Why can't I run?

Cuz you think you can't! The first bit of every run suuuuuuuucks. I've been running 2-4X a week for more than a year now and the first mile of every single run still suuuuuuuuuucks.

You're lucky--for me it's the first 2. I actually got irritated with my MIL a while back because she said "oh, yeah, that first 2 always sucks." My irritation was that she never filled me in on that little secret YEARS ago. All the times I tried to make running a regular habit (pre C25k) and even in HS track...I figured if the first 2 miles was miserable, then wouldn't it get worse? But that's not how it worked. That's a big, well-kept secret that I wish more people were made aware of.

It just takes practice. I was the same way, for a long time I only used the elliptical and could do an hour on at 6-7 mph. Then one day decided to try the treadmill and could barely last a minute at 5 mph. I started using the treadmill as my primary cardio and after a couple months of unfocused training I can now do 15 minutes at 6 mph.
This week I started c25k hoping that some structured training will yield even better results, it really does look like a great program.

Cuz you think you can't! The first bit of every run suuuuuuuucks. I've been running 2-4X a week for more than a year now and the first mile of every single run still suuuuuuuuuucks.

You're lucky--for me it's the first 2. I actually got irritated with my MIL a while back because she said "oh, yeah, that first 2 always sucks." My irritation was that she never filled me in on that little secret YEARS ago. All the times I tried to make running a regular habit (pre C25k) and even in HS track...I figured if the first 2 miles was miserable, then wouldn't it get worse? But that's not how it worked. That's a big, well-kept secret that I wish more people were made aware of.

TRUE STORY. 11 minutes is my sweet spot. Once I get past 11 minutes I could go forever. (Ok not quite forever)

I'm with you...I can jog in place for 15 minutes and barely be breathing hard, but I try to run around the block and it darn near kills me. Couch to 5k just doesn't seem to be in the stars for me.

I thought the same thing 9 months ago...I couldn't run 1 minute without huffing and puffing now I can run over an hour and more at a time...you Can do anything you set your mind to...you just gotta believe in YOU

Cuz you think you can't! The first bit of every run suuuuuuuucks. I've been running 2-4X a week for more than a year now and the first mile of every single run still suuuuuuuuuucks.

You're lucky--for me it's the first 2. I actually got irritated with my MIL a while back because she said "oh, yeah, that first 2 always sucks." My irritation was that she never filled me in on that little secret YEARS ago. All the times I tried to make running a regular habit (pre C25k) and even in HS track...I figured if the first 2 miles was miserable, then wouldn't it get worse? But that's not how it worked. That's a big, well-kept secret that I wish more people were made aware of.

THIS IS TRICKSY. I'm in the middle of C25K, which means that I'm barely breaking 2 miles. It's hard. BUT, it's getting easier. With this bit of info that after two miles it gets better? That's fantastic! I'm so excited to "be a runner."

Another thing about running? MAH LEGZ, OMG. Ok, so, I still have quite a ways to go until I'm at my goal weight, but let me tell you what...after a month of C25K and two weeks of squats, lunges and other weights? I feel myself up all the time. "That can't possibly be MY quad or MY hamstring! Holy balls!" True story.

Another thing about running? MAH LEGZ, OMG. Ok, so, I still have quite a ways to go until I'm at my goal weight, but let me tell you what...after a month of C25K and two weeks of squats, lunges and other weights? I feel myself up all the time. "That can't possibly be MY quad or MY hamstring! Holy balls!" True story.

Ha, this is me every Summer once I'm biking more than 50 miles every week...I get this really firm line on the outside of my quads. I'm always all "hey, DH, come feel my thigh!" (which he happily obliges). :laugh:

You know what I had a problem with (in regards to C25K)? Right now, I'm all about burning calories. If I take 30 minutes on level 1-3 on C25K I'm barely burning any calories as compared to 30mins on the elliptical.
So I stopped. I guess when I'm back at my goal weight I'll try it again when my focus is maintaining and not losing. Did anyone else feel the same way?

Also level 2 on the treadmill. Easy. Level 2 on the road. TORTURE. I think when I do do it again. I'll do it first on the treadmill. Then start over at level 1 and do it on the road. Completely different.

I never did the C25K program but I basically followed a similar regimen. I did the elliptical and ate a bit healthier and noticed NO results so I started to run. At first I was struggling to even run 12 minute miles, and while I still have a long way to go, I can easily run over 6 miles in less than an hour now for still being decently overweight. The key is stretching, having the right shoes for your feet, and pushing yourself. I feel like being able to run for a half hour straight is a really huge hump to get over, once you can get yourself to do that you can do a lot more, such as running farther or at a faster pace.

Just keep at it and you'll get there. Running uses vastly different muscles than an elliptical machine. And your body has probably become accustomed to the elliptical. So that's why running is so much harder for you. When I began running about 8 years ago I couldn't even run for 5 minutes without stopping to gasp for air. I hated it. But I kept at it and slowly added time - maybe just 5 minutes at a time - and eventually I completed a 5K race. I wasn't fast but I did it. And you can too.

I will also say that part of running is mental and having positive self-talk to tell the part of your brain that wants to quit that it needs to be quiet. Just find something that you can tell yourself that motivates you and pumps you up. You CAN do it . . . you really really can. I promise you! You just don't know it yet. :-)

Just keep trying! The more you run the better/easier it will get. Jog until you can't jog anymore every day and you will notice it gets easier each time. Also, make sure you're taking full breaths - in the nose/mouth out the mouth works for me.

ETA: I started running in January and couldn't make it over 5 minutes my first time, but a couple days ago I signed up for my first 15k.

Time Time and more Time!
Hun, I have horrible knees and a messed up hip (broke my pelvis when I was 15)

But once you break past that horrible breathing/chest pains...it gets a heck of a lot easier.

I was the same way, but I used C25K and I swear to you it works. I had to repeat the first couple of weeks twice instead of once, but I run my first 5k on Saturday!

Everybody can run. You have to remember that it's not about running for long when you start, it's just about actually doing it. I didn't do the C25K program however, I got a dog. I started running because of her and 3 years later, she completely refuses to run on a leash. I think I pushed her too far and it wasn't fun anymore.

To start running, try going for a brisk walk outside and run for any distance you can and then push yourself one house length further then continue your walk at a brisk pace. If you feel like you can do it again during your walk, do it again. Running doesn't mean you have to run for your entire workout. Try doing just as much as you can and then push yourself for 10 or 20 more steps. It will come.

I love running now and am running 2, 1/2 marathons this summer plus at least 1, 10k. I now must walk my dog separately and the time I take her our is her time, I don't have any goals in mind except spending time with her. (I realize that is completely off topic)

I have no suggestions but I will say that it can happen.

I used to not be able to run around 1 block w/o hurting and gasping for air. Then I did P90x and tried again and lo and behold I could do about 20 minutes straight. I kept working on it and went up to 30 then 45 minutes. My ultimate goal was an hour of straight running and I did accomplished that several months ago. I cried when I did the hour.

I guess I was just in better shape after doing P90x.