I can run for about 2 minutes. Help?

The Slasher · 10-03-2008, 02:25 AM

Hi,

I've done some Karate, Tai Chi boxing, and Wrestling the past (about 3 years combined), and I've been training in what's called Manchuria Ryu Kung-Fu for the past three years. I took a 1-year break from training (for no reason) and last month when I got back to the academy, having gained about 15 pounds (7 Kg) of fat, I found I could only run about 2-3 minutes at the maximum. Then I'm out of breath, my feet hurt, my shins feel like they're going to fall apart etc.

So, any tips for reconditioning myself from scratch would be appreciated. I know there's plenty of advice on other threads but basically, apart from running a lot (or not), doing some basic cardio at the gym etc, any advice you can offer would be appreciated. If you can picture a 5'5 individual, weighing about 147 lbs (not obese but somewhat plump) who can't run to save his life, what advice would you give him?

Thanks a lot.

Sebchenier · 10-06-2008, 07:15 PM

shit. How fast are you running?

Ok listen, I'm by no means a running expert. But a guy I train with who is a former irish marathon competitor and champion told me to run for 30 min at the lightest speed I could. If I was only able to run for 3 min straight, that was fine. I would just need to walk for a few minutes before picking it up again. And he tells me I probably still wouldn't be able to run for another 3 minutes, maybe just 2 minutes. But I need to complete the 30 minute cycle, ya dig?

Do this 3 times per week and you will see after a few weeks you will progressively get better. You will be able to run for 7-10 minutes straight and take 2-3 minute breaks. Once you do the full 30 minutes, then increase your speed and repeat the cycle. That's how champions train.

Also, he told me to read up on proper technique and posture. He says you can dramatically increase your results by simple posture. People tend to slouch as they run and that's a big no no as your lungs tighten up and you don't get as much oxygen in. Stand tall and proud like a rooster, and let the oxygen in. Breathe through your nose and exhale through your mouth and fight the urge to breathe through your mouth.

He said what is unavoidable, is a good pair of shoes. Dammit, if the only pair that is comfortable costs you 200 bucks then get those shoes. If you get blisters you may lose a few days or a week of training and your conditioning takes a hit. So do yourself a favor and get good shoes. I asked him what brands were best and he said it's different for everyone. But you can generally tell when you try them on at a shoe store which ones you'll be comfortable wearing.

And when I asked him about treadmill vs. outside he answered outside. It's funny cause he almost had a look of disguist when I asked about the treadmill. He said the thing about treadmills is that it's not a natural to run on it. The thing with outside is the resistence you get from running. Plus, by running outside, you get the benefits of going uphill and downhill.

Listen to music. Not necessarily the stuff that you like to listen to when you lounge, but stuff that pumps you. That's a personal tip that I have for you (not my friend). I love tool but I can't run while listening to it. What gets me going is hip hop because of the 4/4 tempo, the bass, the rythm and the overall feel of the music. It's funny cause otherwise I don't usually listen to it.

So there you have it man. My 2 cents. But in all seriousness, it's just discipline. Just like any martial art you do, it's all about the time you put into it. Go nuts man. Hate it, do it, like it, embrace it, love it!

Saku_Saku · 10-06-2008, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Slasher

Hi,

I've done some Karate, Tai Chi boxing, and Wrestling the past (about 3 years combined), and I've been training in what's called Manchuria Ryu Kung-Fu for the past three years. I took a 1-year break from training (for no reason) and last month when I got back to the academy, having gained about 15 pounds (7 Kg) of fat, I found I could only run about 2-3 minutes at the maximum. Then I'm out of breath, my feet hurt, my shins feel like they're going to fall apart etc.

So, any tips for reconditioning myself from scratch would be appreciated. I know there's plenty of advice on other threads but basically, apart from running a lot (or not), doing some basic cardio at the gym etc, any advice you can offer would be appreciated. If you can picture a 5'5 individual, weighing about 147 lbs (not obese but somewhat plump) who can't run to save his life, what advice would you give him?

Thanks a lot.

Just keep going at it week by week. I've been a smoker for the last 14 years and last month I started jogging/running to help myself quit. I'm running about 2.5-3 kms non-stop a day now and I haven't slowed down smoking either. BTW, we're about the same size... I'm right around 145lbs right now. Hopefully by years end.. smoking will be a thing of the past and I'll be around my target weight of 135lbs.

Saku_Saku · 10-06-2008, 10:49 PM

WTF.. double post.

str8loco1 · 10-06-2008, 11:27 PM

Good advice.

**Urban** · 10-06-2008, 11:45 PM

run for 2 minutes 10 times.

**Cap'n** · 10-07-2008, 12:03 AM

you're probably starting off too fast. Most people do. Do what Urban suggested.

Bamaispriceless · 10-07-2008, 12:56 AM

Just take it slow and do what you can.

With running, a big key is to not be a pussy.

**Urban** · 10-10-2008, 05:21 PM

I would like to apologize for fucking this thread... All I wanted to do was merge this and the double posted thread and now all the posts are gone from the larger of the two... my bad, maybe the situation will rectify itself.