HELP!!! Running & Jogging - much more difficult than I thought..

I am new to running too.  Maybe you are going too fast during your 2 minutes of running.

Hi Lauren.

Firstly, well done for getting started. Running is a great way to tone up your legs, as you say, and also a great way to kickstart your metabolism. And as we all know, a fast metabolism means you'll burn more calories even when you rest, which for most of us is most definitely A Good Thing! Try our beginners' running programme, which kicks off with one minute of slow running, followed by two minutes walking. This will ease you in gently and should keep injury and exhaustion at bay. Read more about Running for beginners in our running channel. Good luck!

If it helps Lauren, I started running two years ago feeling exactly the same - the minute to two minute ratio pooped me out! - but I stuck at it and yesterday I did a forty minute run without stopping. I'm so glad I worked at it, I always thought I 'wasn't built for running' but now I know that's rubbish!

Who told you a long steady distance is better than a quick short one?

Fartlek training is very good beginner runners, in fact, all runners. If you do a mix of walk, jog and sprint then you will benefit from aerobic and anerobic exercise. It is also improves your fitness (for running) quite quickly. 

I would recommend choosing a distance, maybe a 5k to train for and find a running plan. This will give you some motivation and a goal to work towards 

*very good for beginner runners (dunno how I missed the word for) 

i was told that you should always have at least 1% incline if you are running on the treadmill to protect your knees. Give it a try. 

I too have been following running made easy (it's been on my bookshelf for 3 years no less!) I'm pleased to say I'm on seventh week but today uin2mins walkw2mins 8times was like hell on earth! I run on roads and footpaths, I prefer footpaths. Everything hurt, but I have been suffering with the same problem of aching on when I run around my shins. I am certainly not running to fast to be honest this is hard work and a jog is all can I manage.

Hi Lauren, I started running 8 years ago for the very same reasons and now enjoy taking part in 10k races and even did my first half marathon last year.  I would highly recommend getting off the treadmill and going for the great outdoors instead, there is so much more to see and enjoy which helps to take your mind off how far or how fast you are running - and just enjoy! If you can find some trails or grassy surfaces then that helps alleviate aches and pains, buddying up with a chum is even better! Good Luck   (and just for the record, my legs have shaped up not too bad at all!!)

Download couch to 5k from the NHS website. It is fantastic for any new runners

Have you tried parkrun? This is an organisation that has free timed 5k Saturday morning runs in parks all over the UK (and other countries too). Google parkrun and you should find one near you. I guarantee you, you will find a friendly supportive community of runners there, of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes.

There are also local running clubs that may offer beginners running courses. This will take you through a slow progression into running and give you running buddies to help each other through it.