How can I get faster without getting tired?

DarkWarrior91
DarkWarrior91 Posts: 29 Member
edited April 2021 in Health and Weight Loss
I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.
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Replies

  • DarkWarrior91
    DarkWarrior91 Posts: 29 Member
    edited April 2021
    A 10 minute mile should be considered good for your height and weight. Not every run when you're speed training will be particularly fast or record breaking. IMO it takes a lot of time and conditioning to improve good speeds. Typically you've got 2 types of runners 1. Fast runners who race but tire quickly and 2.Endurance runners who aren't as fast but can run 5-10 miles straight and then go about their day. My best guess here is you need to decide if you want to do distance running or sprinting. As is your time looks fabulous for the distance based on your height. You should always work on improving but the less work you have the slower the progress in both fitness and weightloss. An in shape runner runs a mile in 9-10minutes and a pro marathon athlete runs a mile in 4-5minutes. You're between the 2 which is fantastic at 29 without being a professional to add some perspective.

    So.... you're basically saying that I should be focused on being a sprinter. If you are, that sucks because I hate cardio. Lol.

    Secondly, is my time REALLY that fabulous? It's very slow to my standards. I even had to brisk walk in the middle of that run TWICE, and i was really disappointed in that.

    Also, you mentioned that the speed time was "fabulous" based on my height. Dont you mean weight? Why height?
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,493 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.

    How long have you been running? As others have said unless your are a snowflake (unique) at your height and weight, you are overfat and losing weight will help.

    Working on it. Thanks for reminding me that I'm overweight. Real good shot at confidence.

    To be honest, you did not mention anything about actively trying to lose weight.

    To my question. How long have you been running and how much distance on a consistent basis?
  • DarkWarrior91
    DarkWarrior91 Posts: 29 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.

    How long have you been running? As others have said unless your are a snowflake (unique) at your height and weight, you are overfat and losing weight will help.

    Working on it. Thanks for reminding me that I'm overweight. Real good shot at confidence.

    To be honest, you did not mention anything about actively trying to lose weight.

    To my question. How long have you been running and how much distance on a consistent basis?

    Sorry, I'm personally rather thornish because of low self-esteem.

    To answer your question, I'm not sure how to answer that. I could tell you 4-5 years, but it wouldnt be the whole honest truth. Because I would be running and once I hit one of my goals, I'd get lax and get slow and fat again and then do the whole cycle all over. That's a running theme in my life, which is why I sont like receiving praise or encouragement.

    But to answer your question, I'm trying to do running every OTHER day, so basically I'm doing running one day, and then an aerobics the next day, and it goes on back to back. Yes, I'm trying to keep a strict diet. Although, I feel like I'm failing that too.
  • DarkWarrior91
    DarkWarrior91 Posts: 29 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    A 10 minute mile should be considered good for your height and weight. Not every run when you're speed training will be particularly fast or record breaking. IMO it takes a lot of time and conditioning to improve good speeds. Typically you've got 2 types of runners 1. Fast runners who race but tire quickly and 2.Endurance runners who aren't as fast but can run 5-10 miles straight and then go about their day. My best guess here is you need to decide if you want to do distance running or sprinting. As is your time looks fabulous for the distance based on your height. You should always work on improving but the less work you have the slower the progress in both fitness and weightloss. An in shape runner runs a mile in 9-10minutes and a pro marathon athlete runs a mile in 4-5minutes. You're between the 2 which is fantastic at 29 without being a professional to add some perspective.

    So.... you're basically saying that I should be focused on being a sprinter. If you are, that sucks because I hate cardio. Lol.

    Secondly, is my time REALLY that fabulous? It's very slow to my standards. I even had to brisk walk in the middle of that run TWICE, and i was really disappointed in that.

    Also, you mentioned that the speed time was "fabulous" based on my height. Dont you mean weight? Why height?

    I guess I don't understand. You say you want to get faster at the 1.5 mile distance but you hate cardio and to your admission, your cardiovascular fitness sucks. Hate to break it to you, but until you improve your cardiovascular fitness your time won't get better.

