winded and aching - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

Tanker · 02-16-2004, 10:53 PM

I started running today for the first time since high school. I'm 19 years old, 5'10" and 190 pounds. I would like to lose 15 pounds in the next 4 weeks. I tried running for 30 minutes but after periods of running, i would become very winded and would get a headache. After the run, my legs and hamstrings were aching but the headache went away. Is this supposed to happen after being inactive for several years? i have also started to change my eating habits. I stay away from fried foods and eat lots of veggies and fruits and drink only water. With this diet and running maybe three times a week 30 min each, is it possible to reach my goal?

Chasedog · 02-16-2004, 11:58 PM

It's pretty normal to get winded easily and ache if you haven't exercised in a few years. You'll adapt quickly.

15 lbs in four weeks is a little too high. You'd lose too much muscle, which would make gaining the weight back easier. Aim for 1 to 2 pounds a week.

tjennings · 02-17-2004, 07:22 AM

You may be trying to do too much too soon. I recently started running also, and did some research on the best way to begin. Everything I've read says to start by walking fast first, then mix in short bursts of running. Begin by walking fast with your arms pumping to get warmed up. Then do some stretches for your legs (lean against a tree and pull one foot up behind you 'till it touches your butt and hold, then do other leg). After you stretch start running until you feel like you can't anymore, then walk until your heart rate recovers, then run again, etc., etc. Do this daily and you will soon be able to shorten your walking time and run longer without all the aches and shortness of breath, as you will have built up your stamina.

Good luck!!

Evl316 · 02-17-2004, 09:23 AM

Exactly, good advice. Just try to buiild up to more stamina. Do something challenging yet something you are able to get through like say walk for 1/4 mile, then job for a 1/4 mile, the walk another 1/4 mile, then jog another 1/4 mile then stop. Next time try to decrease the total amount of time it takes to go a mile or try to go a little farther than a mile. You could go from only being able to jog a half mile to being able to jog 4 or 5 miles in as little as a month just try to improve a little bit each and every time.

ironbojangly14 · 02-17-2004, 05:00 PM

building up stamina definitly works. but u also could have a medical issue. You could have asthma and not know it. It can't hurt to get checked up by a doctor. I used to get winded alot, but my doctor gave me an inhaler and now i can breathe so much better when working out. Hope this helps!