Running and breathing

[LakeFlyPie]

How do you do that then?
I've been threatening to start running for some time and have been putting it off by 'getting fit' with swimming, 30DS / Jillian Michaels' DVDs a couple of times a week and have recently started going to a weekly Spinning class.
This evening I was overwhelmed by an unprecedented urge to run, so out I went to the local park which is 1 km loop, which I thought I might manage (possibly with a couple of walk intervals) with my newly found fitness level.

After 30 secs (if that) I had to stop due to breathlessness (I wasn't going very fast) and I completed a couple of walk / run circuits but certainly couldn't manage a minute of running so am concerned even C25K is out of my reach ATM.

Can anyone offer any words of wisdom / advice?

Running is a special kind of fitness, I think. You can be strong and healthy but still struggle at first. I think it's all to do with improving your VO2 max, which is basically the amount of oxygen you can take in while exercising aerobically.

The only answer is time and perseverance really. I'm sure you could manage C25K, it's a nice easily accessible plan and even if you can't run all the running sections, just keep plugging away until you can. You will be amazed at your progress, I promise. I started running in mid-Jan and I can now run for over an hour. The first time I went out I thought I was going to die.

I was like you, but C25K was totally manageable as its broken down so well. Don't run too fast either, just jog very gently.

I started c25k last May, did my first half marathon in the September, and will do my first triathlon in June! I'm 41 and a never runner, even when I was a very fit teen

Thank you so much for your advice and inspiring words of encouragement.

I downloaded a C25K app and did W1 R1 this evening. It was so much more manageable than last night.
Think I may run without my specs on next time, if I can't see anyone I pass, then in my mind they won't see me either

Seems unbelievable that the stumbling panting beetroot that is me on W1 R1 (D1) could possibly be running 5k at any point in the future but I've read enough inspiring tales to know it's a real possibility.

I'm finding it hard to get my breathing right too, but the best way I've found is to expand my ribcage so it feels like I'm trying to burst my bra! And definitely stick to the c25k, it's great, and you will get there.

For me, it's all about getting the rhythm right, and getting your breathing in time with your steps. I tend to do two breaths out then two breaths in, and take a step on each breath.

You will get it.
If you can't manage wk1 of c25k, then break it down further if you need to.

I got frustrated on c25k because of asthma and my lungs complaining before my legs did, butI just kept going at my pace, and it came good.

Go for it, and good luck!

I always find the first few minutes of a run are the hardest - I think it's pretty common. My breathing is also heavier at the start. So that might be a factor, as well as acquiring running fitness. Stay with it though - you will soon notice improvements.