Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

How do you run??!!

52 replies

Sunsetsandsunrises1 · 16/02/2022 23:43

Ok this is a stupid question so I’ve namechanged but I really needed advice!

I live in an area with nice scenic routes and am looking to start jogging/running to get fitter, but I physically can’t do it. Everyone else seems to go out jogging without any problems but I’ve always been rubbish at it! Even as a child, I could sprint fast and would win 100m races, but I couldn’t and can’t do any sort of distance running without collapsing with exhaustion.

I can’t run for more than 20 seconds without being so out of breath and feeling sick that I have to stop. I feel like I physically can’t breathe and that someone is sitting on top of my chest and my legs go like jelly. My BMI is in the very low 20s so I’m not huge, but I really want to be able to run for fitness and just to tone up.

do people build it up gradually, is there any recommended programs or breathing techniques? I’ve been trying to slow my breathing when running but it seems to have no effect and I end up breathless anyway. I’ve watched YouTube videos but still can’t do it. How do people run for miles without stopping to walk?!SadBlush

For context, I have a blue inhaler for seasonal allergies and wheeziness but I’m not asthmatic.

Any advice or help would be amazing !!!

OP posts:
longcoffeebreak · 16/02/2022 23:45

You have to do walk/run at first and the 'run' bits need to be just a very slow jog almost like a springy walk if needed. You are probably running too fast!!

DramaAlpaca · 16/02/2022 23:46

You're probably going too fast!

Try doing Couch to 5K and it'll help build up your stamina.

ADreamOfGood · 16/02/2022 23:47

Couch25K podcast - from not being able to walk up a 200yard hill to running 5km in 9 (well, 10 after a few repeats) weeks.

BurntO · 16/02/2022 23:52

Yeah do couch 2 5k. I am unfit and overweight and even this had me running

lljkk · 16/02/2022 23:53

Look up Maffletone Method, OP
&/or Galloway method

itsoveritshard · 16/02/2022 23:56

Slow down. And break it up into walks and runs gradually building up to just running. The couch to 5k apps are brilliant but don't try going to fast it just doesn't work. Once you can run for a period of time you can work on going faster

StrawberrySquash · 17/02/2022 00:23

Yeah, do something like couch 2 5k where you build the running up gradually. And don't sprint the running, pace yourself! Plus repeat weeks of C25k if need be; it ramps up half way through.

Discwriter · 17/02/2022 00:28

Yes I run wrong too OP! Even moderately fit and fine with other exercises, I get exhausted on a jog. My friends say I run like a dressage horse. Apparently you're supposed to barely lift your feet and almost fall forward. Louise Thompson had a helpful IG post on it.

sleepwouldbenice · 17/02/2022 00:55

Another vote for couch to 5k

I was the same as you, out of breath before the end of the road, this builds you up

PamwichShilling · 17/02/2022 00:58

Go really slow! I used to run far too fast when I first started as I was used to sprinting. I didn't understand how people did it either. You have to put effort in to going really slow and build up the distance.

RoyKentsChestHair · 17/02/2022 01:10

I heard that if you’re running on the other side of a hedge they shouldn’t see you bobbing up and down Grin so almost like a bit of shuffle iyswim. I don’t know if it’s still a thing, but when I was running many years ago a lot was made about heel striking too, as in you put your heel down first and roll the foot forwards, rather than trying to run on tip toes or flat footed. Take it steady / you should be able to keep up a conversation while running/jogging. And once you’re past the couch to 5k podcast get some uplifting running music to keep you going.

cherrybonbons · 17/02/2022 05:42

It's a different type of fitness running.
I haven't read all the replies but I'm sure you've been given good advice.
Coach to 5k is a good one. I already had some fitness so I started at week 6.
I then had an acquaintance who made me go for a run with her. It was 5k and it was awful but we stopped when I needed. After that I just had to keep going and it got easier and easier and now I enjoy it. Solo runs were my fave with music, but now I do enjoy a jog and a chat. Don't overthink pace and how quickly you're going and just run- focus on distance and build yourself up. Strength training is also good. I'm 1 year in and run only every fortnight now (weight traini instead) but I completed a half marathon after 6 months of running

HarlanPepper · 17/02/2022 05:47

Some of these suggested running styles sound a bit odd! I don't think these needs overcomplicating, it's fairly clear to me that OP is just running too fast. Slow it right down almost to walking pace (or walk/run) and then once you can do ten minutes at that pace, build up from there.

