What's the best way to ease into running?

Question

I want to start running every day, but I'm having a hard time. I'm not overweight, just really out of shape and finding it difficult to start running. I've been going out every morning for the past week and I can only jog for 5 minutes at a time without feeling winded or getting side stitches. How do I increase my endurance and what can I do about side stitches?

Answer 1

run sprints from one point to another or bring a running buddy and have races
listen to an ipod or music
:o)

Answer 2

1) Walk at first, with spurts of jogging

2) Power Walk with Spurts of jogging

3) Jog with spurts of running

4) Run

You can increase speed like that or you can run the first day for like 15 minutes, then up it to 30, then 45, and so on until you are able to run longer.

Gradual increase is the key. Let your body adjust slowly to the new strain you are putting it under and make sure to breathe deeply while doing it and drink plenty of water before and after, not during. The side stitches will go away eventually, just keep trucking through them. You can do it.

Answer 3

I would suggest, taking it very slow, if your out of shape than maybe you should start off with long walks first. Its hard to just start running, if your body's not use to it. After you do longer and longer walks, than you can add some running into it. This will give your body a chance to adjust, getting the side stitches is your body's way of telling you, its to much. When I first started running, I had to take it very slow. But once you get use to it, than you can run longer and further, the more you do it. Good luck and I think you will feel so much better once you get use to it, than it becomes addictive..lol!!

Answer 4

I am the same way. I jog for about 5 minutes then walk briskly until I feel I can jog again. Then jog another 5 minutes. FYI You burn more calories in 6 minutes of running than by just walking :)

Answer 5

Begin with brisk walking. When that's easy, start slow jogging, then work up to running. If you persist, and go for about 30 minutes every other day, you'll be up to good speed in about 2 months--without injury.

Answer 6

their are a couple steps that helped me well!!

first) run outside, its much easier and less stressful

second) start out patiently jog slowly and only go a half mile or a mile as you get used to it run furthur

third) its not a race be patient if you can run without huffing or breathing its because its your first time dont stop because your stressed just keep jogging!!


hope these help!!
happy running :)

Answer 7

The best thing to do at the beginning is to just increase your frequency a lot. Once you are used to doing it 5 days a week (even if you're just mostly walking), then try to up the intensity.

Answer 8

BABIES.... crawl.... before the WALK!

Try.... Simply.... WALKING.... for a Measured Distance.... FIRST!

Say.... ONE MILE!

BUT..... First.... STRETCH...... before AND... after..... Any Exercise!

There are Many Stretching... Books and Charts... Available... on the Internet or IN YOUR LOCAL BOOK STORE!

After.... walking...... then Try Running! I find that Walking... for some distance.... 2-to-3 Miles... has the Same Cardiovascular Exercise as Running....!

Besides.... is is a Lot Easier... on Your Body! As a FORMER... Runner.... I NOW pay the Price... in my Knees.....!

Thanks, RR

Answer 9

Continue doing a little bit on a regular basis and gradually you should be able to increase the duration, and other relevent problems should go away on their own!

Answer 10

It's the hardest when you first start. Go a little more each day and you will have more endurance.

Answer 11

jog slowly until you feel winded, and then walk for a little while until you feel better enough to jog again. remember, walking is excercise too.