Talk to me runners....

[lmbjer]

The entire time I am running I am so so aware of the exertion required of my out of shape body. Music does help some, but I am struggling to draw my attention away from dwelling on the effort needed to run.

I notice that many runners talk about how light they feel while running and how their minds are cleared and relaxed. I just feel heavy, clumsy, and aware of it - not self conscious, but I dwell on how I just can't possibly continue on if it is this hard.

Tell me your story....tips? experiences?

[Rico'sAlice]

Are you outside or on a treadmill?
I just made the move to outside and was amazed at how quickly the run went by because I was checking out houses, trees, etc.
When I'm stuck on a treadmill I watch TV. Unless I'm running sprint intervals. Then I am just focused on not falling over. lol

[lmbjer]

Sorry....should have added - I run outside and I listen to music, both of which help some.

[Geofizz]

Thoughts:

*Try slowing down. Running is a gait, not a speed.
*Alternate running and walking. Keep the running time the same as what you've been doing, but give yourself a few 1 minute walk breaks to let your heart rate recover.
*Find a buddy -- chatting is a good way to make sure you're not going too fast, and a little gossip helps distract a lot.
*Give it time -- it takes 8-10 weeks to really get the cardio development up to a more comfortable level
*Stretch when you're done. Really. Do it. Every time. It's tempting to plop down on the couch with a glass of water, but you need to stretch out your muscles when they're warm.
*How many days a week are you going? 2 days isn't really enough cardio to improve your fitness very well. 6 days is too much, not letting yourself recover.
*What else are you doing? Add in an extra day each week that's walking, swimming, cycling, something else.

[MamaChicken]

I found myself focusing on the pain, breathing, etc the entire time I was building my endurance. I did the couch to 5K program and didn't really enjoy the run that way until I was done. I run 25-30 minutes in the early morning 3 times per week.

[mommajb]

I usually run first thing in the morning, dd just before dinner. My dd was able to run first thing in the morning for the first time (school let out) and reported back how much better is felt than running late in the afternoon. She was after the peace, zen, ands birds chirping but perhaps time of day matters to you also.

Time and good cardio conditioning are big helps. Keep it up!