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Running

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21:03 / 14.07.05

I just ran a 5km fun run tonight, only the second I've ever done. It was fabulous, and I'm really considering training for a 10km. So - do you run, and why? Are you competitive? Do you want to run further and further? Where does it all end?

21:39 / 14.07.05

I run, I do it alone as I have very few competetive bones in my body against others, so enjoy putting on the i-pod and running around the common. Either doing a short (about a 1/2 a mile) a medium (about 2-3 miles) or a long one (about 5 miles). I'm not amazingky fast, but have always been able to run an okay distance - but thanks to many injuries in football and general age, my knees don't like it too much these days.
I'd have loved to have done more when younger, really tried some distance stuff, but as I said, my pace is distinctly lacking. Plus I have flat feet.

nedrichards is confused

21:58 / 14.07.05

Running is quite frankly the best thing you can possibly do, I'm thrilled that you like it. Do more! Although my natural distance of happiness is about 10k I've been tricked into running two marathons in the last year, both of which have made me extremely happy at the end.

Keep at it.

03:01 / 15.07.05

I've been getting myself in shape for the past half-year, with the intent of going "free-running" (Le Parkour, for those in the know). As training I started by jogging to the end of the block and dyeing of exhaustion. I can now jog a couple of miles at a stretch, and I'm aiming at being able to run a six-minute mile.

Hey, I can dream, right?

I'm really enjoying the runner's buzz. I used to ride my bike everywhere, but I gave it up since I started working a couple of cities away from where I live, in the non-commuter-friendly U.S., and I've been missing that rush at the end.

I'm not competitive with anybody other than myself, though. I want to push myself as fast as I can go for as far as I can go. That's more than enough for now.

I never wanted an iPod before I started running though, perhaps it's doing something to my brain chemistry...

06:02 / 15.07.05

lekvar - a good way of building up to being able to do a 6 minute mile is to work on multiple miles in a time limit, ie (and this generally works best) try and do 3 miles in 30 minutes, then work on doing 2 in 16 etc - for some reason it helps to trick your brain slightly.

08:40 / 15.07.05

Until fairly recently I belonged to a gym and spent an awful lot of time on the treadmills, not because I enjoyed it, but because I needed to lose weight, by the end however I was quite enjoying beating my personal bests and trying to increase my distance. When I moved I tried to move on to road running but I just can't seem to keep motivated to do it consistently. Perhaps if I had a flash MP3 player it would be easier, but I also worry about damaging my knees.

09:19 / 15.07.05

Yeah, I really like running at the gym, where most people tell me how good it is outside. I feel a bit self conscious outside, so maybe that will change as I get better. Certainly I loved last night, running in the park with hundreds of people.
Le parkour is very cool - I'd be too cowardly, I think.

16:59 / 15.07.05

I do about half my running at the gym right now - it's an easy way to keep track of my times, easier on the knees, and I'm less likely to develop skin cancer from the fluorescent lights.

I'd rather run outside but the joint damage is a big issue for me. Does anyone have any recommendations or advice on this? Is there anything I can be doing, any good stretches or cool-down exercises?

P. Horus Rhacoid

17:39 / 15.07.05

I tend to be a social runner. My best memories of high school cross country involve long, easy runs with my friends where we would just run through the woods and talk. Generally I find that running with someone keeps me from focusing on my own body and how much it hurts, so I run much faster and much farther when I'm with somebody. Then again, my other best memory of running distance in high school was the time I ran around downtown, alone, in the middle of the night, just because it was such a surreal experience to see everything lit up but deserted.

Since coming to college I've been moving towards sprint-type running rather than distance, and it has stopped being an end in and of itself and become a way to train for other sports. I do still do distance running on a treadmill during the winter, which I enjoy a lot because the endorphin high at the end is heightened by the disorientation of stepping off onto ground that isn't moving.

18:02 / 15.07.05

lekvar - run on grass is about the best advice for running outside - and make sure that you have the right shoes, check to see whether you roll in or out (which part of the heel of your shoe wears first) and get supports to counter this.

As for warming up and down - the most important thing is to warm up and stretch down - try not to stretch first, as the muscles are cold and can lead to strain, and plus they tighten up when used so best to stretch them out after use, best to do something to heat them up (sit ups and press ups are best as the back gets warm quickly) and for stretching down, make sure that you focus on the legs, obviously, and don't bounce on a muscle, just stretch it as far as it wants to go and hold it.

