Training to run

[mike314]

I have a question. I've been working out for the past 3 months now trying to
build stamina. I started by jogging on the treadmill for about 10 minutes a day
I've got it now to about 1 mile a day strait jogging on the treadmill no stoping
I noticed that my stamina in some ways improved because I was able to last longer on the treadmill. Recently, I went I attempted to run 1.5 miles in the outdoors and noticed an immediate difference. When I jogged outside I got tired quicker. That is, I ran out of breathe faster than I would on the treadmill, jogging the same pace. Also, when I'm on the treadmill I dont run out of breathe, what basically signals myself that I've jogged alot is my fibialis anterior muscle (muscle in leg near your shin) in both my legs feels swollen. Once I get that feeling thats when I usually call it and that usually ends up happening around the 1 mile mark. It doesn't just start to feel swollen, it builds but at the point where I stop myself to prevent injury is about the 1 mile mark.

My question, am I running wrong or are my legs not strong enough
or am I doing something wrong?

thanks for all you help

Here are some factors to consider:

(1) You are probably running on the treadmill indoors in a comfortable air conditioned environment that is a lot more pleasant that outdoors. The air may be easier to breathe and the temperature lower. That is a big factor.

(2) You may be running on the treadmill at 0% grade whereas running outdoors on a flat surface is closer to 1% grade on the treadmill. That is a minor factor.

(3) There is a certain amount of running efficiency on the treadmill as you can constantly monitor your speed, duration and you always know how much longer you have to go. Your stride is constant although a bit shortened. Running outdoors your stride probably varies as does your pace and this can place an extra load on your body.

Just keep at it, mixing and matching your running environments and don't forget to stretch afterwards. Supplement your running with some leg strengthening exercises and, over time, you'll do just fine.

Don't forget to ramp up the distance and speed as time goes on if you really want to improve your cardiovascular fitness.

[mike314]

thanks

one more thing could the swollen feeling in my legs be due to fatigue or lack of defined muscle or low stamina.

I have no health problems.

again, thanks for all the help.

I'm not really sure. My guess is that you are hitting this muscle whereas you haven't before. If you aren't already doing so, my suggestion is to have a long walking cool-down after your run.

If it's general muscle soreness then I wouldn't be concerned, you'll train past it with time. If it's something else and very painful, then ask someone qualified like a physical therapist.

Good luck.