Help!

cmg93

posted: 7/22/2010 at 6:37 PM

I've never done a sport before, I'm nervous about starting cross-country, but I'm doing it because I want to get in shape and make new friends. I'm already trying to prepare myself by lifting weights, running, and biking, but I'm having a hard time pushing myself. I run maybe 2 blocks and lose motivation to keep running and then I'll walk for the next 5 blocks.

IDK what to do to get around this platau I'm on here. Any advice?

keeponrunning

elle aime courir

posted: 7/22/2010 at 6:44 PM

Everytime you get tempted to stop, remind yourself why you're doing this, and try to picture coming last. If that doesn't motivate you to train, not much will.

'No matter how slow you go, you're still lapping everyone on the couch'

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" - Peter Maher

"Running long and hard is an ideal antidepressant, since it's hard to run and feel sorry for yourself at the same time. Also, there are those hours of clearheadedness that follow a long run." -Monte Davis

CliveF

posted: 7/22/2010 at 7:04 PM
modified: 7/22/2010 at 7:04 PM

Quote from cmg93 on 7/22/2010 at 6:37 PM:

I run maybe 2 blocks and lose motivation to keep running and then I'll walk for the next 5 blocks.

Lose motivation, or maybe go out too fast and pay the price? If the latter (which is pretty common), try going out too slow for the first few blocks. You can always speed up a little if you feel great; it's much harder to adjust after you've gone out too fast.

zoom-zoom

Fanatic #3965

posted: 7/22/2010 at 7:12 PM

Another tidbit of advice that I wish someone had told me decades ago--often the first 1-3 miles are kinda craptacular. For me it's generally the first 2. Then it's like someone flips a switch and the run becomes enjoyable. If you can work up to 3 miles I think you will find that it gets easier once your body is warmed-up.

Kirsten

'07: 1324.5 | '08: 1561 | '09: 1810.9 run ~ 208.7 bike | '10: 1,000.3 run ~ 3513.5 bike | '11: 710.3 run ~ 4157.9 bike '12: 659.9 run ~ 3365.6 bike (100% benched by ortho last 4.5 weeks while in long-arm cast)

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IamDenise

Double IPA Please!

posted: 7/22/2010 at 7:29 PM

What is your pace like? Perhaps like an earlier poster said, your just going too fast.

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Joe_

posted: 7/22/2010 at 8:00 PM

if you are just starting out with running, you may be best served by a "couch to 5k" type program. They are a good way to build stamina slowly. Basically they involve running and walking in intervals so you will not push yourself beyond your current endurance/stamina/fitness level.

If you've been at this for a while and have trouble holding a certain pace for more than 2 blocks, you are running faster than your current endurance/stamina/fitness level can maintain. Slow down, way down. be able to sing or talk to a friend while you are running.

nothing to see here.

cmg93

posted: 7/22/2010 at 10:24 PM

Thank you guys for the advice. I will def. try to go a different pace and build myself up more miles. I'm competitive, so maybe trying to picture coming in last will work. I also plan on contacting the coach to figure out what I can do to get to my goal.

orange1

posted: 7/23/2010 at 1:13 PM
modified: 7/23/2010 at 1:13 PM

runnerclay

Try what I call the one step method: Each day you run go one step farther than you did the day before. Be careful not to go 3 blocks farther on a day you feel great because you we need to go past that point the next time.

Help! (Read 679 times)

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