I have questions about begginner runners?

Question

I want to start running daily. Tonight I streched my legs and then set out to run. My goal was around the block. I did not even get half way there before my stomach started hurting and every step then hurt. Does it get better as I run more, or am I doing something wrong? If i start running everyday will the pain in my stomach go away? It happens after about 4 minutes of running and I am unable to run again for more than 10 seconds before the pain comes back. please help!! If i drink some water in between, it also backs my stomach hurt faster. I feel like If I drink water, I will def. get the pain in my stomach faster.

Answer 1

Sounds like two things.  One, you are out of shape.  Or two, you're cramping.  Eat a banana to prevent cramps and stretching is crucial, don't just do a little bit here and there but actually stretech!  Keep up!

Answer 2

start a beginner program like this Couch to 5k.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/...

its meant to get a couch potato into decent shape in 8 weeks. u start walking, and work up to jogging for 30 minutes. give it a try.

but like they said, you're probably just out of shape and the cramping and pain is just from your body not being used to the exercise. and yes it will get better, just start slower. if you're in pain you won't enjoy it and you won't want to continue doing it.

Answer 3

It sounds like the stomach pain that you are describing is cramping.  Don't get discouraged.  This will get better as you get into better shape, but there are a few things that contribute to cramping.  Generally, start out slow and don't overexert too soon.  But what will really help is better hydration and more electrolytes.  For electrolytes, you could have some sports drink or eat a banana, for example.  But the real key is staying well hydrated.  Start drinking water a few hours before you are going to go out for a run.  This will get your body hydrated and you'll last longer without cramping.  If you're waiting until the cramps come to start drinking water, it's way too late!  I hope this helps, good luck with your goal!

Answer 4

Ok, first you need to eat something small, like a banana or a few pieces of cheese half an hour before your run.  The you need to walk for 5 minutes to warm yourself up... this is VERY IMPORTANT.  Not warming up leads to injuries.  Then start jogging.  The best way to build up your indurance is a walk/jog interval program.  1 min jogging, 2 mins walking for the first 4 days.  Then go up to 2 mins jog/2 mins walk  and keep upping your jogging time every week or so.  In six weeks, you'll have o problem running 20 mins at a time!  When you get home have another small protein (a glass of milk is perfect) and strech while your muscles are still warm.  Stretching cold muscles will only cause injury.  Stretch them after your workout and make sure you hold each stretch for 30 seconds.  It seems like a long time but any less and the muscle will not stretch properly.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Okay it's good that you set a goal. Start jogging instead of running and then as you get better at jogging start running. You have to build up to doing ceratin things and that is one of them. You have to pace yourself.

Answer 6

You might not be eating or stretching well, or even breathing right.

When you run, even and steady breathing from your diaphragm is the best.

Eating: did you have any protein right before (less than an hour) you ran? Peanuts? cheese? meats? protein shakes or any large protein/energy bars? All of those things give stomach aches...best to eat them at least 3 hours before running.

Water is also huge. You should be drinking about 3 nalgene bottles full EVERY DAY! it stops cramps, charlie horses, and all sorts of other pains

If you can't run, hike or swim or bike. Do some of those cross-training things, and then if it doesn't get better after you improve your diet, stretch more, or drink more, consult a trainer/doctor/coach. I really hope you can get back to running...it is so good for you!

Answer 7

Dont worry! I was just the same!

Good work on setting a goal, dont be hard on yourself by not quite getting there. Why not try mixing it up by running for a couple of minutes or even just 1, then walk for a minute? Whats happending is your jung capacity isnt as large as you need to do that level of excercise yet. Stick to your goal of running the block, and make sure you get around it, even if you end up walking the rest of the way.

give yourself a day off after each attempt, this will let you recover a little and you will honestly see a huge improvement very quickly, maybe even within a week.

Take your time, try not to run to fast, just a slow bouncy jog that eats up the distance without too much effort at this point. Once you can make it all the way around then start putting some speed on it.

Think about your breathing while you run, but this will come with practice.

3 months ago I couldnt make it around my block. I can now run 7 miles in 1 hour and my GF says im looking fine now Ive lost about 14 pound and build lots of new muscles! lol.

Anyway, enjoy it, and dont be hard on yourself.

PS.

Oh yes, I found that using some over cardio machines in the gym like the cross trainer and the rowing machine helped to build my lungs up and stop the stitch, and I noticed my muscle tone building quicker too. Bonus!

Let us know you get on!

Answer 8

Check out this website to set up your own running plan. Also will help with some questions you have. Hope it helps.

http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/smartcoa...

Answer 9

This was my EXACT situation i think two years ago when I first started running and now going into my second year of cross country I am poised to be in the top 10 barring any injury or major plateau, so just keep running, it will get easier until you can make it around the block. Once you start doing that you'll be like hmmm maybe 2?, then maybe 3? Just run everyday.