My First Run

That’s right, I’m a 27 year old running virgin! I did join track in high school but I quit the first week (I blamed it on lung capacity even though I've never smoked a day in my life it just hurt my lungs too much) and the one “run” we did was more of a jog and of couse, that was also 12 years ago!

I literally just got back now (I left at 8:20) I’m all pink and super sweaty, YEA! I mapped it out in advance to run in my little suburbia so that I would run based on Km’s not time. I ran 2.5 km and then back so 5 km total however it was more of a sprint-walk-sprint walk the whole way, it took 30 minutes.

I followed the 2 rules I knew, stretched A LOT before going and didn’t run with my  arms above my heart (I kept them moving, low to my sides). I was told not to do this because it causes your heart rate to increase and work harder unnecessarily. It should increase because of the work you are doing not because you are forcing it to go against gravity. Just those first few steps outside my house with my high school gym shorts on and Beyonce’s Single ladies to get my hips bumping felt so empowering!

I wanted to run b/c I wanted to see if I could join that elite group of people  who could proudly say they ran for exercise and wow everyone due to their stamina but what I want to know is, is the running-walking I did better or worse than my regular routine? I cardio-kick-box 6x a week (Turbo Jam) – is the run/walk going to burn more calories and help shed these 5-8 lbs better than Turbo Jam? What would you recommend to assist me in increasing my stamina and prevent cramping - my right side was feeling it quite a bit?

Thanks!

Hey well done=] I so know what you mean by that elite group who "go for a run." How many times I want to say that. I am still in the pain of trying to run when I m uch prefer walking. Good luck with future running.

Couple of things...

First off, I don't stretch before running.  I've always heard not to stretch "cold" muscles, but to stretch after a workout.  So that's what I do.

Second, to increase stamina, run more.  Seriously.  Run slowly, but work on increasing distance and time spent running.  That's the only way to increase your running endurance.  Don't "sprint-walk", run slowly and continuously.

As far as cramping goes, look into "side stitches", and see if anything helps.  You can try to stretch it out while running, try to relax your breathing, breathe deeper, etc...

Clint

I run quite a bit and I've never heard anything about keeping your arms below your heart. You should keep your arms bent at roughly 90 degrees and swing them naturally, trying not to cross over your body. The most important thing is to keep your arms and shoulders relaxed. If you tense up or do something completely unnatural, it will make running more difficult.

Also, you should try searching for a Couch-to-5K (C25K) program here on CC. It will help you build up to running for the entire 30 minutes. The program goes by time not distance, which tends to be easier for beginners.

As for whether it burns more calories, I don't know. I run because I enjoy it, and I've built up to longer distances over time.

Oh, and about the side stitch, they're often due to running too fast for your current fitness level. Try slowing down a bit.

5k the first time is amaaazing! I used to run rregularly several years ago and even then I only did 3 at a tiem.

yes! run run run.

i want to say i just started running because thats what it feels like but really its been for awhile now. well months anyway.

i gotta say, though, running is the one thing i can do without thinking. once you start running its like those little things that stick in your head and bother you all day long aren't there anymore. plus, the way it makes me feel afterwards is quality.

stick with it. i use to say alllll the time i hate running, i hate running. and that's how i felt. i was just doing it to shed some pounds but it turns out i really do like it. maybe even love it. whoaaa.

rock on.

Original Post by pbear999:

First off, I don't stretch before running.  I've always heard not to stretch "cold" muscles, but to stretch after a workout.  So that's what I do.

yep.  and stretch gently.  it's easy to tear a something if you're overzealous.

i've also never heard that thing about keeping your arms below your heart.  a lot of "rules" are about conserving energy, which is great in a race, but kind-of misses the point, if you're running for fitness.

Thanks everyone!

The arms above your heart thing actually came from Jillian Michael, ha ha I know. I was moving them naturally so I don’t think it’s too much of a concern.

Regarding stretching, yes I definitely did more when I got back with warm muscles. I did a little before just to be safe.

Regarding the side stitch, you are most likely correct, it occurring from running too fast at some points – above my ability. I have no doubt that is how it occurred.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone, yes I really must run more and then it will get better, I’m looking forward to it other than  the blister I got, oh well, comes with the territory ;)