Run-Down Forums

[Guest]

At the end of August, I have to do a mile and a half shuttle run for a new job. Now, I've always been active in team sports and an avid tennis player, but I've never been big on endurance exercises.
At 6'6 and 300 lbs, I'm not really in great jogging shape. What I've done the past two weeks is I started walking 12 laps around the track ( 3 miles ), and have slowly started to jog some of these laps. At this point, I'm walking 6 of the laps and jogging the other 6, albeit slowly.
In a month's time, I hope to be able to jog all 12 laps, no matter how slow I'm going, and then work on bringing the time down by August.
I never thought I'd make it as far as I have in such a short period of time and the results have really motivated me and provide a real sense of accomplishment.
What do you guys think of the way I'm trying to do this? Are there any tips anybody could provide me? Do you think that doing a series of windsprints or any other exercises would help my jogging performance? Thanks...

BTW, I'm 26 years old and am going to the track 5 days a week.

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Eric Devlin']

[Dan]

Hi Eric,

You have to do a run for a new job? Other than the armed forces, I've never heard of such a thing. I should work there!

I'd say your approach is a good one. First, get your body used to moving for that long, then work on moving faster. One caution, and I don't mean this to be a negative thing: keep in mind that it's always easiest to improve initially. The better shape you are in, the harder it is to achieve incremental gains. The reason I mention it is that many people get down on themselves when they don't see the rapid improvement. As long as you keep things in perpective, you should continue to improve and meet your goals!

Good luck,
Dan

[Guest]

i always do situps and pushups after runs-they really do help

[Dan]

Yes, supplemental strength work is a good thing. Best to do it after the workout, like you said.

Dan