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Original poster

Running - help

35 replies

Auvergne · 09/12/2017 16:15

I used to be very fit and in particular, an excellent swimmer. I could walk at a fast pace and up hills for hours and use step machines, rowers and so on without any problem.

I could not, cannot, however, seem to run. I’ve never been able to. I end up a huffing puffing mess within a minute or so and I physically can’t continue.

The idea of being able to run for more than five minutes without collapsing is inconceivable.

Yet perversely, I’d LIKE to - because it’s free and simple and I can just go out and do it.

I presume I am doing something wrong. I have tried this before so if I come back with ‘yes, but ...’ I am not being difficult!

OP posts:
lljkk · 09/12/2017 16:52

Do you, can you, do any other sport that gets you very out of puff -- can you sustain the breathing hard, so is it just running that takes your breath away?

Maybe football or hockey or squash?

You said excellent swimming , just how fast do you swim? Have you ever finished a length breathing hard, did you compete?

KittyandTeal · 09/12/2017 16:47

Is it your breathing or legs? If your legs feel ok then you need to work on breathing. Try the c25k app and run really, really slowly for the run parts. Focus on breathing in for 2 steps and out for 2, at some point you might want to rejig it to what feels better. I now run to 2 in 3 out.

Breathing was what I found hardest when I started. It sounds weird because you’d expect your body to just do it but you really have to concentrate on it.

And being a heaving mess within a min is about standard. Unfortunately you just have to try not to panic and push through, even if it’s just 5 more steps when you get to that point, then next time 7 more steps etc. It’s training your body to be used to feeling like that I think.

If it’s legs that are giving up then slow right down and the same, 2 more steps when you thi k you can’t go any further.

Running is definitely more of a mental game than any other exercise I know. It’s all about telling yourself you can,or you’re going to just see what happens if you keep going.

I think most people really do go out way too fast when the start. It needs to be just abover walking pace to start with.

Original poster
Auvergne · 09/12/2017 16:28

I tried C25K approach a couple of years ago. Is the app different?

OP posts:
AuntieStella · 09/12/2017 16:27

Don't try and run for so long to start with.

Try the C25K app (or the similar Zombies, Run!)

You will start off with a 20 minute walk with some 90 second jogging intervals. If you can get out 3x a week, you'll progress through to the 5k point in under 3 months (less, if you don't need to repeat weeks).

No, I didn't believe it either, until I did it.

Original poster
Auvergne · 09/12/2017 16:26

I have tried that ... it didn’t make any difference! One year on and I was still unable to increase my running time Sad I must be doing something wrong.

OP posts:
ohfortuna · 09/12/2017 16:25

run very slow for a minute, then walk for a minute, repeat for half an hour ish, gradually build up to more running less walking

I was just the same as you before I started running, pretty fit but couldn't run for toffee, now I regularly run 10 + miles

Original poster
Auvergne · 09/12/2017 16:23

I’m not sure. I have tried running very slowly but in some ways found it harder than a more natural pace. I must admit, I’ve always assumed that for whatever reason I was unable to do sustained running, but I’d love to be proved wrong!

OP posts:
shushpenfold · 09/12/2017 16:22

Lol, if necessary yes! Just think of running but taking exceedingly small steps.

Original poster
Auvergne · 09/12/2017 16:19

Hmm - so sort of shuffling?

OP posts:
shushpenfold · 09/12/2017 16:17

Start slow, in fact start very slow (barely more than a walk) and get your breathing sorted first. It’s a little bit of practice that will help. If you then find you’re not a puffing mess, you can then speed up a little. Good luck!

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