IMHO you are definitely setting out too fast. Slow right down.

There is an advanced coach who suggests that for more experienced runners, if you slow your pace by 14 seconds a mile you will run twice as far. Now that probably doesn't mean a great deal to you at the moment (I don't mean to be patronising)but the point is, if coaches recommend you slow down then we should all take notice.

Everybody's "slow run" pace is different but you should be able to hold a conversation at your own slow run pace. If you can't - you 're too fast.

So leave the music behind for a day or two - listen to your breathing and pretend your having a chat. If you get out of breath, stop and walk until you feel more comfortable then resume. You'll soon move through this phase, so don't give up on yourself.

Good luck!

lol simon....and stopping at certain lampposts to erm.... deal with an embarassing problem...

may use that as an excuse at next club night

Hi. Thanks for the advice everyone. I  can defininetly relate to the breathing and think I might try with out music. The quicker the song the quicker I tend run and breath and as you say I dont get far before I need to stop! I have never tried my routes in reverse - no idea why it didn't cross my mind! Think I'll put my trainers on and give it a go

thanks

clare :-))

Hi Clare, def your head playing games! What I notice a lot of people do when starting is run TOO FAST too soon, also then try to speed their breathing up to match the run pace.. by the end of the street we'd all be shattered! Try slowing your run right down, control your breathing so it's steady, remember we don't suddenly pant when we do a faster walk! Once you start to control your pace and breathing the running will develop naturally. Use the log book on here and record every run, you'll find it very motivational. Set small goals and only increase distance by 10% each week or so. Keep logging in here for great support and advice. Also join the good run wall on facebook, it's set up by runners from here and is great fun! 

Most of all enjoy! Good luck

Adrian

Hi. I am new to the forum and to regular running. I am a regular gym goer but am in a rut so am retrying running. I have run on/off a few times before but never seem to get any better and hense give up.  I tend to keep stopping at the same points on my runs and know this more to do with my head than my fitness. I am not very good at pacing myself. Has anyone any advice on how I can finaly over come this!

Thanks

Clare