The runners thread
 

Kinda inspired by TCM's 26.2 thread...

I just recently started running, I'm doing the couch to 5k program. I used to hate running, or at least I thought I did. So far I'm surprised at how much I'm enjoying it, and I'm thinking about signing up for a 5k race later this summer to have something to shoot for. And no, I won't be getting a 5k sticker for my car. ;)

Any runners out there?

Re: The runners thread
 

I have been running/jogging outside for the past few months instead of the treadmill. I noticed people in my gym leaving and then coming back, come to find out there is a nice neighborhood to run in right around the corner from the gym.

Also my neighbor power walks he is I am guessing late fifties I asked if I could join him. He showed me the ropes I will have to say I got a pretty good burn from doing that and my joints the next day felt much better vs. running.

If you are strictly looking at weight lost walking/power walking maybe the better option for you.

Matty still been using the power 90 on days I don't/can't go to the gym. It breaks up the boredom of always going to the gym. Saturday I did it then right after went for like a two mile run. Felt great and no boredom.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=mredskins;805834]I have been running/jogging outside for the past few months instead of the treadmill. I noticed people in my gym leaving and then coming back, come to find out there is a nice neighborhood to run in right around the corner from the gym.

Also my neighbor power walks he is I am guessing late fifties I asked if I could join him. He showed me the ropes I will have to say I got a pretty good burn from doing that and my joints the next day felt much better vs. running.

If you are strictly looking at weight lost walking/power walking maybe the better option for you.

[B]Matty still been using the power 90 on days I don't/can't go to the gym. It breaks up the boredom of always going to the gym. Saturday I did it then right after went for like a two mile run. Felt great and no boredom[/B].[/quote]

Great! I still do the videos too but I was getting bored & wanted to add something new so that's why I started running. Figure I'll still do the DVDs for lifting and on rainy days when I can't get out for a run. I'm thinking about signing up for the Y again so we can use the track & treadmills there.

Re: The runners thread
 

I use to run 3 miles almost everyday during the summers about 5 years ago. I stopped because my iliotibial band tweaked and my knees couldn't take the pounding anymore. Like old people I just go for walks now.

Just a little advice if you're getting into running...always stretch before running and get yourself Nike Lunarglide+ 2 shoes. Your body and feet will thank you.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=saden1;805842]I use to run 3 miles almost everyday during the summers about 5 years ago. I stopped because my iliotibial band tweaked and my knees couldn't take the pounding anymore.[B] Like old people I just go for walks now.
[/B]
Just a little advice if you're getting into running...always stretch before running and get yourself Nike Lunarglide+ 2 shoes. Your body and feet will thank you.[/quote]


Nothing wrong with that! You may have to go further and take a little longer vs. running but you can burn a good amount calories just doing that.

Actual when I walk I find it mentally beneficail as well, I really can unwind and just go through the thoughts in my head.

Re: The runners thread
 

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Not really so much into running but ive recently learned about obstacle course races. Totally sweet. To me they are tons more fun than running on a flat surface for several miles. I did the Dauber Dash 5 miler last year and plan to it and the Warrior Dash this year. Not sure where you live in NY but theres a Warrior Dash coming up in August in your state:[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana][URL="http://warriordash.com/"][COLOR=#800080]http://warriordash.com/[/COLOR][/URL][/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Also Richmond has a website called [URL="http://www.sportsbackers.com"]www.sportsbackers.com[/URL] that you can check or get emails of all the races coming up in your area. Im sure other areas have something similar. I like it a lot because it keeps you up with a lot of races youd probably never hear of otherwise. [/FONT][/COLOR]

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=mlmpetert;805854][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Not really so much into running but ive recently learned about obstacle course races. Totally sweet. To me they are tons more fun than running on a flat surface for several miles. I did the Dauber Dash 5 miler last year and plan to it and the Warrior Dash this year. Not sure where you live in NY but theres a Warrior Dash coming up in August in your state:[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana][URL="http://warriordash.com/"][COLOR=#800080]http://warriordash.com/[/COLOR][/URL][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Also Richmond has a website called [URL="http://www.sportsbackers.com"]www.sportsbackers.com[/URL] that you can check or get emails of all the races coming up in your area. Im sure other areas have something similar. I like it a lot because it keeps you up with a lot of races youd probably never hear of otherwise. [/FONT][/COLOR][/quote]

Yeah I've seen shows about races like the warrior dash, might have to give on a try someday. Looks like a great challenge.

