Im out of shape but want to start running... what is the best way?

Question

I have never been very athletic and I have never run before but I want to start. I haven't tried running outside because the weather hasn't cooperated, but I know that inside I get really bored! Also, I can only run for a short amount of time before I get out of breath. I have tried breathing all sorts of ways but I just can't seem to get it down. I get stomach cramps a lot. I want to be able to run 3-4 miles by the begging of September, but Im not sure how to start. Any advice?

Answer 1

dont start running. start a slow jog. when u get those cramps eat carrots(works for me) and they will go away. you have to work your self up to running. your not ready to just go out there and start running. slow jog first, then a faster jog, then regular jog, then u should be able to run.

Answer 2

Do you have a treadmill? If so, calculating how many miles you run a day will be much easier. Although if not, you can run in place at your house. I guess you'll just have to estimate how much you've been running. Also so you won't get bored turn the t.v. on while you run. Since you haven't run before don't over work yourself. Run for as long as you can but not to the point where you collapse. Time that. So let's say you can only run for 10 minutes that time, then build yourself up for the next week and try 15 minutes. Make a schedule and build yourself up to your goal by september. Keep a planner. I hope this helps :)

Answer 3

I started running on a treadmill awhile back, I was really out of shape too. Put on some loud music, and walk at a comfortable pace for 5 minutes before you try going any faster. I was only running for 30-second spurts for the first two weeks, and other than that I was just walking briskly for a total of about 30 minutes. Then I started alternating walking and running every time the songs changed. Try to regulate your breathing, and each time you want to stop, make yourself do another 10 seconds. (Use the timer on the treadmill). It'll get easier once you've done it regularly for a few days.

Answer 4

You need to start small, I suggest that you start walking before running. If you start walking each day and try to up the pace as as you go along you will work through all the aches and pains. If you can get up to walking a pretty fast pace 5 miles without to much pain then you should be able to handle jogging 3 miles. I hate running, but my husband runs everyday. I had to start by walking and now I can run 7 miles with no problem.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Take it slowwwwww, make sure you have the proper shoes and drink a lot of water, start out at a 1 mile, walk back and then gradually add more distance, do it a min. of 3 times a week. If you don't push your body a liitle you won't get to the next incrament, it takes time to build endurance, I would say by July you will be running 3 miles

Answer 6

First, warm up with some stretches. Then walk a fast pace for two blocks, then go to a steady paced jog, then back to the brisk walk , then jog. Before long you will just be jogging. Then you'll be ready to jog ewth some weights and really get even more benefit. Just make certain you are investing in the best running shoes as possible. Also, get the good socks.

Answer 7

Start by walikng as fast as you can for at least 20 minutes per day. Then slowly add a jog into the mix, walking fast and then jogging for a bout a minute at a time. As you build up your strength you will find that you are jogging for longer periods and then will be able to run. Be sure to do this every day. Good Luck

Answer 8

I started by walking, you have to walk before you can run, right?
Just started increasing the distances before I started to jog. Small jogs at first, mixed with some walking. Before I knew it, I as jogging more than I was walking. Your breathing will get better the longer you jog. Don't eat before running, and be sure you stay hydrated.

Good luck!

Answer 9

try to run first for 10 mins 1 day, the next day 15 mins the next 20 and so on if you do this everyday or every other day it will help you to run 3-4 miles

Answer 10

I did exactly the same thing last year. The only thing I can tell you is to listen to your body, if it tells you to slow down, slow down. Alternate between running and walking in a ratio that is comfortatble to you. And do it every day. Every Day! It will get easier amazingly fast. And make sure you run on your toes, running flatfooted or on your heels can ruin your knees.