I'm so discouraged! Ahhh. (Read 1048 times)

Hi Dalsor! Welcome to running and RA! I had nearly the same experience when I started running last November. The first weeks are tough, but it does gradually get easier. I know everyone says that, but it's TRUE. In my case, I didn't really think I was improving until I ran 5 minutes straight the first time. Seemed like it took months. Then boom! 15 minutes came fast. Then 20. Then 30. Easily ran my first 10k a couple of weeks ago. BTW, I'm 53 and have always hated running, but secretly admired runners. Now I'm one of "them"! The main thing that saved my butt at the start was slow running. I got a heart monitor and it slowed me WAY down. Felt like I wasn't doing anything. For me, that's the key. Running should be easy, easy--especially in the beginning. Hang in there!

I can't help with the heart rate monitor, but I use the Podrunner podcasts to cover the intervals. I started 2c5k 2 months ago and am currently in week 9 - running 30 minutes straight. If you told me that I would be able to do this 8 weeks ago I would have laughed. Anyway, using podrunner on your ipod or mp3 player will take care of the intervals for you with audio tones telling you when to run/walk. Also I always just keep track of my route and then map it as a new course here on the website. That gives me the distance. I did the C25k runs based on time, not distance and it worked well for me. I am covering 5k now in about 31 mins on a good day, and I couldn't even run the 60 seconds when I first started. Have fun and good luck.

I wouldn't just drink water right before, I'd make sure you're hydrated throughout the day. It's something I've noticed recently. I am not the worlds' best, fastest or most consistent runner. I go when I can, which in between caring for my 5-year old son and my husband being gone a few nights a week, doesn't seem to be all that often these days. But I noticed that if I don't take care of my dietary needs, my fitness suffers. It might seem like the obvious thing to do, but having a well balanced diet, lots of veggies, etc., and enough water made a HUGE difference. Running was a lot easier. It was like one of those "duh" moments!!! For me lately, work has been stressful, child-rearing has been a pain in the ass, and life has generally been super stressful. When that happens, I tend to not eat so well, and I tell you - running has really sucked lately. The couple times I've gone in the past week, anyway. Of course consistency is a big part too, which reminds me YET AGAIN, my need for a treadmill!! (whole other topic...). Good luck, and keep at it. It gets easier! My mileage in my log bites now, but I was better in February/March. April has bitten the big one but May will kick ass.

If you're just starting out, don't go to complicated with the heart rate monitor. Get something basic that tracks current HR, time and average HR. I use the most basic model of the Polar (the FS1), which is very reasonably priced and has helped me a lot. Then, in six months or a year if you are really enjoying running and want more data, you can move up a few models! Good luck!