Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 09:05     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Anonymous wrote:Another vote for the run/walk method. He could probably run 1/4 mile at a slower pace. Start there. Run 1/4 mile, walk 1/8 mile, repeat a few times. Or he could do run 2 min, walk 1 min if that is easier, and repeat for a 1-2 mile distance. Over time he increases run time and decreases walk time


^Never did couch to 5k but that is the method I used when I wanted to join military and never ran a mile before
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 09:03     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Another vote for the run/walk method. He could probably run 1/4 mile at a slower pace. Start there. Run 1/4 mile, walk 1/8 mile, repeat a few times. Or he could do run 2 min, walk 1 min if that is easier, and repeat for a 1-2 mile distance. Over time he increases run time and decreases walk time
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 08:51     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Anonymous wrote:He's probably trying to run too fast. Slow down, and go for disantce not speed.


+1

Kids tend to just sprint as fast as they can. Have him slow down.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 07:06     Subject: Re:Building up to running a mile
The "chest hurts" complaint is a bit concerting. It's one thing to feel exhausted or winded; that is par for the course when anyone is starting a running routine. But chest pain from running only a mile seems odd. It might be a good idea to at talk to your child's pediatrician just to be on the safe side.
Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 21:02     Subject: Building up to running a mile
He's probably trying to run too fast. Slow down, and go for disantce not speed.
Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 20:59     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Anonymous wrote:Thanks! Couch to 5k looks like it could be great for him.


Couch to 5k is often too hard for beginners (it was for me). A lot people can't make it past weeks 4-5. None to Run is a slower pace to get you to the same end goal; I liked it much better.
Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 20:58     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My middle schooler has started to run, and is really struggling. He doesn’t have allergies or asthma that I know of, but he says his chest hurts. His body is very strong but the breathing issues are frustrating and limiting his ability to run even a mile. Is there a way to build up cardiovascular health for running? (I’m a non-runner, so am likely not asking this the right way!) Any suggestions or thoughts?


Is he fat?


No, he’s a very slim kid. Push-ups, etc. are no issue; it’s the cardio that causes problems.
Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 20:57     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Thanks! Couch to 5k looks like it could be great for him.
Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 20:43     Subject: Building up to running a mile
+1 for couch to 5k, like this one.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nhs-couch-to-5k/id394384987

I started with this as an unfit, ex-smoker 40 year old, and ended up running half marathons.

Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 20:00     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Interval training is the best, most efficient way to build up endurance.

Make sure he also has comfy shoes, get him fitted at a local running store.

Encourage cross training on a bike as well.

Peloton has some great classes for beginners
Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 19:54     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Anonymous wrote:Something like a “couch to 5K” program - it’s builds up base aerobic endurance slowly and safely. Google for one.


+1 on couch to 5k! If a day (or week) is hard, repeat it. And it’s fine to run really slowly. Gets better and easier with practice.

OP—do it with him!!!
Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 19:16     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Something like a “couch to 5K” program - it’s builds up base aerobic endurance slowly and safely. Google for one.
Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 19:14     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Anonymous wrote:My middle schooler has started to run, and is really struggling. He doesn’t have allergies or asthma that I know of, but he says his chest hurts. His body is very strong but the breathing issues are frustrating and limiting his ability to run even a mile. Is there a way to build up cardiovascular health for running? (I’m a non-runner, so am likely not asking this the right way!) Any suggestions or thoughts?


Is he fat?
Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 19:05     Subject: Building up to running a mile
Yes, the walk and run method. Run for fifteen seconds, walk for for awhile. Repeat. Then over time, he’ll find himself gradually shortening the walking intervals and lengthening the running ones.
Anonymous
Post 10/20/2022 18:45     Subject: Building up to running a mile
My middle schooler has started to run, and is really struggling. He doesn’t have allergies or asthma that I know of, but he says his chest hurts. His body is very strong but the breathing issues are frustrating and limiting his ability to run even a mile. Is there a way to build up cardiovascular health for running? (I’m a non-runner, so am likely not asking this the right way!) Any suggestions or thoughts?