Is running always this hard at the begining, say it's not

It also sounds like you're running too hard. For a newbie, just get out there and run - don't over think it with workouts and stuff. Run and have fun. Days you feel good run longer, days you don't, take it easy. No need to hammer workouts and kill youself

gjsdkl;f wrote:

It also sounds like you're running too hard. For a newbie, just get out there and run - don't over think it with workouts and stuff. Run and have fun. Days you feel good run longer, days you don't, take it easy. No need to hammer workouts and kill youself

My thought exactly. Most newbies I've encountered do a run/walk protocol that works its way (usually over many months) to straight running of ~45 minutes. Also, you can lose the weight, but that will be mostly through your dietary habits. Running helps, but you will need to pay attention to your nutrition. Good luck.

Easy runs become effortless, but not workouts, races or hills.

It does get easier. It takes time, though. More for some than others. Given that you are 2 months in and still working to lose some weight, I'd say you have a while to keep going before you really settle into where it is easy.

And this is a good thing. Stay consistent and every few weeks to a month you'll notice these little level up feelings where it gets a bit easier. Those are awesome milestones. And this is one of the cool things about beginner gains. So definitely keep going.

As for the Pfitzinger plan, it is definitely a solid 5K race prep plan. However, as a beginner, I don't think it is for you. With 2 months of running under your belt, you're better off just continuing to get out the door. If you're running 3 days a week look to consistently make it 4. Then look for 5. If your shortest runs are 20 minutes, make it a goal to nudge those up to 25, and 30. Or wherever you are at, just look to slowly do a little more. Workouts and VO2 max and stuff like that is great once you've got the basics down and have a solid base of running going. Basically, once you get to the point where you can do 5 or 6 miles and it feels easy, on any day of the week, then that could be a good time to add some workouts. And even then, there are some gentler workouts to add than a full blow program.

Oh, and one thing that can really help make running easier for those who are using it to try to get in shape is adding some strength work. Doesn't have to be a ton, but a few times a week some bodyweight squats, lunges, pushups, planks and things like that can go a really long way to helping you run stronger and also keep you from getting injured.

You're overdoing it, which is why it feels crappy and exhausting.

If you're a complete beginner, you should start with easy miles. You don't need to do any workouts. Just go out and jog for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. All at a conversational pace. Once or twice a week, include some strides toward the end of your run. Build from there by gradually adding another day of running each week. After a few weeks of that, make your sessions a few minutes longer. You can vary it up by doing 40 minutes one day, for example, and then two days of 30 minutes, and maybe a 45 minute jog on the weekend.

Doing too much intensity (quality work) too soon is a recipe for an injury. You will get much fitter than you are now just by going out and doing easy miles for a few months. Save the quality work for later.

It sounds like you're really taking running seriously, which is great, but you're going really hard. 10 mile long runs and intervals for a new runner? That's a pretty long run for training for what I assume is your first 5k. Are you putting down 40 mile weeks?

You should probably be just working toward running consistently, without really worrying about times and such. Why not just take the next 6 months or so to run where you want, build up a base, focus on nutrition and do some cross training. Every now and then throw in a mile time trial for fun. Then ease into a legit program once running becomes second nature.

Sand Dunes wrote:

Easy runs become effortless, but not workouts, races or hills.

+1

You are a troll or have no clue about how the world works.

Guys, thank you so much. It's so relieving to hear this, that I can postpone hard workouts until later and spread the runs out. Makes sense! I was beginning to hate those intervals and the long run especially.

It's not quite 40 but it's close. I just added it up and it came to 32 miles which seems crazy for a beginner. Now I know better, ty!

Remember that bones and connective tissue take longer to adjust to increased workload than your cardiovascular system. Because of the way bone remodeling works, bones actually get weaker before they get stronger. So, always give yourself at least 3-4 weeks at a steady state of mileage before adding more.

https://runsmartproject.com/2015/07/20/how-to-increase-your-weekly-mileage/

moanswers wrote:

Sand Dunes wrote:

Easy runs become effortless, but not workouts, races or hills.

+1

Not really. When fully fit there is a certain sense of effortless feeling when doing workouts, races and hills.

At least for a large part of them.

Get buff and burn more fat whilst becoming more attractive to the opposite sex. Then come back here and cherish the envy.

Trolled

I'll echo what everyone else has said. Wanting to become a runner and change your life is an intelligent and reasonable goal. Putting it on an arbitrary timetable is neither smart nor intelligent. Take the time your body needs. Read a lot about the sport. As a beginner, you will improve almost no matter what you do, so there's really no need to do workouts. Best of luck to you!

Running takes self discipline. You first need to start by not swearing. Secondly,you should not take the Lord's name in vain.

M.A.G.A.

Trump2020OP-the real one... wrote:

Running takes self discipline. You first need to start by not swearing. Secondly,you should not take the Lord's name in vain.

God damn it, that's some terrific advice!

+1.

Anakin5KOrBust wrote:

Guys, thank you so much. It's so relieving to hear this, that I can postpone hard workouts until later and spread the runs out. Makes sense! I was beginning to hate those intervals and the long run especially.

Anything that feels too hard is too hard.

Feel free to go as easy as you wish on easy days, including walking any time that you feel like it.

Keep intervals and other such training at a moderate level for now.