I suck at running
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MPH, 5.0 and 5.2 MPH0
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Way to go fellow runner! You are already faster that all the people who don't run.1
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its_go_time wrote: »Probably mostly in my own damn head, but I do suck at it. Slow, struggle to add on any time or distance. I'm good at the first few weeks of C25K, then I just go in the tank. Can't breathe, legs don't cooperate, blah blah blah.
Anyone else ever experienced something similar? How did you get through it? Any tips from you pros out there? Thanks
Yeah. I've done C25K three times and always experience something similar. Instead of quitting or getting down on myself I repeat that week as many times as I need to and at some point I hit day 3 and go, huh, that was easy and move to the next week. I've since moved on to a 10K program and am still only running a 15 min/mile. Speed comes later, much later.
Important fact: It doesn't matter how fast you are running during C25K. It is an endurance based program. The point is to get yourself running, you know two feet off the ground at the same time, for a set amount of time or distance. Speed has no place in C25K. If you are running a treadmill where the speed is constantly staring you in the face maybe try going outdoors without monitoring your pace and only run as fast as you can hold a conversation. I find a heart rate monitor helpful. When I think I'm going too slow or breathing to heavy I can check my heart rate and know my exertion level.1 -
its_go_time wrote: »MPH, 5.0 and 5.2 MPH
In that case, slow down a bit.0 -
Agree with getting a good shoe fitting. Be sure you go to a small running store, not a big box. They are going to give you the best fit. Also, when I look at the c25k plans, I always feel like they aren't really meant for untrained runners--even the "beginner" plans. They appeare to me to assume that you can run much sooner than you actually can. That is, walking at a very rapid clip might be a better choice or,if you are listening to music when you work out, try trotting along for the three songs and walking for one or trotting along for three minutes and walking for one. Also be sure that the program you use isn't just running. The programs that are on the cool runnings website are very good. They mixup the workouts. Running well isn't just about running. Slow down, take your time. You can do this!0
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Agree with getting a good shoe fitting. Be sure you go to a small running store, not a big box. They are going to give you the best fit. Also, when I look at the c25k plans, I always feel like they aren't really meant for untrained runners--even the "beginner" plans. They appeare to me to assume that you can run much sooner than you actually can. That is, walking at a very rapid clip might be a better choice or,if you are listening to music when you work out, try trotting along for the three songs and walking for one or trotting along for three minutes and walking for one. Also be sure that the program you use isn't just running. The programs that are on the cool runnings website are very good. They mixup the workouts. Running well isn't just about running. Slow down, take your time. You can do this!
you think c25k is not 'beginner' enough but then you suggest running for at least 9 minutes with 3 minute walk intervals? :huh:1 -
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2011rocket3touring wrote: »Treadmill is easier on you and proper shoes is very, very important.
I would argue that training outside and concentrating on improving your form and leg/foot strength is more important.
shoes relate to the surface you are on, and whilst gait IS important, improving your running form will prevent injuries far more than a pair of shoes will.
I hate the treadmill. It's a constant pace which doesn't relate to the real world. There's no air to cool my system (in the form of wind), the action of using a treadmill is different as you are responding to something that is moving, psychologically they can be a killer, and people get a big shock the first time they go outside from using a TM. Yes, it's a useful tool, but it's not a substitute for being outside.
trails are better. for all kinds of reasons.2 -
girlinahat wrote: »2011rocket3touring wrote: »Treadmill is easier on you and proper shoes is very, very important.
I would argue that training outside and concentrating on improving your form and leg/foot strength is more important.
shoes relate to the surface you are on, and whilst gait IS important, improving your running form will prevent injuries far more than a pair of shoes will.
I hate the treadmill. It's a constant pace which doesn't relate to the real world. There's no air to cool my system (in the form of wind), the action of using a treadmill is different as you are responding to something that is moving, psychologically they can be a killer, and people get a big shock the first time they go outside from using a TM. Yes, it's a useful tool, but it's not a substitute for being outside.
trails are better. for all kinds of reasons.
i only ever run on a treadmill for gait analysis... i remember the guy in the shop saying 'is that how you normally run?' and i'm just like, 'nope, i'm running like i've *kitten* myself, this is not how i normally run....' :laugh:0 -
So what if you're slow! I'm slow! I don't accurately time myself, I just go out and run. There are enough pressures at work and elsewhere and I run to free myself from them for a while, get some fresh air and sunshine and not compete with anyone else or myself either. To say that you 'suck' is a measure of competition and judgement. Just go out and run - either for a little bit or a longer bit - just get out there
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TavistockToad wrote: »i only ever run on a treadmill for gait analysis... i remember the guy in the shop saying 'is that how you normally run?' and i'm just like, 'nope, i'm running like i've *kitten* myself, this is not how i normally run....' :laugh:
this is why I'm a bit wary of the whole gait analysis thing.
I run differently on a treadmill than I might outside where the ground is undulating and my speed adjusts microscopically.