Re: The runners thread
 

I've started getting into running some. There's a really nice trail along the river near my place so after work I'll head over there and run for a few miles. My biggest problem had always been that I tend to sprint too much. So I'm learning to pace myself for distance.

What I really enjoy is cycling though. I took it up last summer and I'm pretty hooked. I'll struggle to run 5 miles, but I can bike 30 miles easily

Re: The runners thread
 

I started running in January to train for a half-marathon this past April. I just finished a 25k (15.8 miles) trail run yesterday. And did an 8k in May. I like running but I've wrecked my back and knees in my early years and I pay the price after every long run.

Re: The runners thread
 

As part of my training i reguarly go for runs, i usually run between 1 to 2 miles a day, and rest on Sundays.

When I am in camp, or in heavy training about 2 times a year, I will run 3 miles a day 3 times a week. Any more than that, and my joints ache endlessly to the point that i cant train...

Re: The runners thread
 

I've been doing a kinda different form of cardio. I've been doing interval training on a bike. Pretty good burn. Best way to burn fat quickly.

That said, I used to run in the morning. It gave me tons of energy, it was fantastic. That said, don't cheap out on shoes. Go to somewhere like Pacers, get fitted, and spend some cash on good shoes. Can make a huge difference between enjoying and hating running. Used to run in my New Balance tennis shoes, then got fitted and I could go about 1/3 as far immediately with much less pain.

Re: The runners thread
 

Interval training is good stuff.

Just did over 2 miles on lunch, feeling pretty good for only being a week into this.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=Mattyk;805884]Interval training is good stuff.

Just did over 2 miles on lunch, feeling pretty good for only being a week into this.[/quote]

You get to work from home and you use your lunch break to run? That's messed up man. Messed up

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=Mattyk;805884]Interval training is good stuff.

Just did over 2 miles on lunch, feeling pretty good for only being a week into this.[/quote]


I work out at lunch to, my gym is .1 mile from work and my house is .2 mile from work. So either place I want to workout is pretty close by.

I find it the best time to do it because A) it gets me out of my cube and B) I am in no rush to shorten my workout because I just have work to go back too.

Re: The runners thread
 

This is a great site that helped me SEMI get into running:
[url=http://www.nomeatathlete.com/how-to-not-hate-running/]How To Not Hate Running | No Meat Athlete[/url]

I do my working out at lunch or right after work and I HAVE to do something like basketball or tennis. It really just has to be fun for me and unless I'm outside in a place I haven't been recently, I just don't want to do it after a few times.

Re: The runners thread
 

I used to love jogging but eventually I came to the conclusion thats its virtually pointless unless you play an endurance sport like soccer or hockey (no sex doesn't count lol). Plus I look back at pictures from when I use to do more jogging then lifting and cross training and personally jogging made me to skinny.

Not that I'm into getting huge muscles and being one of those guys that lives at the gym but if you exercise mainly to look good or stay healthy then I think we would all be better off with less long distance running. Long distance running tends to age people faster and is more likely to use muscle for fuel.

Sprinting and kettlebells were probably two of the best training methods I came across. Workouts got done faster and the results were exponentially better then jogging. Plus one of the things I always loved about putting an emphasis on building and keeping muscle is how much more forgiving your body is when you eat a little to much or have to miss a couple of days due to work or illness. With jogging I found you had to do it virtually everyday and the more in shape you got, the longer you had to do it to keep the results. With lifting or sprinting you just have to add more weight or reduce the amount of time between sprints. Also adding one or two sprints to a workout is much easier then adding a quarter mile for the same effect.

Then again I ended up with a hernia so maybe the jokes on me.

Re: The runners thread
 

I like to vary my cardio, but I do enjoy running quite a bit. I like intervals on the treadmill. I'll do 4 or 5 miles running at 9mph for two minutes, then fast walking at 4mph for two minutes, and just alternate until I reach my goal.

I just got back from a week's vacation in Siesta Key beach in Florida. I ran 4 miles up and down the beach every day. That was pretty much the end of my Nike Lunarglide Flywires (agree with Saden, really good shoes).

