I have been doing Atkins for about three months and have lost 25 pounds. I take in about 30 g of carbs per day. I do weight-training 3x per week and aerobic workouts (stationary and road biking and body circuits) 3x per week for 30-45 minutes. I have never liked running and rarely do it unless I am being chased by a large tiger (which fortunately does not happen often). I am 31 years old, 6'4", and weigh 225 lb.
On Sept 7 (a date I just learned of 2 days ago), I will have to perform a physical agility test for a new job. It begins with a 300m sprint. After 15 min rest, I do as many push-ups as possible. After 5 min rest, I do as many situps as I can in 1 min. After 5 more minutes rest, I have to run 1.5 miles. And that is where the problem lies.
I made the mistake of thinking that I would be OK for the running test because of my aerobic workouts. Whether it is because I am on Atkins or because I never run, I thought I was going to die when I attempted the 1.5 mile run at a local track yesterday. I DID complete it, but it was, in a word, HORRIBLE. My legs felt like they were going to fall off and I thought I had a 12" blade stiking in my right side. I had virtually NO energy after the first two laps (of 6). I stopped twice, but knew I needed to complete it so I kept going, barely finishing.
I have one week to prepare for this test. Any advice anyone can give on the following questions would be MOST helpful:
1. How, if at all, should I change my diet over the next week to give me the energy I need?
2. Should I hold off on the weight training until after the test? I do three workouts a week - one concentrating on chest, one on legs, and one on arms.
3. What running should I do from now until then to be best prepared and yet have enough energy and reserves to do well on test day?
I am a newbie here so thanks very much for any help!
On Sept 7 (a date I just learned of 2 days ago), I will have to perform a physical agility test for a new job. It begins with a 300m sprint. After 15 min rest, I do as many push-ups as possible. After 5 min rest, I do as many situps as I can in 1 min. After 5 more minutes rest, I have to run 1.5 miles. And that is where the problem lies.
I made the mistake of thinking that I would be OK for the running test because of my aerobic workouts. Whether it is because I am on Atkins or because I never run, I thought I was going to die when I attempted the 1.5 mile run at a local track yesterday. I DID complete it, but it was, in a word, HORRIBLE. My legs felt like they were going to fall off and I thought I had a 12" blade stiking in my right side. I had virtually NO energy after the first two laps (of 6). I stopped twice, but knew I needed to complete it so I kept going, barely finishing.
I have one week to prepare for this test. Any advice anyone can give on the following questions would be MOST helpful:
1. How, if at all, should I change my diet over the next week to give me the energy I need?
2. Should I hold off on the weight training until after the test? I do three workouts a week - one concentrating on chest, one on legs, and one on arms.
3. What running should I do from now until then to be best prepared and yet have enough energy and reserves to do well on test day?
I am a newbie here so thanks very much for any help!
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Atkins and distance running generally don't go hand in hand, but I don't think being on the diet will adversely affect your ability to run 1.5 miles.
As you've learned, being in good shape cardiovascularly doesn't necessarily mean you can pick up running. It stresses the body in a different way than you are used to.
I'm sure you'll get better responses as people check in after the weekend, but I'd see if you could work your way up this week. Maybe run 2 laps around the track Monday and Tuesday, 4 on Wednesday and Thursday and stay there a few days. Then attempt the six laps. It should build your confidence a bit, and give your system a little time to adapt.
Good luck!
As you've learned, being in good shape cardiovascularly doesn't necessarily mean you can pick up running. It stresses the body in a different way than you are used to.
I'm sure you'll get better responses as people check in after the weekend, but I'd see if you could work your way up this week. Maybe run 2 laps around the track Monday and Tuesday, 4 on Wednesday and Thursday and stay there a few days. Then attempt the six laps. It should build your confidence a bit, and give your system a little time to adapt.
Good luck!
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Running isn't a test you can cram for. It takes years(?) or at least months of consistent training to be able to perform successfully.
I'd go back to a 'regular' diet with more carbs for the week. Run a couple of times early in the week just to get used to the feeling of running and work on pacing yourself. Going out too fast during the first part of the run and having to walk the last part is going to kill your time.
Good luck and let us know how you do!
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