The Running Thread

[JohnnyRoyale]

I never thought that I would be the one starting a thread like this, but hey, why not?

I've literally only been running on a regular basis for about 2-3 weeks, but I'm starting to fall for it quickly. Like foolsgold predicted, I'm set for a 5k WAY sooner than I expected. On paper, 3.2 miles looks like a lot, but the other day I did 2.8 and didn't even know it until later.

So I'm signed up for my first 5k on May 31st and then also an 8k on July 25th. My final goal is to run a full-marathon, though I'm sure I'm a couple of years away from that, and that's fine. I'm not even worried about placing a good time or anything like that....yet at least. That's how I felt about the 5k, but now that I'm getting used to that run, I'm slowly trying to pick up my pace a little for the end of the month.

I just never had a clue how much I would like it and there is a real rush from setting a new "best" each time I do it. I was in great shape as a wrestler in high school but I always hated running, though never had good shoes either.

This is all going to depend on whether or not my knees can handle it, but we'll see. Like I had said in the other thread, I'm pretty inspired by foolsgold's accomplishment.

So, I guess post about running here 

[Dan]

Congrats man. If you have any questions just let us know.

I'm going to sound like an old fart when I say this, but if you want to run anything longer than 5-10 miles and you're concerned about injury or a particular condition... definitely see your Dr and ask about it.

Otherwise... just remember that my cross country coaches would preach that running is 90% mental and 10% physical.

[c-lando]

Otherwise... just remember that my cross country coaches would preach that running is 90% mental and 10% physical.

So THIS is why I can't get my arse in gear and start running...

JohnnyRoyale, Congrats! Reading your post almost makes me want to give running another try. ALMOST.

[foolsgold]

Sweet, JR.  The mileage build-up is fantastic and quite rewarding.  Bear in mind that you are going to have lousy, awful runs, but that is normal.  I know there were times when I'd have a great 5-6 mile run then labor through a 3 mile, having to walk to catch my breath.  It can be really frustrating at times.

I absolutely agree with Dan about the consulting your doctor about long distance runs (not that I did.)  Failing that, it wouldn't be a bad idea to hook up with a personal trainer or someone who can help you out with fitness regimens that don't involve running.  If you have bum knees (I do too), proper stretching before and after a run is so important as is weight training to help build your quad muscles up.  Strong quads keep your knees in check.  it's also a good idea to ice your knees for 20 minutes immediately after a run.

Also, if you've got the money, find a running specialty store in your area and get fitted for a shoe.  They make different shoes depending on your arch/foot types, so finding something that is designed for you will help keep you injury/blister free.  And, I'd recommend buying a shoe one size larger than you normally wear, especially if you start doing long runs. 

5Ks are a ton of fun and a great jumping in point.  Usually you get some pretty nice schwag, might meet some people and, if nothing else, get to run in a area you normally don't.  Keep us posted about how you're doing.

I've got the Reds 5k in a few weeks.  I thinking crossing the finish line on GABP's field will be pretty cool.

[JohnnyRoyale]

Yeah, I think I'm okay on the doc thing now, but might go talk to him as mileage increases. But an ultra-marathon friend of mine says if you do it right, he knows a lot of runners who have poor knees. I do stretch a lot, though I wasn't aware of the icing for 20 afterwards idea. He also said I should increase my total mileage 10% each week, and divide it up into however many runs that takes or how I feel.

And yes, I did go get fitted for shoes and was amazed at the science involved there. I dropped a couple of dimes, but these shoes are perfect. Just little things are strange....like I never knew cotton socks aren't a good idea and I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my keys when I run. Right now I just keep them in my palms.   

Thanks for the kind words though!

Dan, I hope your hammy gets better soon bro

[Ella Minnow Pea]

When I heard an interview with the author of Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen earlier this month, I thought of this thread. It looks like an interesting read.

[Cockney Rebel]

Just little things are strange....like I never knew cotton socks aren't a good idea

Share the info JR

[Butter]

The other day, I had to run to chase Ethan down so I could spank the crap out of him.

Is that anything?

[foolsgold]

As per the socks, I found that I really didn't need them until I started running longer distances.  Once I got properly fitted shoes, I never really blistered from my 3-6 mile runs.  Once the marathon training started, I did move the moisture-wickers. 