HarlanPepper · 17/02/2022 05:49

(and I don't agree with slowing down your breathing either - just breathe as you need to. As your cardio fitness builds up, your breathing rate will naturally settle)

Darbs76 · 17/02/2022 05:49

Give couch to 5k a go

purplesequins · 17/02/2022 06:31

yes you build up.
I was never able to run more than 200m.
until I did a gradual exercise, similar to c25k. (did c25k again furing lockdown after not running for a decade)

one thing is to keep in mind, you are supposed to be able to keep the pace 'forever'. like a trotting horse, compared to a gallopping one.

but there are other good exercises out there, running is not for everyone.

Wannabegreenfingers · 17/02/2022 06:34

I can't run either. I've tried I really have, but it's like dragging 2 steel poles round that are my legs. I walk a lot at a decent pace and this works for me.

headintheproverbial · 17/02/2022 06:43

Also highly recommend the NHS C25k app. As others have said it just builds you up slowly with periods of walking and jogging.

The absolute key is slowing down and not trying to sprint ever.

Merlott · 17/02/2022 06:56

It's not about running as fast as you can.

Run, walk, jog, walk, for a few minutes here and there.

The win is that you are out there on the trail moving Smile

Don't look at what anyone else is doing, it's not relevant. Care more about your body and what you can do!

Over a few weeks of going out a few times each week you will notice the difference I promise you. I noticed I was able to run further only 4 "runs" in. From a sweaty mess to feeling calm and in control.

I find that if I push through "the wall" where it feels like my legs are treacle for a few minutes, I can then settle into a nice pace that is sustainable with deep breathing. It's not fast but it is good for me.

You might want to Google trail running, road running is more dominant and doesn't really apply to trail running. You might find trail running is your "thing" that you didn't know existed til now.

Just make sure you have some decent shoes and a decent sports bra. Don't run too far at first, make it a short loop of 1 mile or less, that you can do comfortably. Gradually extend the loop as you get fitter. Set yourself up for success!

MrsDThomas · 17/02/2022 07:02

100% start with C25K.

Good bra, good trainers and off you gi. The most difficult thing is putting your trainers on! Ive been running for 11 years and i still CBA most of the time.

Do you have a friend who wants to start? Company is always great

Marjoriesdoor · 17/02/2022 07:07

Download the Couch to 5K app and you will never look back!

NutellaEllaElla · 17/02/2022 07:07

I feel your pain op, I couldn't even complete week 3 of couch to 5k! However all is not lost! I tried this and I "ran" for an hour without stopping first time! I felt very proud.

BogRollBOGOF · 17/02/2022 07:13

Week1 of C25k is 1min bursts of running and 1:30 of walking. Through the weeks the running intervals get longer and the revovery walks get shorter.

Before smart phones made apps and podcasts easier to use, people would use features like lamp posts to measure their intervals.

SLOW DOWN, really really slow. It's about building stamina. It doesn't matter ar first if your "run" is no faster than your walk, the point is that you're training your body to get used to the motion. Speed comes later.

Speed is less valued in trail running as it's so relative to surface conditions, slopes and obsticals like stiles, gates and awkwardly placed livestock.

I was beyond hopeless at running at school. I was small for age so would spend the first 30s on max power to catch up.and then burn out in a storm of shin pain, stitches and wheezing. Then get a bollocking from the PE teacher for not even trying. PE teachers did not teach me how to run... a mobile phone did!

Turniptracker · 17/02/2022 07:23

Fellow sprinter here, use to run 100m and 200m and place first at school but always came last at long distances. Did you know that there is a difference in the muscles of sprinters' and long distance runners'? Sprinters tend to have more fast twitch fibres and long distance more slow twitch fibres, it's also why they tend to be built differently. I did couch to 5k over lock down and I really enjoyed the challenge as I found it so it of my comfort zone but I managed it eventually. It's still hard for me two years later but in a way I get a real kick out of it knowing how hard I find it to run long distance. I definitely don't see improvements on times as much as my friends though despite practising the same. We are just built different I guess!

Katieandthekids · 17/02/2022 07:25

Do couch to 5k for sure

Swipe left for the next trending thread