Trying to Jog

[cajunthunder]

Okay, I've tried jogging now several times, mostly when I'm walking to get my heart rate up. But I can barely make it past a couple of driveways. I've never been able to control my breathing (had asthma as a kid) when I try to jog, and my heart rate goes up too high and I'm pooped before I get far. The extreme heat and humidity probably add to my problems.

But when I workout on the elliptical, I go for 60 minutes now at a moderate pace, keeping my heart rate in my optimal zone.... I'm able to control my breathing and I'm burning anywhere from 650 - 750 calories, depending on resistance levels, etc, with each workout.

My trainer says that I'm basically jogging without the pounding on my joints.
I'm jealous of those who can jog! Should I just give up trying to jog until it cools off some? Or does it get better?

[michele4ad]

Re: Trying to Jog

Try the couck to 5k program from the website www.coolrunning.com, I started it in November when I weighed 275 pounds. I could barely run 1 minute at a time. But I stuck with it, ran every other day, and did 1 week of the "training program" for a whole month before I moved on to the "second" week. Now I run almost 5k every other day, without stopping! I don't know how much your breathing problems hold you back, but if you can do so much on the elliptical machine (which I am also a fan of) you might be able to jog better than you think. I love jogging now, especially because you can do it anywhere, and you don't need a gym membership or special equipment, You just need to start s.l.o.w.l.y: run slowly and build up your tolerance. Keep practicing and before you know it.......

Good luck,
Michele

[Brook]

Re: Trying to Jog

I'm going to second the recommendation for Couch to 5K. I was unable to run 1/2 a block when I started, and like Michelle, I can run like mad!!

I wish you success!
~Brook

[ttdriver]

Re: Trying to Jog

When I started, my limit was 6 mailboxes before I was gasping ...

Start slow. Set small goals. Then, slowly increase your distance. Trust me, its really that simple. I've been running since Nov 2003 and am now up to 35 miles a week. My long distance runs are over 8 miles ... no gasping, just an uncontrollable love for running now!!

Invest in a heart rate monitor .. Polar makes great ones! They keep you in your target zone for maximum fat burning. I wouldn't think of running without mine!

Good luck!

Betty

[cajunthunder]

Re: Trying to Jog

Thanks ladies!! I checked out the Couch to 5K plan and I do believe I can do that!! I'm always so envious of the joggers, so maybe now I can become one!

Betty, I have a Polar A3 and use it any time I walk or do my elliptical training! I love it!

I'll let y'all know how it goes, but be prepared just in case I need someone to come pick me up..... I'll be the tall brunette passed out under a shrub!

[Finelly]

Re: Trying to Jog

Wow, I was on this morning wondering if I should post the very same issue!
Cajun, I'm going to go check out that website now....

[Iapetus999]

Re: Trying to Jog

The best thing to do is keep moving. A lot of people run/walk to start out with. You could start 1 min run/9 minute walk repeat and work up to a 9 min run/1 minute walk. Try to keep your heart rate low like on the elliptical.
Unless I'm in a race I will still take a walk break if my run is longer than 40 mins or so.
Also if your start hurting it's best to lay off a day or two instead of pushing on. You don't get a medal if you finish C25K in 12 weeks. If you have to repeat a week or 2...or work up to week 1 that's fine.

I highly recommend it!

[Reveal]

Re: Trying to Jog

I agree with what everyone here has said so far! I'm doing the C25K program as well (starting Week 4 tomorrow) and it has been great. But let me add in one other thing that a friend of mine (who is a running coach) has pounded into my brain: GO SLOW. There is absolutely no reason to start out "running" - he says - you should definitely be doing a jog, and a really slow one at that. In fact, the first few weeks of the program I frankly couldn't tell much of a difference between my walking and jogging. I call it a Wog. My friend says that the major reason people give up running is because they start out too fast and convince themselves that they just aren't built for running. I am an asthmatic as well, and I've noticed a huge difference in what my lungs can handle when I take it really slow.

Just unsolicited advice, feel free to ignore it, but it has helped me!

[ShannonK]

Re: Trying to Jog

I am doing a very similar program. Just taking it one week at a time and wow, I am actually a runner. I six weeks, I can run seven minutes at a time, three times. Wow. I never imagined myself doing that. If it is a ten week program, take twenty weeks to do it!

[iwritedocs]

Re: Trying to Jog

I just started the C25K this morning and I loved it. It was hard running for 60 seconds at a time, but I'm going to keep at it even if I have to do week 1 for many weeks before I move on. I was worried about my feet and knees but I wogged on the Bay Trail which has asphalt and dirt/sand (like a track) for bikers and walk/joggers. I tried to stay on the sandy dirt as much as possible and so far I'm just tired not hurting anywhere.

[ShannonK]

Re: Trying to Jog

Good for you. Go nice and slow in the beginning. I can't urge you enough to repeat weeks if you feel like you can't move on. I have done my week four several times and i finally feel very ready for week five. Good for you!

[iwritedocs]

Re: Trying to Jog

Thanks for the encouragement. Today is my rest day and there are only a few places in legs that feel like I did something different yesterday, otherwise I feel great. I will do W1D2 on Sunday to keep my STTh schedule...