I can barely run a mile? How can I improve my ... - Couch to 5K

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

BethanyMc profile image
14 Replies
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BethanyMc
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14 Replies
achydunlin profile image
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 profile image
BethanyMc in reply toachydunlin

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 profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Do the C25k programme. It works.

BethanyMc profile image
BethanyMc in reply toIannodaTruffe

Thank you

Nilzed profile image
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 profile image
BethanyMc in reply toNilzed

Thank you very much

AmberC profile image
AmberCGraduate

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 profile image
BethanyMc in reply toAmberC

Aw great, will definitely try it

Tomas profile image
TomasGraduate

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 profile image
BethanyMc in reply toTomas

Thank you

Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate

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 profile image
BethanyMc in reply toBazza1234

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 profile image
gingernut49Graduate

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 profile image
BethanyMc in reply togingernut49

Thank you very much!!

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