Advice for a fledling runner?

[PerpetuallyDazed]

I've always had a problem running long distances, even when I was kid. Typical reactions would ensue: I would quickly become flushed (bright, bright red!) and develop that annoying cramp in my side. Having a low threshold for pain and general unpleasantness, it always made me want to stop and not push through it. I wasn't overweight and have no health problems to my knowledge. Even today with some extra pounds (I'm 5'6" and 155lbs) I can sprint just fine, but still have the same issues RUNNING...

Is this normal? How long does it typically take to overcome this point where you just want to give up and stop? Are some people just made NOT to be runners?

Thanks for any advice :)

[likesmountains 52]

1. How far do you want to run? For me, the wanting to stop or make the run shorter than

planned is how I usually feel for about the first few miles...I find myself saying "we'll maybe today I'll only go 2 miles." But then I kind of am into a zone and my brain starts to think more along to lines of "we'll lets go that extra mile and take the long way home." Maybe you're trying to run too fast at the beginning..start with a slower pace.

[muddrunner17]

2. It's called endurance because you have to endure

the discomfort. That said, running should never been painful and it really doesn't take enduring too much discomfort. I don't know how you're training now or what your ultimate goals are, but you should shoot for 30-40 minutes of exercise. To do this, even when you can't run that long, you need to put some walk breaks in. You could start with walking 3 minutes then run for 5. Repeat that 4 or 5 times to get your full work out in. The walking is as much a mental break as it is a physical one. After 3 weeks of that you could add more running in before the walk break. 3 more weeks after that you'd shorten the walk break.

Running should be enjoyable for all who do it. You just need to find the right way that makes it enjoyable for you. There are a lot of running plans out there and you'd need to find the right one for you. Coolrunning is a website that has a couch to 5K plan that could help. If you don't like that one, there are others out there. Keep on running!

[Shine]

3. Sorry no advice here, but I do think some of us are NOT meant to be runners.

I can totally relate to that one, personally. When I used to run in my 20's I would develop shin splints all the time. I'd change shoes, run on different and softer surfaces...nothing seemed to make a difference.

One thing to keep in mind about running is that it is REALLY hard on the body, particularly the joints and bones. Think about all that pressure you're putting on your body just to run. It's NOT worth it, in my opinion.

That's why I'm a cyclist. It's much easier on the body and the joints. Throw me on a bike any day!! :hi:

[muddrunner17]

4. It doesn't have to be hard on your body.

When you train smart by keeping your miles in check, a fresh pair of trainers, which have improved greatly in recent years and take a an extended break once a year, then it it's not that hard on you. Shin splints are usually caused by over training and it's your body's way of telling you to back off. It could also be from your mechanics. I recommend everyone who runs to find a reputable running store that can give your a gait analysis to find the correct trainer for you. There are running shoes for all foot types, and if your shoes don't match your foot type, then you could end up with discomfort or injury. Running shoes are good for about 400 miles if you only use them to run.

Keep on running!

[Shine]

5. Sorry, but no amount of encouraging would get me to start running

:D It's just not my thang and I'm totally cool with it.

I'm much more into long endurance rides on my bike. In fact, I'm in training now for a century ride (100 miles) on March 8th. :thumbsup:

Hey, welcome to DU, btw! :toast: Nice to have ya aboard...

[midnight armadillo]

6. It takes a few times

The quickest way to get through the cramp is to run through it. Once it really hurts walk if you have to but don't just stop (it's a mental thing, you see). After you've walked/jogged slowly through it finish your run taking it easy. Then do it again the next day. I'll wager if you go for a run up to the point where cramps kick in 3-4 days in a row they will go away completely, based on my past experience. Make sure you're completely hydrated. Your body will adapt - humans are very well adapted to distance running, beating out most of the animal kingdom in that feat.

When you say you can sprint, do you mean run once 50m, or sprinting say 100m, resting 1-3 minuts, then repeating 5-10x? THAT would be a real sprinting workout...which, incidentally, will rapidly increase your longer-distance endurance and also eliminate cramps. Interval, high-intensity training is really tough though.

If you have chronic foot/leg problems I would guess there's other things going on, like poor form, flexibility, muscle imbalances, and so on, that you'd need a qualified trainer or running coach to work with you on.