Trouble Getting Past 3 Min Run

After about 3 decades of not running I am back. But at 57 and overweight I really have a lot of trouble getting past the 3 minute run.
I am now about 5 weeks into the schedule but as funny as it sounds I have hit the 3 minute wall.
I know I am gaining muscle mass and have lost a few pounds but endurance is not there.

Any ideas?




Answer by Dominique:


Hi there,
Thanks for your running question.
On a positive note:

You are doing exercise

You have lost a few pounds

It is great to see that you are trying to get active again. Three decades of not doing much/anything(?) is a long time.
Not something your body is likely to forget in just a few weeks. So, I can imagine that it will take a while before running becomes easier.

The most important thing is that you just have to keep going now. You have made a good start. Don't worry too much about the running program. I provide the beginner running programs as a guide to the start of your running life. But do not treat them as gospel. For some people they are too easy. For some people, like you, they may be too demanding at first.

If you can't get past three minutes, then just do 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Then walk again for a bit and then run a little more. Next time you go running, add in a run of 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Just build it up slowly, 10 to 15 seconds at a time. Give your body a bit more time to adjust to your exercise program after a long time of inactivity.

Make sure that at all times you keep the running at conversational, easy pace. Do not make it more taxing than it already is. I am quite hopeful that after a few more running sessions you will be able to do three minutes. And then four minutes. And then five. And so on. Just build it up slowly and good things will come.

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Best of luck. Here is to a life of fitness ahead of you!
Kind regards,
Dominique