Help me run better

[megstoo]

I’m usually a lurker but need some advise/suggestions etc. Sorry this will be lengthy



I’m going to preface this by saying I don’t like running, I’m not good at it, I’m SLOW etc. That being said I do bootcamp workouts 5 days a week (I love it) and there’s always some running involved.



My workout yesterday was strength in the beginning and then pyramid partner runs.  
Person 1 would run 1 lap while person 2 stayed in a plank position. You’d then switch. And person 2 would run. Switch again and person 1 would then run 2 laps around the building while person 2 would do planks and then flutter kicks…. etc. You did this 5 times for a total run at once of 5 laps. Each lap is maybe 2-3 blocks total. (by the time all was done you’d have done 15 laps but not all at once).
The running had me wanting to cry by the time it was done because I just couldn't do it (yes, I tried)
.


I am SLOW and found that by the 3 time around I just couldn’t keep going and would have to walk. I was breathing so heavy I couldn’t get out a full sentence. My “jog” is normally like a fast walk. Everyone else in class can run. HOW can I increase this so I too can run or at least go faster?  I’m going back again today because I’m not giving up despite the trainer telling me to run faster, or try harder etc. Each day is a different workout but there is ALWAYS at least some laps around the building. I have no problems with anything else in class but how can I get better with the running?
 In the 2 months of doing bootcamp I'd never had this many runs around the building. While I've only lost about 7 lbs I know I've gained a lot of muscle, and just feel better overall etc.  Please help me with the running part.  

[sadlebred]

How many days do you workout? Could you do a program like Couch to 5K?

[finallykrisb]

Ditto the couch to 5k program.

[gt7301b]

It takes time to build up your running endurance and you've only been attending the class 2 months. I'd probably do a walk/run combination on the days where there is a lot of running involved and work your way up to being able to run the entire time. I'd also talk to the coach and tell him that your goal is to be able to run the entire workout, but on days where there is an excessive amount of running you'd like to modify the workout. (either run walking/shortening the length of the runs/or something else)

If you keep at it you will get faster!

I think C25K is a great program, but it might be hard to fit it in while doing bootcamp 5 days a week.

[megstoo]

Thanks, I'm doing bootcamp 5 days a week and not being able to run and literally keep up with everyone else makes me feel more like a fatass even though I can do everything else no problem. I've never been a runner, I've always been slow (even going back to gradeschool age). And having the coach/trainer keep telling me to try harder, run faster, work faster etc is really wearing on my confidence. Talking to him is not going to work because he's SO hardcore (prior marine, and currently training army folks)

I don't want to give up because that's admitting defeat and it's not everyclass that he rides my ass like he did yesterday. This is the first time he was on my case this much since I started.

[gt7301b]

Oct 1, 2014 12:04:56 GMT -5 megstoo said:

Thanks, I'm doing bootcamp 5 days a week and not being able to run and literally keep up with everyone else makes me feel more like a fatass even though I can do everything else no problem. I've never been a runner, I've always been slow (even going back to gradeschool age). And having the coach/trainer keep telling me to try harder, run faster, work faster etc is really wearing on my confidence. Talking to him is not going to work because he's SO hardcore (prior marine, and currently training army folks)

I don't want to give up because that's admitting defeat and it's not everyclass that he rides my ass like he did yesterday. This is the first time he was on my case this much since I started.

In this case the biggest thing you can do is keep running and don't let the coach get you down.   Most running plans call for increasing distance by 10% a week.  If you are doing limited running the other days it may just take time for you to get to where you can run 15 laps in a work out.

Remember, walking is okay.  If the coach yells at you for walking tell him to jump off a bridge.

[G22]

I'll fourth(?) C25k. Its a happy combo of walk/running, working your way up to running a 5k. I've not done it, but many people here have and I've heard nothing but good things about it helping people get started.

[Deleted]

Here's the thing - it's totally OK to be a slow runner. I've run a lot over the last few years, including a half marathon. I learned to love it when I let go of the idea of being fast and just running how I run. I'm still getting a workout, and that's what's important.

You can improve, or at least feel more comfortable running and I do highly suggest C25K as mentioned. I'm planning on picking that up after I deliver this kid, just as a way to ease back into it.

[secretlyevil]

I agree with everyone else about a program like C25K. Also, your coach sounds like a butthead.

[bostonmichelle]

1. Walking is okay

2. You will not get to running 6 min miles overnight

3. Your coach seems kind of douch-y for saying that to you

4. I fifth C25k or another similar plan that you alternate walking and running. Once you can run for whatever your goal time is, you can work on running intervals to gain speed. Go for distance first then speed. I did not do C25k, but did a similar plan that I found on Garmin's website to truly build up to running a full 5k. I mentally had issues doing the same workout 3 times a week, this mixed it up a bit.