For an anniversary present, the wife took me to a New Balance store to have one of those digital foot analysis tests (and a new pair of running shoes). Pretty cool. Turns out I have a very high arch (somehow I never knew that), and I put a disproportionate amount of pressure on the balls of my feet when I run which explains the occasional shin splints I deal with.

Anyway, I picked up a pair of a New Balance Baddeley 890's. They're sweet. They weigh all of 9 ounces. Got some good inserts as well for extra arch support. They're going to get their first run tomorrow.

Re: The runners thread
 

Last August my buddy and I decided to sign up for a half marathon. I wrestled throughout high school and used to be in very good shape but during college and after I became really sedentary. I had been getting progressively fatter for the past ten years and decided enough was enough, plus I was inspired by some family stuff.

Anyway, I had to train for a month just to be able to start the 12 week training program. At first I could barely run a mile and then when I did it would take me about 12 minutes. On top of running I hit the gym up with more frequency and dieted (really just by cutting calories, portion control, etc). Within a few months it all started coming back to me and the weight started dropping big time.

So in December we ran our half marathon and I really enjoyed. Since then I've run another, and I cut 13 minutes off my first time and I plan to continue with running. I'm down about 50lbs since August and I've basically had to get all new clothes, but I was able to pay for some of those by winning the two Biggest Loser contests we've had at work over the last few months.
Last week I got fitted for new shoes, which was definitely worth the time (like GMScud said) since my old shoes were tearing my feet up. I don't have any plans for another race at this time but I think I'm going to sign up for the Baltimore half in October and, like I said in the sports bucket list, I might try to run the USMC Marathon next fall.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=mlmpetert;805854][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Not really so much into running but ive recently learned about obstacle course races. Totally sweet. To me they are tons more fun than running on a flat surface for several miles. I did the Dauber Dash 5 miler last year and plan to it and the Warrior Dash this year. Not sure where you live in NY but theres a Warrior Dash coming up in August in your state:[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana][URL="http://warriordash.com/"][COLOR=#800080]http://warriordash.com/[/COLOR][/URL][/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Also Richmond has a website called [URL="http://www.sportsbackers.com"]www.sportsbackers.com[/URL] that you can check or get emails of all the races coming up in your area. Im sure other areas have something similar. I like it a lot because it keeps you up with a lot of races youd probably never hear of otherwise. [/FONT][/COLOR][/quote]

count me in, think i could do it no training? haven't ran a mile in at least 6 months, bet i could still run a sub 7:30 though. might have to go to the high school and see whats up

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=mredskins;805834]

Also my neighbor power walks he is I am guessing late fifties I asked if I could join him. He showed me the ropes[/quote]

I'm sorry but this is HILARIOUS

Re: The runners thread
 

Earned a 1.0 bumper sticker today. Holla.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=mlmpetert;805854][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Not really so much into running but ive recently learned about obstacle course races. Totally sweet. To me they are tons more fun than running on a flat surface for several miles. I did the Dauber Dash 5 miler last year and plan to it and the Warrior Dash this year. Not sure where you live in NY but theres a Warrior Dash coming up in August in your state:[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana][URL="http://warriordash.com/"][COLOR=#800080]http://warriordash.com/[/COLOR][/URL][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Also Richmond has a website called [URL="http://www.sportsbackers.com"]www.sportsbackers.com[/URL] that you can check or get emails of all the races coming up in your area. Im sure other areas have something similar. I like it a lot because it keeps you up with a lot of races youd probably never hear of otherwise. [/FONT][/COLOR][/quote]

I'm signed up for the [URL="http://toughmudder.com/"]Tough Mudder[/URL] in October at Wintergreen. 10 miles/18 obstacles. Looks to be insane. Love the fact that you get a beer at the end instead of a biodegradable water bottle or whatever.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=tryfuhl;805974]I'm sorry but this is HILARIOUS[/quote]

I guess that does sound funny.

But there is a specific way you need to walk in order to consider it power walking. He is a great guy I enjoyed our walk.

Re: The runners thread
 

Well, I just came in from my power walk with my 60 year old dad... Just kidding.

I did try those new New Balance shoes today for the first time. 5 mile interval run on the treadmill. They were fantastic. I could definitely tell the difference in support on my arch.

