How to Run Without Getting Tired

New runners often feel frustrated when they find themselves getting winded soon after starting a run. While some people may tell you that you're simply out of shape, it's not necessarily your fitness level that's the issue—it's the speed at which you are running and the way you are running.

Building running endurance takes time, but with continued practice, you can run longer distances and feel less tired or winded when doing so. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to building stamina for running, there are a few key principles to keep in mind.

As important as it is to start working out, you will get far more out of a run if you learn proper running form and technique. Equally important is how you prepare for a run, including the foods you eat and the amount of time you spend warming up. The following guidelines can help you build endurance and stamina so you can run longer distances without running out of breath.

How to Build Endurance: Before Your Run

Making sure you're adequately prepared for your run can help prevent you from getting winded while you're running.

Understand RPE

Many runners get winded too quickly because they run at a pace that is too fast. For this reason, it may be helpful to use a tool called the RPE scale for your runs.

RPE stands for "rating of perceived effort." There are different types of RPE scales—the easiest one to follow is a simple scale from 1–10, where the number one represents the least amount of effort and the number 10 represents the most extreme effort.

Before you head out the door, it can be helpful to set a target level of intensity for your run. Use the RPE scale to rank your perceived exertion during your running workouts.

Easy runs should rank at about a 3 to 4 on the scale. Moderate intensity runs should feel like a 4 to 7, and more challenging runs (such as speed workouts) rank higher.

Note that many factors affect the effort ranking of an RPE scale, which means it's not always accurate. But most experts agree that it is the easiest and least expensive way to know if you are working too hard.

Warm Up

Warming up prepares your muscles for more strenuous activity. This is especially important if you are running in the cold.

Start your warm-up with an easy jog or a walk. Aim for about 10–15 minutes of activity to get your blood pumping and to increase your core temperature. If you choose, add a few running drills or dynamic stretches.

Fuel Properly

Running requires an ample supply of fuel in the form of glycogen. If you participate in longer runs (lasting more than an hour) you should be especially careful about making sure that you eat well before you run. This is why you hear about carb-loading prior to a marathon; for shorter runs, your usual diet will be sufficient.

The moment you start a strenuous activity, such as running, your body will convert glycogen back into glucose to use as fuel. If you have too little in your body, you will burn out quickly. This is true even if you are in relatively good shape.

How to Build Endurance: During Your Run

To avoid getting winded during a run, do what the pros do. Check your form, control your breathing, and pace yourself.

Monitor Intensity

Your RPE rating can help you monitor how hard you're running and also determine your heart rate. For example, a rating of 2 to 4 on the RPE scale would correspond to a heart rate that is about 50–60% of your maximum heart rate.

Your maximum heart rate (MHR) is the upper limit (determined in heartbeats per minute) of your cardiovascular ability. The most simplified way to estimate your MHR is to subtract your age from 220.

When you first start out with running, it's a good idea to keep your heart rate around 65% of MHR or lower. If you are able to run at this pace without getting winded, you can gradually increase until you reach 85% of your MHR. If you have a heart rate monitor such as a watch, you can also use the heart rate reading provided on your watch as an indicator of your intensity level while you're running.

Run at a Conversational Pace

Another way to track your intensity is to keep your pace moderate enough so that you can talk in complete sentences, not just one-word responses. If you're running by yourself, you should be able to sing "Happy Birthday" without gasping for air.

If you can't complete a full sentence without a gasp, slow down and take a walking break. (In fact, a run/walk approach is often a great way to build endurance when first starting out.) When you catch your breath, begin again at a more manageable pace.

Check Your Posture

Always hold your torso upright and avoid bending at the waist while running. Proper posture will help you breathe more efficiently by preventing the compression of your diaphragm. Slumping or hunching decreases your lung capacity while increasing your breathing rate.

Belly Breathe

During your runs, breathe from your belly as opposed to your chest. Try to use your diaphragm to completely fill and empty the lungs. Belly breathing gives your lungs much more room to expand and helps avoid side stitches that can develop when you breathe too quickly.

Swing Your Arms

Keep your arms at a relaxed 90-degree angle while running. They should swing naturally from the shoulders without swaying across your chest. As you step with your right leg, the left arm will naturally move forward. The pattern reverses on the other side. This contralateral movement will help propel the body forward so that your legs don’t have to work as hard.

Relax Your Breathing

If you allow yourself to breathe deeply but comfortably, you may notice that your breathing starts to sync with your footstrikes. This is called locomotor-respiratory coupling (LRC). All mammals do it, but humans have greater flexibility in the way that they use it.

Many runners fall into a natural 2:1 LRC pattern, meaning that for every two steps they take one breath. Try not to force yourself into an unnatural pattern, but simply find your natural rhythm and relax into it as you run.

Focus on Endurance

Use your breathing as a guide and think about running further (or for a longer period of time) rather than running faster. If you are able to run a certain distance without getting winded, you can gradually pick up the pace as long as you follow the same rules regarding form and breathing.

If You Still Feel Tired

If you try each of these approaches and you still get winded during your runs, don't worry. It happens to everyone, even the most seasoned runners. In fact, you may notice that you have days when you get winded no matter how slowly you run. It's normal to have good days and bad days.

If you have a bad day, simply scale back and take steps to rest and regroup. Don't worry too much about a single workout. Instead, focus on your overall training plan and stay consistent with your workouts. Change happens incrementally. If you stick to your plan, you'll see results over time.