I'm a beginning runner! Just a couple questions?

A couple days ago I decided to start running at the gym because it's the only thing that REALLY makes me sweat. I feel like I'm actually doing something effective! But I can only run 5 minutes before I get tired and start walking :/

Today, I was on the treadmill for 30 minutes doing a 5-min. run, 2-min. walk cycle. The girl that was running next to me ran the whole 30 minutes without walking. I was so jealous! Will I gain more stamina over time? How long will it take? I feel like I get bored and time goes by so slow while I'm running! Any tips for me? I've only been running for 3 days :D

Oh, and if needed, I'm 5'5 - 5'6, 173#, 16 years old. Thanks to whoever replies!

I'm doing Learn to Run and I like it a lot. I'm currently doing the walk 2 minutes, run 5 and I'm on week 4. It's basically an 8 week "course" that trains you to run non stop (eventually) for 5k (3.1 miles). Maybe since you're already at that level you can start there and work your way forward.

http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/post/276 98.html

Yep, your stamina will increase quickly. I highly recommend the run/walk method, that's how I started and I just ran 8.5 miles tonight doing 10x1's . Try to run 3x per week, but not 2 days consecutively at first. If you feel pain stop and take a day off running - cross training with cycling is great. Also, I would recommend taking a long walk or hike ( 3 - 4 hours minimum in length) once per week - you'll find this really improves your stamina for running.

Happy running

I feel like I get bored and time goes by so slow while I'm running!

i remember the first time i ran 30 minutes on the treadmill without stopping since high school.  it felt like i overcame a great milestone.

treadmill running i need music, usually i like to land my foot or every other footstep to a beat.  usually something with a bpm of 170+ like psytrance. although thats not everyone's cup of tea. or i find the ska (maybe a little more rocky than regga) music gives me a little extra bounce in my step.

you might find running outside a lot harder than on the treadmill, but keep it up, you will eventually like it. i love trail running as i have to work a little harder on softer surfaces but its much easier on my joints.

just watch your form.

Hey Monkey!  I just recently started running again, and I used the Couch to 5k podcast.  If you have an iPod you can go to iTunes and search couch to 5k.  They're free podcasts that are set to music and the guy that made them tells you when to runa nd when to walk.  The program starts off with run/walk combinations and works all the way up to running 30 minutes, just like the girl next to you :)  I highly suggest it.  I'm running a 5K tomorrow morning! :)

I hate to sound repetitious, but yes, get off the treadmill, it's bad for you in so many ways. And get on the couch to 5k, it's amazing. Good luck!!! Once you start running you won't want to stop, it's my favorite form of exercise!

Original Post by shuber84:

get off the treadmill, it's bad for you in so many ways.

 That has to be one of the worst things I have ever heard.  A treadmill and me being 130 pounds lighter because of it will disagree with you.

Original Post by daddyjaxx:

Original Post by shuber84:

get off the treadmill, it's bad for you in so many ways.

 That has to be one of the worst things I have ever heard.  A treadmill and me being 130 pounds lighter because of it will disagree with you.

 I think she means as compared to outdoor running.

I agree with you. I pretty much die when I run on treadmills (can't go over 2 miles) even though I am a long distance runner and usually run 4-6 a day.

I suggest you find a playlist about 30 minutes long of songs that just make you want to dance and map out a course around your neighborhood or a trail and run outside and soak up the beauty around you. It's so much more interesting and time goes by super quick. Good luck!

I'm not going to knock treadmills because I may find myself on one by the time monsoon season comes to Arizona.  But I must say that the track around the city park is one of my best motivators!  Green, with pine trees and critters.  Me and my Zune just love running at the park. 

Thanks for all the info guys. I ran at the park the other day, and it did seem a lot less boring. I'm actually moving around, not staying in one spot. I also found that I liked running at the park without music - I love the sound of my feet hitting the gravel. And I like to feel like I'm not holding on to anything while running.

Running is so much fun!

I'm glad you are liking it. I LOVE running and because I overtrained when young and stupid (me, not necessarily anyone else), I have to be extremely cautious not to over train and get a flare up of a chronic injury.

Anyway, you can run ANYWHERE if you are thoughtful about it. It used to be my favorite way to see a new city when I first arrived (I can't handle concrete or asphalt anymore and stick to trails now 100% of the time). I'm really a country girl, however, so I tended to check out different parks (especially state and national ones, although lots of city/county parks have some type of trail). Dirt roads or roads with broad enough shoulders are great too, and I used to drive out a road I had never run, stop after a certain distance, run back the way I had come then turn and return to the car. I ran an amazing number of places that way and boredom was never a problem. I really prefer peaceful running (ie, not having to worry about traffic, dogs, etc) now, but I sure had some amazing experiences.

Go slowly; the interval work you are doing is great and you don't ever have to stop if it works for you. Someone also said, don't run 2 days in a row, esp. at first, but if you keep at it you will get to where you can go 5x/week with one or two "easy" days that just get you limber and do not stress your muscles. It's funny, but if you really like running, it takes more discipline to STOP yourself than to keep going!!

Here's one rule I wish I had started earlier in my career. On any given day, if I don't feel BETTER after the first mile, I stop. It means my body is tired and needs a rest. Usually after the first mile I will feel really good-loose, warm, almost starting to sweat, etc. If I'm still feeling like, "Wow, this is too much work!!" something is wrong.

Listen to your body. Remember it is always better to err on the side of caution because injuries will shut you down for a while. cutting out one day or a mile you had "planned" is always better than losing weeks or months to injury recovery.