Re: The runners thread
 

Am I the only one freaked out by these?
[IMG]http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxnbKOs9E3KidnQ_7fMf716lE6Tfwz97C56bPQhcBL8VINxEpDTw[/IMG]

Re: The runners thread
 

Those just aren't right

Re: The runners thread
 

I just struggled through a little over 2 miles. I think if I had some water with me I could have gone farther and the run would have been easier. Personally I'd much rather run when its about 40degrees or lower than the 80+ that it was today.

Does anyone actually like running in the heat?

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;806273]I just struggled through a little over 2 miles. I think if I had some water with me I could have gone farther and the run would have been easier. Personally I'd much rather run when its about 40degrees or lower than the 80+ that it was today.

Does anyone actually like running in the heat?[/quote]

I've always loved it. I guess in part because it takes me back to playing football in high school during the summer where we would practice two or three times a day usually wearing full pads. Also theres a sense of accomplishment when the sun is beating down on you, you're covered in sweat, and yet you still finished your workout.

The only thing I didn't like was the farmers tan.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;806275]I've always loved it. I guess in part because it takes me back to playing football in high school during the summer. Also theres a sense of accomplishment when the sun is beating down on you, you're covered in sweat, and yet you still finished your workout.

The only thing I didn't like was the farmers tan.[/quote]Maybe that's it. I was a wrestler, so most of my long distance running experience prior to the last few months was running outside after practice in December/January/February to cut weight.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;806273]I just struggled through a little over 2 miles. I think if I had some water with me I could have gone farther and the run would have been easier. Personally I'd much rather run when its about 40degrees or lower than the 80+ that it was today.

Does anyone actually like running in the heat?[/quote]

I did 2 miles tonight in the heat and I was seriously hurtin' half way through. Think I need to start bringing along some water too when it's hot like this. Didn't help that I chose to take a path with no shade when I could have taken another route that had a lot less direct sun.

Re: The runners thread
 

A good tip for running in the heat is: Water the day before. The day of you should have some sort of electrolyte like Gatorade, Nuun, etc.

Re: The runners thread
 

Good advice. I made a mistake by not downing some water an hour before I went out.

Re: The runners thread
 

A good idea about running in the heat is to say "F that" and go to the pool.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=Mattyk;806290]I did 2 miles tonight in the heat and I was seriously hurtin' half way through. Think I need to start bringing along some water too when it's hot like this. Didn't help that I chose to take a path with no shade when I could have taken another route that had a lot less direct sun.[/quote]

Gab dabit boy. I done use to run 2 miles a day around an open field with no shade in SOUTHEAST GORGIAH! Oh and I done had two broken legs, a saparated shoulder and a herniated disc when I did it toh.

Okay so maybe there was one leg with a little shade during certain parts of the day but damnit it gets hot down here sometimes. Of course it's a luxury considering how little winter and fall you have to deal with. Anyways I'll save that for the weather thread.

Re: The runners thread
 

In LA there is an "LA Fitness" where, I kid you not, there is an escalator to take you up the one flight of stairs to the gym.

My lady used to do marathons with the PF Changs team, travel around the country, etc.
Last year she said she wanted to get back into running and prep for a mini-marathon a few months down the road. So we go to this expensive ass sports store in harbor east and buy her a nice pair of running shoes for a lil over a 100 bucks. We get home, she puts them on and does a test run around the block. Comes back, says they feel great . . the bitch hasnt worn those shoes since then.

Also, in my neighbirhood, I swear the more adverse the weather the more runners feel the need to go out and prove how die hard they are. Its snowing and icy and you want to run in shorts, a tee shirt and a head scarf? Im impressed. Impressed by your stupidity to keep it real.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;806316]Gab dabit boy. I done use to run 2 miles a day around an open field with no shade in SOUTHEAST GORGIAH! Oh and I done had two broken legs, a saparated shoulder and a herniated disc when I did it toh.

[/quote]

Legs? You had legs to run on? In my day we couldnt afford legs, we just had really long pointy hips we had to wobble 25 miles to school on in 23 feet of snow.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=over the mountain;806341]In LA there is an "LA Fitness" where, I kid you not, there is an escalator to take you up the one flight of stairs to the gym.

My lady used to do marathons with the PF Changs team, travel around the country, etc.
Last year she said she wanted to get back into running and prep for a mini-marathon a few months down the road. So we go to this expensive ass sports store in harbor east and buy her a nice pair of running shoes for a lil over a 100 bucks. We get home, she puts them on and does a test run around the block. Comes back, says they feel great . . the bitch hasnt worn those shoes since then.