11:23 / 18.07.05

Just found this thread....

I was born devoid of runner's genes or an ounce of sporting talent but I love running. I started out in the gym hoping it would help me to lose weight and also to convince me to give up smoking. Haven't lost much weight but I managed to quit the cigs 2 years ago. I started running outside early in the morning because I didn't want anyone to see me. Now I run at that time through choice - I'm a crap sleeper so I may as well get up at 6am and get the exercise out of the way for the day! Plus it's quieter at that time and there are fewer idiots around to hassle you.

At first I could run for about 10 minutes covering maybe a mile and a half. I'm still a bit overweight but now I'm training for a marathon in October. Whether I manage it will depend on my 39 year old ankles! I managed 15 miles on Saturday and generally do about 30 miles a week but aiming for 40 in the next few weeks.
I virtually always run alone - it gives me time to think - but might join a group after the marathon. I live in the fat capital of Europe and seeing a vast number of unhealthy people everyday provides motivation.

Everyone should try running for a month! All you need is the right pair of shoes, a bit of perseverance and maybe a short term goal.

12:32 / 18.07.05

I'm a crap sleeper too, but it's because I can't get to sleep at night - and then I sleep long in the morning. So I'll have to fit my runs in at 1am!
I like running, but I do still find it really hard, especially starting - the first few minutes are always horrible.
Brunner, I know you use a heart rate monitor - and as you know, I have one but I don't really understand what I'm doing. How does it help?

13:37 / 18.07.05

Ariadne, its always crap at the start - it takes me about half an hour to get going! Lots of people sort of power-walk or slow-jog their way into a run for 10 mins or so to get their heart rate up and muscles warm.

As for the heart rate monitor, I generally use it to pace myself. If I restrict myself to say 70% of working heart rate for a long run I know I'm not running too fast for the distance I want to do (lots of books suggest most training runs should be run at 70% WHR or less). Alternatively, just run at a pace that would allow you to carry on a conversation. You're not looking for speed at the moment - you want distance and/or time spent running. Once you're happy running 10k you might want to get faster - then you can use the monitor for say, interval training.

13:53 / 18.07.05

Yeah, I think it'll be more useful as I get better. At the moment I have three speeds - running, walking and stopped. And there's not a huge difference between my walking and running! Well, obviously there is, but it's not like I'm having to slow myself down.
Good to know it's not just me that labours at the start, anyway.

13:58 / 18.07.05

I love running! I generally go about once a week, but this is because I'm more committed to martial arts, and see the running as a general fitness top up. It frequently functions as a hangover cure as well, on Saturday mornings. I'm sure this isn't particulary good for you, but it's better than a fried breakfast. Last summer I was running round the park and then practicing a bit of martial arts afterwards but I've moved onto a new art and it looks a bit bloody weird so I've not yet summoned up the bottle.

I'm surprised people prefer running in the gym - for me part of it is getting outside, breathing a bit of fresh air. True, you have to endure filthy Hackney air until I get to Vicky park but it's worth it. I always run on the grass as well, can never understand those people who run round the park on the tarmac...

I only do a couple of miles and don't keep an accurate record of time/distance covered etc. because I want to keep it as enjoyment rather than competeing with myself. I would do so if I was more serious about it though.

I second the recommendation of getting a pair of proper running shoes - there must be a specialist shop in your town, Ariadine. It's like having a big pair of fluffy pillows attached to your feat.

If you really want to build CV fitness, you could try a bit of interval training. Run slow 50 yards, fast 50 etc. This is a killer.

Everyone should try running for a month!

Absolutely. It's hard to get over to people who don't do it the satifaction I feel. Flopping at the end with a nice warm glow, endorphin rush, my muscles feeling nice and stretched and breathing deeply. It really is a great form of exercise.

14:14 / 18.07.05

Thanks, I do have good shoes, from Run and Become, and they do make a huge difference.
As for running in parks, well, small dark female joggers are prone to getting stabbed in Vicky Park! I remember the police releasing a description of the American woman who was killed and then two(?) other women who got attacked, and deciding to stop cycling through Victoria Park as they sounded like me!
I'm not in London any more, but still, I don't always feel all that safe out running by myself, and parks are worse than the street for that. And I hate running on grass, for some reason - it's really tiring! But I did love last week's run in the Botanic gardens, so I do want to run outside more.