    If you haven't been running on a consistent basis I would suggest Googling Couch to 5 k and following that program to build some base cardio fitness..

    Of course not. Why would it get better if I'm not a good runner? Let alone hate cardio? Lol. I'm not doing it because I enjoy it. I'm doing it because I HAVE to. There is no choice in the matter.

    Also, I'm not into the YouTube self help. I'd rather go on my own without online personalities disrupting or keeping me off focus with their rhetoric.
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,493 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.

    How long have you been running? As others have said unless your are a snowflake (unique) at your height and weight, you are overfat and losing weight will help.

    Working on it. Thanks for reminding me that I'm overweight. Real good shot at confidence.

    To be honest, you did not mention anything about actively trying to lose weight.

    To my question. How long have you been running and how much distance on a consistent basis?

    Sorry, I'm personally rather thornish because of low self-esteem.

    To answer your question, I'm not sure how to answer that. I could tell you 4-5 years, but it wouldnt be the whole honest truth. Because I would be running and once I hit one of my goals, I'd get lax and get slow and fat again and then do the whole cycle all over. That's a running theme in my life, which is why I sont like receiving praise or encouragement.

    But to answer your question, I'm trying to do running every OTHER day, so basically I'm doing running one day, and then an aerobics the next day, and it goes on back to back. Yes, I'm trying to keep a strict diet. Although, I feel like I'm failing that too.

    Try the Couch to 5k I mentioned above. You might find it easy or hard, In any case give it a try.


    http://www.c25k.com/

    Should help with some structure and build a habit.

    There is also a free app for it.
  • DarkWarrior91
    DarkWarrior91 Posts: 29 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.

    How long have you been running? As others have said unless your are a snowflake (unique) at your height and weight, you are overfat and losing weight will help.

    Working on it. Thanks for reminding me that I'm overweight. Real good shot at confidence.

    To be honest, you did not mention anything about actively trying to lose weight.

    To my question. How long have you been running and how much distance on a consistent basis?

    Sorry, I'm personally rather thornish because of low self-esteem.

    To answer your question, I'm not sure how to answer that. I could tell you 4-5 years, but it wouldnt be the whole honest truth. Because I would be running and once I hit one of my goals, I'd get lax and get slow and fat again and then do the whole cycle all over. That's a running theme in my life, which is why I sont like receiving praise or encouragement.

    But to answer your question, I'm trying to do running every OTHER day, so basically I'm doing running one day, and then an aerobics the next day, and it goes on back to back. Yes, I'm trying to keep a strict diet. Although, I feel like I'm failing that too.

    Try the Couch to 5k I mentioned above. You might find it easy or hard, In any case give it a try.


    http://www.c25k.com/

    Should help with some structure and build a habit.

    There is also a free app for it.

    Meh. I'll think about it. Like I said, I'm not into self-help gurus, or videos, or whatever.
  • DarkWarrior91
    DarkWarrior91 Posts: 29 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.

    How long have you been running? As others have said unless your are a snowflake (unique) at your height and weight, you are overfat and losing weight will help.

    Working on it. Thanks for reminding me that I'm overweight. Real good shot at confidence.

    To be honest, you did not mention anything about actively trying to lose weight.

    To my question. How long have you been running and how much distance on a consistent basis?

    Sorry, I'm personally rather thornish because of low self-esteem.

    To answer your question, I'm not sure how to answer that. I could tell you 4-5 years, but it wouldnt be the whole honest truth. Because I would be running and once I hit one of my goals, I'd get lax and get slow and fat again and then do the whole cycle all over. That's a running theme in my life, which is why I sont like receiving praise or encouragement.

    But to answer your question, I'm trying to do running every OTHER day, so basically I'm doing running one day, and then an aerobics the next day, and it goes on back to back. Yes, I'm trying to keep a strict diet. Although, I feel like I'm failing that too.

    Try the Couch to 5k I mentioned above. You might find it easy or hard, In any case give it a try.


    http://www.c25k.com/

    Should help with some structure and build a habit.

    There is also a free app for it.

    Meh. I'll think about it. Like I said, I'm not into self-help gurus, or videos, or whatever.

