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stellaluna -> The Running Thread (11/25/2007 11:25:18 PM)

I have officially started running. I'm using the beginning training plan from Runner's World. That means for the past week I have been running 1:00, then walking 2:00, 30 minutes at a time. Tomorrow I start 2:00 running, 1:00 walking.

I'm excited! This is something I've wanted to do for a long time and I'm finally doing it. 5K here I come!

There are a bazillion runners where I live and I keep finding more everyday in unlikely places, so I figured there were a few around the boards. Come here to talk about your running exploits. What are your best times? Favorite shoes? Favorite accessories? Where do you like to run? What do you carry with you? Do you listen to music? Talk about whatever you want.



Miss Giggles -> RE: The Running Thread (11/25/2007 11:33:18 PM)

I'm on my second go round with the Couch to 5k program from runners world. The first time I just got up to the full 30 minutes and then I quit so I had to start from scratch. But its a great feeling to run without stopping.

Anyway I am on week 7 of 9 (25 min straight runs) and then I will start the run hour runner program. I go to a great gym and I can run on the woodway treadmills there or join the running club. I will probably join in the spring as I will be able to keep a decent pace by then.

I actually started running outside and it isn't as bad as I thought in the cold. Won't go in the rain though.

I have the Nano and Ipod sport kit so I am tracking my progress through that. My first run was something terribly slow like a 14 min pace and today I ran an 11 min 30 second pace. I am just running for time right now.

Best of Luck!

Please save the "it'll kill your knees comments" its not proven and not necessarily true.



Calea37 -> RE: The Running Thread (11/26/2007 7:28:17 AM)

A running thread! I hope it doesn't die.

I've been a runner for fourteen years now; I started seriously running after my son was born. It has been the best way to lose weight! When I run outside I focus a little more on time, but mostly I focus on milage. I have found that focusing on time (for me, anyway) kind of takes the joy out of it for me. I may be too competitive (even with myself! [8D] )

This is the greatest tension reliever I have ever known! And Stellaluna, since you are just starting, you will see huge gains in your progress! How exciting!

Do you run outside? I don't listen to music when I run outside because I like to hear what is going on around me, but when I run on my treadmill, music is a must have!

I look forward to hearing about your progress!!

Calea



Miss Giggles -> RE: The Running Thread (11/26/2007 8:24:18 AM)

I use my Ipod outside but I don't keep it turned up loud. I have the sport kit so it tracks my time and pace and I could do virtual 5ks and stuff. I only run outside on the weekends now til the time changes. I could get the reflective clothing but right now its a hassle in the dark for me.



Calea37 -> RE: The Running Thread (11/26/2007 10:47:59 AM)

I've been running inside too. Usually I go out in the spring and summer, but this last year had such horrible allergy/sinus issues that I stayed in. So I've been running on my treadmill for a long time!! I feel like I get a better run outside, but I just raise the incline and hope for the best!

Miss Giggles, where did you get your Ipod, and was it expensive?

Calea



Miss Giggles -> RE: The Running Thread (11/26/2007 11:13:12 AM)

I bought one at the apple store 2 years ago. It depends on your definition of expensive. But I like it I use it a lot.



stellaluna -> RE: The Running Thread (11/26/2007 11:36:48 AM)

I've been running outside. Technically, I ran for two weeks on a treadmill at the gym before I started this RW training plan. I had a hard time finding a stride and my legs got so tense and tight! Then when I finally ran outside, it was...harder. I think I was running full out and not pacing myself. I'm trying to learn that as I build up my time. The RW plan is based on time, not distance, but the first week of run/walk took me about two miles. Today I will find out how far I go running 2:00/walking 1:00.

