running/jogging?

Question

i try to run to stay healthy, but i don't know if i am pushing myself too hard or not hard enough...it gets to the point in running where i no longer even enjoy going out for a daily run/jog...i don't know how to word this question right, but how do you know if you are jogging correctly?

Answer 1

Don't go out every day. There isn't any real value to running every day, other than beating yourself up. Cut back to 4 or 5 runs a week. Find some new places to run, parks, greenways, even downtown, that might make the run more interesting. Change the times you run. I flip from afternoon to early morning quite often and find that helps. Change the types of runs up. If you're just trudging down the road at the same pace all the time, switch out once a week for some interval type training. If you always run on a flat, find some hills, or vice versa.

Maybe get a bike and sub a ride one day a week instead of a run. Find some small races to enter and try to get an age group prize in them to keep the competitive juices alive.

The trick is variety. Everyone gets tired of slogging down the same old road every day.

Answer 2

A good test is to see if you can have a conversation while jogging. Even if alone, try speaking for 20 or 30 seconds ... if you're gasping for breath, you're running hard and could burn out.

Also, I believe in variety. Run 2 days back-to-back, then take 2 days off. Try trail running. Do some nice, scenic hills. If you're feeling unmotivated, treat yourself by driving to an ideal running location (beside the ocean; in mountains etc.) and do a nice run. Enter a short race (5k) to benefit from the energy and excitement. Buy new shoes or a new shirt.

However, being unmotovated could also be chemical -- ie. overtraining. It can take 2-3 weeks to recover from overtraining. I get cold sores in my mouth and feel depressed when i overtrain. You have to basically cut back 50% on running for at least 10 days to recover from that.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Make sure the Dr. says you are healthy enough- no hidden health problems. Ask him for advice. Also, the rule of thumb is to start gradually & build up, otherwise you just break down the muscle and often end up sidelined with painful injuries as a result. Vary your aerobic routine with some cycling, swimming, even just start out walking. As an avid walker (normal speed), I can tell you that you will begin to feel it working, and you'll notice your strength & endurance building up nicely. Whatever you do, do it every other day, not daily. The muscle repairs itself on the day off, and you will also build more strength & muscle faster that way. Hydrate well with both water & Gatorade, I used to do both, more after my walks of an hour or more, so I didn't have to find a restroom. Although on warm days, I just walked where there would be public restrooms. btw, cold liqids go through you in about 20 minutes, warm fliuds take about twice that long. Good to be able to time these things as you are out & about ! God's blessings on you as you enter into a healthier New Year :)

Answer 4

First off, if you are not having fun, you are not doing it right.

After that, you don't have to run the whole time. If you get upset or hurt while running, stop and take a walk. Enjoy your body and what it tells you while running. Walk the rest of the way if you need to. Don't over do it. That is the last thing your body needs.

Answer 5

Well, your question is very hard to answer, you know your self better than anybody in the world! If you dont enjoy going on jogs then try to go to the gym and doing the steps it is better for you then running. its your choice!

Answer 6

I am meeting with a personal trainer from our local YMCA for precisely that reason this Sunday - to find out the correct form for running. Good luck.

Answer 7

its best to run everyday, i do it myself too. To know if you really are running hard, to me, is when you sweat, when you breathe heavily, and when you are really tired.