    It's not a self help gurus, feel good crap item. It's an actual training program for beginning runners (or those returning to running

    Is this on MFP?
  • penguinmama87
    penguinmama87 Posts: 1,155 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.

    How long have you been running? As others have said unless your are a snowflake (unique) at your height and weight, you are overfat and losing weight will help.

    Working on it. Thanks for reminding me that I'm overweight. Real good shot at confidence.

    To be honest, you did not mention anything about actively trying to lose weight.

    To my question. How long have you been running and how much distance on a consistent basis?

    Sorry, I'm personally rather thornish because of low self-esteem.

    To answer your question, I'm not sure how to answer that. I could tell you 4-5 years, but it wouldnt be the whole honest truth. Because I would be running and once I hit one of my goals, I'd get lax and get slow and fat again and then do the whole cycle all over. That's a running theme in my life, which is why I sont like receiving praise or encouragement.

    But to answer your question, I'm trying to do running every OTHER day, so basically I'm doing running one day, and then an aerobics the next day, and it goes on back to back. Yes, I'm trying to keep a strict diet. Although, I feel like I'm failing that too.

    Try the Couch to 5k I mentioned above. You might find it easy or hard, In any case give it a try.


    http://www.c25k.com/

    Should help with some structure and build a habit.

    There is also a free app for it.

    Meh. I'll think about it. Like I said, I'm not into self-help gurus, or videos, or whatever.

    Couch to 5k is just a training program. The (free) app I use is simply an audio track that adds on to whatever I'm listening to at the moment to tell me when my running intervals start and stop. Over nine weeks (or more, since I repeat weeks sometimes), the running intervals get longer. By the end, you can run for over 30 minutes without stopping. Even if you're a slower runner like me, that's almost 5k. The same developer then has apps to train for longer distances using the same method.

    I'm with you - I'm generally very suspicious of gurus or celebrities or anything that says "fork over a bunch of cash and I'll tell you the secrets of the universe so you can stop being pathetic." You can lose weight or learn how to run without relying on any of that. I don't classify a training schedule with audio reminders in the same category as these, though.

    Is there a particular reason you want to do the 1.5 mile distance? I enjoy running (and on bad days I at the very least enjoy the way I feel *after* I run), but if I hated it I wouldn't keep doing it. Is there a reason you can't do some other kind of physical activity? From your last couple of posts it doesn't sound like you really want to run at all. Maybe I'm mistaken, but if you don't enjoy it, don't do it - find something else you would rather do and get good at that instead. If you find something you like, it's a lot easier to motivate yourself to learn to get better at it.
  • DarkWarrior91
    DarkWarrior91 Posts: 29 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.

    How long have you been running? As others have said unless your are a snowflake (unique) at your height and weight, you are overfat and losing weight will help.

    Working on it. Thanks for reminding me that I'm overweight. Real good shot at confidence.

    To be honest, you did not mention anything about actively trying to lose weight.

    To my question. How long have you been running and how much distance on a consistent basis?

    Sorry, I'm personally rather thornish because of low self-esteem.

    To answer your question, I'm not sure how to answer that. I could tell you 4-5 years, but it wouldnt be the whole honest truth. Because I would be running and once I hit one of my goals, I'd get lax and get slow and fat again and then do the whole cycle all over. That's a running theme in my life, which is why I sont like receiving praise or encouragement.

    But to answer your question, I'm trying to do running every OTHER day, so basically I'm doing running one day, and then an aerobics the next day, and it goes on back to back. Yes, I'm trying to keep a strict diet. Although, I feel like I'm failing that too.

    Try the Couch to 5k I mentioned above. You might find it easy or hard, In any case give it a try.


    http://www.c25k.com/

    Should help with some structure and build a habit.

    There is also a free app for it.

    Meh. I'll think about it. Like I said, I'm not into self-help gurus, or videos, or whatever.

    Couch to 5k is just a training program. The (free) app I use is simply an audio track that adds on to whatever I'm listening to at the moment to tell me when my running intervals start and stop. Over nine weeks (or more, since I repeat weeks sometimes), the running intervals get longer. By the end, you can run for over 30 minutes without stopping. Even if you're a slower runner like me, that's almost 5k. The same developer then has apps to train for longer distances using the same method.

