Topic: I'm really, really bad at running...
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Charlotte
Member Since:
09/07/2007 Total Posts: 23
6.3 Months Ago
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I'm a swimmer. Well actually, I'm a water polo player. Always have been. Not trained much for the last few years, and never used to run because I always had bad knees as a teenager.
Here's the deal.
I'm 23 now. I've applied for the RAF (Royal Air Force) and sometime in the next few weeks I'm going to be doing a fitness test. The bulk of it is a 1.5mile run in 14.20mins or less.
NOTHING! I hear you cry! EASY!
I'm running at 1.5miles in 16.30...
HELP!
I've put together a program of runs (I have difficulty over ten mins honestly), aerobic training and weights.
Any tips?
I'd like to do 1.5 miles in 10 mins flat... I have a few weeks to achieve this goal!
HELP!
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Re: I'm really, really bad at running...
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Jim
CA
Member Since:
08/27/2005 Total Posts: 637
6.3 Months Ago
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Sorry - I think the simpliest tip is to run a bunch. Do some hills, so the flat run feels easy. Mix in some fartleks to increase your speed. At 23 you can dig deep and knock it out. You're not that far away.
You may also want to invest in a watch that can let you know how you are pacing. This way you are not having to run above your ability to finish under the wire.
Best of luck!
JC1.5 |
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Re: Re: I'm really, really bad at running...
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Charlotte
Member Since:
09/07/2007 Total Posts: 23
6.3 Months Ago
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Silly question, what are fartleks?
Edit: just looked it up! It seems to be what I've always called interval training, which is what I did down the gym this morning! |
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Re: I'm really, really bad at running...
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Alan
MS
Member Since:
05/13/2008 Total Posts: 6
6.3 Months Ago
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Charlotte,
Fartleks are a bit different than interval training. Intervals and just that; specific intervals at specific times for specific distances or lengths. They are intended to train your system for exertion and recovery so you can speed up in a race and recovery quickly.
Farleks are different in that yes you vary your tempo and effort, but its done more sporadically during a run. No pre-conceived or pre-planned intervals, just mix it up during the run. Run slow, then fast for a time, then slow, then fast for a different time and at a different speed, etc. They are intended to make your run fun while exerting your body out of its comfort zone.
Alan. |
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Re: I'm really, really bad at running...
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Charlotte
Member Since:
09/07/2007 Total Posts: 23
6.0 Months Ago
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Right... fitness test in two weeks! Better get moving!
All I've been doing till now is interval training over about a 2 mile distance, so now I start the hard stuff and get my 1.5 mile time down to under 14 mins!
Everyone I know says it's easy, but I'm damned if I can do it! |
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Re: I'm really, really bad at running...
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Seema
PA
Member Since:
01/20/2005 Total Posts: 176
6.0 Months Ago
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I know that it could be an issue for the RAF, but I can't run fast because I have a version of exercise induced asthma that prevents my lungs from getting enough oxygen at higher speeds. I assume you have had a physical exam and know all is ok. That said, I have gotten faster, hills and stairs are good as is interval and fartlek training. Also, try to run further than the 1.5 miles at least once or twice a week and do let us know how it goes when you take the test. |
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Re: I'm really, really bad at running...
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Charlotte
Member Since:
09/07/2007 Total Posts: 23
6.0 Months Ago
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I haven't had my medical, I have it on the same day as the fitness test - in two weeks! Eek!
I've got problems with my knee now on top of it all, so I'm seeing a physio tonight. Pain after about half a mile.
I know it's not asthma or anything like that, I'm physically healthy (well, slightly anemic at the moment, and I know that makes a difference).
I'm doing about 2 miles in about 25 minutes at the moment, interval training.
I tried to just do the run yesterday, and had to give up around 0.8 miles because my knee just gave up on me. Hmmm, hope the physio fixes things tonight! |
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Re: I'm really, really bad at running...
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Suzanne
Member Since:
09/22/2008 Total Posts: 3
7 Days Ago
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When you do run, run on a trail or grass that will help your knees more. And just run more run like 30 minutes a day, your endurance will build up and your time will decrease. |
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