Question for those of you who run. (muscles, gym, treadmill)

[Karla with a K]

I have been trying to figure out something about running maybe someone can answer.
I walk 3 to 4 miles every morning
I take 3 intense cycling/spinning classes a week along with aqua cardio.

so why when out walking when I decide to try this running thing I can go maybe 10 houses before I have to go back to walking.
I don't think it is a cardio thing since I have no problem in the cycling class which is high cardio.
plus we actually "jog" on the bike while standing so I have all my weight on the pedals.
I see all these runners out there and they look so graceful and when I try I feel as if I am plodding down the road.
Is this something I have to "work" through ?
Or are there some tips I can try ?
Thanks in advance

karla

[mbuszu]

I'm not positive the following is a solution for you as I found very quick progress in being able to jog a decent distance vs run a few houses and then having to walk. Literally within about 10 running sessions I was up to about a mile.

That said - here goes. My heart and lungs first needed to adjust to jogging in a way I never experienced before. Stair climber and elliptical machines (and certainly walking) didn't prepare me the way just actual persistence in jogging outdoors did. My first couple times I found myself running a few houses and then walking, and then running again, etc. I paid attention to all aches or pains which developed and stopped when they did so. To protect my knees and feet from injury I also investigated the type of gate I have and purchased very good shoes as well. I also made a conscious decision to run as lightly as possible distributing my weight from heel to toe each stride as evenly and smoothly as possible (with family members who developed both cronic hip degeneration and fallen arches, I really didn't want to take a chance of anything happening which I could avoid). Running on sidewalks and roads inherently is hard on joints so this made more sense than plodding potentially carelessly and recklessly. I sense if you watched me jog it is this kind of stride you are referring to. Indeed some people new to jogging don't look graceful running and they seem to ignore the hard landings they make with each stride thinking it's ok because that's how they happen to walk, when it is most definitely not.

Lastly if you happen to carry around a little extra weight when you first start running I would encourage you to increase your distances cautiously and conservatively while also paying attention to diet to help lose weight.

I don't think it is a coincidence that a family member of mine who's arches collapsed only a couple months after taking up jogging was a bit heavy and someone also with a heavy ungraceful landing to their every day walking stride. Although one's heart and lungs typically adjust quickly, it will take some time for your joints & muscles to adjust to the new exercise - being heavy makes this a very important thing to consider.

Good luck with your new hobby and if none of this advice seems right for you, then go with your instincts or see your physician to have things checked out (better to be safe than sorry right?).

[Karla with a K]

thanks mbuszu
It makes sense now. I am going to go about this slow and steady. I may even ask one of the trainers at the gym to watch me on the treadmill to make sure my stride and foot work is correct.

I only have about 7 to 10 pounds more to lose. so it is not that much more to lug around.
I agree with the sidewalk thing I try to walk on the street as much as possible.

thanks again for the helpful advise sending you some "gold stars"
karla

[mm_mary73]

Originally Posted by myfask

I have been trying to figure out something about running maybe someone can answer.
I walk 3 to 4 miles every morning
I take 3 intense cycling/spinning classes a week along with aqua cardio.

so why when out walking when I decide to try this running thing I can go maybe 10 houses before I have to go back to walking.
I don't think it is a cardio thing since I have no problem in the cycling class which is high cardio.
plus we actually "jog" on the bike while standing so I have all my weight on the pedals.
I see all these runners out there and they look so graceful and when I try I feel as if I am plodding down the road.
Is this something I have to "work" through ?
Or are there some tips I can try ?
Thanks in advance

karla

Hello, Karla!
As a "Clysdale runner" (I'm ~5'11 and ~ 150#), I can also help. What your body is doing for you is getting you "ready" to run. When people first start running for health, it is recommended that they start off in a manner in much the same way you're doing now. When I returned to running after an injury, I ran ~1/4 mi then walked 1/4 then alternated back and forth, gradually increasing the distance I ran. As long as you're healthy, try going one more house each day then walk the rest or walk 10 houses and run 11. I have stopped running - too much pain in the hips - but I walk a 12 min mile - and get a good sweat.
Here's a great website: Runner's World.Com : Running, Racing, Training and More. "Waddle on!"

[Karla with a K]

thanks mary
I am 5'3"
I will try the adding one more house
I keep telling my hubby it is my generous feet and rofl he said with as big as they are they should carry you down the street. funny guy huh lol
a 12 min mile walking is a great pace we are about 14 mins.

mbuszu when I "ran" this morning I focused on the heel to toe thing. and tried to run lightly.

thanks so much you guys

karla

[awsun1980]

myfask,
Running is great when you do it right. I agree with the others----DO NOT RUN ON PAVEMENT/CONCRETE/SIDEWALKS. It's horrible on your joints & you will feel much worse afterwards. I'd much rather run outside than on a treadmill. I agree with the others--take it slow. I used to run/jog on a gravel trail next to the community college I used to go to & I had to start out slow. Then as time went on, I increased my laps, or speed, or sprinted at the end, whatever. The trail was 2 miles around. After awhile, I got up to about 6 miles a week. I loved it--it increases your energy & makes you feel so good afterwards. So start out slow & make small goals for yourself & you'll do fine. Oh---and remember to get good shoes especially for running---and get new ones every 9 months to a year, depending on how much you run.

Hope this helps

[mm_mary73]

New - your shoes last 9 months? I usually change out every 6 or so, sometimes less. The support just isn't there for me after that length of time.
I've been alternating between pairs lately - can't tell a difference. It's time to get a new pair! I have found New Balance to be a solid shoe for me. I only wish the company would wise up and start marketing more to us mature runners/walkers.

[Karla with a K]

new to co
thanks the only problem is those are my only options. I walk 4 miles around my neighborhood each day.
I heard that the black top of the road is actually more flexible than the sidewalk.
So I may have heard wrong sigh
How long did it take you to get up to 6 miles ?
I replace shoes about every 4 to 6 months depends on it Lola has gotten to them or I have forgotten and worn them in the garden.

my new ones were actually designed by a woman fro women the toe box is a little wider. I have a narrow heel wide foot and my arches are nothing to speak of. lol see I told you all i have odd feet and so far these seem to be working out well

thanks again everyone for the great advise I will be adding the hints to tomorrows walk/jog

karla

[awsun1980]

mary,
What brand of shoes do you buy? I would say about every 9 months, but I'm not a frequent runner much anymore as I used to be. But you're right, I should probably switch them out sooner.

myfask,
Hmm...I'm not really sure how long it took me, I can't remember that far back. I only went I'd say, 2-3 times a week, so maybe after a month or two? I was to the point of jogging/running 6 miles a week. Give yourself time & don't give up. Though running can be very taxing on your body, it can also be very good--just gotta be careful--like I said, the shoes probably make a big difference.

Is there not a lake/park in your area you can run at? If not, I think the black tar of the road is better than the sidewalk--anything is. I would try that if that is your only option.

Good luck to you. Running is such a great natural high

[mm_mary73]

Originally Posted by new-to-CO

mary,
What brand of shoes do you buy? I would say about every 9 months, but I'm not a frequent runner much anymore as I used to be. But you're right, I should probably switch them out sooner.

New Balance 470 (I think that's the number) I always go back to them.
I used to wear Nike cross trainers (Ah, Prefontaine!), but they're too heavy. Go figure!