YOU can run!

I realized something a few months back. One of my BFF's is a runner. She is the typical run. She is lean. She wakes up in the morning and runs 6 miles. She loves marathons. I always thought she was crazy. I would ask her for running tips and ask her what speed she runs when she does the treadmill. Then it was my turn.

I would try running at 5 or 6mph on the treadmill. Within 1 minute I wanted to DIE. I felt embarrassed that I was in my twenties and couldn't even run for 2 mintues. I read up on running and talked to my cousin who is a runner too. My cousin said to try walking for 2 minutes, run for 2 minutes and switch. Keep doing it. I tried it. OMG! When I ran I couldn't wait for the 2 mintes to be over and those 2 minutes felt like 20. When I walked for the 2 minutes, I could barely catch my breath before my running 2 minutes came. I would look at the people running next to me and see what their treadmill was set for...6,7,8mph. I couldn't cun barely at 5.5! So.. I decided I wasn't a runner. I gave up.

A few months later I read that running is one of the best cardio workouts and burns the most calories. My running friend would tell my how "relaxing" running was for her. I just thought she was crazy.

I started using the treadmill more and walking up hill. I would slowly increase the speed. I would just try to run as long as I could and then when I was tired I would talk the rest of the way. Sometimes my legs would cramp and I would be exhausted when I was done... I didn't believe that "I get energized after a good workout!" crap.

I talked to one of the doctors at work about it and he brought up some good points which helped me realize that I AM A RUNNER!
He told me to check my heart rate when I ran. I did. When I tried running at 5.5 or 6- my heart rate was 180! He told me I was trying to sprint for 30 minutes. BUT! even on MFP logging "running on the treadmill" the slowest you can run is 5. He told me to run at a speed good for ME! He also said when I'm done running I should feel like I can continue to run longer if I wanted too....exercising should be energizing. Ifs its not... you are over doing it!

So I thought about it more.

I am 5'1. My husband is 6'2. I take 2-3 strides for every ONE stride he takes. MY BFF marathon runner is tall. she is 5'7. She runs marathons too. I just want to run for 30 minutes and get a good calorie burn and exercise my heart and lungs. so I STOPPED looking at the treadmill next to me and I stopped trying to run at a 6 because my marathon runner friend runs at 6.

I run at 4mph! no joke.. laugh all you want. 4mph is running for me..even though MFP considers that brisk walking. I KNOW when I am on the treamill that my little legs are running.

I have little legs. I'm short and I take little strides. During my 30 minute run I warm up by walking for the first 2-5 minutes. Then I run at 4mph. Now I've gotten enough stamina that I can run at 4.5 or 5 mph for a whole song or for like 5 minutes. I can even run at 6mph for a little bit too.

Seriously try slowing down and ignoring the numbers and ignoring the people next to you. When you can jog for 30 minutes and not try sprinting for 30 minutes it feels great and relaxing like everyone else says.

Good luck. hope it helps!