14:22 / 18.07.05

Duh. Was going to post something about safety and forget. The other stabbing of a female jogger was in Clissold Park, IIRC. I still see lots of women jogging round Vicky Park solo, but I understand your concerns, I've had da yoof try and kick off with me when I've been practising MA in the park, and it was precisely because I was in an isolated area (to avoid that freakshow effect) that they felt they could get away with it. You can take precations (run with partner, tell someone when you'll be back, only in daylight) but it's it's shitty that we even have to.

14:43 / 18.07.05

I actually see far more women than men running early in the morning and it could be because it is safer. Fewer people around so less chance of abuse, most would-be attackers still in bed etc....but I know morning is not a good time for everyone.
Although I never expect trouble, I have often inserted my house keys into my fist when I thought there might be the possibility!

15:05 / 18.07.05

Just so I know, Lucky Liquid - are you Illmatic? These name changes confuse me!
Interesting about running in the morning - I hadn't thought about it, but yes, I can imagine that it might feel safer. Shame I'm not a morning person! Och, I can do it sometimes so maybe I'll make the effort.

21:16 / 18.07.05

glad i found this thread - i have been threatening to start running again for about five months ["i ride my bike everywhere, and i'm about to start running again..." has been a line i've used for too long now]

i live right near the base of a mountain (well, s'what we call it in australia, more like a bit of a small hill...) that has a fire trail round its base, about ten kays. i used to run, got to the point of running right round it at least once a week, with a couple of three - six kay runs between times. it has a big hill the far side and i can choose a long slight incline or a short sharp one, depending on the mood as to which direction i head out...

ahh, inspiration again.

shoes out this afternoon. thanks again barbelith!

07:21 / 19.07.05

Ariadne - yes I am. Getting bored with this name actually, might change it back.

04:21 / 29.07.05

damn you, barbelith!

went out for a run this morning, well before sun up, and tripped on a dip in the fire trail; gouged small chunk out of palm of hand, weeping graze on knee that bled onto my sock and shoe, graze on side and shoulder. ouch...

did surprise myself by bounding straight up and keeping going, and the -2 degrees celcius kept the damage on ice for me.

WARNING: don't run in the dark (lucky i wasn't carrying scissors is all...)

11:05 / 29.07.05

Bad luck! Running is a dangerous sport.

On 2 January this year I was happily running along the road, stepped off to cross it and slipped on black ice. Broke my fall with my hand which quickly turned into a big bloody pulpy mess. Got up and continued running (while having to lick my hand to stop the blood) and managed a further 4 miles or so, rather gingerly, as was cared of falling over again. Hand was actually sprained and it didn't heal properly for 6 months.

14:14 / 29.07.05

The moral of the story is, don't break your fall with your hands. Run with your hands in your pockets! Break your fall with your nose.

Hmm, actually, my Mum did just that recently and it wasn't pretty, so ignore the above.

Hope you're ok, astrojax, that sounds sore. I haven't actually had any running-related accidents yet, touch wood.

00:29 / 30.07.05

am ok, thanks...

going for a bike ride today - much safer! (i haven't fallen off a bike for about thirty years, but have sustained manifold injuries running in the interveneing years.)

but will be back on the track tomorrow, but might wait til i can see!

09:06 / 30.07.05

Yes, running in the dark is silly!

And watch out on that bike - I've had a few cuts and bruises from bike riding, though mostly when I was getting used to riding clipless! And coming off on ice, yucky.

What kind of bike do you ride? Are you a roadie? off road? I've a gorgeous road bike that I love to death, riding it is like flying. I also have a hybrid that I use for going to work and around town, and I do enjoy using her for going down country trails and the like. I'm too cowardly for real mountainbiking, though. All those big drops - scary bananas.

15:46 / 30.07.05

I think you're rotting your own thread with your bike fixation, Ariadne. In fact I can't believe you haven't started a thread on cycling yet. Hop to it.

