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'Catch my breath' breaks while jogging..

  • 21-02-2008 10:44am
    #1
    figroll
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53 ✭✭


    Hi Folks,

    I'm trying to get back into my 5-6mile run routine i used to have a couple of years ago. I've never been a 'natural' middle distance runner at all (much better at sprinting), but when i trained before i got up to around 10miles but going at a very slow pace. In the meantime I've kept my fitness up but not for running (a bit of cycling and...ah the world of resistance!).

    Now i've gone out a few times and i can run for about 4miles but i have to stop and walk for 'breathing breaks' 2-3 times (for 1 or 2mins), and my legs can feel very very heavy at times as if i'm dragging myself along. I don't want to stop but i really really feel i have to as my breathing is so strained.

    So my question is, is this ok to stop and walk or should i just slow down to a complete crawl (as i'm slow anyway) but kindof continue running? What, if anything is the difference? I would prefer to walk as its easier to get my breath back but i could be setting myself back by doing this?

    Your opinions greatly appreciated!

    Thanks,
    Figroll


Comments

  • #2
    justsomebloke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,407 ✭✭✭✭justsomebloke


    this may sound like an odd question, But do you like running?


  • #3
    figroll
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53 ✭✭figroll


    Well, its a means to an end, i found while resistance training i bulked up (i'm female, 5ft4, 50kgs, very low torso fat and petite so its very noticable especially around my back and shoulders) and my legs, which is the area i want to slim down, got bigger - yep, i was measuring! But when i was running regularly, i was leaner..

    I do enjoy when i come back in from a run but i can't say i really love it or anything.. Now i plan to do a bit of everything, HIIT, cycling commute, and resistance maybe twice a week, but my main aim is to have slimmer legs.

    I know its very superficial and its not really a 'goal' but i'm being honest, i like the feeling of completing a run but i'm not in it to become a marathon runner or anything.. :o


  • #4
    justsomebloke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,407 ✭✭✭✭justsomebloke


    no the reason I asked is cause that is the way it came across. you use it as a means to an end, which generally means that you are never really going to put your heart and soul into it.

    I would suggest trying to find somethign else that you actually enjoy that you could replace the running with. Maybe a combination of cycling and dancing for example or hill walking and climbing? Truthfully if you can find things that you can enjoy doing you will probably get better long lasting results


  • #5
    figroll
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53 ✭✭figroll


    Ha ha, very true! Its probably all in the head i guess, but its just a whole lot easier to put on a pair of runners and go out for an hour than it is to find a hill to walk up in Coolock ;)


  • #6
    xebec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,311 ✭✭✭xebec


    OK, back OT, figroll if you feel you need walking breaks then there is absolutely no problem taking them. As you get used to running again you'll find you need them less and that you can run further without one.

    As for motivation, maybe try mixing the running up a little. Instead of always going for 4-6 mile runs, why not try a 2 mile faster run once a week? If you are running outside, try mixing up your route so that you don't get bored of the same old view (the hardest part of my outdoor runs are the beginning and end because I'm taking the roads back to my flat).


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  • #7
    BossArky
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 9,588 Mod ✭✭✭✭BossArky


    figroll wrote: »
    So my question is, is this ok to stop and walk or should i just slow down to a complete crawl (as i'm slow anyway) but kindof continue running? What, if anything is the difference? I would prefer to walk as its easier to get my breath back but i could be setting myself back by doing this?

    If you are getting out of breath then you are going to fast.

    Lets say you run a 10kmph and get out of breath after 4 minutes. Next time run at 9kmph and see if you get further.

    Try to find a speed at which you can run 20 minutes non stop. To get up to 20 minutes you may need a few weeks of doing first 5 minute sessions, then 10 minutes, then 15minutes a few times a week.

    Once you have the basic aerobic level in place to run for 20 minutes come back and look for further info.

    By the way, make sure that your running speed is greater than walking speed. I see some people in my gym who run at 5.5kmph. A brisk walk is about 6.5kmph.


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