Why can't I run?

hopefull

hopefull

Cathlete
When I was younger I ran all the time. I used to race (10-12K races). I miss that feeling of just being able to go and go and go. It is so uncomplicated and free. My mind used to just go and I loved it. I quit due to some problems I was having with my feet. I haven't run in 20 years, but I do Cathe's workouts all the time and many others. I also walk, a lot! I got a hanker'in to try running again. I figured with all the other aerobics I do it shouldn't be that hard. It was. I walked and ran 2 miles and was sick at how difficult it was. I really want to run. I know people my age run all the time. Why is it so much harder for me cardiovascularly than step? I know it's been a long time, but it isn't like I've been a couch potato all this time. Any tips for getting started would be appreciated. I really want to do this!!!! I was thinking maybe my passing might be the problem partially.
 
keep trying. Don't give up.
Start out gradually and do walk-run combinations until you can do more running than walking.

Check out halhigdon.com
He has walk/run programs for people wanting to get started back running.

Good luck!
Barb:) :) :)
 
I think that happens with anything. I usually take two or three months off cycling each year and do other aerobic activity (step, elliptical) and when I get back on the bike you'd think I hadn't worked out for ages. There's a saying my cycling friends and I always say - nothing gets you in shape for cycling like cycling. I'm sure it's the same for running. So don't give up. You'll be back at it in no time.

Good luck!

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds
 
Good advice, Barb! There's also a novice plan at http://www.runnersworld.com that advocates the run/ walk. It's hard to get started again (speaking from injury experience of having to take 2 mos off), but once you get going you'll build up endurance again!

Hugs,
 
Barb and Jess have given you good sites to look at. Are the problems with your feet gone? Running can be tough on the feet!! I didn't run for about 8 years due to an injury and did alot of aerobics and step too at that time. I figured I was still in good shape for running at 33. After that first run...OMG....I was so sore....so my advice is check out those sites and remember slow is better...also get some good running shoes...HTH...:)
 
You say you do Cathe's workout all the time...the aerobics or the weight training? I only ask b/c I too ran competitively in high school and college...then I switched to aerobics, b/c running became more of a chore. I just started running again after taking a couple years off, and I've was amazed after doing Cathe's weight training videos how amazingly easy my runs have been! I do alot of heavy leg work from her weight training videos, and my first run was an easy 3miles...felt like I could of gone more. So just a thought - try to increase leg work, it made all the difference here.
Good luck!
 
You might also focus on endurance with your cardio for a while and see if that helps you out at all.

Marie
 
I was never able to run when I was younger and had tried a couple times in my 20's, but I always felt like my lungs were going to explode after about a quarter mile. Then after doing Cathe for about a year or so I decided to mix it up and try running again. Although I was surprised at how much easier running was after doing Cathe, I still couldn't run very far. I still had to slowly build up my endurance and add on a half mile here and a half mile there. I started out slow and short and then have slowly been buidling on my speed and my distance. Just keep at it. It will get easier, and the Cathe workouts help a lot. At least they did for me. Look at the website suggested previously. They have good advice.

Good luck!:)

Katie
 
Everyone has given you great advice. I just wanted to step in and say that running is TOUGH!! I can do Cathe for hours, even the tougher ones, but running is something else. I get my HR higher with a long steady run than I do with most of the IMax's (I think there's ONE blast in IMax 3 that gets it up there, but...). So, go gradually and build up. I was trail running and had built up to a good six miles trail running on tough terrain. Then I sprained my ankle. That was four years ago and I'm just now getting back to the point where I can trail run like that. It's easy to lose and tough to regain. It takes a lot of effort to build up.
 
Don't let it get to you. You're body will remember. Just vow to take it slow and do not ramp up miles too fast, you will only end up injured. Running is hard! It's one of the most challenging cardio workouts out there! I highly recommend the run/walk too! One of these days, I'll do a marathon that way...Galloway. I have yet to hear a bad thing about it, I hear all raves about it.
 
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