‘gait’ begins from the head downwards. Even a few millimetres forward of the head can change the way your legs move to support the head. Same with the rest of the body.
Saying someone is an ‘overpronator’ only tells what happens when your foot hits the ground. This doesn’t relate to what happens to the hips, the pelvis, the knees. There is a good reason the foot is made up of so many bones, and that is to adjust to the surface it is hitting. A treadmill is a flat bouncy surface, and in no way represents the surface you will face running outside.
I am of the opinion that ‘gait’ is not fixed and can and maybe SHOULD be adjusted to improve efficiency. The same goes for the insistence that we should have supportive boots when hiking to protect the ankles – why? Surely we should have strong ankles to protect the ankles? If I am hiking over rough ground I want my whole body to respond to that rough ground, so that my hips and core take in the movement, rather than just my feet and ankles. The same goes with running.
Yes, there is some advantage to some form of support for the arches in shoes, and some advantage to cushioning, but I rather think this is more a comfort issue than a proscribed ‘gait’ diagnosis.
last time I bought new road shoes I bought online a pair I liked the look of. I wore them a bit and realised I wanted some arch support, so stuck in an insole. They work fine.
trail shoes I went to a local running shop and tried on a number of pairs, running up and down the street until I found a pair that was comfortable. Next time I think I'd buy a size larger.
I guess what I'm trying to say is learn to listen to your body as a whole and don't just follow blindly what someone says about your feet.
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girlinahat wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »i only ever run on a treadmill for gait analysis... i remember the guy in the shop saying 'is that how you normally run?' and i'm just like, 'nope, i'm running like i've *kitten* myself, this is not how i normally run....' :laugh:
this is why I'm a bit wary of the whole gait analysis thing.
I run differently on a treadmill than I might outside where the ground is undulating and my speed adjusts microscopically.
‘gait’ begins from the head downwards. Even a few millimetres forward of the head can change the way your legs move to support the head. Same with the rest of the body.
Saying someone is an ‘overpronator’ only tells what happens when your foot hits the ground. This doesn’t relate to what happens to the hips, the pelvis, the knees. There is a good reason the foot is made up of so many bones, and that is to adjust to the surface it is hitting. A treadmill is a flat bouncy surface, and in no way represents the surface you will face running outside.
I am of the opinion that ‘gait’ is not fixed and can and maybe SHOULD be adjusted to improve efficiency. The same goes for the insistence that we should have supportive boots when hiking to protect the ankles – why? Surely we should have strong ankles to protect the ankles? If I am hiking over rough ground I want my whole body to respond to that rough ground, so that my hips and core take in the movement, rather than just my feet and ankles. The same goes with running.
Yes, there is some advantage to some form of support for the arches in shoes, and some advantage to cushioning, but I rather think this is more a comfort issue than a proscribed ‘gait’ diagnosis.
last time I bought new road shoes I bought online a pair I liked the look of. I wore them a bit and realised I wanted some arch support, so stuck in an insole. They work fine.
trail shoes I went to a local running shop and tried on a number of pairs, running up and down the street until I found a pair that was comfortable. Next time I think I'd buy a size larger.
I guess what I'm trying to say is learn to listen to your body as a whole and don't just follow blindly what someone says about your feet.
i would tend to agree.
the only time i've had a running injury the physio didn't even mention my shoes, it was fixed by strengthening the muscles in my hips and legs.0 -
Try running outside if you can. I have been running for a couple of years. My usual run is at least 3 miles, more if I'm training for something, plus a weekly long run. On the treadmill, I'm doing well to make it a mile. Everything hurts and it makes me hate every single step. Instead, I run on the streets around my neighborhood.
Also, there is nothing wrong with being slow. I was thrilled that I finished my first 5k in under 45 minutes. Many people finished ahead of me; some people finished after me. A great thing about running is that most of us are not competing with anyone but ourselves. The majority of people don't sign up for a race because they're trying to win it. They want to beat their own best performance or achieve some other personal goal.1 -
vespiquenn wrote: »A few things. Have you tried repeating weeks on C25k? A few people find that they have success in just doing that to allow their body to adjust.
Secondly, in regards to your legs not cooperating, are they getting fatigued? Often times, this can be linked to poor running shoes. Have you been properly fitted? It's possibly that the shoes you have are not the correct fit for your gait.
This right here. The program even states if a week gives you trouble, repeat it, until it's not.
Additionally, do you have properly fitted running shoes? If not, head down to your local running store, and pick up a pair.0 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »its_go_time wrote: »Probably mostly in my own damn head, but I do suck at it. Slow, struggle to add on any time or distance. I'm good at the first few weeks of C25K, then I just go in the tank. Can't breathe, legs don't cooperate, blah blah blah.
Anyone else ever experienced something similar? How did you get through it? Any tips from you pros out there? Thanks
I'm not a distance runner...never have been...never was good at it even when I was in the military and we ran daily for PT. I was a natural sprinter growing up, but I've never been a natural distance runner. My wife on the other hand is very natural...she can torch a 5K with little to no training.
