People who have lost weight by running, please help!?

Question

Okay, so I've been running since monday (7/8) cos I'd like to lose weight. The thing is, when I run, my left leg starts to ache, and I feel pain near my ribs (sometimes, I can't even stand up straight) and I'm forced to stop. I'm really trying here, but it's so frustrating and I feel so helpless. Am I doing something wrong? Have any of you experienced this. Please give me some advice!

Answer 1

Good for you on your goal! To give you some help, here are some pointers:

Make SURE you stretch for about 10 minutes before you go out running. Warming up is also important, like walking for 5-10 minutes, then start running.

Try not to eat anything for at least an hour before running, b/c I've noticed (at least for me anyway), they give you cramps, which might be the pain near the ribs your talking about

Push yourself, but don't go over board. If you feel like you HAVE to stop, slow down and walk. When you feel like you can continue, then pick it up again.

Also, don't expect that your going to be running at 7 MPH for 2 hours straight. It's not realistic for someone who is just starting out. I've built up my endurance by running, walking, running, walking. More and more my staminia kept growing and I could run faster for longer periods of time.

When you're finished running, make sure you walk for another 5-10 minutes as a cool down.

Just keep focused, and you'll lose the weight! I went from 180 lbs to 135lbs by running and lifting weights, and proper diet.

Also, if you have an iPod or walkman, put on some music that really pumps you up. Marilyn Manson helps me to kick some ***!

Answer 2

If your not use to running don't push your body so hard. Make sure you do some stretches first to warm up. Your body is like a car. Every morning I warm up the car before driving. Can you just get up from sleeping and start running? I'll give credit to anyone who can but in the long run you will have some mean pains. Your body needs to be warmed up because you will be working muscles on your body that you never worked before. Running is a high impact exercise and your leg probably hurts cause you didn't stretch your muscles and if running isn't your regular regimen you can't just get up and run and not be in pain during and after. Your side pains is from tryng to breath while running. But don't get frustrated It's o.k. If running is hurting you try walking. Dont try to walk a mile, make it easy. Try walking around the block, if you feel like you can go farther then go but don't over do yourself. Make walking your exercise instead of running until your body feels that its ready to do more then try brisk walking. Walking fast. When you get comfortable with that then add a little jog in your brisk walk, jog, brisk walk, jog and try to control your breathing or you'll pass out. Relax your breathing. Progress slowly it takes time you won't be a pro in a month. Take it easy dont over do it. Eventually your body will adjust, it takes time. Be patient, I know how hard it is never give up no matter how hard it seems. Look for some stretches you can do on the internet. Good Luck. I Hope this helps.

Answer 3

The key is to start slow. Try a brisk walk 3-4 times a week for a couple of weeks to build up to running. Are you wearing comfortable athletic shoes? Bad fitting or worn out shoes could be contributing to your leg pain. The pain in your ribs may be because your body is not used to running yet, so you should build up to it. Also, consult your doctor and let him/her know that you want to begin a regular exercise program, and ask for suggestions for how to exercise. Once you start running, try running on soft surfaces (such as the grass next to a sidewalk). That way it is easier on your joints until you are used to it.

Answer 4

Start by walking then ease into walking/running after a few weeks. Run when it get easier but the big idea is to take your time. Immediate weight loss shouldn't be your reason to run. Running too fast too soon will cause you injury and will kill your desire to run. Good shoes are a must.

Keep track of what you eat and drink plenty of water - that'll help you feel not so hungry to avoid snacks. Carry baby carrots for snacks - eat them first before endulging in something not so good. Good luck.

Answer 5

have you been doing a warm up and a cool down every time
warming up is KEY to any physical exercise... you need to stretch and get your heart rate up and your blood flowing. stretching a jumping jacks. jumping rope and getting into the "work out" mindset can help prepare you to not be in as much pain while running. also listen to music while you run. it helps keep your mind off of the pain. if the pain is really that bad. have you considered having shin splints and bring WATER WITH YOU. the pain....is a cramp dear... means your dehydrated if you dont want to bring water with you. know where drinking fountains are. for a cool down. try dancing to some of your favorite music stretching jumping jacks and drinking LOADS of water. its the key to not having pain while you run or pain the next time you wish to run hope it helps <3
leslie

Answer 6

Hey i learned this in the army no pain without gain. I had shin splints which hurts like heck and i felt like my body wasnt going to survive but i had to keep going and eventually i got better.. So dont stop tell yourself you cant stop. Also now that im out of basic and ait i find an ipod works really well to take your mind off the pain.

Answer 7

Are you getting enough fluids? What I started doing was taking a bottle of water and a bottle of PowerAid to the track with me. I would drink some water, then PowerAid before running, during, and after. It really made a big difference with me. And as far as your leg, I beleive that it is just your body getting used to the new routine. Good Luck...

Answer 8

you could be doing something wrong but it's not liklely. it's probably that you're body is not used to running so take it slow and one day at a time like increase the number of laps you're going to run each weak and find your pace meaning the speed you can continously run at.

Answer 9

you're overdoing. listen to your bod and cut back - but persevere. pain lessens, distance increases, pounds fall off. coordinate your breathing with your footwork. I like to jog with 2 short inhales on two left strides, then two short exhales on next two left strides.

Answer 10

Yea, but you should just take the pain ignore it. It's just pain. Pain is just a feeling to let you know that your alive.