I am similar to you and used to never be able to run the mile run in high school, never had any confidence in my running, always felt like the slow fatass that let everyone down, quit soccer because I couldn't run the field when I was in middle school, etc. It took me until about a year ago to actual learn to enjoy running and now love it. It is hard to get motivated and if you are trying your hardest, the coach should be understanding that that is your hardest and fastest at the moment. Can you have a conversation with him and riding your ass like that? Tell him that your current fitness ability is that you can run 2 laps but 3 is difficult and you are working on building up to that. I know the track coach with my running group will sometimes give me shit about not running fast enough but that's because he can tell I'm not 100% and sometimes I just need that motivation to run harder and faster, sometimes its just not a good day for me.

Also do not feel like a fatass or anything just because your last. Someone always has to be last. Sometimes it is awesome to be last. I was last on all of my 800 repeats with my running club last night by about 200 meters. It was awesome to be last because I was only 200m behind them, a few months ago they were practically lapping me and I can see I'm gaining progress. They were all standing there cheering me on at the end of each one and it made me not let myself slow down at the end where I usually struggle because they were all watching.

Also your a badass for doing planks and then running around a building.

If you ever want to chat, send me a PM.

[thom]

Good for you for wanting to stick with it! Running takes a lot of work to improve at, so don't get discouraged if progress seems slow. Slow, steady gains are good.

If c25K is hard to fit along with all the bootcamp you could try for just 1-2 additional runs per week. They don't need to be long. Just take 20-30 minutes and alternate maybe 3 minutes moderate run with 1-2 minutes recovery power walk. You could build up to longer running intervals of 5 minutes + with only 1 minute walk break. Mix it up and make one day moderate running and one day really pushing the pace during the running portions.

Also, depending on what type of personality your coach is, I'd seek him out to ask for guidance. Don't tell him you need modifications or things to be easier. Rather, tell him you're really looking to improve your running. You know it's a weak area for you, and you want his suggestions for running (outside of class) that would be most beneficial. If he's just strict/tough but still a decent guy he should appreciate your dedication to improve. (If he's a wise guy or sarcastic personality then I maybe wouldn't ask him. Totally your call.)

Good luck!

[thom]

One more thing. Focus on your breathing. I try to breathe in through my nose, out through mouth, and keep it as even and calm as possible. Try this and see how it goes. When a run gets tough and I let my breathing get super heavy and out of control, the run is just that much harder.

Obviously you'll get more labored toward the end, but if you start off consciously focusing on your breathing I think it will help you.

[woowoo]

Oct 1, 2014 13:35:29 GMT -5 @sessalee said:

Here's the thing - it's totally OK to be a slow runner.

What sessalee said.   I have accepted that running will never be "easy" for me, nor will I ever be super fast.

My favorite thing about running is that you continue to get better, especially if you are a slower runner.  Just keep running.  It may never be easy but it DOES get easier and more enjoyable!   Be proud of each milestone as they are YOUR milestones and no one elses.

But as a beginning, be sure and stretch, foam roll, and add mileage slowly to avoid injury.   

[memenee]

I had to chime in and echo what others have said - couch to 5k. Please give it a try. You won't regret it and you will get more out of boot camp when you are able to fully engage in the running parts.

C25K, in my opinion is doable even while you are doing boot camp 5d/week. Good luck to you!

[secretlyevil]

megstoo...I just want to repeat your trainer sounds like a complete tool. There is a difference between motivating and pushing people hard and just being a punk. Do not let him get inside your head. And next time he gets in your face, you can tell him to f off. You aren't paying to be abused.

[cransplash]

Oct 1, 2014 14:36:15 GMT -5 woowoo said:

Oct 1, 2014 13:35:29 GMT -5 @sessalee said:

Here's the thing - it's totally OK to be a slow runner.

What sessalee said.   I have accepted that running will never be "easy" for me, nor will I ever be super fast.

My favorite thing about running is that you continue to get better, especially if you are a slower runner.  Just keep running.  It may never be easy but it DOES get easier and more enjoyable!   Be proud of each milestone as they are YOUR milestones and no one elses.

But as a beginning, be sure and stretch, foam roll, and add mileage slowly to avoid injury.   

This word for word, and also another believer and graduate of c25k. c25k actually motivated me to try and complete c210k. You can do it!

[shauni27]

Oct 1, 2014 13:35:29 GMT -5 @sessalee said:

Here's the thing - it's totally OK to be a slow runner. I've run a lot over the last few years, including a half marathon. I learned to love it when I let go of the idea of being fast and just running how I run. I'm still getting a workout, and that's what's important.

You can improve, or at least feel more comfortable running and I do highly suggest C25K as mentioned. I'm planning on picking that up after I deliver this kid, just as a way to ease back into it.

YES, this.  I enjoy running so much more when I just run with NO goal of how fast I "should" or "could" be.  I am still running and I am getting a good workout, I am just not going more than 9 mm.

Focus on that for now, slow does not mean you are not an athlete.  And then try to fit in C25K, even on bootcamp days.  Can you workout for even 10 minutes before or after your bootcamp class?  I think that would really help.

Good luck!

[joenali]

Running isn't easy for anyone, no matter your speed. It's hard work, it takes practice and commitment.