When I ran, I did see some improvement over time, but it wasn't anything spectacular and I was just pretty miserable.
I decided to take up cycling instead which I enjoy much more.
Another very salient point. If at the end of the C25K, you still don't like running? Find something you do enjoy. No use battering a square peg into a round hole. Maybe cycling is more your thing. Maybe hiking. Maybe just lifting (You still need some cardio, though, the heart is a muscle that needs gainz too).0 -
running is all about getting into a rhythm once you have that you breathing enters a rhythm as well and you will find running alot easier. It might sound daft but i found counting strides really helped it takes a bit of getting use to also i made sure i didnt push myself to hard and built it up over time. Dont worry if you have to start walking thats ok it all burns cals.0
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I have the same issues. I'm new to running. I stopped on week 4 due to knee pain and rested it for 2 weeks. I'm slowly trying to get back into it and so far so good, but only for short spurts. I do far more walking than running unfortunately. I think I OVERthink things. I need to go get fitted for shoes because I think that's a large part of my problem, plus I worry about my knee every time. My breathing doesn't bother me much. Right now it's my dang ankles (now that my knee is doing better). The weight doesn't help, so hoping over time as I lose more, running will get easier. I do love it though when something's not hurting
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I've slowed myself down a little bit, not much though. Regardless, this week has been better. I've gotten through the intervals just fine and without laboring to get there like the past few weeks. Maybe just talking about it and reading your advice has helped? Thanks!1
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Slowing down has definitely helped out. Pretty much just running on the treadmill to try and train myself to pace better. Each day running is an improved C25K day. Hopefully we can keep getting better. Thanks all.1
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Running is not about speed or how fast you do it. Endurance and stamina play a vital role. No matter how long it takes, don't stop till you finish 0
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Frequency matters, then distance. . . speed hardly matters at all.0
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Don't give up! Lots of great suggestions here. I've done the C25K before. Decent shoes are important. Repeat weeks as necessary. Do you listen to music while you run? I find that helps a lot. The beat helps me keep my feet moving. I'd love to do it again, but I need to make some more changes. I have exercise-induced asthma, and I make it worse by smoking (1/3-pack a day habit, stress related - no lectures, I've heard them all), I'm 30 lbs overweight, and have mild arthritis in my knees. But I'd like to try it this spring/summer anyway. I'm weird - I like running. Feel free to friend me if you want a cheerleader and you can help motivate me to get out there and start running!0
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I am not a natural runner. I'm slow, and only think of the joy of being done when I run. I did learn how important and helpful it is to pace yourself. When my friend taught me to run 10 min miles (that should be a 6 on your treadmill), my world expanded. If that's too fast, then keep it at a 5, but increase your distance. Without even trying you'll get faster. Good luck!0
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I used to hate running. My joke was that I would only run when chased. I ran track (sprint/hurdles) in school because it was an easy way to earn a letter, but then I took up other sports that didn't involve running. Flash forward 20 years and I have a adolescent son who plays lacrosse. I was still active in sports (lots of cycling) and pretty fit, but we have a parents/kids lacrosse game and the running nearly killed me! I set a goal to start running and run a 5K race. I started out with C25K but I honestly found it inane--I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Instead I made up my own intervals and training plan--out and backs in the neighborhood, some treadmill work, a trip to the high school track, laps around the soccer field--as long as I ran a little longer each time, I felt like I was doing great! My endurance increased and eventually my speed increased as well. I ran my first 5K in just over 26 minutes. I ran several more, and each one was a PR. I really wanted a medal for running so I decided to run a half marathon since it was unlikely that I would ever win my age group in a 5K. I finished my first half in under 2 hours. I kept running, and ran more 5Ks, some 5 milers, some 10Ks (and even won my age group in a 5K once!) and another half marathon. If you asked me 6 years ago if I would ever love running I would have laughed at you. But I do. I love running--it's my happy time! I had to have ACL surgery last May (unrelated to running) and so now I'm starting all over at the beginning, building my endurance and speed back up. My mileage will never be back to where it was to run half marathons, but at least I'm running--I've set my goal to do a sprint tri this summer.
My thoughts for you: do what you need to do to make it fun for you. If that means running with a friend or spouse, do it. If that means ditching C25K, do it (have you considered the Zombies Run app?). Set goals for yourself if that motivates you. And, if at the end of all of that, you still hate it? Then don't do it. Find something else you enjoy.1 -
The speed thing...it's too easy to get stuck on that...but really, it doesn't matter. You are only racing against that voice in your head that says "You are slow...and this is hard...people are laughing at you" Kick that voice's *kitten*.
Thanks for this. I think this is one of my biggest issues when thinking about starting to run. I've been "power-walking" for several years and can whoop the hell out of an elliptical, but running has been trying to woo me as of late and I'm finding myself very anxious when it comes to trying it.
I really need to kick that voice's "kitten" myself.0
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