How to start out running?

Question

I really really hate running with a passion. I've asked people why they like running and get the answer, because it's fun. I don't believe that because never once have I seen a person smiling and/or look like they are having a blast while they are running. They always  look like they are in pain, huffing and puffing and just look like they want to stop.

I was in the military for eight years and the hardest part for me during the Physical Training test was always the two mile run. I could crush the sit-ups and push-ups, but the run sucked and I would just barely pass it. I have now been out of the Army for three years and I'm out of shape. I have started taking a Martial Arts class and started a workout route, but without the running part. I am losing weight and I'm down from where I was a few months ago, but not where I want to be at. I'd like to start a running routine and was wondering what are some suggestions you have to help me run better and get more supposed "Enjoyment" out of running?

If you could break it down for me as much as possible, do you run heel toe heel toe or is it on the balls of your feet. I had a very hard time breathing, it always seemed like no matter what I tried I could never get or keep a good breathing pattern and it seemed like I was always gasping for air. How do you breathe, I've heard in through nose out through mouth or all nose etc.. How do you prevent shin splints? When I ran before in the Army I would get horrible pains in my shins after I was done running, how do you stop that from happening. I understand the whole, run through the pain, I believe I am very strong minded and can push my self past the side cramps or the thinking issue of man I just want to stop, but when you can't breathe and my shins are on fire after, that's a lot harder to keep myself motivated.

What do you suggest as a routine? I was thinking of trying to run a quarter of a mile to a half mile every other day for a month. Then go over how I think I'm doing and where I'm at and go from there. What about, running the straights of a track and fast pace walk on the turns?

Basically any and all helpful information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
thisguy

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Running definitely takes time to work yourself into.  Instead of "running" to start off, try jogging.  At a pace that you can handle - you're not running for anyone else, but yourself - right?  I would maybe do a little more than a 1/4 to 1/2 mile runs - possibly 1 mile minimum.  If you have to walk half, then walk half, but the longer you're out there exercising, the better.  Pretty soon you'll be running 3/4 the way... etc...  As far as time in-between running, you want to go out and run again, before you completely recover - but not overly sore.  If you're REALLY sore, it's not a bad idea to wait another day.  And to start off, maybe you shouldn't look at it as "how many miles can I run in a week" - you could look at it like "how many days do I have to rest in-between runs / what's my recovery time"  Knowing you're only running 1 mile at a time - I think that would be a good goal for yourself, slowly working your way up to 2 miles, then 3 miles - so on and so forth.  Once you've been running 1 mile for some time, you'll notice your recovery time will be less and less - add another 1/2 - 1 mile to your - check your recovery time - add another 1/2 - 1 mile...etc...

BUT - The best advice anyone can offer is to start slow, stretch, and wear good shoes.

Anonymous · Answer

yes. Round Like a circle in a spiral Like a wheel within a wheel Never ending or beginning On an ever-spinning reel Like a snowball down a mountain Or a carnival balloon Like a carousel thats turning Running rings around the moon Like a clock whose hands are sweeping Past the minutes of its face And the world is like an apple Whirling silently in space Like the circles that you find In the windmills of your mind Like a tunnel that you follow To a tunnel of its own Down a hollow to a cavern Where the sun has never shone Like a door that keeps revolving In a half-forgotten dream Or the ripples from a pebble Someone tosses in a stream Like a clock whose hands are sweeping Past the minutes of its face And the world is like an apple Whirling silently in space Like the circles that you find In the windmills of your mind Keys that jingle in your pocket Words that jangle in your head Why did summer go so quickly? Was it something that you said? Lovers walk along a shore And leave their footprints in the sand Is the sound of distant drumming Just the fingers of your hand? Pictures hanging in a hallway And the fragment of a song Half-remembered names and faces But to whom do they belong? When you knew that it was over You were suddenly aware That the autumn leaves were turning To the colour of her hair Like a circle in a spiral Like a wheel within a wheel Never ending or beginning On an ever-spinning reel As the images unwind Like the circles that you find In the windmills of your mind

Malone · Answer

my dad makes me run 2 miles evry day wen its summer. he noes i gain weight during summer. u shood try half a mile after a meal. and then another half after another meal. in the same day though. that way u'll run a mile each day just in a different way.

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How to start out running?

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