Need running advice...

I've started to try running again because I feel like it's so much better of a workout than the elliptical.

Why does it take SO much effort to just get through 1 mile? I've been doing 15-20 mins on the elliptical first to get warmed up, then I hop on the treadmill. I'd love to be able to run 2 miles, but it's so hard for me!

What can I do to build up endurance? Will it just take time? How can I motivate myself more? Should I skip the elliptical altogether?

Re: Need running advice...

The only way to build endurance is to just keep running. It sucks in the beginning. I'm starting back up again and it is grueling to be so slow and out of breath. But it DOES just take time and miles.

You might also be expending too much energy on the elliptical. That really uses your leg muscles and by the time you start running, you may just be tired.

With the running, is it the legs that are failing you or your lungs/cardiovascular system? Remember, these are two different machines and you might also have muscles that are not used to all this effort.

Stick with it. It takes time and but does happen.

Re: Need running advice...

I'm in the same situation.
I feel like I've been running forever and my endurance still s*cks.
But, I've seen small gains over time... so I'm hopeful that will continue... don't think I'll ever be running a marathon though.
Make small goals for yourself & give yourself enough time to reach them... you will. I've tried to accept that it takes a very long time to build up endurance, more for some of us than others.

Re: Need running advice...

I don't know much about ellipticals...but why not do the warming up on the treadmill? I think it might even be a psychological boost, since you will already have 1 mile on the board as you start running.


as for building endurance there are a few ways...

add on a little bit each time. maybe try for 1/4 mile...but if that's too much 1/10...

another way is to do intervals. do 2 min of running at a good speed and 1 min recovery.

I think the Couch to 5K has the right philosophy about building up endurance

Re: Need running advice...

My legs can do it, I think it's the cardio endurance and the pure motivation. I know I can stop, so I do. Also, embarassingly enough, my arms get tired from pumping!

This morning, though, I tried your advice and skipped the elliptical warmup. I walk to the gym (15 mins) so I figured that would be good enough, and it definitely helped! I was able to go 1.1, then I walked for .25, and then ran for another .3, so the increments seem to help too.

Re: Need running advice...

WTG!

I can see how your arms can get tired from pumping on the elliptical.

It doesn't happen overnight, but you should be able to increase every week or so.

Re: Need running advice...

Keep up the great work!

Re: Need running advice...

that's great, I was going to say you should just warm up with a walk. And don't push too hard if your trying to build endurance. Just jog at a conversational pace (no heavy breathing) and you will be able to go longer. You can also take walk breaks every few minutes to help extend the run, they are just as beneficial as the run. good luck!