ok runners......

Kimenem

Kimenem

Cathlete
WHEN does it get easier!!! I got the interval timer which was suggested here but I'm only running maybe 1 min 30 sec if I push it!! I bought good shoes, have someone out there in agony with me, and it doesn't feel like it's getting any easier. I have to be doing something wrong!!! I don't see how in the world anyone can run for miles. Just making it once around the track seems impossible. Is this a waste of time? I really want the benefits that running has to offer.
 
Kim, I'm not sure how long you've been running. I'm sorry you aren't enjoying it right now!

I think it took me a few months to get into running but I've always had the distance runner's mentality-- I love the zen that comes with longer distances. ;) I usually don't try to go faster when I'm running; I just run because it makes me feel good.

I should qualify what I just said: today I ran 8 miles so I know I've earned a few days' rest before I head out there again. I rarely enjoy the first mile or two when I'm just trying to find and get into the groove. I frequently question that "zen" the first few minutes!!! ;)

I suggest you re-read your post. You have more negative things to say about running in that post than you might realize. Why do you run if you don't enjoy any part of it? Why be in agony, feel wrong, like a waste of time, and like you're attempting something impossible?? Yikes; when you put it like that, no wonder you aren't feeling any benefits!

Hopefully you'll get some responses that help you out; please post a little bit more about what benefits you're hoping to achieve. Maybe there are ways you haven't thought of to achieve the benefits without having to put yourself through the wringer!! :)
 
It does get easier!!

I started running earlier this summer, mostly to CC. Trust me it does get easier and you can go farther. I discovered its mostly mental for me. My legs get tired and my lungs get tired, so my brain says stop. I noticed if I can think of something else I can distract myself and keep on going. I notice if I can push past the initial discomfort/work, it all of a sudden gets easier. My body relaxes, finds its pace and I can keep on going. You may be going too fast. Try slowing down and settling into a nice rythym. Don't force yourself to run fast because you think everyone else is. I am by no means fast, I do about an 8 min mile (slows down to about 10 when I get tired), but I am working comfortably hard. If I focus too hard on running/speed/breathing it makes it so much harder. Don't fight it, allow your body to find its natural comfort zone. I find that my 1st mile tends to be the toughest, then I settle down and can keep going. That all being said, I think it took me about 3 wks to adapt to running and get my body used to that kind of work. I still don't do more than 5-6 miles at a time, due to knee issues that I don't want to recur, so I will never be any kind of long distance runner, but that is good for me. Give it time. I was surprised at how hard it was at 1st too. I thought "If I can do Cathe, then I can run, no problems" Its not the same type of work. Give it time and it will happen, I promise!!!

Nan
 
Glad to see this thread and interested in the answers. I'm a new runner, but have already figured out I hate to run alone. I need company to push me when I want to stop (which is usually after 90 seconds!:p) Running with a group is the only way I can achieve any distance. Maybe someday when I'm more fit I'll be able to do runs on my own.
 
I'm just being negative because it seems so hard right now. The benefit I'm looking for is weight loss. I do go with another girl, who is having as much trouble as me adjusting. Plus, this is probably only our 4th or 5th time doing this. Prior to just the running, we were doing the stadium. Today, we started off (after the warm up) just running to see how far we could go...no timer. I thought..."wow, this is working." Then we did it again and timed it. It was only about 1min 30 sec. :( I guess I'll get used to it but now it just feels like all I'm doing is pounding along, sucking wind like crazy. I'm sure the extra weight has something to do with it too. Oh well.....nothing to do but keep trying. Also, some people say intervals are better than a steady run. I guess i'll need to get a heart rate monitor to see which burns more calories huh?
 
You'll get there, I promise!! It is really tough at first, and you're going to feel like you're barely running, but as long as you don't push yourself beyond your limits and listen to your body (cliche, I know), you will progress.

Also, check your pace. If you're going out too fast, you will also tire out more easily. Try and do a nice easy jog to start, just to get your muscles (and heart and lungs) warmed up, and then build up gradually. It'll be much better for you in the long run.

Lastly, if you haven't gotten fitted for shoes yet, I highly recommend doing that. For years I attempted--and failed--to run because I wasn't using the right kind of shoes. That resulted in shin splints, calf pain, foot cramping, etc. Once I got put in the "right" shoes, it was such a revelation!! I could finally run more than I could before with so much more comfort.

Good luck!!
 
I got some good shoes (I think). They guy at the store asked me lots of questions, measured my foot to make sure of the size, and suggested a few different types. Since I'm tall, he even suggested getting a man's size so it might fit better, which is what I did. I did notice a difference today but still didn't feel like I was floating :p
 
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I did notice a difference today but still didn't feel like I was floating
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LOL I hate to break this to ya, but I don't know if you'll ever feel that way, even as it continues to get easier ;).
 
I've been running for 30+ years. I remember liking it right away, when I first started, but it did take me some time to build up the distance.

At age 51, I don't run that far anymore, but I still do 3 miles a day. I think a lot of it is mental. If you are not programmed with the mind set to enjoy it, you won't. It also depends on where you are running. Treadmills (which I resort to in the winter) and tracks going round and round, are not ideal for learning to enjoy running.

Can you find a nice scenic road or path to run on? That might help.

Good luck!
 