I love running outside! Last Friday it snowed and it was so cool to go running. It was so quiet and still. I don't run with music, mainly because the only mp3 player I have is a cube and it flies all over...there's no way to get an armband for it. One of the shirts I like to run in has a pocket on the shoulder for one of the old iPod Shuffles. I'm thinking about buying a cheap player that will fit in it.



phosadaud -> RE: The Running Thread (11/26/2007 3:49:33 PM)

Yeah! Runners! I started running after a long time (ie - since I was teen) about a year ago to prep for military service. That didn't happen but now I am in the process of applying to be a police officer (passed the physical agility tests about a week ago - woohoo!) so I need to be in excellent shape and running has to be a key part of my workouts. As for my runs:

3-4 days a week, I am up to a 2 mile run. I'm not the fastest runner, but I try to keep a good, steady pace. I run outside - usually doing laps around my development as I've mentally marked out the distances (this mailbox to this corner, etc). The other 2-3 days per week (I run 6 days a week), I have started doing sprints intermixed with walking and jogging.

Equipment: Because I run before work and it's dark this time of year, I have a flourescent safety vest. I have a pair of running shoes but I like my regular cross-training shoes the best (Nike). I have a stop watch so I can time myself to check my pace and make sure I'm meeting my goals. I also have a GPS watch but only wear that when I am measuring out new distances because it's very bulky and annoying to run with. This time of year is getting pretty cold too (below freezing), so I have my gloves, hat, etc.

I don't listen to music for 2 reasons: first, I have tiny ears and I can't keep the ear pieces for my ipod in my ears while I jog. Second, while I live in a very quiet neighborhood, I am running on the street (no sidewalks) so I need to be able to hear well for my safety.

As far as how I've been training: What has finally worked for me is to start out with a set distance (far enough that I have to push it, but not so far that I'm dying). I then set a goal for a time to run it in (I'm a very goal-oriented person). I run that distance gradually working at increasing my pace until I can consistantly meet my goal, then add distance and set a new goal. This is how I've done it:

1/2 mile
3/4 mile
1 mile
1.5 miles
2 miles



rnershigh -> RE: The Running Thread (11/26/2007 4:40:05 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: phosadaud

3-4 days a week, I am up to a 2 mile run. I'm not the fastest runner, but I try to keep a good, steady pace.


Slow and steady wins the race.[:D] Unless one is a competitive runner, time doesn't really matter so much as how long you run. Well, that's how I think of it. I don't really keep track of how much mileage I get. I usually run a consistent 3.5 miles 4 to 5 times a week. I like to run outside, time seems to fly by, while if I run a treadmill the minutes drag and I feel horrible. Of course, it depends on the treadmill. Woodway treadmills are THE treadmill to get if you seriously want to run on one, it's like running on air.lol. I can run forever on a Woodway! Too bad those babies are very expensive, but some gyms have them.

quote:



Equipment: Because I run before work and it's dark this time of year, I have a flourescent safety vest. I have a pair of running shoes but I like my regular cross-training shoes the best (Nike). I have a stop watch so I can time myself to check my pace and make sure I'm meeting my goals. I also have a GPS watch but only wear that when I am measuring out new distances because it's very bulky and annoying to run with. This time of year is getting pretty cold too (below freezing), so I have my gloves, hat, etc.



Oh, it is very important to wear some sort of reflective gear. I have a reflexive arm band I wear and I try to wear bright clothing too. I also know what you mean about bulky things being very annoying when you run. I can't stand things getting in the way of my run. Bulky jackets or cumbersome mp3 players. Since it's colder out, I just bought some cold weather gear. I tried running in my light-weight ski jacket and it moved around too much, it was SO annoying! Now I know why a lot of running clothes are made to fit to the body, so it doesn't get in the way! So I bought some form-fitting nike jacket and other gear designed for running in the cold. A lot of things you wouldn't notice, you notice when you run and it's the little things that can bug you!

quote:


I don't listen to music for 2 reasons: first, I have tiny ears and I can't keep the ear pieces for my ipod in my ears while I jog. Second, while I live in a very quiet neighborhood, I am running on the street (no sidewalks) so I need to be able to hear well for my safety.



