yes this is totally normal! i did this when i started running (about 5.5 years ago), and was just able to run a for a few minutes at a time, and walk in between. as the weeks went by i just increased the time/distance and now i run 5Ks!

Good shoes help A LOT. I know they are pricey, but they are completely worth it.

I've just started running faithfully about a year ago, and I definitely had the same problem at first. It felt incredibly discouraging, but once I put my head into it, I noticed that in a much shorter time than expected, I was running a mile without stopping. Albeit, I'm still slow, but hey, I'm working on it.

This article has been an amazing resource for me:

http://runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-380-381-386-678-0,00.html

Good Luck!

I would definately recommend the couch to 5k plan. When I started four months ago I could barely run for two minutes without needing to stop. Now I run for an hour.

haha i'm jealous of all of you. I just started running/walking this summer and I'm still in that phase. However, when I first started I walked most of the way and ran 1 lap pretty much. Now I can run for about 5 minutes without stopping, then walk for a little while and then run again. At least I've improved!

It's completely normal!! When I started running 5 years ago, I could also only run 2 minutes before I had to start walking. But... you have to keep going, soon it will be 3 minutes, then 5, then 10, then the sky is the limit! I happily run half marathons and do triathlons now Keep working at it... you won't regret it!

The couch to 5k plan is great as it paces you just right.

Totally normal! Try running interval's: 5 minutes running:1 minute walk break. Keep your run pace slow and relaxed. The 1 minute walking break will let your muscles recover quicker and it helps avoid future injury. Check out Jeff Galloway's site for more information: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/walk_breaks.html

I'm totally the same way! I found that if I go jogging in the early morning around the neighborhood, I don't feel so embarassed and self-conscious (sp?) about being out of breathe and stopping, so I actually jog for a longer time and slowly my endurance built up! I still don't think I could ever do a marathon, but i can go for a good amount of time without stopping. Walk very briskly too if you can't run, it just takes time (some of us are not naturally athletically inclined), but don't give up, I stopped jogging this summer because I was too busy and it was too hot, now I'm right back to where I started

Dittos on the interval thing too!

you will get there! stick with it...dont increase too fast once you find yourself improving...it WILL get easier if you are consistent and keep at it best of luck

I'm the same way! Just gotta build endurance & run/jog in intervals.

I started running this summer and it took me 2 months from start to finishing a 5K in a respectable time. Rest days are important. When you are starting out your body is still adapting. Lung sacs are growing in size and number. Your heart is getting stronger and more accustom to this beneficial workout. Once your body starts making those inner changes, your breathing and heart rate get in-sync... it will be up to your legs and how far they can go. Keep up the awesomeness and know that you will have good runs and bad runs but just being out there is 1/2 the battle!

i love that, gracemademe... "being out there is 1/2 the battle." it's so true. Just getting out there and just walking, if you can't run yet is an awesome achievement. very inspiring!

FitSugar is absolutely right (of course )! Having trouble running for an extended period of time is definitely not a problem that is unique to you. I wasn't born an athlete by ANY means, and always the last one to finish the mile in junior high. My folks forced me onto cross country in high school to get me active, and at first I hated them for it (could only run for 2 minutes...literally), and then I started improving and LOVED it! It's just a matter of training your body, and remember that there's no rush to be a speedy runner. As long as you're challenging yourself a little more each day, you'll reach your goals.

I have been doing Couch to 5k since July and am happy to report I will be running in my first 5k this Saturday! Seriously a GREAT plan! Do not get discouraged if you cannot progress through as quickly as you would like.

so i just started running again. and yeah, i was surprised that i could barely last a minute, since i used to run regularly. but then the next day, i ran a little further, and a littler further each day. so just keep it up.

but anyways, i had a question for you guys, it seems that whenever i start running (i just restarted running after a couple years of not running), my shins hurt. but if i start out with power walking or something and then run, my shins doesn't bother me. does anyone know why? it never bothered me in the past, so it's kinda weird.

I might need to check out the couch to 5k plan. I seriously have always had a fear/dislike of running, but people talk all the time about how great it is so I always want to try it. But I wuold always get discouraged because I could only run like a minute and I'd be out of breathe. THanks for the advice!

I'm with you, juiceejuice. They really hurt and get a little swollen.

The ipod helped me out - but I hear it's cheating

I have just started walking/running. I can also only run for a few minutes at a time. I will definitely check out the couch to 5K plan...it's sounds great for me!

Ok, I just glanced at the plan. It looks great! I'm also trying to lose about 40 pounds...I think this plan will help! It only requires you to run 3 days a week...so I could do something else the other 2 days. Any recommendations? I wanted to find a Yoga/Pilates DVD. I don't have money to go to classes. Will this also help me burn fat and tone up? Does anyone know of any good DVD's?

I do this: Walk for 5 minutes to warm up...brisk walk. Then jog for 1-2 minutes. Walk for 5 minutes...briskly. Then jog for 1-2 minutes.

Each time i get to the gym...i would increase my run time by a minute or so. Seriously...working slowly to increase your running time works so good. Just make a goal of an extra minute each workout. Before you know it you can run 10-15 minutes with no trouble. Its amazing what we can train our bodies to do!! good luck!

This is interesting. I'm in a fitness walking class and there are just some times that I want to run to get it over with, but I know that I'll just have to stop and walk again because I don't think I can run for more than a few minutes.

What about this: I can't run because my throat and chest start burning. My mom says it's because I'm breathing wrong, but when I modify it, it still happens.

glad to hear it's normal! i thought i was the only one :S
i guess i just have to keep it up...

This is completely normal! I highly recommend a Couch to 5K or a Couch to 10K running program. They ease you into running and if you stick with it, you'll really build up your strength. I know you can do it - I'm 100 lbs overweight and I recently ran my first mile. If i can do it, I know you can!! Also, be sure to take some good music with you to keep your feet moving. My Couch to 10K program is from www.rununiversity.com