Sprinting really takes alot out of you

[BobDaMenkey]

And runing for that matter. I've never known what running felt like for more than like 1/16th of a mile. I can now run about a 1/4 mile without stop at a steady pace, and I'd like to push that further.

(background)
I've gotten myself down to 205lbs, from about 220 starting a few months ago. I've put on alot of muscle since then too. I've got alot of loose skin on my upper arms, midsection and upper legs from the change. I can pinch almost anywhere and pull an inch or more of skin away, it's kind of disturbing.

This is further on the weight loss I made a few years ago when I was still in HS. I took a weight training class, and started at about 250. I was able to get down to 215, and pretty much stayed in that ball park since I got out. Now I'm motivated again to try and get down to maybe 180, with less than 20% body fat. Still a long way to go, but I'm slowly working on it, and I know there is no miracle pill that'll get me there.
(/background)

Any tips on running better? Certain shoes, breathing techniques?

I currently when I go out for a walk with some running mixed in (usually go about 3 miles at a time) I wear some Nike Air's that I have. They're darn comfy and have a good arch built in (I've got a very low arch, almost flat footed). When actually running I try and breath in on one step and out on the other. I don't usually cramp up, so I guess I'm doing it right.

 

[HaxorNubcake]

don't worry about sprinting. Try going for longer periods of time/greater distance first

 

[aberdeen5]

Jog

 

[BobDaMenkey]

Originally posted by: HaxorNubcake
don't worry about sprinting. Try going for longer periods of time/greater distance first

I only mentioned sprinting because I started to do it on my way home from work, on the last streach of my trip. Feels kinda good

 

[flyfish]

You are still to heavy to be running.
Get yourself on a bike and RIDE!

 

[quentinterintino]

Originally posted by: flyfish
You are still to heavy to be running.
Get yourself on a bike and RIDE!

205 is heavy? I suppose that depends on height, but for an adult male that's perfectly adequate for running. Biking isn't a bad suggestion, but don't spew the BS.

 

[Kadarin]

Interval training. Run the 1/4 mile, walk for short period of time, then run the 1/4 mile again, and so forth.

 

[SonnyDaze]

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
Interval training. Run the 1/4 mile, walk for short period of time, then run the 1/4 mile again, and so forth.

:thumbsup: Interval training is good.

Also OP: Don't try to make breathing a chore. Just breathe normally and naturally. If you try to take a breath with each step you may find yourself either out of breath or hyperventilating. But it sounds like you're doing great so far. Keep it up.

 

[BobDaMenkey]

Originally posted by: flyfish
You are still to heavy to be running.
Get yourself on a bike and RIDE!

I didn't used to run because it hurt my knees way too much. I don't have that now, so I figure I'm in the clear. And besides, my bike seat hurts like a mofo. And I've busted 2 stationary bikes because I pedal too hard, haha. It was a shame too, one of them was REALLY comfy.

Originally posted by: SonnyDaze

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
Interval training. Run the 1/4 mile, walk for short period of time, then run the 1/4 mile again, and so forth.

:thumbsup: Interval training is good.

Also OP: Don't try to make breathing a chore. Just breathe normally and naturally. If you try to take a breath with each step you may find yourself either out of breath or hyperventilating. But it sounds like you're doing great so far. Keep it up.

Thanks for the advice.

I feel like I need to do something to better regulate my breathing though. If I just try to breath normally while running (not conecntrate on it), I run short of breath quickly. With the pace I described I do end up hyperventilating a little bit though.



Also I'm about 5 foot 7. I've still got a gut, but it's shrunk quite a bit.

 

[SWScorch]

You already have some good advice. I will second the guy who said don't worry too much about your breathing. One breath per step is really quick and is usually only used when at an all-out sprint. If you just relax and ignore it, it will come naturally. Also, if you want to get serious about running, I'd recommend making sure your shoes are the right type. If you are flat-footed you more than likely overpronate and want shoes that accomodate that. Right now you're probably okay because you're not doing a lot of miles but if you ever start to do more I'd suggest looking into it. The walking/jogging thing is a good idea, so keep it up. Try to get your walk breaks down and your running times up gradually. Good luck and keep it up!

 

[Aftermath]

Evolve wheels.