[B]Also, in my neighbirhood, I swear the more adverse the weather the more runners feel the need to go out and prove how die hard they are. Its snowing and icy and you want to run in shorts, a tee shirt and a head scarf? Im impressed. Impressed by your stupidity to keep it real.[/B][/quote]

I see that all the time on really hot days. Last week when it was 100 something some lady collapsed by my house, she called 911 on her own but I went out to help her. When the paramedics got there they were genuinely upset with her for being so stupid.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=over the mountain;806341]In LA there is an "LA Fitness" where, I kid you not, there is an escalator to take you up the one flight of stairs to the gym.

My lady used to do marathons with the PF Changs team, travel around the country, etc.
Last year she said she wanted to get back into running and prep for a mini-marathon a few months down the road. So we go to this expensive ass sports store in harbor east and buy her a nice pair of running shoes for a lil over a 100 bucks. We get home, she puts them on and does a test run around the block. Comes back, says they feel great . . the bitch hasnt worn those shoes since then.

Also, in my neighbirhood, I swear the more adverse the weather the more runners feel the need to go out and prove how die hard they are. Its snowing and icy and you want to run in shorts, a tee shirt and a head scarf? Im impressed. Impressed by your stupidity to keep it real.[/quote]


The local one here in central PA has an escalator.

Planet Fitness is the biggest joke of a "gym" though. Dumbbells only go to about 75 pounds, no real weights. If you grunt while lifting an alarm goes off and they kick you out. THEN, they have PIZZA NIGHT for the fat ladies. They charge $10.00 a month because they know the far majority of their customers will sign up, never go and cancel in a few months. They survive on a big number of inactive members paying a few bucks instead of charging more for dedicated lifters.

Re: The runners thread
 

i ran a mile yesterday, pretty much out of boredom and curiosity, it was hot as f-ing balls and a 1/4 mile into it i regreted it, halfway through it i lost some of the powerade i chugged before i ran. ended up finishing it in 7:38 which i was happy about, my shins and calfs are killing me today though. i'm going to try and start running twice a week again, nothing crazy maybe 2 or 3 miles. i've always had good endurance from playing soccer and other sports my whole youth, when i was in my prime i ran 2 miles in 10:12 during basic training.

and when i run i prefer to be on a wooded path in a park somewhere, i have to find a good one here at my new place. i really hate running on sidewalks and streets in neighbor hoods, almost as much as i hate running in circles on a track.

Re: The runners thread
 

[quote=Monkeydad;806356]The local one here in central PA has an escalator.

[B]Planet Fitness is the biggest joke of a "gym" though. Dumbbells only go to about 75 pounds, no real weights. If you grunt while lifting an alarm goes off and they kick you out. THEN, they have PIZZA NIGHT for the fat ladies. They charge $10.00 a month because they know the far majority of their customers will sign up, never go and cancel in a few months. They survive on a big number of inactive members paying a few bucks instead of charging more for dedicated lifters.[/B][/quote]

I go there love the place. They turned off the grunt alarm at mine it is there but I have never heard it and I have dropped crap by it all the time. I am not a serious body builder so the weights they have work perfect for me. They have Smith machines with plenty of 45lb plates. Plenty of lifting dudes there many came over from Golds that I recognize.

Usually always slow, big amount of cardio, every weight machine you can think of, smith machines, dumbbells, etc...Only $10 a month and very very clean. If you are a self starter don't want or need classes and are not a major body builder it is a good gym. The pizza night is the first Monday of the month, kind of a celebration I guess, hard to beleive if you eat healthy all month and had pizza that one night you would get fat. They also say take a tootsie roll on your way out you deserve it you worked out today. Again no one is getting fat off that tootsie roll, they are just preaching moderation and a reward for a job well done.

Also I say thank you to the inactive members they keep my fees down and are not in my way. that is a win in my book. Plus you can get a damn good burn with just 75lb and below dumbbells.

I say in all the gyms I have belonged too it ranks second only too the Merrifield, VA Golds Gym and you have to take the stairs to get to that one.

Oh and the best part from the sound of it Buster will never be a member! He is at the big tough guy gym training for seal team 6. Win-win! =)