To not be able to run…

[ManchesterBeatrice]

I'll pre-face this by saying that I have tried the couch to 5K, but that didn't work out for me.

I have full gym membership, and access to treadmills, there are plenty available.

But I just can't run!

It's almost like I feel extremely heavy when I try, I weigh 9 stone, So not carrying lots of extra weight, but I just can't get the breath right.

What am I missing? Is there some kind of secret Runner's trick! I just can't seem to run, and I'd really love to be able to, as it's such a great way to lose weight, and keep weight off Physically when I don't have access to the gym.

Can anyone share their success stories of learning to successfully run on the treadmill, and then being able to take that outside to running outdoors.

Brilliant!

This is the advice! I can’t do it as I’m usually gasping, but they do say to breathe through the nose

I breathe in and out only out of my nose when running. It makes you run really really slow and your nose runs like mad when you first start. But cardio wise it's really good.

Hello, late to the thread! I see you've gone for a run. Well done!

So, a few things have already been said e.g. run outside, run slower etc which is great advice.

I would also suggest upbeat music you like and light trainers. They can make a real difference.

Well done on the run OP!

When I went to the running group a yoga lady came in before one session and gave us a master class in yoga breathing - it's essentially breathing in through your nose, really deeply until you feel your lower abdomen move outwards. I find it helpful if I get a stitch!

It was the breathing and running at the same time I really struggled with at first, but I've had so much practice now ot eventually just became natural and I didn't have to think about it.

I cant run other than a quick sprint if my life depended on it.
I walk fast instead.

I'm so chuffed for you OP! Your post has motivated me to get back on my treadmill. I haven't run since December! Life got hectic and health issues get in the way, but yourself and the other posters have reminded me how good it feels after a run!
I don't think I'll do C25K again, I'll just do it my way. I'm not looking to compete in any way, just enjoy moving my body and the buzz I get after.
I like to stick on a documentary or audio book and cover the timer with a towel (I'm pretty sure it lies!) 🤣.
I've tried the breathing methods advised, but as soon as I put conscious effort into it, I end up gasping! Chewing gum really helped me to start with, I don't need it now though.
Dynamic warm ups and a good stretch after also really help, especially with my old, knackered body!
I hope you start to enjoy running more, or at least the feeling it gives after!

I feel the same. I'm not overweight but feel so slow and heavy when I run. I mean, I actually never run. I remember hearing my son tell his friend "My mum can't run".
There are plenty of other firms of exercise so if you don't enjoy it, then don't do it.

I went for a long 1.5 hour walk today which I enjoyed but I burnt a measly 250 calories. Pah! Glad you ran.

I just did an hour. According to my fitness tracker app, it burnt 300 calories... and has written next to it "equivalent to one fried drumstick" 😂

Glad you got out and ran. Everyone that says they are not built for it will just have been trying to go too fast. Sustainable pace is absolutely the key to running.

For all those worrying about age and weight etc. I am late forties, 5 stone overweight, I have broken one ankle 3 times and the other twice with a plate put in (none of them from running I might say!) and I have just managed to build up to and complete a 10km after 6 months training.

I did the couch 25k and built up from there. I am also a member of the couch 25k support crew on Facebook which is the most supportive group imaginable and have helped many a person start running where they felt they wouldn't be able to and get through any mental blocks they encounter. Join it, even if it's just to lurk. It may well motivate you to keep it up. xx

Really recommend reading the OP.

1.5 hours is not a ' long walk' DH (78 next week) regularly walks 20 miles at a go.

Good for your DH. I don't have a car and walk everywhere, so believe me, no need to play top trumps with the walking.

@AllPrincessAnneshorses 1.5hr is a long walk by most people's standards as most people don't have more time than that.

Run outside, and breath either in for 2, out for 2 (strides) or do it for 3. You'll concentrate in it at first and then it will become natural.

@Lentilweaver well said, this thread is not a space to tell people what is an isn't a decent walk.

Really hope you enjoyed your walk.

@AllPrincessAnneshorses this is a friendly place of encouragement, there's no such thing as too long or too short a walk, everyone has their own boundaries and goals, and their own knowledge about what works for them.

Cheers again all! Going to have another go on the treadmill tonight as I'm at the gym.

A lot of people have said it's better to run outside, I live very rurally, but ironically, most of the running near me would have to be on the roadside, but with no pavements, I just want to get to grips with it before I take myself outside.

100%!

Yes everyone can^^ run but some people are not built for it so it won't be the best use of their exercise time.

Some people are not built to lift heavy weights. Given enough time and dedication they will get better than they started out but it would not be the best choice if exercise for them.

We are built for some things better than others. That's why sports analysis selects people with the perfect body for certain sports.

Anyone can do anything within reason but if it's going against your body type it's going to be harder for you to get the the point of much benefit

It's smarter to work with our bodies than against them

@delphi13
Loughborough uni are world leaders in sports science research.
Everyone can run. It's just harder fit some Ryan others and forcing it's just a pointless ambition. Do what your body is made for

Well I went for another walk/run tonight, and even though I already thought I jogged slowly, I remembered all the advice in this thread and jogged even slower, and it worked pretty well. My heartrate didn't spike as quickly, and I didn't get excessively out of breath, so I was able to recover quicker from each interval and then was able to fit more intervals of jogging into the same amount of time.
So that was good! Just need to do it regularly I guess.

I did a session on the treadmill last night, my first since December! I've been meaning to get back in to it, and this post gave me the kick up the backside that I needed! I alternated between brisk walking and jogging, I even managed a "fast" 45 second run twice 😅. My legs hated me, but my breathing was fine.
Thanks again to OP and those of you that have commented for the motivation! I'm looking forward to doing another tomorrow 😀.

No running for me today, but a decent spinning class! And weights as well! I'll probably warm up with a run before spinning tomorrow.