I suck at cardio!

punkie · 11-Feb-06, 10:37 AM

midgetcop's girlfriend here

In going back to the gym, midget has tried to get me to start running. Needless to say, I suck at it. Really badly.

I had horrible pain in my shins (which my doc has told me are shin splints), and my breathing needs a lot of work.

We've tried the track as well as the treadmill to get me going, but it's difficult.

Can anyone give me some advice on how to work on this?

Thank you!

etothepii · 11-Feb-06, 01:01 PM

start low and slow and work your way up. That's all you can do. You might try power walking for a couple of weeks first. You might look dorky, but it will help get your shins and breathing in line a little, then jogging.

I hate running. I just can't do it. I jog a little in nice weather, but usually avoid it. I enjoy rollerblading, and I tolerate the stair machine, so that's what I use.

Streetman · 11-Feb-06, 01:01 PM

do the eliptical. Imact free. It's all I do, as I run flat footed.

There is form even on eliptical. Go slow, and really push with your quads, keepign strain off your knees. Don't extend to far, kinda "sqatting" throughout the movement. It's one of those things that I cannot describe, you just need to feel. When you're doing it right, you'll feel it.

11-Feb-06, 02:56 PM

I'm a runner and totally enjoy running. I agree with both of the previous posts' recommendations. Build up to it and maybe you can have a great summer running. Running is the "real deal".

CF-OC_gal · 11-Feb-06, 03:06 PM

Hi there! Like the previous posts have said just keep at it slowly making gains.

I'm in the same boat - a horrible breather when it come to cardio training. I'm only up a six minute interval running without a break, working up to a 20 minute interval. (I'm on a treadmill 'til the streets and weather warm up)

Quote:

Can anyone give me some advice on how to work on this?

Just set it in you mind that it is something you want to do. When you are sore or need an extra day off or don't quite make your mark that training session, just accept it then pick yourself up the next time and try again.

There are some good running training websites around. Do a search here for links or google Runners World and The Running Room. This is a good one:http://run.to/womeninmotion

nate · 11-Feb-06, 10:55 PM

Have you thought about going swimming?

AndrewH · 12-Feb-06, 12:48 PM

hey, everyone has to start somewhere! start slow and steady, and you'll be quickening the pace before you know it!

SNPiccolo5 · 12-Feb-06, 06:03 PM

Starting slow is important, but even moreso, in my mind, is consistency! For me, I began running 1 mile every other day at pretty low intensity (13 minutes). This was when I was severely over-weight, but it helped amazingly. Now, I either do high intensity sprints, or longer-distance runs at 9 min/mile. It eventually gets easier.

-Tim

punkie · 28-Feb-06, 03:43 PM

Sorry for the awfully late reply, everyone. Thank you all for your advice!

I'll try out the eliptical machine on an off day. I don't like mixing weight lifting and cardio because I just get too pooped.

Swimming? Would it surprise you to know I can't really swim either? LOL...never took a class, kinda learned on my own to stay afloat!

I would really like to become a great runner. I'm tall and have long legs. I could potentially be a bitchin' runner! I guess it's going to take some time (and Lord knows, I'm not patient). I'll work on it and update my journal. Thanks again, everyone!

budhicks1 · 28-Feb-06, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streetman

do the eliptical. Imact free. It's all I do, as I run flat footed.

There is form even on eliptical. Go slow, and really push with your quads, keepign strain off your knees. Don't extend to far, kinda "sqatting" throughout the movement. It's one of those things that I cannot describe, you just need to feel. When you're doing it right, you'll feel it.

That's my advice too! It provide awesome cardio.

punkie · 02-Mar-06, 04:46 PM

Well, I took some advice from Weston on running. I decided to try and land softly on my feet, and breathe in and out through my mouth, and not bother trying to breathe in through my nose and out my mouth. It freakin' WORKED! I ran two laps around the track! I was wheezing towards the end of it, and my legs burned like hell, but I DID IT! WOO!

Stupid asthma!