I can barely run a mile? How can I improve my stamina?

[achydunlin]

Are you actually doing the c25k programme? I wouldn't just go out and try to run a mile if you've never run before. You need to start with walk/run intervals - run a minute, walk, run a minute etc and build it up slowly. When you run you are using your leg muscles in an entirely different way than walking etc and it takes time for your body to adjust to say nothing of your cardio system.

[BethanyMc in reply to achydunlin]

I'm an Irish dancer so I do a lot of stamina work and I run a mile nearly every day just want to improve and do more

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Do the C25k programme. It works.

[BethanyMc in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you

[Nilzed]

From what i have read, work on your time, the distance will sort itself, and then you can work on speed. the C25K program will help.

[BethanyMc in reply to Nilzed]

Thank you very much

[AmberC Graduate]

If you are not already doing the Couch to 5K, then I would recommend starting the plan. It will gradually increase your strength and stamina.....plus it really works....there are hundreds of us on this forum who can testify to it's ability to get you fitter. Good luck.

[BethanyMc in reply to AmberC]

Aw great, will definitely try it

[Tomas Graduate]

Best way to learn to run a mile is by running a mile. C25K is a great way of doing that as well as running even further.

[BethanyMc in reply to Tomas]

Thank you

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

You can barely run a mile??? I could barely run 100 metres when I first started out Now I run 5 klms (or more) 3 times a week

[BethanyMc in reply to Bazza1234]

I can just about run a mile I do hard rush dancing with a lot of movement and stamina obviously endurance is difficult but just want to improve even more

[gingernut49 Graduate]

Download the week one podcast from nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/..., put on your earphones and trainers and go!

I didn't start until I was 63 and hadn't run at all since hating it at school. I struggled with the last two 60 second runs but by the end of nine weeks I was running for 30 minutes, totally elated!

Don't try to go too fast - just a gentle jog - and you too will join the rest of us happy graduates.

[BethanyMc in reply to gingernut49]

Thank you very much!!