Questions for those who run

I've been running for about a month now, and have worked myself up to 2 miles, of which I run probably about 3/4 of that.  I run 3 min, walk 1 most of the time with a 4 and 5 min run in there as well, always followed by 1 min walking.  I do this at least 4x/week.  I find that my thighs sometimes feel really heavy, like they just don't want to do this, but I always push through.  Is this feeling normal, or am I pushing too hard?

Also, I wonder if I'm doing too much exercise:  I usually walk 3-4 miles/weekday, and the running 4x/week (I run 1 mile 2 mornings, and the longer runs on the weekend).  I also do some weight stuff, though I've slacked on that of late.  Considering that I'm not an exercising type person - it really don't care for it and could easily drop it! - I'm concerned that I'll become dependent on needing tons and tons of exercise to get anywhere.  And if this happens, what will happen if I slide on this amount of exercise.  I'm not so worried about regain, but am more worried about getting moving again.  My weight was holding steady for so long that I put the scale away, so have no idea where I stand right now.  Am worried about the negative calorie balance thing that was a discussion recently, about too much exercise actuallly putting your body into starvation mode as if you  hadn't been eating.

Any suggestions/comments/guidance?  Thanks all.

I have absolutely no advice, since I only run when something scary is chasing me.  But HUGE kudos to you for doing this! Way to go! 

 When I first started out I was told 2 times a week was good for a start. I never and still don't worry about distance. I go by time. Depends on what my trainer gives me to how long I am out there for now. All comes down to what race I am doing. When i first started it was 30 mins. You should do some strength training. Glad to hear that you are doing a one minute break. Running gets easier as you do it. Just takes time I find. Make sure you stretch your legs afterwards. hope this helps

Thanks for that.  I was doing some stretching before, but never after, so I'll start next run.

 Believe it or not it is not important to stretch before hand more important to stretch those muscles after wards.  you are better off before hand to do a 5 min fast walk. Before you know it you will be doing a marathon with me.

I don't know about the marathon thing (lol), I'd just be happy to run that whole mile around the river.  I have to say that this isn't something I like doing, but it's become something I have to do or I feel guilty and miss it!  What's up with me!

 You will do it, Just keep doing those 5 and and one than build up to 10 and one. Take your time on building your time and the length that you are out. When I first started I was running way to long of a time and hurt my leg. Was a long time in healing. 

I was going to ask the same thing: do you stretch??

The trainers at the running room have said when you are starting out (and they have clarified that to mean the first year or so) you shouldn't run more than 4 times a week. 3 times is ideal and 4 is the max.

I am not a professional by any means so can only tell you about my own experince. My calves and hamstrings were where I was hurting at the beginning. Thighs were ok, although I have noticed a difference in my pants around the thigh area so have apparently built some muscle there! I had to find a different stretch from the one we were shown for the calf and hamstrigs because it just wasnt enough. I couldnt get my hamstring to loosen up and it was uncomfrotable to painful at times.

I finally found one that works and havent had any problems since!

Find a good stretch for your thighs and if your discomfort/pain doesnt lessen with that, then maybe talk to your doc about it. Or a personal trainer, or physiotherapist, etc.

Yay for you on the running!!! I never in a million years would have thought I would love running as much as I do....but here I am, signed up for my second Running Room clinic, the Army Run in the fall and hoping to do a 10km soon after!!

 

Good info, thanks.  I ran 1.6 miles this morning, doing 3:1 and 4:1 - I think it took me about 20-25 minutes - I run slowly!  I'm going to research some stretching and see if that helps.  I find the heaviness in the legs comes on around the 5-10 minute mark, then improves after that.  I can't say I love running, but I can say that I have to run.  Blows my mind when I think about it!