all enthusiastic to begin with......now struggling. help!

[AMcoffeeLover]

I started running a few months ago (only 2 or 3 times a week) and built up from nothing to a mile and s half quite quickly (not far I know but in proud of it )
But I can't push further than that! Its so silly, even walking for a bit then running again doesn't help as I end up with a pounding heart/sweating/ready to sit down on the floor after 50-70 meters!
Its really un motivating me now and haven't run in a week (.....or 2.....). How can I push through and get back into it? I've tried different times of the day (first thing before breakfast works best) and energy drinks (worst headache ever ) but don't know what else to try. Never run before, but can dance, horse ride and do yoga for hours!
Any wise words of advice? I don't want to stop as for that first mile its so relaxing.

[peeveddoesntcoverit]

Well done on running any distance at all! That's amazing!

To be honest, you shouldn't need energy drinks or even water for anything less than a half marathon, so not sure that they'll help.

Might be a daft idea, but have you tried just running that first mile and a half more slowly? Sounds like you're using all your energy in that first bit, and maybe need to pace yourself.

[carrie74]

That's really good, well done!

How about just trying to increase your run for 5 mins each week? I'm no great runner, but did a 10k last year, and found increasing half a mile each week (once I'd conquered 3 miles) helped up my distance. Have you been following something like c25k? That might help as well. And echo the poster above, sounds like you may be running too fast.

[KittyandTeal]

I was relatively fit when I started running but I am obvious not built for it! I really struggled and in the end started the c25k plan. I was running 5k by week 7 (used to listen to 1 and a half podcasts to get to 5k) and can now mostly run 10k.

Honestly, it's like magic!

[Lemuriformes]

I also think you may be running too fast. I've been running for years and still start out way too fast if I'm not concentrating at the start of a run - I do have to force myself to slow down. Can you plot your route somehow (gmap pedometer is a great place to start) and then time yourself over that distance? Work out your usual minutes per mile (or kilometre - I am old!) then work out if you were to run an extra minute more for every mile where you should be at specific times in your run. Then aim for that.

Or just use an app on your smartphone if you have one. Strava is good, and if you can bear to run carrying your phone I think you can get it to show you your pace so you can keep an eye on it and speed up or slow down accordingly.

There are many expensive technical gadgets you can invest in as well. But worth waiting on one of those till you're sure you'll be carrying on!

[AMcoffeeLover]

It doesn't matter how fast or slow the one and a half miles is, I still "hit the wall" at the same point!
Thought it was a mental block so ran a route I didn't know the distance of and sure enough I hit my breaking point, after walking home and mapping the distance it worked out as a mile and a half! Its really frustrating

[AMcoffeeLover]

Forgot to mention that I discovered last week that I can skip (yes like Michael McIntyre!) For 3 and a little bit miles. I looked like a nutter but it got me further lol.
Its just running I struggle with

[peeveddoesntcoverit]

That must be really frustrating.
Maybe try just making it to the next lamp-post next time? Just one big push to make it over that hurdle and do a couple of extra metres.

[eleventybillion]

Well done - getting that first mile is usually the hardest.

From your post it sounds like one of two things are getting in the way of a longer run:

Lungs - as peeve said try running slower. For a longer run you should be able to hold a conversation at the same time

Head - if you can run a mile and a half I'm pretty sure you can run two! Try adding on a minute or two just to see if you can get past that mile and a half barrier. As kitty says increasing the distance gradually is best. No more than 10% a week is recommended to avoid injury.

Or you might want to try not looking at your time or distance. This works really well if it is a psychological barrier. Sometimes I use songs as a way of keeping me on track. For example, if I want to run for about 30mins I'll avoid checking the time or distance for 10 songs (assuming 3 mins per track). I invariably run longer than I planned' do it avoids any self limiting thoughts!

My best advice though would be to run with a friend. If you have a natter on your way round it should solve both problems: you'll run slower and your mind won't be quite so focused on the distance.

[eleventybillion]

Oops cross posts galore! Sorry coffee just seen that you've already tried not looking at the distance.

I think a running buddy could help encourage you past that mile and half barrier. First time will hurt and maybe someone to cheer you on yell at you might do the trick

[UsainWho]

I find that after the first half mile I have to stop to catch my breath back again and calm my heart rate down to something normal then start again. I don't even walk, I actually stop and do a few stretches etc. When I start again my breathing is in a much better rhythm and my muscles are ready to go. I can also do many other exercises without this problem but I think I'm just not a natural runner.

[AMcoffeeLover]

Think I need to find a running Buddy. what shelf are they on at the supermarket?! Jokes aside no one I know runs......

[UsainWho]

Ask if anyone would like to start? Otherwise try googling jogging in your are (in scotland we have jogscotland and they organise various jogging clubs), there are park runs too which are 5k runs all over the place. Our local council also runs c25k clubs.

[suzannecanthecan]

my heart rate is often quite high for the first mile or two, then settles down, maybe it's to do with the cardio vascular system 'getting into the groove'?