time.

I would reccomend using Zombies, Run 5K, which is what I used. It combines a storyline with running drills that get more intense every week of training, in a way to get you ready for the 5K in 8 weeks. The storyline keeps you motivated to come back even when you don't feel like running, I felt that really helped me get through it. And if you end up liking it, the main app has 5 seasons and is a great way to get your runs in.

My $0.02: No, but you get better at it!

And to echo some earlier comments:

In order to run faster, you have to run faster (shorter distances at a faster than comfortable pace - sprints, Fartleks, etc)

But, you can't do that every day - so some times you have to run slower in order to run longer

And, a run/walk progression plan is a great start!

It does. It takes time, patience and a lot of work but it does get easier. Stick to it, push yourself to do a bit more but don't do too much too soon, try a structured running program and you'll see great results!

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

Matt200goal wrote: »

In order to run faster, you have to run faster (shorter distances at a faster than comfortable pace - sprints, Fartleks, etc)

I'd generally advise a new runner to avoid any speedwork until they can comfortably run for an hour at a time. For someone who's right at the beginning of the process that would be more likely to lead to injury than anything else.

@MeanderingMammal - concur about getting to a "base level" before speed work.

physically, yes, it will. mentally, that can still be hard.

Yeah it does! I remember taking a weight lifting class in college and part of the warm up was a run around the basketball court...I thought I was going to die lol then I started doing running and walk intervals and now can run up to 7 miles and its tough but I dont feel like dying
Remember to breath deep...sometimes when I run I suck in my tummy...not good because you want to be able to inhale and feel in in your belly deep breathing

Yes yes yes it does get easier! I hated running when I started and now I LOVE it. I wasn't able to run 30 seconds and thought I would never be able to. Just recently I did a 5km under 30 minutes...and that's pretty impressive for a girl that started running in her 40's!! My first 5km time was 45min, that was last year! My best advice to you is don't do too much too fast. Just keep doing the walk/run intervals and SLOWLY increase your running time. Keep going you are are doing AWESOME!!!!! I kept registering for 5km races and that would motivate me to train for it. Now I am training for a 10km!!

girlinahat wrote: »

jtcedinburgh wrote: »

FWIW I have found that my running has improved since beginning SL5x5. I seem to be better at coping with hills. I'm not saying that I'm running faster - though I possibly am - but the effects of strengthening the body has made me better in areas that I hadn't previously thought needed it.

Stick at running, it's great fun and a fine way to experience the outdoors!

this is great to know - I'm about to start SL 5x5 as the mornings get darker and I don't much want to run alone in the dark so will be scaling back my running.

My arms and shoulders were really aching this week - all I did was a 10k race on Sunday, so I can only assume I used my arms far more than people might think in running (I do try and pump with the arms) so strengthening the rest of my body should hopefully make me a better runner.

SL5x5 definitely improved my running as well. I hardly even notice hills anymore!

monsterseatyourface wrote: »

I've been running lately, but it's SO hard. I can maybe run for 3 mins then I have to walk then start running again, and so forth.

For one, slow down...most people make the mistake of going too fast too soon...you're going to be slow...deal with it.

For second, I would recommend following a program like C25K that will start you off slow and having your jogging and walking in intervals and progressively working your way up to a full 5K run/jog. Most people, including myself are still pretty slow, but able to complete a 5K...speed will come with time...lots of time. Gaining fitness isn't an overnight phenomenon.

Yes and yes!! I was never a runner. I literally could not run 3 minutes continuously last Feb of 2015. Last April 2015 I ran my first 5k in 36 minutes. Now I do HIIT intervals 3-4 days a week and these days I can run a 7 minute mile. (Well, for one mile anyways.) And did my last 5k in under 24 minutes. I never would have thought that was doable. The biggest thing is not trying to quickly improve speed, distance, duration all at the same time. You want to push yourself and get uncomfortable while still doing it safely. HIIT greatly improved my overall endurance and conditioning.

When I was first starting out, I would run a minute, walk a minute, run a minute, walk a minute. Or then run 3 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 3, walk 1. I did not worry about speed at all then. You will build up over time. Then I started doing HIIT and sprints and recoveries and that helped so much too. As well as building muscle to help power my entire body. Have fun with it! I never thought I could actually like running and I wouldn't say I loooove running, but I do like a comfortable pace for enjoyment and to move my body, or just as a way to challenge myself physically, stay engaged in the process, and meet new goals.

Yes it gets easier.. OP I don't think I was able to even run 3 minutes when I started.. I just turned 48 last week, and I only started distance running two years prior.. So if you truly enjoy running, and this is something you will enjoy doing for however long you love this, keep practicing, make mini goals, take your time. Build up fitness and strength slowly. Perhaps build up any weakness you have your legs, glutes, calves with some strength training and incorporate some cross training..