22:13 / 30.07.05

(taking loomis' point) [threadrot] i have a sort of mtn bike, aussie design but korean built with front suspension but quite cheap, but mainly ride on roads/bike paths. canberra is blessed with a great network of paths (if not great paths, many need some repair) and a lot of green space, especially near the lake and city, where i live. its about an hour and a half or so right round the lake riding hard, but there are two bridges near the middle, so a variety of loops exist.

i love riding, too. i rejoice on my way to work by the calm lake, no residences, no roads, just birds and the morning and me, that i am at once a commuter and a cyclist. wonderful. [/threadrot]

the bike paths make excellent running paths, of course. have given up running in the dark [hallelujah, you cry] so will wait til before dusk tonight and have a trot round the mountain. off to the footy first, will cycle to the game.

have a friend rides horses just moved to a place backs on the mt and will go for rides and (when i get fit enough) runs with her and her horse. that'll be coming into spring, then summer soon.

run like the wind! (but watch the ruts)

09:43 / 02.08.05

Coming back to running (and I will think up a bike related thread, just have to think what about, first)...

I had the most fantastic run yesterday, because I went to a new, beautiful place and concentrated more on exploring than on what I was doing.

I ran down to the port at Leith, which has all been yuppified and is pretty nice, and just explored around there. I ran further than I've ever done before, and just had a great time.

However, I wonder if I can keep that up? If I go back to Leith, it'll still be nice, but it won't be new. So how do I keep that freshness?

How do you go about planning where to run, and how do you keep it interesting?

Oh, and Brunner - I hear (I have my sources) that you ran 17 and a half miles on Sunday. The very thought leaves me slackjawed with amazement. Do you 'hit the wall', doing that distance? Do you get bored?

10:00 / 02.08.05

How do you go about planning where to run, and how do you keep it interesting?

One factor is the change in seasons, I suppose, if you're running outside. I say "I suppose" because I don't get that much novelty in my runs being a city boy. Another factor might be eyeing up members of the opposite sex wearing tight lycra... but obviously, I don't do that.

10:28 / 02.08.05

Ariadne, that is the furthest I've ever run and it amazed me too! It's all in preparation for the Loch Ness Marathon in October. My first (and most likely last) marathon! It's something I have always wanted to do and I have to do it before I hit 40! There is also a bit of having given up smoking triumphalism in there as well!

I didn't hit any walls - at least not any physiological/psychological ones. I had a Camelbak full of sports drink and an energy bar to provide a boost...

Boredom? Sometimes...it depends how the run goes. On Sunday I did all of Arthurs Seat, Blackford Hill and the Braid Hills (Edinburgh to the uninitiated) so great views of the city. Plus my mp3 player primed with some Nine Inch Nails, Led Zeppelin, Lemonheads, Jimi Hendrix and some more embarassing stuff certainly helped to keep me awake!

Aside from the marathon lark, it's fitness and health that keeps me motivated and rather depressingly, being scared of not being up to it when I'm old. Everyday, I see people not much older than me, fat and enslaved to cigarettes and/or alcohol struggling to get on/off a bus let alone walking somewhere. What are they going to be like when they are older? Oooo I'm a miserable bugger aren't I???

11:42 / 02.08.05

One factor is the change in seasons, I suppose

You old hippy, Illmatic. I just can't see myself running along admiring the buds coming out on the trees. Swearing at the rain, maybe.

Och, that's not true - it will be good to watch things change. And I do watch other runners but I have to confess that it's more to do with 'ooh, I wonder where she got that running top'. Loomis has voiced suspicions that I only do sport as an excuse to buy groovy sports clothes.

And of course, after reading Brunner's post, I now need an MP3 player and makybe a CamelBak. Though there's no way I'm running up Arthur's Seat. Madman! But it bodes well for the marathon that you can do that.

12:06 / 02.08.05

Mmmm, I'm still not convinced this marathon is actually going to happen....

To keep it all interesting you need to have goals I suppose. Like running up Arthur's Seat or entering the odd race (on the proviso that you are only racing against yourself - unless you are very competitive). I'm also a gadget freak - hence the mp3 player, heart rate monitor etc. I do find they help to motivate me. Hah! And they say all you need is a decent pair of shoes!!!

11:12 / 06.09.05

Gulp

It's only 26 days till I run this marathon...

That's one day for every fucking mile I'm going to have to run...

And I'm just back from a holiday in France complete with brie-belly and pre-cirrhosis liver damage....

Fuck!

07:25 / 07.09.05

Just tell yourself that you need never run again once you've finished. How's that for motivation?

You can do it!

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