    I'm with you - I'm generally very suspicious of gurus or celebrities or anything that says "fork over a bunch of cash and I'll tell you the secrets of the universe so you can stop being pathetic." You can lose weight or learn how to run without relying on any of that. I don't classify a training schedule with audio reminders in the same category as these, though.

    Is there a particular reason you want to do the 1.5 mile distance? I enjoy running (and on bad days I at the very least enjoy the way I feel *after* I run), but if I hated it I wouldn't keep doing it. Is there a reason you can't do some other kind of physical activity? From your last couple of posts it doesn't sound like you really want to run at all. Maybe I'm mistaken, but if you don't enjoy it, don't do it - find something else you would rather do and get good at that instead. If you find something you like, it's a lot easier to motivate yourself to learn to get better at it.

    Okay, I get the 5k then and I'll trust you on it. But mark me, that does not mean ill accept it, ill just keep it in mind. But that raises a question: Will it make me a faster runner? I want endurance, speed, and distance covered as quick as possible. I dont intend to actually run a 5k.

    And yes there is a reason why in doing this. Some of them are reasons that are personal and some are beneficial to others. But I'm not obligated to share them with you, no disrespect or rudeness or hostility intended. But since you seem like a good soul, I'll tell you this one and only one. This is a personal AND important one. So here it is: I'm tired of being fat, over weight, and lazy. I've always been criticized for being over weight ever since I was a child that it has affected me personally. And as I grew up, realizing the unhealthiness of that nature and how the world will take advantage of it, where we know of it or not, I have decided to push myself to STRICT ends to wanting to get more fit. There's also an evolutionary aspect to that, but that's another can of worms that i will not bother you with. So i hate exercising, i hate running, and i hate trying to keep discipline. But it is a necessity to keep me fit and ready for an unforgivable and hostile future. I doubt that you will understand that, which is fine. No one really does understand me.
  • autumnblade75
    autumnblade75 Posts: 1,661 Member
    Likes to eat a lot, but wants to restrict to 1500 because needs results in 3 days, or trolling? (Other thread)

    Editing to add:

    If you are fatigued, you may need to eat a little more.

    If you are just out of breath because you only ever run 1.5 miles, you probably need to stop racing every run, and build up to a point where you can run for a full hour, slowly. My 5k time improved most when I trained for my first marathon.

    Another edit:

    I progressed most slowly when I tried to run 3 miles every day, and raced every run. Rest and recovery are important.

    Legit Question: If I'm fatigued, I'm supposed to eat more. But doesn't eating more lead to more weight? Also, I'm trying to cut out all carbonated drinks and sticking mostly to water or black coffee. 1 energy a day, I should add.

    Also, for the full hour, are you suggesting I try running without full effort for one hour? Is that practically jogging for one hour without stopping?

    The "eat more" advice is assuming you're still determined to do this all while starving yourself. If you're eating a reasonable number of calories, ignore that. Eating "more" doesn't necessarily lead to weight gain, if you're severely underfueling. Consistently eating more than you burn over time leads to weight gain, just as consistently eating less than you burn over time leads to weight loss. Key words are "consistently, over time."

    Carbonation doesn't affect weight. I had it in my mind that caffeine was an appetite suppressant, but I can't find support for that - if it doesn't make you jittery, though, there's no reason to limit black coffee.

    Yes, I am telling you running should not be maximum effort all the time. Jogging isn't a defined thing. If there is a point in time that both feet are off the ground, that gait is running. Jogging doesn't exist. You are supposed to run for that full hour while doing so slowly enough that you could talk to a friend - or sing a song.
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,493 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.

    How long have you been running? As others have said unless your are a snowflake (unique) at your height and weight, you are overfat and losing weight will help.

    Working on it. Thanks for reminding me that I'm overweight. Real good shot at confidence.

    To be honest, you did not mention anything about actively trying to lose weight.

    To my question. How long have you been running and how much distance on a consistent basis?

    Sorry, I'm personally rather thornish because of low self-esteem.

