What I don't understand about running!

mjhart2011
mjhart2011 Posts: 6 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
How do you get your heart rate to level out?
I am new at running and I run a little, walk, run a little, walk. Eventually I have to stop because my heart beats faster and faster to the point that I can't breathe and feel stabbing pains in my chest. As soon as I slow and catch my breath I feel fine. I know likely nothing is wrong with my heart. I jog at a pretty slow and steady pace but I really can't get farther than a city block before I have to stop. Is this normal when you are starting out? Just a part of being out of shape? It makes me think maybe I'm just not cut out to be a runner!

Replies

  • kit_katty
    kit_katty Posts: 990 Member
    Pains in your chest? Go see a doctor. I just started running about a year ago and have never had that, even when I was pushing. Get that checked out.

    Assuming your heart is fine, AFTER you go to your doctor, I'd suggest following the C25k program, SLOWLY.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    It's a conditioning thing. Most people have a maintainable exertion level. Going harder than that reduced the amount of time you can sustain the effort. As you get into better shape that balance changes and you can sustain more intensity for longer times.
  • mjhart2011
    mjhart2011 Posts: 6 Member
    Pains in your chest? Go see a doctor. I just started running about a year ago and have never had that, even when I was pushing. Get that checked out.

    Assuming your heart is fine, AFTER you go to your doctor, I'd suggest following the C25k program, SLOWLY.

    I've already seen NUMEROUS doctors about chest pains, and after EKG, X-Ray, and lab work all have said I have anxiety (which I do). I don't have health insurance at this moment, and quite frankly even if I did it wouldn't amount to anything.
    Basically I just feel as if a bomb went off in my throat, and I can't breath (normal) and if I try to ignore it and keep going I will feel a sharp pain run through my chest. As soon as I catch my breath I feel fine. I assume it all has to do with being out of shape.
  • ishallnotwant
    ishallnotwant Posts: 1,210 Member
    Pains in your chest? Go see a doctor. I just started running about a year ago and have never had that, even when I was pushing. Get that checked out.

    Assuming your heart is fine, AFTER you go to your doctor, I'd suggest following the C25k program, SLOWLY.

    I've already seen NUMEROUS doctors about chest pains, and after EKG, X-Ray, and lab work all have said I have anxiety (which I do). I don't have health insurance at this moment, and quite frankly even if I did it wouldn't amount to anything.
    Basically I just feel as if a bomb went off in my throat, and I can't breath (normal) and if I try to ignore it and keep going I will feel a sharp pain run through my chest. As soon as I catch my breath I feel fine. I assume it all has to do with being out of shape.

    Have you tried c25k? I have asthma and a heart problem, i'm on week 2 and so far I haven't had any issues with it yet. It starts you off really slowly. There are some great podcasts out there to follow while doing it, too.
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    The first time I decided I was going to go running, I ran for like 3 minutes and thought I was gonna die. Why? I was out of shape, had never gone running before, and I tried to go too fast off the bat.

    Now I'm preparing for my 3rd half marathon.

    The thing I still to this day have to tell myself is SLOW DOWN. And take it easy. I haven't tried it, but all those who've done C25k program have had GREAT results building stamina, but just know that it will take time. Increase your distance by no more than 10% per week, and start out more slowly than you think you should. You will get there!

    Keep in mind, that at the beginning of work out dvds and diet books, they ALL say "consult a physician before embarking on any diet or exercise program" for a reason. Chest pains are not to be ignored. Good luck!
  • twinmom01
    twinmom01 Posts: 853 Member
    Pains in your chest? Go see a doctor. I just started running about a year ago and have never had that, even when I was pushing. Get that checked out.

    Assuming your heart is fine, AFTER you go to your doctor, I'd suggest following the C25k program, SLOWLY.

    I've already seen NUMEROUS doctors about chest pains, and after EKG, X-Ray, and lab work all have said I have anxiety (which I do). I don't have health insurance at this moment, and quite frankly even if I did it wouldn't amount to anything.
    Basically I just feel as if a bomb went off in my throat, and I can't breath (normal) and if I try to ignore it and keep going I will feel a sharp pain run through my chest. As soon as I catch my breath I feel fine. I assume it all has to do with being out of shape.

    I feel like this every time I run and I am in decent shape...hence why I do not make it a routine part of my workouts...the only time I "have" to run is when it is part of my Crossfit Work Out - and even then the last two times I was able to get my coach to let me row instead of run...I don't mind fast walking but running - I feel like I can't breathe after about 2 minutes...so I just choose not to do it - when I go to the gym I use the elliptical or the Arc trainer for my cardio
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    Google: "How to Start Running". That's how I started years ago. It's a run walk program that gets you running 5 miles in about 6 weeks. It's amazing and it works. The first day, I think you walk for 2 minutes and run for one minute and you do this for about 10 minutes, something like that. When I was running for 1 minute, I thought I was going to completely die. I was breathing so hard that I thought I would pass out. But, over time, it got better and better. I didn't finish the program because I progressed way faster than it was scheduled for. Now I run 5 miles pretty easily. You can do it.
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    I used to have the same problem running - my throat would hurt and I'd feel as if I didn't get enough air. If I tried to go on, I'd have a sore throat for a week or two.
    I started c25k a bit over 2 weeks ago. During the first minute running I couldn't believe how hard it was. I made myself slow down, figured oh how to pace myself in the first day. The second day was easier, reminded me though. I just did the last day of week three, and I had problems with my legs (silly me did lunges and square yesterday, duh) but no problems whatsoever breathing. I think it's something some of us have to learn first :-)
    Good luck, and don't overdo it...
  • 99cherrypie99
    99cherrypie99 Posts: 205 Member
    You ate running too fast. Slow way way way down. After that, slow down more.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    if you're generally healthy i wouldnt worry about it. your body just needs to get used to running. not just cardiovascularly, but your body also needs to get used to the feeling of your organs shaking. not too mention the impact from running is anywhere from 3-6 times your body weight depending on your speed., so there's a lot going on physically.

    also a lot of running is also mental. i find that i have spikes in my heart rate when i know i'm about to start running even before i start running. the first 5 minutes is me noticing everything little thing in my body and wanting to stop. my heart rate is also fairly high at that point as well. once i get through those first 5 minutes it's all good. my heart rate lowers and my body isn't fricking out about all that sudden jarring
  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    I've already seen NUMEROUS doctors about chest pains, and after EKG, X-Ray, and lab work all have said I have anxiety (which I do).
    Seems to me that chest pains from anxiety would not have much to do with chest pains from running. But it's your life, go ahead and gamble with it if you want to.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories