[katiejames]

A week ago i started jogging on the tread. i usually can go about 4.7mph, for between 60-90 seconds ( when i feel tired i stop and walk) i am sore but its ok. i see the addiction now! i used to walk for an hour on the tread, and now i added in the jogging ever 5 min. so i will walk for 3.4-4 min and jog. then walk, then jog. my goal is to slowly build up stamina to run for 2.5 min and walk 2.5 min.( do that for an hour) i am hoping to reach this goal by sept 25th. i also started lifting more weights so i am thinking i am doing this right. i do not want to hurt myself, so i am taking it slow to give my body a chance to learn how to breathe when i jog/run...that is my biggest struggle. if i could breathe, i could go longer! lol. i work out between 4-6 days a week for the hour on the tread and 1/2 hour weight training...i have been doing this for 9 months now and i am ok with the time frame and days..but for the other runners/joggers, am i doing the running/jogging right?

[Palestrina]

Good for you that you want to take this step. I've been trying to psych myself up to do that as well but haven't had the guts yet. I've been reading up about Couch to 5K programs and I think I can handle it but don't have the nerve yet. I'm much too scared of hurting myself, these are the only knees I have.

I would say there are lots of books and websites out there about running safely without injury and I would read up if I were you. No sense in doing something if it's going to hurt you in the long run. Runner's world also has a great 8 week program as well. I know you shouldn't be running every day in the beginning so be careful and do a little research before you taking yourself out of the running (pun intended.)

[borntobefine]

I think a steady every other day with at least one rest day a week on the jogging and I bet you will see faster improvements in your breathing and endurance.
Also, try the C25K program as mentioned. You can shorten it to suit you. I went from barely being able to do 1 minute 4 weeks ago to running for 20 minutes steady pace no or for 10 minutes steady at a faster pace than normal for me.
I think you will be able to make your goals without any major problems.

[WSChick]

I've started running as well, I am doing the C25K program and I had a hard time breathing as well. I feel the same way you do, if I could just breathe better I could run longer !

But I've gotten so much better in just a couple weeks. In the beginning I couldn't even run for 30 seconds, but yesterday when I ran, I could run longer and I was actually not dying from being out of breath ! So check out the C25K threads and that website, it's a great beginning program.

[jayjay77]

Excellent! I'm a really slow jogger -- I can only jog at 3.5-4.0 MPH. I find slowing down has really helped me increase how log I can jog, but I won't be winning any races at this rate LOL! You may want to experiment with different speeds as you build endurance.

[katiejames]

i LOVE RUNNING!! it is such a release from all the stress of the day. i am truly addicted!

[momof5k]

I am another "graduate" of the C25K program and can't say enough good things about it.

As you run more regularly, your body adapts and soon you can breath better and therefore you can run longer/faster.

I, too am a slow runner but I can run a 5K with out any walk breaks now. When I started the C25K program, 60 seconds nearly killed me

[iDream]

I could have written your post a few months back! I started the same way, walking on the treadmill then I got all gutsy one day and decided to run for a minute straight--it about killed me! Once I was able to do a full minute running/5 mins walking for the whole 45 mins, I decided to take the leap to HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)--mind you, I still kept it at a walk/jog pace--but by the time I finished out the 8 week program I was doing 15 30 second jog/walk intervals. I'm now on Week 7 of C25K and lemme tell ya, I love this program!!! I have a week of 25 minute runs ahead of me and I'm ready for them (granted, I'm not going to win any races, but I'm getting faster )! I never, ever thought I would be able to run for 25 mins straight--and I have a bum knee to boot! (strength training works wonders--haven't had a single problem and I don't wear a brace or anything when I run)

I think you're doing a great job! Keep it up! You'll be amazed at how much your body gets used to running and breathing will soon get better--just take it slowly and you'll get there.

Congratulations on your addiction!
Btw, let me know if you want the link to the HIIT program and I'll send it your way.