Why cant I run?......

J

joditoad1974

Cathlete
I can get on a treadmill and walkat 3.5-4 mph for 45 min, even doing interval inclines....but when it comes to running, I can only run for about 1-2 minutes. I am not that out of breath, just like my legs are exhausted. I have a plate in my leg, I broke my thigh bone in two in 1995 thanks to a drunk driver....but my leg feels so much stronger since I have been working out with Cathe since the beginning of the year...any advice or reasoning why I am having such a hard time? I have Nike running shoes....and I have tried running on the treadmill and the track at the park.

joanna
 
How fast are you running for those 1-2 minutes? Have you tried just a slow jog at maybe 4.5 mph? A little faster than you are walking?

Did your doctor say it was okay to run?
 
I played competitive soccer for over 10 years and to this day am the world's worst jogger. I just started jogging with one of my dogs to help condition her. What I've been told is the best way to gain stamina is to do intervals. Don't jog until you are exhausted. Jog maybe 1 minute, fast walk 1 minute, etc. I've only been doing it 3 days but by day 3 my time spent jogging was much better than day 1.

Colleen
 
Definintely try the running/walking interval idea ColleenM mentioned. It's really amazing, how your body's endurance can build so quickly. I think it's a matter of just adapting and getting used to it.
 
You are not alone! I am a terrible runner too. Fast walking I can do with no problems. But running makes me feel ill - exhausted legs, intestinal upset, burning lungs. And I go very slow (my husband can walk faster than I jog). I agree with the others about using intervals to build up to it. I would try that, but the thought of running makes me want to throw up from all my previous negative experiences. I don't know what it is... but running just ain't my thang. ;)
 
I have an awful time with running too. It bugs my legs big time! I absolutely hate running. I'd much rather ride my bike. Your boobs don't bounce on a bike. (Unless you're off-roading I guess)
 
> but the thought of running makes me want to
>throw up from all my previous negative experiences. I don't
>know what it is... but running just ain't my thang. ;)

Ahh my thoughts exactly. I'm allergic to mornings and running...which just goes to remind me how spoiled the dogs are. I can get up AND jog for them, but not workout for myself!

Colleen
 
I'm the same way, I just feel terrible when I jog. I get horrible stitches in my right side to the point where I just can't run anymore. Why is it that I can go forever with Cathe's interval workouts and step workouts but when it comes to running I can't do it? Weird!
Debbie in OH
 
I cant do that machine either...my legs give out in like 1-2 minutes. I can do the stair stepper 15 min straight, but not the elliptical. It makes no sense to me...

joanna
 
I also like the interval idea. I am a downright bad runner, but when I did BFL a few years ago, I used that interval method on the treadmill. I was still slower than most, but I definitely improved. Perhaps it is something about the actual running/eliptical motion that hurts your leg?
 
Don't Fret! I worked out to Cathe and such for 3+ years and just recently (within the last few months) started training for a 10K. Honestly, I have considered myself to be an advanced exerciser for the last 3 years but I find that the running is a whole other story!

I am now up to 5 miles but it takes me a whole hour to get there! Please don't be discouraged. Running is a whole other animal as far as I am concerned!
 
I don't like running either. Can't stand the feeling of my boobs and my flesh bobbing up and down. Always get a stitch in my side. It's a crummy feeling.

But fast walking with the music on feels great! I'm in my own little disco dancing cloud on the treadmill. I must look pretty weird to others. I incline all the way up to 18 now on slower songs like "Dancing Queen". That's me, the dorky treadmill dancing queen! :+
 
Hi Joanna,

It's me again! Wow! Two posts to the same person in the same day on a different topic! Anyway, I've been a long time runner and I still have days when the first ten minutes seem a struggle. I guess some days I need a longer warm up. However, once I get past that first 10-15 minutes it gets a lot easier.

Maybe try a longer warm up, just a thought.

Dallas
 
Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I really appreciate all of you taking the time to post. I really would love to run, I am going to keep trying.

joanna
 
You can do it. I had a hard time at first too! I never thought I could be a runner. Actually, when I started with Cathe workouts, I could only make it through the first 20 minutes of Body Max. (My first Cathe workout). I remember just stopping and staring at the tv with my jaw hanging open thinking, "There is just no way!" http://www.weddingchat.com/images/smilies/jawdrop.gif I can get through all her workouts now and just recently got into running.

I recently ran in an 8K race, then a 5K and will be running in a 15K(10 mile) race in downtown Chicago in 4 weeks! The finish line will be on the 50 Yard line at Soldier Field (where the Chicago Bears play). It's going to be incredible!

I never thought in a million years that I'd ever train for a marathon and I AM!! I'll be running the Oct. 9th Chicago Marathon this year! The training for that starts in June.

:)
 
Hey, Dani!

What's the 15K race in Chicago? I've never heard of it before. That would be SO AWESOME to finish on the 50 yard line of Soldier Field! It's too late this year, but I bet if I told that to my BF, he'd be all for training with me next year for it!

Wow, training for a marathon....that is totally inspiring and I TOTALLY admire your drive and courage. I hear there is nothing like finishing a marathon...I think I would cross the finish line sobbing hysterically! You're my idol!

Angie :)
 
Hey there Angie!! Thank you so much!

It's called the Soldier Field 10 race and here's the link. Check it out. :7 http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com/htm/events_races_soldier.asp

"PARTICIPANTS WILL RUN THROUGH SOLDIER FIELD WITH A SPECTACULAR FINISH ON THE 50 YARD LINE." Whhheeeeeee! I'm so excited thinking about it!!!

This is the 10 mile (15K training schedule) for novice runners. http://www.halhigdon.com/15Ktraining/15Knovsch.htm I bet you could do it!!! It will be so exciting if you and your BF did it together!

I saw a picture of a couple who finished the marathon and crossed the finish line holding hands! It was so cute!!

You'll have to let me know! Maybe I'll see you at next year's race. :)
 
Thanks for the links, Dani. Holy cow, there's a guy last year who finished in under an hour?!? He can't be human.

Hey, are you going to run the "Elvis is Alive 5K" in Lincoln Park in August? LOL, cracked up when I saw that!!!

Angie :)
 
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