A few months ago, I couldn't run more than 3 minutes without losing my breath, getting shin splints, and a pain in my side. I didn't believe runners that told me that this would subside. I never imagined I would be able to run longer than 5 minutes. I was determined. I tried and tried, pushing myself one minute longer each time I reached my goal. Yesterday, I ran ten minutes straight- the longest I have ever ran without a break! This was success for me! I felt amazing walking out of that gym!
How I started:
I started off real slow- running two minutes and stopping until I was able to catch my breath again. I ran again when I felt the urge to. I read somewhere to run until your tired and walk until your bored and it must have resonated with me!
Once I was able to reach the two minute goal without feeling like I was going to die, I added another minute! I repeated this until I made it to 6 minutes. I told a friend how much trouble I was having running longer than the 6 minutes and she told me to lower the speed. I was running at 5.0-5.2 so I lowered it to 4.7 (thanks Doreen!). Her advice helped me so much! I was able to go straight from six minutes to ten.
That night, I started with a 5 minute warm-up walk, then ran for ten minutes.
I stopped at ten minutes and walked for another five before running another ten. I finished off with a 5 minute cool down.
Tips to take to the gym:
Set small goals for yourself- even if it's a one minute goal.
Stretch first before running.
Bring lots of water.
Make a playlist that will get you ampted!
Remember that this isn't easy & that Rome wasn't built in a day! This takes time!
If I can run- I swear anyone can!
Stretch after your run.
Obviously I am still a long work in progress myself. I started this process approximately two months ago. I do not consider myself a runner by any means! I am just someone who has the desire and drive to run. I have always wanted to and just couldn't believe that I was able to. I am a beginner runner myself, trying to inspire those with the same desire as me.
My shin splint pain has subsided as well as the pain in my side...damn runners were right! I am also able to breath easier running at a slower pace.
My ankles do hurt- but I kinda like it! I reminds me of all the hard work I did.
My goal is to be able to run 30 minutes straight.
I hope this post gets in your head and gets you on your feet! If you're a mom like me, running helps get the crazy out!
Let me know how it goes if you give it a go!
I love running intervals-- Try 30-20-10 intervals to increase your mile time after you get your distance built up!
ReplyDeleteThank you girl!! How have you been???
ReplyDeleteDynamic stretching before running is really helpful too! I have been running since high school, almost 30 years now, and the one thing that really keeps me motivated is running with friends. Having a workout partner makes things more fun and helps keep you on track! Good luck!! Running is awesome!
ReplyDeleteNot sure what dynamic stretching is- but I will look it up and try! Thanks for the tip Michelle!
DeleteThat's so great!! I think that running can seem intimidating because people think that they should be able to run a mile or more from the start. I think that you're being really smart by taking it slowly and building up your endurance. Keep it up!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine! Taking it slowly is the only way that's working for me!
DeleteI am currently in the process of teaching myself to run! I'm using Hal Hidgon's Couch to 5K program, and it's HARD. Definitely not a runner! This post gives me hope :) Stopping by from SITS! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeletexo,
Stephanie
Diary of a Debutante
www.stephanieziajka.blogspot.com
I'm so happy to give you hope!!
DeleteA friend of mine is using the couch to 5k and finds it difficult as well.
Great advice! I started running last year in September using the C25K app. It was hard but now I run 3 times a week. I've been training for a half marathon, too! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! A friend of mine is trying to get me to run a 5k but I don't think I'm quite ready for that!!
DeleteGood for you! I learned how to run when I was 19 and a very experienced runner trained me. On our first day out, he told me to only go 1/8 of a mile and that would be enough to start. I thought he was insane, after I ran for a few minutes and nearly fell over. It's very rewarding to grow and to be able to take longer runs these days.
ReplyDeleteHahaha!! It really is hard! It felt great running for ten minutes- I cannot even imagine how I will feel running 30!
DeleteWhen I first started running I was so overwhelmed with my own negativity that I swore I'd never be able to do it, but if you stick with it and keep at it, it becomes a habit that pulls on you. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself. I'm not very fast and I'll never run the NYC Marathon, but it's something I do for me. Although, I tried to go for a run/jog today and I thought the baby was going to fall out of my vagina, so I might just stick to speed walking for the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I usually ice my shin splints which helps a bit.
Melissa- I know the feeling well! Baby falling out of the va-jj is definitley NOT a good feeling!!! Keep it at a walk my friend!
DeleteHaha, how funny - I totally did a post on starting to jog today. Also, I REALLY like this quote "run until your tired and walk until your bored". I'm going to remember that next time I run.
ReplyDeleteThat is funny! We are finally on the same page!! Let me know how it goes!
DeleteI started running 3 months ago, it has been my new years resolution every year since I had my son, this is the first time I have kept with it. You are so right when you said your friends were right that the pain would go away, I didn't believe people either. I saw the biggest difference for me when I got some good running shoes, made running hurt left. I use to get bad knee pain which doesn't happen anymore. My goal is also to be able to run 30 minutes straight hopefully it can happen sometime this year I'm up to ten minutes straight too.
ReplyDelete