Talk to me about running 2 miles

[wambam]

I know most of you ladies are runners, so maybe you can give me some tips? The first event for my competition this Saturday is to run 2 miles. This is so out of my realm! I have short thick legs - great for lifting heavy things, terrible for running. In my workouts, I never run more than a mile. 800m is considered long. I think my issues with running are two fold:

1. My little legs. I take two or three steps for every one step the taller girls take.
2. I have enormous breasts that sit on my diaphragm, making breathing a challenge. I'm in good metabolic shape, I can slaughter metcon with the best of them, but running is still hard on my lungs.

Any words of wisdom for getting through this 2 mile run? Breathing tips? I'll take anything you can give me.

[Brit]

If you are getting super out of breath to the point that it is not sustainable, then you are running too fast for your current running ability. Start out running slower than you think you need to. If you still feel good at the one mile mark, pick it up A LITTLE bit. If you still feel good at the 1.5 mile mark, give it everything you have until the end.

Bottom Line: Running is hard. Even if you are in good shape for other activities. Just like Cross Fit is hard even if you are in good shape for other activities.

[bluey0214]

I hate running and have tried many times. I can run a mile straight and often I can keep going. I just push through I think a lot of it is mental.

[Deleted]

Ditto Brit. It's common for people "new" to running to run way too fast. Your legs may be able to do it but your lungs can't keep up.

If I remember correctly, you need to maintain a 10MM, right? I've been running 3 years and still can't do that. :/ Running is really hard.

[trigal]

Short legs do not make you a slower runner!  Start at a much slower pace than you think you can do and you'll be fine!  Think about taking deep breaths and if you are huffing and puffing, then either slow down your pace, your breathing, or both!

[Susie]

Running is hard, but little legs aren't your problem. I have them too, and even so, one of the things I work on is shorter strides and faster turnover

When I start to get a side stitch, I try to remember to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. It helps to slow my breathing and heart rate, and get the stitch under control.

[wambam]

Aug 7, 2013 8:34:32 GMT -5 aswartzw said:

Ditto Brit. It's common for people "new" to running to run way too fast. Your legs may be able to do it but your lungs can't keep up.

If I remember correctly, you need to maintain a 10MM, right? I've been running 3 years and still can't do that. :/ Running is really hard.

Yes, there is a 20min time cap. When I did Murph on Memorial Day (2 1-mile runs separated by an insane workout), my first mile was 9:20. I'm assuming my second mile will be a bit slower, thus I'm worried about the 20min time cap.

[wambam]

Aug 7, 2013 8:36:57 GMT -5 Susie said:

Running is hard, but little legs aren't your problem. I have them too, and even so, one of the things I work on is shorter strides and faster turnover

When I start to get a side stitch, I try to remember to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. It helps to slow my breathing and heart rate, and get the stitch under control.

So you think that just running with quicker movements is better than trying to elongate my stride? 

[Susie]

Aug 7, 2013 8:40:52 GMT -5 wambam said:

Aug 7, 2013 8:36:57 GMT -5 Susie said:

Running is hard, but little legs aren't your problem. I have them too, and even so, one of the things I work on is shorter strides and faster turnover

When I start to get a side stitch, I try to remember to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. It helps to slow my breathing and heart rate, and get the stitch under control.

So you think that just running with quicker movements is better than trying to elongate my stride? 

I think for one 2-mile run, do it however comes naturally to you.  I just meant that as an example.

Over the miles of training for a HM/HIM, overstriding is no bueno, and really aggravates my ITB.  But you won't be running long enough to worry too much about that.

[Deleted]

Aug 7, 2013 8:40:52 GMT -5 wambam said:

Aug 7, 2013 8:36:57 GMT -5 Susie said:

Running is hard, but little legs aren't your problem. I have them too, and even so, one of the things I work on is shorter strides and faster turnover

When I start to get a side stitch, I try to remember to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. It helps to slow my breathing and heart rate, and get the stitch under control.

So you think that just running with quicker movements is better than trying to elongate my stride? 

I've tried both, and find that quicker leg turnover is more natural for me. I also have short heavy legs. 

[wambam]

Aug 7, 2013 8:51:18 GMT -5 @sessalee said:

Aug 7, 2013 8:40:52 GMT -5 wambam said:

So you think that just running with quicker movements is better than trying to elongate my stride? 

I've tried both, and find that quicker leg turnover is more natural for me. I also have short heavy legs. 

Same. Thanks for the input!

[naldridge]

I am a horrible runner too but when I feel like I am being overwhelmed by the run, I slow down and try to concentrate on my breathing and my arms. When they are both in sync with my legs, it gives me a much better flow and less cramping/side stitches, etc. Or, if you need to take a break, keep active instead of just stopping - sometimes I'll drop and just do a few quick pushups or burpees jumping lunges or something, just to mix it up for a few seconds.

[Deleted]

Yes I also have a similar frame and shorter, quicker strides is what helps increase my speed. I agree w/ PP about slowing down though.

[thebulldog]

I breathe in my mouth and exhale through my nose and it helps me alot.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[shelbyann]

If breathing is a challenge, you probably need to slow down. I know that's hard when you're racing but if you go out too fast on the first mile, the second one will be miserable. Try to align your pace with breathing in three steps and out three steps. Or every two steps, if that's comfortable.

And short legs don't mean slow! You just have to turn 'em over quicker. I ran with a girl in college who was like 4'11" and quite muscular/stout. She was one of our top runners.

[katinthehat]

slow slow slow down

and use your arm power, practice strong arm swings and they'll help power the rest of your body. Don't let them just hang there uselessly.

as a fellow member of the big busted tribe, lean forward. we spend all our lives hunched over trying to hide them, but lean forward (your whole body, not just from your hips) and let gravity help move you that way as well.