[Dan]

Just little things are strange....like I never knew cotton socks aren't a good idea

Share the info JR

The basic concept is that cotton holds in moisture. Moisture build-up and thus overheating lead to all kinds of complications and issues. We have many materials now that wick away sweat much much better than cotton - Dri-Fit, Cool-Max, etc. Those are synthetic materials that they use to make socks, t-shirts, shorts, etc out of which are ideal for running and other endurance activities. Really... any activity in which you sweat.

Other than for work, I haven't bought cotton socks since 2003. Those dri-fits are like heaven on my feet. Yes, they are a little more expensive (I dunno - $7 for a pair?) but aren't your feet worth the investment? After all your feet are what get you from place to place and if you're going cheapo on them then how can you expect them to hold up? The phrase "you get what you pay for" definitely applies in this instance.

[rva]

Running is always fun for the first week or so where everytime you're trying to run a little farther and then you do it.  It's like 15 minutes; half an hour and all of it is challenging and fun.

What SUCKS is when you have to run 4-5 miles and you already know you can do it, but you still have to stretch and cool down and it's just a boring waste of an hour.  That's when it's a chore.  And then if you want to break a new distance or something you have to run an hour and a half just so you can have that same runner's rush for a measly 15 minutes.  And half the time you can't even do that because your knee hurts.

[JohnnyRoyale]

Yeah, what they all said on the cotton. I'm told I should be find until I get to longer distances, then I'll need the socks Dan spoke of. Also wanted to mention to FG that I have been in the gym since last Fall, and I'm sure it's making a difference. And trying to work on all kinds of areas, and not just the legs. I think it's important to exercise the other muscles, even if I don't need my shoulders for running.

Running is always fun for the first week or so where everytime you're trying to run a little farther and then you do it.  It's like 15 minutes; half an hour and all of it is challenging and fun.

What SUCKS is when you have to run 4-5 miles and you already know you can do it, but you still have to stretch and cool down and it's just a boring waste of an hour.  That's when it's a chore.  And then if you want to break a new distance or something you have to run an hour and a half just so you can have that same runner's rush for a measly 15 minutes.  And half the time you can't even do that because your knee hurts.

Yeah, I've thought about that and figured at some point it will not be as "fun" as it is now. Yesterday was one of my toughest runs yet as it was my first encounter with a hill, so I could only do about 2 miles and I was pooped.

[foolsgold]

There are going to be a lot of times when running isn't going to be fun or enjoyable, but if you have certain goals in mind, the pay-off is great.  I mean, right now, you've got the 5k goal, but you're also doing it for fitness, to improve your health and, in the back of your mind, a marathon.  Besides, running, in the long term, takes a ton less of a money and time investment than a lot of other kinds of exercises.  Plus, you get to be outside, get to listen to some music or think about things you've been working through while seeing parts of your neighborhood/city in a much more intimate way.

If you do start burning out, try changing your route.  Maybe head to a park or do some trail running, something to keep it interesting. 

As per hills, I've found that if I just stare at the concrete no more than 10 feet in front of me, the hills become a lot shorter than if I were to look at the crest off in the distance.

[Dan]

I've never thought of running as "fun" but I do it because I like being in shape. The "fun" is how I feel when I'm done and the next day. And when I go play soccer and know my conditioning is so good that I can outlast someone else on the field. That's the "fun" and the payoff for me. So yeah, just know that the mysterious "runners high" and all that doesn't happen for everyone.

Re: the gym. A coach in high school pointed out that the best runners are also the guys who do upper body work. This theory was about how if when you're running and you push backwards with your elbows you'll notice that your stride increases. The guys with the best upper-body routines would experience less fatigue in their arms and shoulders, and therefore would be able to use their upper-body to get them through the last legs of the race. Instead of being completely exhausted it was like they had an extra little reserve gas tank.

So yeah Mac, keep up with the full-body workout at the gym. Even if you don't think you use your shoulders...you actually do. But of course, also keep up with the quads and hamstring workouts. Do your squats, etc.

Hills... just think of them as some awesome challenge that you can overtake. When you get of them... OOOH YEAAAAH *cue Kool-Aid guy crashing into a wall*

[JohnnyRoyale]

Yeah, I've already gotten a little bored with a couple of routes and picked new ones. I'll keep the 10ft thing in mind on hills also and it makes sense. And yes Dan, I was kind of thinking it would make sense to do a full work-out, but figured I wasn't a fitness guru, so what did I know?

Oh, and as for tunes, as Dan knows, "Old Man McAninch" has yet to jump into the iPod era, but this might be motivation for that someday soon