We could run in my neighborhood which has nice big oak trees......and BUSES EVERYWHERE!!! I live down the street from an elementary school. YIKES! Maybe we'll try that next time.
 
If you have a trail nearby, I would recommend running there instead of the streets or a treadmill. For me, the boredom factor is so much higher when I'm running on a treadmill (I also find it harder, for some reason), and on the streets, you have to worry about cars and such. Trails are not only prettier (nature, yay!!), but safer, as long as you watch out for any fallen branches and slippery slopes.

And while I know it'll be tempting to run with an MP3 player, if you can avoid it, I would. Our Team in Training coaches always drill in our heads that especially if you are running alone, it is practically inviting someone to attack you (we actually had a cop come in to give us safety tips once, and she told us that baddies really do target the people with MP3's, figuring they'll be distracted).
 
If you're running for the sole purpose of burning calories and you aren't enjoying that, maybe stick with something you DO enjoy and are more likely to stick with. If you've run 4 or 5 times total, it won't get too much easier immediately, I'm sorry to say!! ;) Try just running and not trying to do intervals or anything fancy. ;)
 
Kim:

Do you have a specific plan? I just started running outdoors last week. I'm following a beginner program that has me running Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. For the first week, it was run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes and repeat 10 times. This week began with running 2 minutes and walking 1 minute on Monday. Tomorrow, I'll run 3 minutes and walk 1 minute and repeat 7 times. The run segments get progressively longer and your endurance builds up.

It really does help to progress slowly. Last week, I didn't think I'd be able to do the 2 minute run segment scheduled for this week, but it was really fine. I'll let you know how tomorrow goes when it will be a 3 minute segment.

Hang in there. It is tough, but I'm finding that I really enjoy it!

Lynda
 
I really do want to enjoy it. Unfortunately, there are no trails nearby and I'd worry about critters! :eek:

The girl that runs with me actually found a beginner plan from the Runner's World website so I think we're gonna try that next time. I'll keep at it. I'm determined to beat it now!!! Whatever "it" is..... :p
 
Kim - you and are run about the same as well :p We are apparently quiet a bit alike in several ways! I so, so want to be able to run, but it is not for me. One time, I made it around the block, and it is by no means a large block. I had to find other things I enjoyed and could do (like running the stairs and walking very fast, inserting in a run for as long as I could go...not far!), biking, cardio coach on the TM, arc trainer, and stepmill. I can kick some hiney on those, but running kicks me in the rear! Keep it up, and just make sure you can smile and have fun.
 
I wish I had an in-home spinning bike. I LOVE spinning!! Don't want to spend the $$ though. I also do step, kickboxing, and weights, and really want to get a kettlebell dvd, but I so want the running to work. At any rate, what I'm doing has got to be doing SOME good!
 
using a plan helps

Hal Higdon has quite a number of great training programs, "couch to 5K" is a good one to start with. I come from a family that has several awesome runners-built long and lean and look like graceful deer when they bound along...I however am built more like a power lifter...long torso, build muscle easily, bulky muscles even at my lowest weight. When you hit your stride and find a comfortable pace, go with it! Don't worry about intervals, hill repeats, etc...When I'm getting bored with a route, I like to do fartlek training, which in runner speak is "speed play" I believe. I basically pick something ahead and go faster just to there...if I've had a "running break" for a while, I slow to a fast walk...when I was training for my marathon (just one so far) I would take it to an easy jog for a minute or two and then do it again. I wouldn't say that in the depths of marathon training that I could say after a brutal long run that I "Loved it!" but I always loved the feeling of accomplishment later in the day (OK, sometimes entitlement after 15 miles...I deserve a blizzard, right :rolleyes:), just like sometimes-even a Cathe DVD feels like work and I have to bribe myself to get going.
Give yourself a break...give it a little longer but check Hal's site, Jeff Galloway is another great resource...but just don't go too far too fast...it could set you up for failure
Take care
julie :D
 
I started running last October. I started mainly because I was going through some personal issues and I needed a challenge. I started training for a 5K and 10K. I think this helped me stay motivated as I had a goal to work towards.

Running has always been my nemesis. I was in track in high school and loved the social aspect but I was a poor runner. I always came in last :(. There are some days that I love running and other days that are just plain torture.

I started out very slowly using a interval timer. It was hard in the beginning but I am getting much better. I still haven't completely run a 5K but I'm sure I will get there someday. The first mile is horrible for me but once I find a groove I'm ok, even if the groove includes walking a little bit. I can't run on a track or treadmill. I have to take myself somewhere because then I'm forced to get back to where I started otherwise I'd probably quit. The hardest part for me is the mental aspect of running but I just push myself to keep going.

I'm not sure if I've lost any weight running but it certainly has helped tone by abs quite a bit.

I would stick with it a little longer but if it's not working for you, I try to find something else.
 
Kimenem said:
I wish I had an in-home spinning bike. I LOVE spinning!! Don't want to spend the $$ though. I also do step, kickboxing, and weights, and really want to get a kettlebell dvd, but I so want the running to work. At any rate, what I'm doing has got to be doing SOME good!
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I think my trainer is more comfy than a bike. Have not quite figured out the benefits of a spinning bike?? I have a cyclops trainer - the fluid one. I use it with Cardio Coach and Spinervals, and sometimes just for watching a good show on TV. I think I paid under $300. There are good deals on ebay too.
 
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