I don't know how to run!

Published

I'm currently interested in joining the military, but have some time as DH is finishing his degree. However, I am horrible at running! Anyone have suggestions, or stories of how they got into shape so the military didn't totally kick their butt?

Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Hi! just a quick note. I was an athlete my whole life, but never a good runner, did sprints in high school softball and college but not a true runner. At the age of 37 I had one year left of eligiblity and went back to play one more year of college ball!!! I found myself working out with 19 year olds and very intimidated.. Needless to say I told myself that I wanted to be a runner. I started doing the elliptical trainer 5 -6 days /week. I would run for 30 seconds and then build myself up. I have done the couch potato to 5 k thing and it wasnt for me ... My lungs were killing me at first and I told my husband he needed to call 911 but after awhile I was able to run 30 min at a time with no problem... You have to condition your lungs and it takes 72 hours to get out of shape, cardio wise. TRUST ME when I say this... good luck , hope this helps:heartbeat

Hi there to another over 30 year old working out with 19 year old college athletes!

they were so good! I was so glad to have had that opportunity myself. :)

Gen

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The only thing that helps my run is to run. Before I joined the Army I rarely would run, so I had a time getting good at it. Sprints help you get faster. Long distances help with endurance. The Army APFT has a timed 2 mile. So every so often run a timed 2 mile to see where you're at. Then just make sure you run frequently.

After I had my baby in the Army my post partum PT instructor got us in shape by having us run everyday mon - fri. The two muscle failure days had sprints and then on one of the run days would be the timed 2 mile. On the other run days we would run anywhere from 2.5 - 4 miles depending on the instructor and how many in the group had just came off of conv. leave. I also found it helpful to run longer distances on the weekend (about 4-6 miles), but I did that more for losing the preggo weight then to improve my run. Just don't forget to let your body have a rest day every so often.

There are a lot of different exercise programs as far as getting in shape for the military if you google it. My husband swears by crossfit.com but I'm not a big fan now since all I really do anymore is run.

The Army has PT instruction / instructors for people recovering from medical conditions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi all.

I have found that the only way to train for running...is to run. Sounds silly, but it's true. You need to run at least 3-4 times a week (I run 5, and rest on the week end) Getting up at 4:30 to run before work/class sucks, but you get used to it (and will most likely do it that way in the Military anyway)

When you are starting out, don't be afraid to walk! set a goal distance, and go the distance! (I started with my two mile goal, I would run 4 min. walk 1 min. in cycles until I could run the whole distance)

Next thing to remember is that you will not improve your time/endurance unless you increase your speed/distance.

I found the treadmill to be helpful in this area due to the total control over pace and distance. Once I could finally run 5 miles, I found my "comfortable" pace, and then began increasing my speed at the END of my run... I would bump the speed from say 6 MPH to 6.5 -7 MPH for the last 1/4 mile... then, after a while of doing that I would bump the speed for the last 1/2 mile and so on. Just remember that running out on the road/track is a lot different than the treadmill, so you have to do both in your training. This also helps break up the routine.

Hope this helps, just remember that everyone is different... find something that works for you and keep doing it!

Good Luck,

Scott

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

Hey Lifeafter40,

why is both treadmill and road running required for training? Do you mean for you?

I only run offroad and road.....I can't stand treadmills. If I need a time--I carry a watch.....

Been doing it for years.....

cb

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

Oh dear,

I didn't mean to make my last response sound so "snappy"----sorry Lifeafter40 !!!

Everyone has their own method, Of course :)

good luck

cb

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OTD2,

You are most correct, everyone must find their own way. Running on the road is perfectly fine. I meant that if you choose to run on a treadmill (as I do) then you should also run out in the real world. after all, that is where we test at... I did not make myself very clear I guess, because I was not trying to imply that you MUST use a treadmill in your training. I know many people don't and many people won't

good luck to you!

S

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER,Med-surg,tele,postpartum.

yah its by kofa, its a nice path the uphill isnt too much fun :( I am in shape its just getting up early in the am on days off doesnt appeal to me :) you ran in Yuma?? did you live there? Im From North COunty San Diego and live here on a contract for a year...... r u active duty then? Im considering the reserves.... take care:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Air force has a thing called fun run. Yep that's right two words that don't belong together in one sentence ....:eek:

So far I have found the only fun with run is when it's done...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wouldn't freak too bad. I wasn't a runner either. It's easier with the big mob of other people that don't run when you are in boot. For some reason you just keep pluggilng along. You should start a jog/walk program thou. Just so you won't totally keal over. Good Luck! My problem was the sit ups, I was pathetic at those.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion