troubleshooting questions from a new runner

[sandumich]

a few things......I'm 28. Just started running 5 weeks ago. I've been athletic for my whole life, but I can honestly say that I've never run more than 2 miles on a treadmill or outside before this last five weeks. I've been running pretty consistently and can now run almost 6 miles without stopping in 8min 30sec miles. Here are my questions....

1. I have seen people running in different styles. I tend to run with long strides because I'm 6'3" but I have seen people running with short steps....almost like a scamper or something...what do you guys suggest? Is one way easier or does one way expend less energy?

2. I get a "stitch" or cramp almost every time I run right under my ribs on the right side. I'm not sure why...I definitely emphasize hydration before my runs and really do not eat or drink for a few hours before....why am i getting this and what can I do to stop it?

3. I want to increase my distance. What is the best way to accomplish that? Should I run 3 miles for 5 straight runs and then try to run 7 one day? Or should I stagger runs....ie.....3....5......4......6......3....? Im not sure....I kinda feel like I've hit a wall with 6 miles. I want to run a half marathon in September.

4. I live in chicago so its cold now. Do you think that running with a slope of 0.5 on the treadmill is somewhat equivalent to running outside.

[Mike93]

1. I have seen people running in different styles. I tend to run with long strides because I'm 6'3" but I have seen people running with short steps....almost like a scamper or something...what do you guys suggest? Is one way easier or does one way expend less energy?
Depends on what you want- since you are tall- it will take more energy trying to get short steps than long ones and short steps are better for sprinters like Michael Johnson for example.

2. I get a "stitch" or cramp almost every time I run right under my ribs on the right side. I'm not sure why...I definitely emphasize hydration before my runs and really do not eat or drink for a few hours before....why am i getting this and what can I do to stop it?
How's your breathing like? Breathing increases the chance of getting a stitch more than anything

3. I want to increase my distance. What is the best way to accomplish that? Should I run 3 miles for 5 straight runs and then try to run 7 one day? Or should I stagger runs....ie.....3....5......4......6......3....? Im not sure....I kinda feel like I've hit a wall with 6 miles. I want to run a half marathon in September.
Try increasing the distance every time you run- one day- 5 miles, next day- 5.5 miles and so on- push yourself to go beyond 6 miles when that day comes

4. I live in chicago so its cold now. Do you think that running with a slope of 0.5 on the treadmill is somewhat equivalent to running outside.
incline of 1 is better

[sandumich]

I think I do breath too fast....how should I try to breath? I think I inhale for two strides then exhale for two strides...probably not very efficient.

So about the increasing every time I run.....I don't think I can do that. I run almost every day. How many times a week should I be running?

[Runningforit]

Hey Sandumich,
I completed my first marathon last January, and I built up my mileage slowly. I definitely wouldn't run every day. When I was training, I'd have one long run on Saturday - running up to 22 miles before the event. During the week, though, I would generally 3-4 miles a day, taking the day before and the day after my long runs off to rest or cross-train.

Wednesdays I tended to focus on either hill runs or sprints to build up my speed. It's great that you are already up to six miles! If you do the one long run thing, you might be suprised at how easy it is to add a couple of miles per week.

I hope this helps!

[sandumich]

How many times a week should I be running? I just started about 6 weeks ago......

[Akar]

As much as you want, so long as you don't burn out. I've heard from some of the best runners not to take a day off.
Proper breathing is breathing with your belly as some say. You breath air all the way into the bottom of your lungs than exhale it all. I guarantee if you do that the entire time you run your pain in your diaphragm will go away.