Thanks Mary and IFeelStuck.

I had made it my goal to run a marathon, because my buddy does that - his advice was to just start running with that goal, but hes been running his whole life (his family trains Golden Retrievers as seeing eye dogs and he runs them morning and night), but I was feeling pretty discouraged due to my awful results. I'll set my sights on 5K and start looking for a race. Thanks!

IFeelStuck - there are very few dirt paths around here, so I usually run on a track - its made of a rubbery material that is supposed to be excellent for running on - maybe you should look to your local highschool tracks for places to practice. If you're walking that fast, you're still putting stress on your knees, and that might mitigate it. Good luck with mountain climbing - thats one of my goals too.

Regarding Running, tiring out, and building Endurance.

Alright, so you're looking for a better cardio (running, etc) addition to your routine.

First and foremost, 20 minutes is just a warm-up. I would suggest at the minimum 30 minutes. 30 minutes of breaking a good clean sweat, and keeping your heart rate up. A heart rate monitor is a good investment, but not necessary. I have a friend here that was 40lbs over Marine Corps standards when we started on this tour 3 months ago. He has now lost 30lbs.
He's a bit of a nut, he's been running 6 days a week for 45 minutes at a time minimum. He'll reach over that if it's close to a mile or half mile mark. He started hitting 4 miles, then 5, now up to 7. The lbs just seem to keep shedding, as the rush can be a bit addicting.
This is running on an elliptical, but treadmill, path, bike will do.
IMO, Heart rate is more important than how fast you're running. If you keep at it, you'll build a stronger heart, build endurance, and before you know it will have to run faster to get that same heart rate; It'll get easier too.

Gt some good upbeat/hard rock/dance
music to listen to. Whatever you listen to with a good fast beat.

I recommend "eye of the tiger"jk

WalkingTheLine wrote:

QUOTE:
I have a friend here that was 40lbs over Marine Corps standards when we started on this tour 3 months ago. He has now lost 30lbs.
He's a bit of a nut, he's been running 6 days a week for 45 minutes at a time minimum. He'll reach over that if it's close to a mile or half mile mark. He started hitting 4 miles, then 5, now up to 7. The lbs just seem to keep shedding, as the rush can be a bit addicting.

your buddy knows what's up. 7 miles in 45 mintues? sounds unlikely (probably rough exaggeration) but still anywhere close to that is damn good.

It's an elliptical but that's what the screen says. I know they're not all on the same calibration, as I can never seem to get the same machine twice, and results seem to vary

WalkingTheLine wrote:

QUOTE:
It's an elliptical but that's what the screen says.

what???!!!! buy that man some running shoes and introduce him to asphalt.