Slow Running

by Dorothy
(Wareham, MA)

I used to be a very good runner. Not excellent, but good. About a 4hr marathoner, and that was in my mid to late 40's. First marathon at 43.. last at 48. Been running but over the last 7 yrs. I started putting on weight (about 30lbs). Now I am running so slow, I might as well walk, and I don't want to. I have been in a running grp, and done some track timed runs, and some speed work, but can not seem to muster the energy to run fast. esp when I first start out.

I feel like my arms weigh a ton and I can not get my breath.. It takes me about a mile or so and then I'm ok, but i still am running a 12 min mile. When i use to run a 10 just last year, I just started on effexor bc i was depressed about my weight and have been on it for about 2 mos but feel like im dragging a dead body with me.

I know you are not a doctor, so im asking if you have heard about dead arms and slow as mollasses running w/o considering the medication or could it be the meds? I also have lost the motivation to run. I love running too but just wont go unless somene goes with me, and I never was like that. This is bothering me a lot. If you have any answers, I would greatly appreciate it.. thanks.. I have been running for 32 yrs and I am 60, and there are a lot of women my age that run a 9 to 10 min pace.. so it's not age.

Hello Dorothy. Thanks for the detailed message. I think the biggest factor is your weight. Imagine running those marathons when you were in your 40's, except you had to carry a 30 pound weight with you the whole way. Read the following article, for more information on a different diet for running.

You are probably going to have to change your diet to lose the weight. If you are already running, you can't really lose the weight by exercising. You already are.

Another thing I wonder, is if you are stretching out before and after your runs. You mention that it takes you a mile or more until you feel loose. Going with a good stretching routine before and after you run might help with this as well. You might even try Yoga for Running.

I hate to say this, but maybe you need a break from running too. Try a different aerobic activity for a month or two. Try swimming, biking, a dance class. Then come back to running and you might be mentally ready to work hard at improving too.

Happy Trails - Coach Tief