Why is it that some people who don't run that often can go out and knock out a couple of miles and others, like me, can barely stand a mile! it's so NOT fair!

I read a report that said the "average" healthy person should be able to run a mile at a comfortable pace without being winded.

I guess we're simply not average

I used to run years ago. I was not a runner, but I was going through a difficult emotional time and my doctor suggested that I do something to tire myself. I decided to run every evening afterwork at the beach. It was relaxing and I LOST WEIGHT!

I was amazed at how quickly my cardiovascular endurance seemed to get better. When I first started, I could not run (slowly) longer than 10 minutes. After 30 days of running every day, I was running an hour and was not winded. I don't know why I ever stopped.

I was actually thinking this morning that I should start this again -- walking is great, but running allows you to cover distance in less time. I'm short on time, so running may be the answer.

Anyway, if you want to run, just do it! You will get better quickly.

i know exactly what you mean!
my husband is like that. we went jogging together for the very first time a while ago and i could run about 100 steps and had to slow down where he could run for probably most of a mile before getting out of breath enough to slow down. and he has asthma! i agree, it's not fair. it always made me feel like such a looser!
i am rather glad now that i got pregnant so i don't have to go through that anymore!

It just seems like, even if I run everyday, I don't get any better! Sometimes even worse! *LOL* And running a mile without being winded?! WOW, I applaud people that can do that. I WISH I could! I can't run half a lap without getting a little winded. Maybe i have exercise asthma?? IT is possible, my brother has it.

THe thing is, it's not like I'm a beginner at running, I've always been real athletic, and exercising was even pushed up a notch since I went to college on scholarship. I just don't get it! AAH!

S&S, are you maybe over exerting yourself? Do you do too many other things, too stressed, not enough sleep, not enough nutrition, etc...A lot of things can effect your ability to maintain a good exercise pace, try looking into things that may put a damper on your running. You could also try a fast paced walk for a few minutes, then break into a jog, go back to a walk, back to a run,....and keep on doing this until your "run" time is more than your walk time. That is how I became a runner, I had exercised doing aerobics and tried to run, but could barely go a block without losing my breath, after doing the above method I became a long distance runner, going up to 15 miles a shot, I would get bored before I got tired. Try it and see if it works. Also an hour or so before a run, try eating a nice carb lightish meal, some whole grain cereal and fruit for added energy.

Well I did it! I'm happy to report that I was able to run a solid mile on the treadmill and not be winded. It took me 15 minutes -- I started at 3.5 mph and worked up to 5.0 mph. I walked the remaining 45 minutes at quick pace.

I'm glad that I could actually run straight for 15 minutes/one mile. This gives me a new incentive to keep it up.

I agree with Kitty, get plenty of rest and proper nutrition before attempting to start a running regime.