    To answer your question, I'm not sure how to answer that. I could tell you 4-5 years, but it wouldnt be the whole honest truth. Because I would be running and once I hit one of my goals, I'd get lax and get slow and fat again and then do the whole cycle all over. That's a running theme in my life, which is why I sont like receiving praise or encouragement.

    But to answer your question, I'm trying to do running every OTHER day, so basically I'm doing running one day, and then an aerobics the next day, and it goes on back to back. Yes, I'm trying to keep a strict diet. Although, I feel like I'm failing that too.

    Try the Couch to 5k I mentioned above. You might find it easy or hard, In any case give it a try.


    http://www.c25k.com/

    Should help with some structure and build a habit.

    There is also a free app for it.

    Meh. I'll think about it. Like I said, I'm not into self-help gurus, or videos, or whatever.

    It's not a self help gurus, feel good crap item. It's an actual training program for beginning runners (or those returning to running

    Is this on MFP?

    I provided a link in my earlier response
  • DarkWarrior91
    DarkWarrior91 Posts: 29 Member
    Likes to eat a lot, but wants to restrict to 1500 because needs results in 3 days, or trolling? (Other thread)

    Editing to add:

    If you are fatigued, you may need to eat a little more.

    If you are just out of breath because you only ever run 1.5 miles, you probably need to stop racing every run, and build up to a point where you can run for a full hour, slowly. My 5k time improved most when I trained for my first marathon.

    Another edit:

    I progressed most slowly when I tried to run 3 miles every day, and raced every run. Rest and recovery are important.

    Legit Question: If I'm fatigued, I'm supposed to eat more. But doesn't eating more lead to more weight? Also, I'm trying to cut out all carbonated drinks and sticking mostly to water or black coffee. 1 energy a day, I should add.

    Also, for the full hour, are you suggesting I try running without full effort for one hour? Is that practically jogging for one hour without stopping?

    The "eat more" advice is assuming you're still determined to do this all while starving yourself. If you're eating a reasonable number of calories, ignore that. Eating "more" doesn't necessarily lead to weight gain, if you're severely underfueling. Consistently eating more than you burn over time leads to weight gain, just as consistently eating less than you burn over time leads to weight loss. Key words are "consistently, over time."

    Carbonation doesn't affect weight. I had it in my mind that caffeine was an appetite suppressant, but I can't find support for that - if it doesn't make you jittery, though, there's no reason to limit black coffee.

    Yes, I am telling you running should not be maximum effort all the time. Jogging isn't a defined thing. If there is a point in time that both feet are off the ground, that gait is running. Jogging doesn't exist. You are supposed to run for that full hour while doing so slowly enough that you could talk to a friend - or sing a song.

    Okay.
  • DarkWarrior91
    DarkWarrior91 Posts: 29 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.

    How long have you been running? As others have said unless your are a snowflake (unique) at your height and weight, you are overfat and losing weight will help.

    Working on it. Thanks for reminding me that I'm overweight. Real good shot at confidence.

    To be honest, you did not mention anything about actively trying to lose weight.

    To my question. How long have you been running and how much distance on a consistent basis?

    Sorry, I'm personally rather thornish because of low self-esteem.

    To answer your question, I'm not sure how to answer that. I could tell you 4-5 years, but it wouldnt be the whole honest truth. Because I would be running and once I hit one of my goals, I'd get lax and get slow and fat again and then do the whole cycle all over. That's a running theme in my life, which is why I sont like receiving praise or encouragement.

    But to answer your question, I'm trying to do running every OTHER day, so basically I'm doing running one day, and then an aerobics the next day, and it goes on back to back. Yes, I'm trying to keep a strict diet. Although, I feel like I'm failing that too.

    Try the Couch to 5k I mentioned above. You might find it easy or hard, In any case give it a try.


    http://www.c25k.com/

    Should help with some structure and build a habit.

    There is also a free app for it.

    Meh. I'll think about it. Like I said, I'm not into self-help gurus, or videos, or whatever.

    It's not a self help gurus, feel good crap item. It's an actual training program for beginning runners (or those returning to running

    Is this on MFP?

