I can't run

julia80
julia80 Posts: 69 Member
Hi guys, I have a problem with running. I can't do it. I am 139 lbs 5'2" so not massively overweight. I watch programmes like Biggest Loser and see these huge people giving everything they have got and running miles but I can't even run half a mile. It hurts A LOT. I can't breathe, my shoulders hurt and I honestly feel like I'm going to die. My head pounds and I hear buzzing, this is seriously after approximately ONE MINUTE of running. What is wrong with me?!

Replies

  • fatgirlslim32
    fatgirlslim32 Posts: 31 Member
    Are you going too fast too quickly? That was my main problem. Plus I panic :weirdo: This time round instead of getting hung up on speed I'm keeping that low and building up the time running a bit at a time - I've just gone from jogging 1 minute/walking 1minute to jogging 90seconds/walking 1minute. I did the first one this morning. It was hard but it'll get easier :)
  • There's some podcasts where there's someone telling you when to run and when to walk. It's really fun and you can easily build endurance.
  • albinogorilla
    albinogorilla Posts: 1,056 Member
    then don't run

    no need to run to lose weight
  • m1pnk
    m1pnk Posts: 1
    as said....you dont have to run.....walking is a proven treat for the body.....you can then move up to power walking.....and when your a size 6 you can run
  • singingsoprano
    singingsoprano Posts: 19 Member
    Nothing's "wrong" with you, it's high impact exercise, and one you need to build up to. The good news is your endurance will improve just as quickly as your body once you get rolling.

    Here's what u need (from a former fellow non-runner)
    1. A plan. Try to run for 30 seconds then walk for 3 minutes. Do that for 30 minutes. Do that 3-4 times a week for the first week or so. When that gets easy, change something: run for a minute, or shorten the walks to 2 minutes. Keep that pattern until that seems to get easier...then change something again, run faster, or run longer or shorten the recovery walks, or increase the total time. It will get better fast. Remember it's more important to avoid injury and make it somewhat pleasant so you're willing to go out again another day.

    2. Good music makes a HUGE difference
    3. Find a mantra...mine is a bible verse, but any positive thought that you can meditate on when you run is fine
    4. Make a point of smiling at the people you come across on your runs, it will keep you in a better mood.. Which makes running easier

    Finally, drop your shoulders and try to breathe through your nose. If you're breathing properly, your belly should be going in and out, and your shoulders shouldn't be heaving up and down. Run sometimes with your arms at your sides, to remind you to drop the upper body tension.

    Good luck and happy running!
  • paulwgun
    paulwgun Posts: 439 Member
    Try C25K (couch to 5k) for podcasts google NHS C25K

    Its a brilliant programme if you want to run but get fitted for proper running shoes

    Ive never run in my life until i did c25k in January two Sundays ago (fathers day) I ran a 10k race
  • claremillerphoto
    claremillerphoto Posts: 31 Member
    I was exactly the same - couldn't understand why people who looked much less fit than me could struggle though & progress so much quicker than me! As other people have said - take it slowly. I have a great book called Running Made Easy by Susie Walley & Lisa Jackson which starts at 30s running & builds slowly. The other thing that has really helped is doing general fitness stuff ( Jillian Michaels 30 day shred made a HUGE difference). Running is really hard - harder for some than others too! If you really want to get better then persevere - it can happen but it's not easy! ;)
  • farehah
    farehah Posts: 3
    lets swim.its better for you
  • TaylorsGranddad
    TaylorsGranddad Posts: 453 Member
    Read my blog about my journey theres a whole piece in it regarding my running.


    Good luck
  • deesaf
    deesaf Posts: 46
    try the zen labs apps called exercise for pink. They are basically aimed at run/walkers. You start off running one minute, walking one minute to catch breath, and eventually going up to 3 or 4 mins running max. I completed a half marathon using this technique of running 4 mins walking 1 min because I too can't run for long periods without short running breaks. It is ok to do it like this!
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Here are my tips for beginner runners:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

    Please take note of the first one, as it's very, very important:
    When you start out, it’s HARD! Even if you think you’re fit, running is so different to anything else you’ve done before you will get out of breath quickly. Stick with it. Can’t manage a minute? Go slow. Still can’t? GO SLOWER!

    When you start you may need to slow down your running to almost walking pace. Get the endurance and the speed will sort itself in time. So long as you can rule out any medical condition not to do so, everyone can run. I ran a marathon while still obese!

    As others have said, try C25K, bearing my tips in mind. Here is is in its simplest form:
    http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

    Where are you experiencing pain? You may need to invest in running shoes properly fitted at a specialist store (as soon as you want to commit to a running programme), check your running technique, and incorporate cross-training and stretching.

    Good luck, and do come back and let us know how you get on. Friend me is you're looking for running buddies! :flowerforyou:
  • singingsoprano
    singingsoprano Posts: 19 Member
    Berry,. these are good tips. Agree completely.
  • InTheInbetween
    InTheInbetween Posts: 192 Member
    Breathing! Make sure you're breathing properly to get the amount of oxygen you need to the crucial areas of your body while running. If you're breathing in gulps, too quickly or too shallow that could explain the light headedness. Learn HOW to breathe and that might help. Just keep at it, it gets easier! :smile:
  • DaddyOtho
    DaddyOtho Posts: 3 Member
    I ran to the end of the block today....and then to the end of the next block. Then I walked the rest of the 2 miles. At this point, every day out is setting a new record.
  • julia80
    julia80 Posts: 69 Member
    Thank you to everyone that answered!

    I already do around 5 of Jillian Michaels' DVDs so I couldn't understand why I almost died running for less than a minute, it has to be the high impact aspect. I am going to try again tonight with the running.

    I think I do need a proper pair of running shoes though, I've never been one to spend money on things I don't like, I hate trainers so I just picked up a pair of cheap ones. I think I should go and invest in a properly fitted pair.

    Definitely going to try everyone's suggestions, you guys are so helpful. Thanks again. :)
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Good stuff! Check back in after tonight to let us know :smile: