Run Run Away » running jogging » Advice for a rookie?
Advice for a rookie?
Question:
I’m 48 years old, not overweight, and not in (real) bad shape for someone who hasn’t run in 30 years. I began running about 7 weeks ago because I have to pass a test soon (run 1.5 miles in 14 minutes). My first attempt resulted in over 17 minutes. I’ve been run/walking 1 to 3 miles everyday since then to try to improve, but haven’t gained much speed yet. Do any of you ‘pros’ have advice for how I can get faster? The test I have to take is in another 4 weeks and I’m concerned I won’t gain enough speed or wind between now and then. I don’t know anyone who runs, so I’ve simply been going for it as best I can, but I’ve yet to make it 3/4 mile without having to slow to a walk until I catch my breath. Is that as horrible as it seems to me? I’d appreciate whatever help I can get. dunc
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m 48 years old, not overweight, and not in (real) bad shape for someone who hasn’t run in 30 years. I began running about 7 weeks ago because I have to pass a test soon (run 1.5 miles in 14 minutes). My first attempt resulted in over 17 minutes. I’ve been run/walking 1 to 3 miles everyday since then to try to improve, but haven’t gained much speed yet. Do any of you ‘pros’ have advice for how I can get faster? The test I have to take is in another 4 weeks and I’m concerned I won’t gain enough speed or wind between now and then. I don’t know anyone who runs, so I’ve simply been going for it as best I can, but I’ve yet to make it 3/4 mile without having to slow to a walk until I catch my breath. Is that as horrible as it seems to me? I’d appreciate whatever help I can get. dunc
What you’re doing is the classic way – run/walk/recover, run/walk/recover, etc. You need to try stretching the runs and reducing the walks until you’re only running (jogging). And each session should be at least a half hour long. 4 weeks is pushing it a bit, but if you were only 3 minutes off untrained, you should be able to do it. Just don’t push too hard and get shin splints – a classic newbie malaise. Mike "TriBop" Tennent Remove "nospam." for email reply WebRunner Running Page http://www.webrunner.com/webrun/running/running.html My Model Railroad Page http://www.webrunner.com/webrun/srr/