What It Really Means When You Can't Run A Mile

For some people, running a mile is an easy task that barely takes any effort. But for others, it might be impossible. Here's what you should know if you can't run a mile.

There are a few different reasons that this form of exercise might be difficult for you. If you can't run a mile because you are in pain, your body may be telling you that something's wrong. According to Verywell Health, you should rate your pain on a scale of one to 10 in order to determine how serious it is. Mild pain, which falls between one and three, is usually due to stiffness or soreness at the beginning of a run. This pain will usually go away as you move your body.

Moderate pain, which falls between four and six, may be annoying but shouldn't affect how you run or if you can finish your jog. Severe pain, which falls between seven and 10, should not be ignored. This pain may cause you to limp or have difficulty moving naturally while you run. If severe pain is the reason you can't finish a run, contact a doctor or physical therapist for exercise guidance.

Don't be discouraged if running a mile feels impossible

If pain isn't an issue but you still can't run a mile, don't worry too much about it. Running this distance without stopping is not an activity that many people are used to doing. It takes a while for your body to build up the endurance to complete this exercise.

"If you can't run a mile without stopping, it's totally okay," Marc Pelerin, a running coach, told Livestrong. "Build your endurance with shorter segments followed by rest and gradually, as you get fitter, you can cut the rests and then increase the pace."

Allow yourself to take as many breaks as you need while running. Over time, you should be able to build up strength and endurance that allows you to take fewer breaks. Eventually, you should be able to run a full mile without taking any breaks at all. You will see faster progress if you push yourself while exercising. Only you know the difference between good pain and bad pain, so listen to your body and slow down when you need to.