    I provided a link in my earlier response

    I'm aware of it. I just asked if it's on MFP, like a plan or something similar to it.
  • DarkWarrior91
    DarkWarrior91 Posts: 29 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    I'd like to be faster without getting tired so pathetically quickly. I'm 29 years old, male, 5'8", weight around 203 lbs. and I like to eat a lot. What do I do to get better? I'd like to run a mile and a half within 11 mins. Also, according to Samsung health, my last run time was about 13 mines and 1 second. That run time is unacceptable and I want to get faster.

    How long have you been running? As others have said unless your are a snowflake (unique) at your height and weight, you are overfat and losing weight will help.

    Working on it. Thanks for reminding me that I'm overweight. Real good shot at confidence.

    To be honest, you did not mention anything about actively trying to lose weight.

    To my question. How long have you been running and how much distance on a consistent basis?

    Sorry, I'm personally rather thornish because of low self-esteem.

    To answer your question, I'm not sure how to answer that. I could tell you 4-5 years, but it wouldnt be the whole honest truth. Because I would be running and once I hit one of my goals, I'd get lax and get slow and fat again and then do the whole cycle all over. That's a running theme in my life, which is why I sont like receiving praise or encouragement.

    But to answer your question, I'm trying to do running every OTHER day, so basically I'm doing running one day, and then an aerobics the next day, and it goes on back to back. Yes, I'm trying to keep a strict diet. Although, I feel like I'm failing that too.

    Try the Couch to 5k I mentioned above. You might find it easy or hard, In any case give it a try.


    http://www.c25k.com/

    Should help with some structure and build a habit.

    There is also a free app for it.

    Meh. I'll think about it. Like I said, I'm not into self-help gurus, or videos, or whatever.

    Couch to 5k is just a training program. The (free) app I use is simply an audio track that adds on to whatever I'm listening to at the moment to tell me when my running intervals start and stop. Over nine weeks (or more, since I repeat weeks sometimes), the running intervals get longer. By the end, you can run for over 30 minutes without stopping. Even if you're a slower runner like me, that's almost 5k. The same developer then has apps to train for longer distances using the same method.

    I'm with you - I'm generally very suspicious of gurus or celebrities or anything that says "fork over a bunch of cash and I'll tell you the secrets of the universe so you can stop being pathetic." You can lose weight or learn how to run without relying on any of that. I don't classify a training schedule with audio reminders in the same category as these, though.

    Is there a particular reason you want to do the 1.5 mile distance? I enjoy running (and on bad days I at the very least enjoy the way I feel *after* I run), but if I hated it I wouldn't keep doing it. Is there a reason you can't do some other kind of physical activity? From your last couple of posts it doesn't sound like you really want to run at all. Maybe I'm mistaken, but if you don't enjoy it, don't do it - find something else you would rather do and get good at that instead. If you find something you like, it's a lot easier to motivate yourself to learn to get better at it.

    Okay, I get the 5k then and I'll trust you on it. But mark me, that does not mean ill accept it, ill just keep it in mind. But that raises a question: Will it make me a faster runner? I want endurance, speed, and distance covered as quick as possible. I dont intend to actually run a 5k.

    And yes there is a reason why in doing this. Some of them are reasons that are personal and some are beneficial to others. But I'm not obligated to share them with you, no disrespect or rudeness or hostility intended. But since you seem like a good soul, I'll tell you this one and only one. This is a personal AND important one. So here it is: I'm tired of being fat, over weight, and lazy. I've always been criticized for being over weight ever since I was a child that it has affected me personally. And as I grew up, realizing the unhealthiness of that nature and how the world will take advantage of it, where we know of it or not, I have decided to push myself to STRICT ends to wanting to get more fit. There's also an evolutionary aspect to that, but that's another can of worms that i will not bother you with. So i hate exercising, i hate running, and i hate trying to keep discipline. But it is a necessity to keep me fit and ready for an unforgivable and hostile future. I doubt that you will understand that, which is fine. No one really does understand me.

    Not being an *kitten*, but to be honest it sounds like you need some counseling more than advice on running but will let you decide that.

