not really a runner...

I'm not a runner either and I just started attempting it. I had been previously doing the elliptical for 30-60 mins a day, and one day I just decided to run. Started at 5mph and I barely made it to 1/2 mile. The next time I tried it was a little easier. You know when you first start working out and your legs feel like lead until your endorphins kick in? That's what happens I've found...if I can make it though the initial leg pain, it gets better. It's all about the breathing after that.

I get side-stitches too...I've ran through them, but I find that slowing makes them go away.

I would just keep doing what you're doing...run as far as you can until you can't stand it anymore...rest..then try again! At least that's what I've been doing...perhaps some real runners out there can give you better advice! :blushing:

another tip...run the straights and walk the curves of the track.

another thing...i run about 4 miles a day around my neighborhood and parks and stuff. WELL, I decided to run the track the other day and barely eeked out 2 miles. it was nuts! i walked the last 3 miles. so i wonder if it's the track. i can't stand looking at the track. i love running the neighborhood because it's scenic and there's always something new. :bigsmile:

hope this helps!

Hi!
I know exactly how you feel. When I started working out consistantly last fall, I ran one block and thought my lungs were going to explode! So I just started out walking briskly and up hills. I did this for awhile (and if you walk briskly and keep your heart rate up, it's GREAT exercise! I lost about 30 pounds just from walking!) and became much stronger from it. I then added in running little by little. I started out running 1 block, walking 1 block, etc. And then I ran 2 blocks, walked 1, ran 2, etc. I'm still not at a full mile but I'm on my way!
Maybe you could run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes, etc. Then work your way up to running 2 minutes, walking 1 minutes, etc. And then Running 3 minutes, walking 1 minute and so on.

If you've never really been a runner, you shouldn't try to run a mile your first time. This will only frustrate you. You need to work your way up to it. Also, I read something that was really helpful. When you're trying to work up to running a long distance, don't try and run really fast. When you do this, you get tired faster and then tend to give up easier. So slow it down a little. I literally had to concentrate and make myself slow down and now I don't even have to think about it!

It's totally possible to become a runner! I used to hate running and now I'm really starting to enjoy it! :happy:

Good luck and you can do this!!! :happy:


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Actually, you ARE a runner. That's how many people start out.

Here's what you have to remember: running--even at a relatively slow pace like 5 mph--is pretty intense exercise. For example, running at 5 mph requires more than TWICE the aerobic effort as walking at 4 mph.

Since there is no way to "gradually" ramp up the effort when you start running, most beginners have to start by doing it in small chunks.

How small? Whatever it takes for you to get started and not feel completely out of control. Someone mentioned running the straights (on a track) and walking the curves. That's about 100 meters each segment. That's the traditional starting point. Walk longer in between if you have to. Try to work up to 5-10 running repeats. Then gradually increase the distance (you can do time as well). Keep the running: walking interval at about 1:3 or 1:4 at first and then just gradually increase. At your age you should respond reasonably quickly.

A lot of the symptoms you describe are typical of someone trying a new intense activity for the first time--the body kind of goes haywire at first.

really good stuff here!!!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

another tip...run the straights and walk the curves of the track.

another thing...i run about 4 miles a day around my neighborhood and parks and stuff. WELL, I decided to run the track the other day and barely eeked out 2 miles. it was nuts! i walked the last 3 miles. so i wonder if it's the track. i can't stand looking at the track. i love running the neighborhood because it's scenic and there's always something new. :bigsmile:

hope this helps!

funny I can do 3 miles on the track - keeps me accountable to the distance and out and about - I struggle with being able to keep pushing myself to that next lap....I die on the trail. Also because the trail is hilly.

I am in week 9 of couch to 5k and when I started my journey to health, I couldn't jog 1/4 lap without thinking I was going to suffocate...I worked up to a lap and then I started the program....it's incredible - it really has taken me from the couch to 3 miles so far....

make sure you warm up first (I walk a lap) then at the end cool down with a walk and stretch. Also - allow yourself a healing day in between runs - you can walk on the alternate days - til your bones and muscles get stonger.

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