Running - does it really get easier?

[Aldwick]

Bought my first pair of trainers since school and have been going out every other night for over a week now. Just 20 mins of jog/walk/stumble but still feel like I'm having a heart attack every time. Please tell me it will get easier soon.

Thursday, I am really nervous of running on the lanes round here, partly because of not being seen - even with hi-vis stuff on a car can come round a corner and not see you til its on top of you - but also because of all the wretched potholes. There is some streetlighting in the middle of our village but none down the lane I live in. Even when I walk somewhere with a torch, I'm quite often stepping into a pot hole before I know it. Cant imagine running it in the dark, I suspect I'd break my leg.

Also, and this us just a bit pathetic of me, by the time I have got home from work (5.30), cooked and fed family (6.30), let meal go down (7.30), then the only exercuse I can really face is the cross trainer or bike at our local gym where I can read my book in the warm.

Seriously, how do all you wonderful wonen have the motivation to to out in the dark and cold to run round dark cold streets?

You all have my admiration.

Yes it really does. I started c25k last year. I was 18 stone. The first few weeks I was dying after the 60/90 seconds running sections. Completely hit a wall at week six didn't believe that I could run any further and gave up. Then after a few weeks realised I missed it and started again at week three. I also realised it was a mental block preventing me not a physical thing. Pushed through. Completed the programme at the end of last year. I now run 3 or 5ks (depending on how much time I have) four times a week and I'm continually beating my times.

Don't give up. You need to build up to it but you can do. Rest days are really important too. I've lost a couple of stone and I feel so much better. I love that it's free and I can just nip out whenever I have time. Will sometime get up at 6am and do it before work, after work or when DS is at playgroup. I can honestly say I love it now, and would echo what other posters have said about the improvement in my mental health. Never thought it would be something I looked forward to.

Good luck.

MrsAMerrick I don't run in the dark.

Mornings are my preference - I would far rather get up at 5.45 and have a quick 20/30 minutes than go in the dark.

Too much dog poo to avoid :)

MrsAMerrick - if you have gym membership, you could try running on the treadmill there a couple of evenings a week and couple it with an outdoor run when it's light at the weekend (assuming you have someone around to help with childcare then). I find treadmill running unbelievably boring, but have done it when away for work with no where suitable to run, just to keep things ticking over. If you started C25k now you'd be ready to enjoy a short run after dinner when the lighter evenings come? (though I have to say, I never run after tea - I always wait and have mine later if I'm planning to exercise)

Keep at it! I was never sporty at school but started running at 22 literally for one minute on the treadmill then 2, 5, 10 etc. Got the bug and now have three half marathons to my name and enjoy being that much slimmer, healthier and having so much more energy. It is difficult in winter but at this rate you'll be able to run decent distances when the spring (and lovely evening run possibilities) arrives. Good luck and join you local parkrun if there is one.

OP - re "it's being out of breath that stops me way before my muscles hurt"

You need to breathe deeper! Do you breathe in over 2 steps & breathe out in 2 steps? Try breathing in over 3 steps & breathing out in 3 steps, expanding your chest all the way.

I started running 1 minute walk 1 minute. I eventually got up to 45 minutes continuous running. Its hard workbbut worth it. Just go at your own pace and increase as you feel able to.

"would it not be better to lose the weight before starting this?"

No it wouldn't. I started running while also dieting and lost 10 kgs in 8 weeks. It speeds up your metabolism and spends lots of calories. Exactly what you need when you want to lose weight.

"I'm not sure running in itself helps you lose weight, rather you build up an appetite"

Of course it does.

Actually, it is well known that running curbs appetite, as opposed to swimming which indeed boosts appetite.

Sorry MrsA, I should have said I only run in daylight. Of course at this time of year, that is next to impossible when you work (I'm on mat leave).

But maybe do weekend runs for now? It is lovely in the summer when it's light for ages.