I've found I have developed a 6th sense when it comes to approaching cars. I can "feel" them coming, and I know exactly when a car is coming up behind me.[:D] I can't go without my music, it really does aid me in keeping pace. I bought an ipod shuffle a few months ago and it's perfect to run with.



phosadaud -> RE: The Running Thread (11/26/2007 9:13:10 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rnershigh
I like to run outside, time seems to fly by, while if I run a treadmill the minutes drag and I feel horrible. Of course, it depends on the treadmill. Woodway treadmills are THE treadmill to get if you seriously want to run on one, it's like running on air.lol. I can run forever on a Woodway! Too bad those babies are very expensive, but some gyms have them.


I hope someday to get a treadmill for the days I can't run outside (like possibly tomorrow morning if it snows like they say it will!). I know it's not the same, but it's better than nothing.

I just need the money... and this year has been WAY to expensive and next year isn't looking any better.... [8D]



Miss Giggles -> RE: The Running Thread (11/26/2007 11:05:31 PM)

I am saving for a treadmill, I was going to use my income tax refund to get one but I have to hold off on it for a while. But I joined a nice gym and I do the classes and run on the woodway treadmills. That will do for now.



stellaluna -> RE: The Running Thread (11/26/2007 11:28:26 PM)

My run today was not very successful. [>:]

It was supposed to be my first day running 2:00/walking 1:00. I was supposed to do that ten times, but by the time I got through the fourth run I thought I was going to die. So I walked longer until I felt better. Well, I got to the 8th run and felt the pinch of a blister, so I gave up and walked home. Bah!

I really think I need better shoes sooner than later. I was hoping the ones I have would get me through these first couple of months. We don't have a store here that sells running shoes or apparel, so I can't get fitted professionally. As far as I can tell, I need a stability shoe, but my foot has grown and I'm not sure what my real size is. I hate ordering them online for that reason.

And this blister...it's in the arch of my right foot. Apparently the insole is pinching my foot. I got a blister in the same place a few weeks back at the gym.



Calea37 -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 6:56:10 AM)

Stellaluna,

Sorry you didn't have a good run! [:o] Don't let that discourage you; get back out there!! Are the shoes that you are running in new? Sometimes after I get a new pair I get a blister. I had bought a pair (I like Asics Gel) and they made such a horrible blister on my toe that I had to get a different pair. I always buy Asics, and these were too, but they were slightly different and CHEAPER, so I bought them...Just a slight variation on the toe made all the difference. [:@] So those will be lawn mowing shoes or something!

I would really discourage you from buying them online; you really need to be able to try them on and see how they feel. My feet are wide and I can't wear ANY Nike shoes! It will take some experimenting.

My treadmill is king of my house...lol I would give up any piece of equipment before I would give that up. (Obsessive anyone?) [:D]

Stella, as a Christmas gift to yourself, get out there and get some good shoes...it will be worth it! [:)]

Calea



rnershigh -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 8:51:51 AM)

I agree, the running shoe makes all the difference! Sometimes, all it takes is the right shoe to make it into a good run. I also concur about the Nike shoes. I have found they are more narrow, I don't have wide feet, but the past few years I bought Addidas just because they were so much more roomy. I run with a Nike shoe currently, but the shoe I run in is the exception, most Nike I have tried are too narrow and uncomfortable.

When you go shoe shopping, bring the socks you run in. On the first try they should be comfortable. You don't have to break in new running shoes at all, they should fit nice and comfy. Walk around in them, run around in them a few times around the store. I do that. Also, make sure your shoe has good cushion. Normal running shoes will have ample cushioning, trail running shoes will have less cushion (since it's assumed you'll be running mostly on the grass, not asphalt or concrete, which is softer) but with more stability.



Miss Giggles -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 8:56:32 AM)

I wear Asics 2120s. I tried them on at the running store and they will let you trade them in a week if they don't work out for you. I also get the running socks that have padding on them. I have average width feet but small feet but asics run a little small. Plus sometimes they say to get a size up than you normally wear.

If you don't have a running store then I would try roadrunner sports.com . They have a guarantee and you can send them back if you have problems with them.



