I've always greatly enjoyed running. I ran many miles a day years ago when I used to play soccer. However, it's been years since I've really been able to run any distance. I've run off and on over the years, but have never been able to run more than a couple miles at a time.
Now that I've gotten back in better shape, I'm trying to pick up running again. I really miss getting outside and taking a nice long jog. When I tried running tonight, however, I got some nasty side cramps something fierce after less than a mile and had to stop.
So how do I get back to the point where I can run any reasonable distance? I mean, it was absurd to have to stop that quickly, and I really want to be able to take good long runs again.
Here's my advice since I was in that same predicament as you are now. You need to start off slowly and work your way back up there. What that means is that you need to do 3-4 miles for the first 2 weeks and then add a mile to the distance. Do that for 2 weeks and then add another mile and do that for 1 week. As your weeks go on, you will be able to add in a mile to that total for the day and you'll be back to running long distances again. That's what I did and it's helped me out. Especially when it comes to training for the marathon.
Dehydration or a weak core can both contribute to cramping while running.
Look into runnersworld.com for a beginner training program or you could try something like Jeff Galloway's training program or the couch to 5k. What you don't want to do is go out and run several miles your first few times out. Starting with a walking program with some running will help you begin to build your base without all that high impact running right off the bat. It's like every other form of exercise, your bones and muscles have to get used to the idea before you can really duelve in.
Good luck with it. Soccer players are usually great runners.
Edit: Too much in the way of simple carbs the night before also seems to contribute to my side stitches.
You need to give yourself 2 weeks to establish this habit and give your body a chance to adjust...Jeff Galloway's site is a good resource...I am using it for my marathon training...he suggests using a run/walk ratio to help you get used to [and recover] from longer runs...
You may also find some benefit in stretching, but if you do this make sure you warm up a bit before stretching...
...I still get side aches every once in a while if I haven't fully digested something or if I'm just having an off day...look for a trend or pattern...rather than just one incident...
Thanks for the great advice guys. I can definitely see the dehydration thing being a real problem, as I often lack proper hydration. I'm trying to hydrate better, so perhaps that will help. I'll also try the run/walk ratio thing and check that site.
Thanks again! I hope to getting back on the track to enjoying running.
