running road block

[littlebuf]

ive always had a hard time running for some reason. ive never really understood it either, I can hike forever. not trying to brag or sound like a bad ass but I can usually just go and go for miles while hiking, with or without a pack I can just kinda do a forced march and keep moving. but running I hit a wall. started a boot camp training last night and am wanting to supplement on my nights off with running so I just went for a run to give it a try again and same thing. don't know what it is, I can do PT, wall jumps burpees up downs all that crap but running I seem to run out of gas and oxygen. im thinking its my breathing, never had any formal training for it, any advice? and one have the same issues?

 

[HellsCanyon]

Try video yourself running and check your form and footfall against some internet research... I know I tried it and after reading a bit I can definitely tell that I have absolutely horrible running form. I'm not a runner so my advice isn't very qualified but it's what I found out for myself.

Mike

 

[Brock A]

Try running with a partner to keep you going. Helps take your mind off the task at hand. I always find myself running my strongest when I was day dreaming and not thinking about the actual running itself.

 

[Shrek]

You are using your largest muscle group at a level your cardiovascular system is not used to. I don't run anymore due to injuries but there was a time I got up and did 5 miles every morning. I know I had a wall at 3/4 miles every morning that had to be pushed through. When I started that wall was solid and I was not able to get through it. I did not quit however. I would stop and collect myself then push to the wall again. Eventuality I was able to push through to the zone and it all came together. I know for me it feels like the the tension leaves my body and I can really breath. All the feeling of jaring and tightness goes away in the zone and it feels like I'm gliding along. You may have terrible form and all but the bottom line is you need to build the capacity to use that group at that output level. Your bad form my limit your ultimate distance and speed but the wall is your cardiovascular system not adjusting well. You sound like you are in great overall shape but poor running shape. Keep pushing that wall and you will eventually break through. I would also work on form so you don't injure yourself. Stress fractures in your feet suck !

 

[fillthefreezer]

come with me or one of the other local guys, use the competitiveness to keep going.

 

[littlebuf]

dave, the great shape but poor running shape is exactly how it feels. not being a runner I just never really put that concept together until I just read it.youve got some good advice there too thanks. scott I shy away from running with anybody because I suck sooooo much at it. ill hike with anyone but running I think ill just keep doing on abandoned roads where no one can see me. really its pretty humbling. my whole life anything physical I can usually more than hold my own, not always the biggest or strongest but never real far from the top of the heap in those regards. running not so much, ill keep at it.

 

[DDarchery]

Try running with some people who know what its like. I was the same way when I started. Lungs were in bad shape, my knee would kill me after just a couple minutes. I just started slow and kept pushing it a little more each week. Run a few more minutes each week and then walk. Eventually I was just runningn slow but running. Then I tried to up the speed a little each week or the distance. Eventually I was running 6 miles a day. Running up mtn trails will expand your lungs and breathing more than you even imagine! Even shorter distances of uphill running will expand your cardiovascular system a lot and then flat running your lungs can keep up easier. Just stick with it. Nobody ever got big biceps by quiting after the first couple weeks, keep at it and you will get better. Thats why I think you should run with someone, they might be able to give you pointers on things to work on or that will help.

 

[Lawnboi]

try trail running, I can not run on concrete.

And do some research to make sure your running correctly, along with get a pair of shoes that will supplement correct running form

 

[Arrowslinger]

It takes 3-4 weeks for your body to accept a new work load -running. That's when most folks quit is in that time frame. Once you're past that, your body adapts and running becomes easier and your fitness makes leaps and bounds. I personally don't care how one breaths or runs, you were born to run and although your form might be a little shotty, your body will adapt to its easiest and most economical form -noting this isn't always the most pretty or what others consider 'perfect' form. If you can't run for a ways, throw in running into a long walk, slowly increasing the run and shortening the walk segments. That's my advice for whats it worth. I only run trails.

 

[fillthefreezer]

i think ill just keep doing on abandoned roads where no one can see me.

*v*

 

[MLHSN]

A big mistake for those not use to running is setting the pace. Sometimes the pace difference seams marginal but after a couple minutes can really get you winded. It's a VERY typical mistake for beginning runners. Sometimes it's not even noticeable until your sucking air laying on the grass. Running with a more experienced runner can help set the pace.

If you want/need to run alone, take a watch and run somewhere where the distances are marked by 1/4 or 1/2 miles. This will really help. When my wife first started running with me, it drove me crazy. I realized every time certain fast pace songs come on, she would take off but then die about 4-5 minutes later.

To avoid the can't breath feeling, start off running really slow. I know it's boring, but force yourself to do an easy pace and then maintain that pace for a while. Work your way up. Sometimes it's just a matter of starting off to fast or yo-yoing the pace to much.

 

[Z Barebow]

A big mistake for those not use to running is setting the pace. Sometimes the pace difference seams marginal but after a couple minutes can really get you winded. It's a VERY typical mistake for beginning runners.

To avoid the can't breath feeling, start off running really slow. I know it's boring, but force yourself to do an easy pace and then maintain that pace for a while. Work your way up. Sometimes it's just a matter of starting off to fast or yo-yoing the pace to much.

Good advice. If you run with someone, talk about hunting. If you cannot talk, you are running too fast. Don't worry about form or covering ground quickly. It is more about finding a "conversation pace". Look for a distraction from what you are feeling. (That is where trails are nice, you can look at scenery, look at upcoming footing, etc). If you have to walk up hills, that is expected and even elites walk up many hills. (I am not a big fan of running outside with MP3 player. Safety issue so I won't advise this distraction)

When I first started running, I had the proverbial wall and would stop. After 6 weeks or so, I finally ran through that wall and have never stopped. (That was in 2007). As far as form, my family tells me I run like a duck. But my running buddy will say I am the fastest duck he has ever seen! (I have run 3 sub 3 hour marathons in my fourties). Don't worry about what you look like and stick with it. It will come. Slow and steady "wins the race".

 

[jmez]

Don't worry about it if you are in good enough shape to hunt. I hate distance running and don't do it, ever. I, like you, do other things for my cardio workouts. I don't think it has had a negative effect on my conditioning. One of my hunting partners is one of the types to just take off and run 5 miles on a whim, I keep up with him not trouble hunting.

I do a lot of biking, I enjoy that. Also do a lot of cross fit type stuff, hill sprints and stair master. You don't need to be able to run 3 miles to be in shape or to hunt. IMO it doesn't handicap you at all by not running if you do other things.