Calea37 -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 9:20:03 AM)

I wear the Asics 2120 too! I love them. [sm=thumbsup.gif] They are nice and roomy in the toe for my big 'ole duck feet! [:D]

Calea



p31woman -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 10:24:00 AM)

I've always worn Nike running shoes and loved them-- no blisters, no knee or foot pain. Good shoes are definitely worth the $80 or so, replaced every year give or take, depending on how much you're running. And thick, cushy socks are also important.

Bad running days do happen. Some days you feel great, and others you're dragging and having to force yourself to put one foot in front of the other. It's all part of being a runner-- it can be 90% mental some days. [;)]



stellaluna -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 10:54:51 AM)

I think I found a running store in a city about two hours from here. Maybe my husband will want to take a little road trip this weekend. [:D]

To answer the question...the shoes I'm wearing I bought about two months ago. They are NB trail running shoes and I bought them to wear to the gym--not to run in. Like I said earlier, we don't have a running store here, so these shoes were chosen after trying on about two dozen pairs of shoes. They weren't cheap, either, so I'm pretty sure they're decent quality, I may just need something better for longer distances. When I got the blister before I had been working out for quite a long time, too.

Also, I found an armband for my cell phone on eBay this morning. I spent a whole $5.51--and that included shipping. Woohoo!



NoShow -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 11:17:12 AM)

stellaluna;

What's the progression of the routine you're using? Years ago, a runner friend of mine gave me this one, and I've used it successfully a number of times after lay-offs:

Week1 & 2: Walk 30 minutes, five days each week

From here, three runs per week. 30 min workouts, not counting warm-up and cooldown.

Week3: Run\Jog 1min, walk 5min, repeat (so you do it five times)
Week4: R\J 2min, W4, five times
Week5: R\J 3min, W3, five times
Week6: R/J 5min, W2.5, four times
Week7: R/J 7min, W3, three times
Week8: R/J 8min, W2, three times
Week9: R/J 9min, W1, three times
Week10: R/J 13min, W2, twice
Week11: R/J 14min, W1, twice
Week12: R/J 30 min



stellaluna -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 11:43:10 AM)

I'm using the Runners World beginning workout



phosadaud -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 3:12:20 PM)

I'll echo the good shoes thing too! I have weird feet - not narrow, but narrower than average. Flat. And small heels. (Thanks Grandma! [8D]). Nike's work great for me but you need to find what works for you.

And getting started is always the hardest! I used to DREAD getting up in the morning for my exercise but now I really miss it if I don't. There are still hard days, but not like there used to be. Keep persevering! It really is worth it! I'm 32 and I'm in the best shape and tone of my life!



phosadaud -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 3:14:39 PM)

I forgot to add about my run this morning. Last night we got a dusting of snow but I decided to still do my run (it's my 2 mile day) just take it pretty slow so I don't fall and break something. [8D] Anyone have any ideas or know of any products that help you run on slick roads? I've seen little slip on "spikes" to add to your shoes but wasn't sure how well that works. Does anyone run when it's slick or do you just do something indoors instead?



rnershigh -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 3:30:34 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: phosadaud

And getting started is always the hardest! I used to DREAD getting up in the morning for my exercise but now I really miss it if I don't. There are still hard days, but not like there used to be. Keep persevering! It really is worth it! I'm 32 and I'm in the best shape and tone of my life!


I agree. The beginning is always the hardest. The first few weeks are brutal, especially when you're trying to get back into running. It's always bad when you know you used to be able to run and then find yourself having to build up stamina all over again. I think the worst thing about running though is how quick it is to get out of shape once you stop. But once you are in shape and your body is used to running, it's not bad at all.

My favorite part are hills. I like to include hills when I run. You can really feel the burn then![:D]



stellaluna -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 4:12:33 PM)

It snowed here last Friday and I ran in it. It was soooooo awesome! However, the roads were just wet, there wasn't snow or ice built up on them. I've seen those strap-on spikes, too, but I probably won't buy any. It doesn't snow that often here.



HighPlainsDrifter -> RE: The Running Thread (11/27/2007 6:07:16 PM)

quote:

It snowed here last Friday and I ran in it. It was soooooo awesome!


I have access to snowshoes if you need them. [;)]



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