I went jogging again yesterday. Abe and I have slowly been incorporating this into our workout schedule. Okay, we don't really have a schedule, but it seems we end up going once or twice a week amid other things we are doing to stay in shape.
We have developed a little run that takes exactly 30 minutes. This is a good sized run for two non-runners. However, the past few times it has been very difficult. About minute 20 I feel wheezy and exhausted. I haven't been able to finish the entire run without taking some walking breaks in between. It is so frustrating because I used to be able to run an hour or more without trouble.
It seems it is very trendy to do marathons or half marathons and if you are super cool, triathlons. It seems everyone is doing it.
So my question is, HOW do you do it? I feel like I am dying after probably 2 miles (I hope it is at least 2 miles!).
What tips do you have for a poor runner who never seems to make improvements?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
First, I'm sorry I've been a total slacker on this blog, I'll try to improve (although I admit I gave up on keeping track on the spreadsheet weeks ago:)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am SO not a runner, at least not by nature. I always hated it--why run when you can dance, play tennis, bike, etc? But over the past year I've started trying to become one. I'm not quite sure how people do half marathons and certainly not marathons, but I know if I can run five miles anyone can. My not-so-lofty goal for now is a 10k:)
What helps me build to a longer run is forcing myself to run that distance once without walking, even if it feels like I'm jogging in place sometimes b/c I'm so slow. When we were in Brazil I did a five-mile run three times, and just forced myself to do it. It makes the next time much easier b/c at least you know you've done it before. Also, one of my marathon-running friends told me that your body can technically run double the distance that you run on a regular basis, so if you run five miles regularly you could technically pick up and run ten one day. That gave me some extra confidence as well. That said, some days I run four miles without much trouble and others two miles just about kills me. Keep at it!
P.S. I didn't realize how long that was--sorry! That's gotta be a record.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand how you are feeling. Some days are much harder then others, even if it is the same course! And the thing that helps me is while I am running if I start thinking "I can't do it anymore" I ask myself -Is it because I am physically tired or mentally done? And if it is because I am physically tired, I listen to my body. (within reason.) If it is because I am mentally done... well you just got to beat those negative thoughts! I also listen to very upbeat music that gets me going.
ReplyDeleteI also think about other things so that my mine is occupied. It is like I go into a zone where I just run without thinking about running. Sounds kinda insane but it works.
It is also good to have a goal insight. Sign up for a race and then start training so that you are not just running for exercise, you are running so you can do well at the race.