How can I improve my running skills?

Question

In a few days i'll be starting a diet because I'm obese. I play softball almost year round and the only things negative about my abilities are my weight and I run REALLY REALLY slow compared to my teammates. During this diet I want to improve to be faster (there's no specific I need to get fast by: date and or when I end my diet) I know obviously you need to run but is there a way that I can gradually improve other than running all the time? I have the resources (i.e. I have a gym membership, I live by a park, and own a treadmill) on hand so any way of improving speed well benefit

Thanks in advance!

P.S. when I was young I suffered from severe Asthma but doctors say i've out grown it since I haven't had an attack in 6 years (knock on wood). Just throwing that out there if its necessary.

Answer 1

try to create normal pace which you feel comfortable and continue on to create stamina. in a few days try to increas it slowing and keep on going. you body will probably get used to the speed you run each day.

Answer 2

I would say at this point your goal should just be to run for time, not distance. Since you say you are obese, I would try doing your cardio on an elliptical and stationary bike. The elliptical will help you because you still have to be standing and carrying your body weight like in running, but you will not have all shock absorbed by your feet, ankles, knees etc. If you are experiencing severe soreness in your back, shoulders, etc, I would use the bike to keep the cardio health progressing while your upper body muscles are recovering. Once per week, try to do a jogging workout - not too hard on yourself because you don't want to cause injury. Do this every other day starting, because your body really needs time to recover. Make sure you incorporate some light weight training, core work, and flexibilitly movements, as these are important factors in developing a healthy stride and maintaining an effective running posture.

Answer 3

try training in intervals.   run for :30 seconds and walk for 2 minutes, keep  going on this cycle for 30 minutes.  as you feel comfortable completing the intervals start to increase the running interval.  good luck!

Answer 4

Alternate running between distance and sprints. This will change the muscles used in different ways and they will grow strong faster. Also, make sure to push yourself (to a safe limit) because the greatest gains come when your body is pushed. Remember to listen to your body for signs of injury and, if you have to, baby them! It's not worth running injured just to say you did your time. Focus on goals like doing the same distance in a shorter time or doing a longer distance in a set time. Start slow but always push to be better! Good luck!

Answer 5

At this point you will improve your running by... running. :) Or a comparable form of cardio on days you want to switch it up a bit. At some point, you will plateau. This could be in a few months or even a year.. who knows. When you do plataeu, that's when you start to do serious training. But you say you are obese. Running will help you lose weight. Losing weight will make you a better runner. There ya go :) Run.

Answer 6

Since running while obese is hard on your body, I'd recommend walking on the treadmill and cycling to lose weight first.  Once you've reduced your weight considerably, you should be looking to improve your speed.  By then you'll inevitably be faster already.