Does running get easier?

[AlwaysReadyForABlether]

I just joined a boot camp and had my first proper session last night. There is a real emphasis on running and it was a total nightmare for me. I was so far behind everyone else and can't go for long at all without having to stop.
Is there anything I can do to improve or is it just a case of sticking at it? My legs don't seem to be the problem - I struggle with getting my breathing right and have to stop because I'm gasping for air.
It's pathetic but I was in tears when I got home as I felt so useless. But I know I need to keep going as I have a lot of weight to lose.

[peteypiranha]

The more weight yiu lose the easier it will be, so keep going and soon you will feel the difference.

[Purple2012]

It does get easier. Started by running for 1 minute then walking for one minute for about half an hour on the treadmill. Then I just built it up, but I am training for something specific so increase the incline and speed too.

[Fairydogmother]

I got a free app and it prompted me to run a minute and then walk etc. each one got a bit harder. I'll not lie its tough to keep breaking through when you're knackered but that's where I found the app help as I knew I was nearly at the rest times!

I found my best running was done in races tho so its def worth teaming up with others etc

[CoteDAzur]

It quickly gets easier. Definitely start with an interval training program like C25K.

[AntsMarching]

Breathing is tricky. Be sure to keep your shoulders back, if you let them roll forward, it compresses your chest and makes it harder to breathe.

It does get easier. I spent the first weeks/months repeating 'straight back' 'tuck in bottom'. After a while, you just start doing it rather than having to think about it.

[CoteDAzur]

Ants - I did a quick search on breathing while running and was surprised to see that some recommend short and shallow breaths from the mouth. I breathe in from the nose and out through the mouth, in long breaths.

What do you do?

[HeySoulSister]

I think there is winter and summer breathing!

Op, good for you!

I go to boot camp. All new people struggle but its great to watch how quickly they improve! I'm always saying to people 'I told you so'!!

[AlwaysReadyForABlether]

I've always been told in through the nose and out through the mouth. But I just doesn't feel like I'm getting enough air when I breathe in.
It's maybe unfortunate that I was the only new start and everyone else has been going for a while.
Got another session tonight but hoping there won't be quite so much running!

[AntsMarching]

Cote - I do short breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Someone recommended counting one, two as you breathe in and then one, two, three, four as you breathe out. I've tried that but it takes so much mental power I can't keep it up long enough to establish a rhythm.

[LillethTheCat]

I dont really think about my breathing when running as I found when I did it was harder. Sometimes I notice my breathing, but I try not to think about it and just breath in and out when my body needs to.

It does get easier to run faster/further/longer, but sometimes I still wonder why I do it when Im mid run and trying hard for something. Though now I know I can easily run 5K if I want to whereas before I couldn't (I got tired after running the 5th one minute interval on my first run using the C25K podcast)

So yes it does get easier as you progress.

I fancy going to bootcamp, but they are so expensive so I just run.

[AlwaysReadyForABlether]

Lilleth the company I'm using are really good. It's a ten week programme which includes nutritional advice as well as three boot camp sessions per week for a one off £99. I think it's slightly more expensive after that but still reasonable. I think they're only in Scotland though.

[Theyoniwayisnorthwards]

Yes and it gets easier quickly, it's really motivating to realise how far you can come in a few weeks. Really recommend c25k, I could barely run 30 seconds without feeling like I'd fall down 10 weeks ago. I ran 20 mins tonight and loved it.

[CalamityKate]

I had to give up running due to dodgy knees but I still miss it :(

I did the c25k and loved it. I was SO unfit at first. Thirty seconds saw me puffing and whimpering and running just felt so wrong. Other runners would speed past me effortlessly, as graceful as a gazelle. I was more like a charging rhino.

But it's amazing how quickly you improve. I got to the point where I could run for 35 mins and actually enjoy it but then my knees got knackered up :(

[mercury7]

yes it gets easier but I'm reluctant to rely on running as my only form of exercise because it seems so easy to pick up injuries once you get over about 20 miles per week.
I still find running hard compared to other cardio at similar intensity

[holmessweetholmes]

Yes it really does get easier! Stick at it. It was the breathing I found hardest at first too - but this gets better as your cardiovascular fitness improves. Good luck!