[runtothemoon]

I went for a run yesterday: two miles. It was difficult (two major hills) and I literally collapsed when I went home.

Today I decided to try another route that I knew to be five miles. There's also two major hills but the route is generally more even with less cars. I failed. I probably walked for two miles, ran three miles, so it's not really a legit run. I miss the days of those easy 7-milers; something happened.

I'm not sure what to do. It's so cold! In the 20s. And so windy. With wind it's probably much less. When I got home my arms were freezing. I decided to take my temperature and it was 93 degrees

What do you think I should do? I'm not really a gym person. I'm going back to school (much warmer, in the 60s-70s!) on Sunday but don't want to get out of this routine I'm trying to start.

[jayohwhy]

I'm a little confused. If 2 miles was very taxing on you, why did you go for 5 miles right away?

[runtothemoon]

I'm incredibly impatient.

[jayohwhy]

I understand the feeling. Dont let your performance on the 5 mile deter you! Two miles is great, and in a week going to three miles will be better. Weight loss is diet first, exercise second, so pushing your body too much too fast might be more harm than help.

[PollifaxFive]

I hate to say this when I have trouble following this advice myself, but it's okay to go slowly. Take your time and you'll get there. Or maybe I'm the perfect category of person to say this, because I have to tell myself the same all the time. I am constantly trying to bite off more than I chew and skipping interval training when that's how I need to go about it. You and I will both work to take our time. And wear warmer clothing! Long sleeves.

[MusicalAstronaut]

From experience, I had to work my way up to 5 miles. If 2 is hard for you, stick with that distance for a week. Then try 2.5 or 3 miles. Increase every week or two. If you haven't run in a while, doing 5 right off the bat is going to be hard. But I think if you ease yourself back into it you'll do much better.