Running out of breath … Day 13

 

Let’s start with this… I HATE RUNNING! But I always hear how great it is, how people love it and its such a good de-stressor.

 

Well, I’ve done the Couch to 5K, then never actually ran a 5K, stopped running because it was so unpleasant, started back up recently and loved running on the treadmill… but then I went for a run around the neighborhood and decided that I would never run again.

I remember a time when running didn’t seem so bad, it was just part of the sport and I did it willingly, without realizing that I was running. Now it’s just a chore. I can’t stand how stuffy I get, how my throat starts burning and my chest seems to tighten. It also doesn’t help that I go into a run with a negative attitude. So, I’ve spent the majority of the day looking up tricks and tips for new runners, because I really want to run a 5K and possibly a marathon.

One of the top suggestions I found was taking it easy when you start:

I know the Couch to 5K program uses the intervals, and I can get through it with little effort, however, it’s when I actually get out to run outside with hills, rough roads and stupid weather I start to regret my decision. I’ve read that trying a brisk walk outside for 20 minutes three times a week for three weeks can really get your endurance up.

I also like the idea of taking smaller steps then jumping into intervals, so I will be trying out a program created by Owen Barder who is an economist living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The training schedule looks easy enough, and this time I am going to be doing all of it outside. I feel that the treadmill is much easier then being outside. Does anyone else feel this way?

Keeping a log:

I have never truly kept a log of the workouts or exercises I’ve done. About two weeks ago I started using myfitnesspal.com and have loved the fact that I can keep track of what I eat and know exactly what goes into my mouth. I also like the fact that I can make notes about if I felt full or I didn’t have enough, then try and fix these problems for the next meal or day.

So I feel keeping a workout journal will be very beneficial. I had a weight training one when I was in high school, and it defiantly kept me accountable for how much weight I used, and kept me from slacking and putting on lighter weights. Hence I’ll be putting together a fitness journal to go along with my weekly workout. Ideally it will record runs, times, distance as well as strength training, other cardio work and weights used.

Hopefully these two steps will be sufficient into getting me back on track with running, and help improve my feelings towards the sport. I would love to claim that I love running sometime soon, but we’ll see what happens.

Q: Are you a runner? How did you get into running? What are your tips and tricks for newbies and haters?