Question for runners: Are some people just not capable of running?

[Grog]

I am a pretty fit person in general, I cycle a lot, lots of hills, etc.

When I started running two years ago now, my HR went really high and just stayed there. It went down progressively, but it took many, many months. However I became much more comfortable doing the exercise. Now it's still about 10 beats higher than it would get from cycling for the same level of exhaustion.

Running is one of the hardest workouts you can impose on your body. It takes a long time to adjust. One way to ease up into it is by alternating running and walking. Even today, I walk a little on my long runs (over one hour). During races longer than 10K, I walk through the aid stations.

You don't say anything about your physical condition in general or about your weight. Running is also a weight-bearing exercise, and the more you have, the harder it will be. In that case, your exercise program should definitely come with a new nutrition program...

On a final note, if you haven't exercised for a long time, you might want to consider visiting your doctor and share your plans with him/her, too, just to get the green light on everything.

Good luck!

p.s. I read your message again and noted that you said that "if you try to go faster, your HR goes through the roof." That's not necessarily a bad thing, and it's called intervals training. Don't bother looking at your HR. If you feel like puking, it's too much. But stretching your comfort level is what will make you fitter... (with of course your doctor's approval)