I have been attempting to run on and off for the last 6 months. I start off well and then my energy levels flag and i end up feeling run down. I am up to running 3.5-4k, 2-3 times a week, but i am having to really push myself to achieve this. I have little energy in my legs from the word go. I run in the morning as it fits in better with my home and work life, though after the run I feel wasted for the rest of the day. I am very mildly asthmatic and had glandular fever a few years ago which may have to be taken into consideration. Any ideas?
Rich
Comments
Rich,
have you tried looking into a run walk program? Something like the C25k (couch to 5k) sounds like it would be ideal for your situation.
Sounds like you need to build your stamina from the ground up, and those types of programs are geared just for that!
I did try but never got round to finishing the program so pushed onto to running 20+ minutes. You think I shoud start from scratch?
wouldn't hurt. Or at least from week 3 or 4?
Also, how quickly are you running? Remember to keep it at a conversational pace, which probably feels more like jogging than running.
My phone app is recording 6 min/km. I have the feeling I am ver doing it.
But the first 4-6 weeks are hard your leg muscles are tired and do hurt once you get through this barrier then it's great just keep going but I really suggest you slow down.
try aiming for a speed of around 6:40-6:50mins per km. as Booktrunk says it will feel rediculous, but it's more important to build up your stamina at first. Look after the distance and the speed will soon catch up.
Thank you for the fanstastic advise.
best wishes
Rich
You can go a lot slower than 6min kms and still be what I'd call "running". Or at least when I go out running I always go slower than 6min kms!
I tell you what isn't respectable. Running too fast and looking like you're going to die whilst stumbling down the road.
And I should know. I've done it.
+1 Biko, how many of us have been running too fast just because there are others around, praying for an empty street to turn down to get a bloody breather! Take it easy, make sure you get out three times a week and enjoy running whatever your pace.