whats the best way to gain tolerance to running? (bike, program, training)

[Terry Ray]

Im trying to train myself to run every morning. Im not in very good shape. I use to walk about 5 miles a day. Now its more like once in a great while but I have been riding bike about 5 miles a day when the weather permits. What is the best way to train myself to run and breathe correctly? Should I do a combo of walking for a couple minutes, running for a couple minutes? Should I walk the first two miles to warm up and then run till I get tired? I need advice. I really want to start running but I always run out of breath after about a minute.

[70Ford]

When I was in the Air Force, we had 6 weeks of basic training. After 6 weeks, you had to run a mile and half for time. They started us off running 1/2 mile every day (twice around the track) and added another 1/4 mile every week until we hit a mile and a half.

By the time you left, you were running a mile and a half every day.

Really, the best way to do it, is to just get out there and start running until you're out of breath....walk until you can run again...and then run.

Get some good shoes, too. Good shoes help.

My buddy told me about a way you control your breathing ...."Sniff, sniff" with your nose and "blow" with your mouth.

Sniff, sniff, blow...sniff, sniff, blow. You start worrying more about doing that correctly than you do about how far you've gone. It worked for me, at least. When I ran, that is.

[PanTerra]

Hi Terry,

I alway say, why run when you can ride. I would get your miles up on your bike, but that's just my preference. I would suggest getting involved in a local running club, I hated running alone, and riding alone. I would check into running clubs at your local running store. Cycling in groups made my mileage go up considerably and you get plenty of encouragement. I am sure running clubs are the same. There is a running store near my house were joggers meet at times and do a run in our neighborhood. Start short distances, walk when you get winded and after you recover, run a little more. Keep it up, and if you jog when it is getting dark, wear a blinkie.

[nicolem]

Originally Posted by Terry Ray

Im trying to train myself to run every morning. Im not in very good shape. I use to walk about 5 miles a day. Now its more like once in a great while but I have been riding bike about 5 miles a day when the weather permits. What is the best way to train myself to run and breathe correctly? Should I do a combo of walking for a couple minutes, running for a couple minutes? Should I walk the first two miles to warm up and then run till I get tired? I need advice. I really want to start running but I always run out of breath after about a minute.

Alternate running with walking. Even if in the beginning it is sets of walk a minute, run a minute. I think that you would prevent injury better that way. I think you are more likely to get injured and frustrated by walking 2 miles and then running until you are out of breath. Just MHO.

Good luck

Nicolem

[alamph_0904]

I found the couch to 5k program is very helpful. Podcasts It is a free pod cast that tells you when to run and walk along with some music. I found it very helpful. I am at week 6 and am able to now run for 25 minutes straight.

[Davachka]

I started out walking 20 minutes, then combined walking with running. Each time run a bit more and walk a bit less
Eventually I could run 20 minutes straight. Then I worked my way up to 25, 30, etc.

Now I can run 6 miles in 48 minutes so it worked for me!

[Terry Ray]

Originally Posted by faina00

I started out walking 20 minutes, then combined walking with running. Each time run a bit more and walk a bit less
Eventually I could run 20 minutes straight. Then I worked my way up to 25, 30, etc.

Now I can run 6 miles in 48 minutes so it worked for me!

Inspiration!!! After this wind stop Im gonna start my training

[Deez Nuttz]

Originally Posted by 70Ford

My buddy told me about a way you control your breathing ...."Sniff, sniff" with your nose and "blow" with your mouth.

Sniff, sniff, blow...sniff, sniff, blow. You start worrying more about doing that correctly than you do about how far you've gone.

What about when you can't seem to breathe enough air thru your nose and instead you are required to open your mouth?

Breathing thru my nose really never seems to work for me, but I also hear it's not really the right way of doing it...

[hnsq]

As a general rule, increase your distance by 10% every week. The main thing isn't really what program you use, it is getting out there and running at least 5 days a week with no excuses. Another good way to get into it is to bike to work (if you can). Up until a few months ago, I lived 7 miles away from the office, I biked to and from work every day and got in great shape. Obviously this depends on where you work, but if you are in a city, it is pretty easy to find a YMCA to shower and change when you get there in the morning.

[70Ford]

Originally Posted by Deez Nuttz

What about when you can't seem to breathe enough air thru your nose and instead you are required to open your mouth?

Breathing thru my nose really never seems to work for me, but I also hear it's not really the right way of doing it...

As he got older, Le Beau's physical training began. He would run, at first a mile, with the path taking him a half-mile out and a half-mile back. Gradually, the distance increased until he would run 15 miles one way, circling a butte, then run 15 miles back. "I would run 30 miles twice a week," said Le Beau, and that would include running with "no water, no nothing, on a hot August day
An extra-full life 01/22/07 - Grand Island Independent: News (broken link)

I recall reading somwhere...a very long time ago...that a test for the braves would be to run some great distance, while holding a mouthful of water. At the end of the trial, they would spit the mouthful of water at the elder's feet.