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mellaine
Member
| Joined: | 10 Nov 2005 |
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| Posts: | 20 |
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Posted: 24 Jan 2006 07:35 pm |
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| I have always been an exerciser, but I've never really pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I love the way running feels when I'm done, but I can't do it. Recently, I've decided to run through one song and walk through another song and keep switching back and forth (using my mp3 player). When I'm running, though, I feel as if I am going to die. I know most of it is phsycological and I keep telling myself that if I continue doing it this way eventually, I will be able to run longer periods of time. What is the best way to go from a walker to a runner? I'm not fit, by any means, but I'm pretty fit, considering the average american who doesn't really do anything. Any help would be appreciated.
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NevD
New Member
| Joined: | 26 Oct 2005 |
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| Posts: | 1536 |
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Posted: 24 Jan 2006 07:40 pm |
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Buy a cheap 'chest belt and wristwatch' heart rate monitor, calculate what 70% of your max. HR would be and make sure you don't go above that...
It sounds like you're just going too fast for your level of fitness. At 70% (or 65% if necessary) you should be okay.
NevD 
(Your doc thinks running's all right for you, presumably? No contra-indications etc.?)
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mellaine
Member
| Joined: | 10 Nov 2005 |
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| Posts: | 20 |
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Posted: 24 Jan 2006 07:54 pm |
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| Yes my doctor is okay with me running. I actually am not running fast. I'm on a treadmill and only running at 4.5 mph which is really slow, but I wanted to start slow just to get my body used to running and I figured once I was able to run for at least a half our or so at that speed, then I could speed it up and work on it. I don't put on incline on it either. Do you still think I am running to fast too soon? I would really love to run.
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Javan
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 Jan 2006 08:29 pm |
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| When I got back into exercise, i started on the treadmill, and walked and walked and walked. I walked up to 4 mph. When I bored of that, I inclined it. Once I could do 3.5 on the incline, that is when I started to run. I tried the running early and had the same "Ima gonna die" type of feelings. Course, not long after I shifted to running I developed Plantar Fasciitis in my feet, so back to walking I did go. Good Luck!!!
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trimB
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 Jan 2006 09:51 pm |
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| Have you given running outside a try? Just a thought... but I have done both regularly, and I feel that they are quite different experiences. I much prefer running outside. I feel like I set my own pace as opposed to picking a pace and programming it into the treadmill. Also I think my posture is less natural on a treadmill. I know it might be cold out where you are right now, but you might want to think about it at least.
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Peter
Founder of this forum
| Joined: | 24 May 2005 |
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| Posts: | 4180 |
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Posted: 24 Jan 2006 10:50 pm |
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Having NEVER run before, I started walking around a track. Over time I SLOWLY mixed in a little jogging. OVER TIME I increased the percent of time jogging as well as the total length. I loved it and eventually started running marathons.
I NEVER pushed myself so much as to hate it or even dislike it. I think the answer with all exercise is to improve slowly enough that you always enjoy it.
Please see what I write about Getting Started -- Slowly:
http://www.thelegacywebsite.com/faqs_exercise.html
And have fun!
Peter
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runner mommy
New Member
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Posted: 26 Jan 2006 07:24 am |
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Maybe you should start slower? Don't go through a whole song, maybe just 1/2 or put a portable timer on your treadmill and go 30 seconds at a time at first or a minute and go up from there. When I first started running I would go from lamp post to lamp post in my neighborhood, run one walk 3 etc... Now I run/jog about 6 miles on a regular run and did 8 the other day, my longest ever...so start sloooooow.
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mellaine
Member
| Joined: | 10 Nov 2005 |
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| Posts: | 20 |
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Posted: 26 Jan 2006 12:22 pm |
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Thanks for all the advice. I actually ran slower yesterday at about 4 mph and it was a lot easier for me to do. As far as running outside, I think once I lose most of my weight that will be a little easier because I get pretty self-conscious running outside. I definitely will make sure that I go slower and that I am ready to move on before trying to speed up or go longer.
Thanks again!
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NevD
New Member
| Joined: | 26 Oct 2005 |
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| Posts: | 1536 |
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Posted: 26 Jan 2006 05:49 pm |
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I actually ran slower yesterday at about 4 mph and it was a lot easier for me to do.
That's good.
When I'm running, though, I feel as if I am going to die.
That's bad. (From your first post).
When you use a HR monitor, it helps you in this way.... At the moment, you're okay with 4 mph. That will translate to a heart rate. As you get fitter, you'll go faster to attain that HR. With a monitor, you just run fast enough to maintain that HR and you don't feel like dying - but you also don't under-exercise.
The same argument goes for whatever sort of cardio you choose. If you always keep to your set HR, it allows for things like 'low days' and 'off days' when your body's not quite on the mark.
It's one of the few examples of technology that deserves a better adjective than 'gadgetry'.
NevD
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mellaine
Member
| Joined: | 10 Nov 2005 |
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| Posts: | 20 |
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Posted: 26 Jan 2006 05:58 pm |
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| Thanks. What's a good HR monitor to use. I know you mentioned a chest strap, is that the only kind or the best kind to use. I'm not sure how comfortable that would me. I am a rather "busty" woman.
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NevD
New Member
| Joined: | 26 Oct 2005 |
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| Posts: | 1536 |
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Posted: 26 Jan 2006 06:21 pm |
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You can buy one that clips onto a bra. That keeps it in place! Generally, though, since the band fits under the breasts, it shouldnt move (I'm sure the ordinary type could be attached to a bra somehow)...
Brands I've owned (and liked) are: Polar (expensive), York (cheap and basic), CardioSport (good and medium-priced). Polar do the clip on type, but there's probably more choice nowadays. (Mine are all ages old).
They really are the only device that gives you continual feedback about how you're exercising. Without one, it's just too difficult to monitor.
NevD
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