    If you really want to run a 1.5 mile fast look at articles about training for that distance. Again, Google is your friend. Branches of the military, police departments, etc. often have a timed run component in their physical testing.

    Couple of examples:

    https://www.afcent.af.mil/Units/380th-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/Commentaries/Display/Article/446049/reducing-your-15-mile-run-time/

    https://www.runnersworld.com/advanced/a20816359/ask-the-coaches-training-for-a-1-5-mile-run/

    http://site.stewsmithptclub.com/6weekrunningplan.pdf

    These are not associated with MFP, just results of a search. I used this as my search criteria if you don't want to click on links on this site:

    "training for 1.5 mile run test"

    Good luck.

    Thank you. And don't worry about the counseling. That's not a priority.
  • littlegreenparrot1
    littlegreenparrot1 Posts: 702 Member
    My suggestions for what they're worth, based on many years of being an on again/off again runner.
    Feel free to ignore/try as you see fit.

    Cross training is good, it uses muscles in different ways, helps improve fitness/strength, and helps to avoid injury. It mostly leads to better/quicker/longer/happier whatever running.

    It is worth trying to do both other types of CV stuff - swimming/cycling/rowing/aerobics etc as well as strength. Strength does not have to be in the gym, yoga/bodyweight exercises for example help build strength as well as stretch out the muscles.

    Doing different types of run:

    shorter, interval runs. Did one this morning, fast as I can between 2 lamp posts, slow down until the next, fast as I can again to the next. You get the idea. Gets hard towards the end!

    Steady state runs - kind of pace you can maintain for a few miles without stopping, have a chat/sing a song.

    Long slow runs - more time on your feet, builds endurance.

    Terrain makes a difference, trail is harder than tarmac and slower. But more interesting and builds strength as you have to adapt to changes in surfaces etc. Quicker on tarmac, more impact on joints. Try and build in hills, they're a pain in the neck and you will be slow but it builds strength that eventually makes you faster.

    Your goals are different to mine, I'm training for an ultra marathon. But to give you an idea my programme is currently 5 runs a week.
    One interval, 3 steady state, 1 long slow run of increasing distance. Plus a couple of swims and yoga to keep everything moving. Gyms have only just opened up again and really need to get back on that or it will bite me.

    I can just about do 1 10 minute mile downhill with the wind behind me on a good day, and it's taken me years to get there so good luck!
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member

    Everyone wants to recommend gait analyses and new shoes to a new runner. I think new runners don't have a set gait, yet, and probably won't benefit. You'll potentially wind up with shoes that don't suit you. I know I did.

    This is all great advice.

    I would say that sometimes people begin running with some old shoes or shoes that aren't especially suited for running. If discomfort becomes an issue, it may be worth just getting a new pair. These shoes don't have to be specially suited for a particular gait or even expensive. I started with some generic "running shoes" from Walmart -- I think they cost around $20. They did fine until I increased my mileage and had a better idea of what my gait looked like.

    (Obviously there may be circumstances where people need to pay more attention to their shoes right off the bat, this is just general advice).


  • thisvickyruns
    thisvickyruns Posts: 193 Member
    Just for a little levity, about "jogging" -

    What's the difference between a runner and a jogger?

    A jogger doesn't get offended if you call him a runner.

    Also, you're not a jogger unless you've found a dead body. That's the criteria. And even then, since you're a man, the newspapers will call you a runner, although they would call you a jogger if you'd been a woman.

    I thought I found a dead body once... totally counts, right!?
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    Just for a little levity, about "jogging" -

    What's the difference between a runner and a jogger?

    A jogger doesn't get offended if you call him a runner.

    Also, you're not a jogger unless you've found a dead body. That's the criteria. And even then, since you're a man, the newspapers will call you a runner, although they would call you a jogger if you'd been a woman.

    I find the word "jogging" interesting because I always thought that it was slow running. Because we always talked about a "jog trot". I thought the speeds were: walk, trot, and run. I guess things have changed. Jogging didn't used to be a negative, it was just a speed. I can't call what I do "running", it's just too slow. Then again I'm older and the word suits me.