Why can't I run more than 2 miles?

Question

I am young, fit, and healthy....but after 2 miles in my neighborhood I am dying!!! Why can't I do 5 miles like some other people?

Answer 1

it takes endurance, it doesn't just happen. it's great that you can run 2 miles- many people can't do that- but getting up to 5 takes some practice, consistently. Don't just jump to it, slowly increase your mileage weekly. It's easy to get a plan online, just make sure with your doctor that it's safe to exercise like that, because it is very strenuous activity. Make sure to take AT LEAST one rest day a week so that your body can heal from all the high impact exercise, and also, remember to stretch before and after running, it really helps prevent injury. Lastly, drink tons and tons of water- your body needs it. Hope I could help! Good luck!!!

Answer 2

This is because your body takes the first 10-15 minutes or so to adjust to you running. The heart rate increases, your breathing increases, you start to sweat, etc. It takes a while for the body to adjust in these ways, and while it's doing that, you feel tired. After those first few minutes, if you're in good shape, that feeling goes away, and you will no longer feel tired. Keep slowly increasing your mileage, and you'll get to the point where 2 miles will no longer be a big deal.

Answer 3

Sunnydays-
I understand your impatience to run hard and long; I have the same problem. But you have to build up to it. If you try to start off too close to your goal and too far from your capability, you will crash and burn. Luckily, I found a very good free online source of help.
http://www.halhigdon.com/index.html
Take a look around. Find a plan you think you can do (remember, without a challenge, you will not grow- but you cannot grow under too much of one) and stick to it. Loyalty to one plan and not skipping out or going easy on yourself will not get you results. Also, I like to keep a log of the running total of miles I've done on my bathroom mirror. While this may not be for you, it is very encouraging to see the miles piling up.
Some more tips and hints-
--Try not to run less than 1.5-2 hours after you eat. However, again it depends on what you feel comfortable doing.
--Get some tunes. Honestly, I couldn't run without 'em. Sometimes, though, it's nice to get up extra early and to the serenading birds.
--Get sleep! I cannot emphasize this enough. You're body needs sleep to grow, re-energize and repair itself. Without the proper amount of sleep, your body will lose all these abilities and slowly rip itself apart.
--Listen to your body. If your legs are so sore you can't move, listen to them and take a day off. Rest days are as important as your workouts in staying fit. Take a long walk or lift some weights. If something hurts, take care of it. If it hurts long enough (2-3 days) take it to be formally looked at. My sister just broke her kneecap form running too hard, too long, and not listening.
--Consider tri-training. If you get bored with running, go back to the above website and look at tri-training. It's what I'm doing.
--Remember, your shoes are as important as your body. When running, as much as a half ton of force per stride can be put on your muscles, bones and joints. Your shoes are the only thing between them and the road. Take a look at your shoes about once every week to make sure they aren't dying. Check out what kind of foot/stride you have (http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-52-167-0-7152,00.html)
and buy shoes accordingly. Also, if your knees or other legs joints or shins start hurting for no reason- it will most likely be your shoes asking for retirement.
--Keep asking. If you aren't sure about something, stop and ask! A little confusion and a question is a billion times better than a full leg cast. Even if you think it's stupid, people out there will listen.

Work hard and always see success!
-vivaldibabe

Answer 4

From a medical standpoint:
I am basing this on the fact that you are fit and healthy (relatively speaking)
You probably stop running because you end up with your sides aching.
This is due to a build up of lactic acid which is a by product of anaerobic respiration
without getting into too many details, the simplest cure is to stop breathing through your mouth as much when running.
Try breathing in through your nose
See if that works

Answer 5

some people are able to run more than others....i am young to and im practically dying after like 1 mile it is just some people can run moe than others....like a hotdog eating contest...some can eat 2 others can eat like 42. Dont worry if you keep running maybe you will get used to it more and be able to run 5 miles but take your time.

Answer 6

r u in cross country? my brothers are and they never even start running until the season starts. maybe you're not made for running. just pace yourself. i started training for cross country and my coach said to just walk briskly for 15 or 20 minutes at a time for about 2 weeks and then run 5 or 10 minutes and build up from there. if u'r in a running sport and can't do it though, then try something else. like cheer leading. i'm in it right now, and we still run and lift weights and stuff, plus it's more challenging than people really think it is. good luck with the running!!

Answer 7

It's not discipline. You are disciplined to run two miles, now you have to work your way up to 5. Here's how. Run your usual two, then push yourself slowly for just another 2 minutes. Then sprint for 30 seconds by running the fastest you can, then cool down. When you get use to this, increase your distance by adding intervals where you sprint, then jog or walk.

Answer 8

You have to condition yourself to do this. It can take a lot of time, depending on the person. It took me forever to get past the 1 mile mark. I eventually got up to 5 miles.

Answer 9

Hi, I am young and aspired to run myself, the problem I face is that I smoke, smoking is a bad factor, which I MUST eliminate from my lifestyle if I want to run fast again. Try to elminate factors from your lifestyle that could have an affect causing a negative effect unto your health, for example doubting things. If you doubt something you cause a flow in your mental health, in a sense, making you fatigue easier. Try that for starter. I really dont run anymore, I used to run recreationaly. As far as exercising goes, I used to run once in a while. I was distracted by things, causing my endurance to drop. Constant Maintainance of the body is essential, fluid intakes, by the ounces. Also, timing is key, time your energy output so that you dont fatigue, dont get stuck in a relaxing position, unless your flexing.

Answer 10

Without more detail, it's hard to know. However, if you're just starting out, then likely you're just out of shape (cardio/pulmonary/stamina speaking). Certainly you need to start slow and build up to your target distance.

One way to do so is to train first on a treadmill... slow speed.

Another is to mix walking and running. If, for instance, you live in an area with telephone poles (or some other repeating fixture), try walking five poles, running between the fifth and sixth, walking five, running to 6th... etc.

Running is considered a lonely sport. So, no matter how you decide to train, try to do so with a friend. This way, instead of competing against yourself, you're naturally pushed to compete against someone else... even if you're not consciously trying to compete. It helps!

Don't forget to warm up... stretch... train... cool down... to avoid injuries. Hydrate... water... especially in warm/humid climates.

Good Luck!
EC