Should I be feeling this? Why is running so hard?

B

basinrunner

0
So, I've never been a runner. When I was younger teens and 20's I was into bodybuilding. Then I had kids, new job, moves, etc. I have always stayed in fair shape and not overweight, eat healthy, and so on. After spinal fusion a year ago and the doc cleared me, I started interval training for running. I started with the whole 1 min run/1 min walk etc. and slowly building up. After a few weeks I joined a gym and take various classes, such as aerobics, turbokick, zumba, pilates. I am realizing that I am in really great shape and having a blast, thrilled that I can work out again. But...

When I run I can't even make 1/2 mile on a run. Nothing hurts or burns, but I find after a couple of minutes I realize my breath is getting more and more shallow and I have to stop to catch my breath. I pay attention to my breathing to avoid the sidestiches. I just seem to run out of air.

Is this normal? How can I overcome it? I am starting to enjoy running but get frustrated when I still can't complete 1/2 mile in one stretch. Does anyone have any suggestions. I plan to particpate in the Bataan Memorial Death March in March (the short route of approx. 15 miles) I don't expect to run it all, but it would be nice to walk one/run one.

Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
Not sure. Are you going too fast? I find it odd the way you describe it, not as getting out of breath, but your breath becoming "shallow". Could you be asthmatic?
 
Running is so hard for exactly the same reason it is so effective. It requires a pretty complete body involvement: the largest muscle groups (quads, glutes), balance, cardiocascular, oxygen uptake, endurance, etc. One major ingrediant is oxygen uptake or lung capacity, that is the ability to take in air and transfer oxygen to the blood effectively and efficiently. The older you are when yu start running the longer it takes for that to develop. And running requires a certain mental attitude to just keep going, even when you think you must stop.

One thing to try might be extending your breathing cycle, so you exhale for 2 strides and then inhale for 2 strides, then try to extend that to 3 strides or even 4. That forces you to breath deeply, fully expand your lungs and fully exhale, and it keeps your mind occupied with something productive, instead of thinking "I have to stop".
 
No, I'm not asthmatic but did quit smoking a year ago. The tip on the breathing with strides I will try. When I first started I was told to inhale a count of three and exhale a count of three. This did eliviate any sidestiches but never tied it together with my strides. I think the pushing myself is a real problem. I noticed on my last run when I took my iPod with me and played some techno, which I love, I did much better.

Thanks for the advice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top