Let's Talk About Running

[FRPLG]

If you don't have a lot of extra weight you probably won't lose much. Maybe increase your caloric intake a bit with a good balance of protein and carbs to offset it. More important than your weight will be your body. Running just a couple times a week won't stress your body too much all at once. That is good. But, enough running over the long term will accumulate stress on your skeletal frame and joints. One key will be to mix your workouts up. Do a mixture of speed, tempo and long runs to help your body with all phases of running. I run a lot. I do half-marathons and have been training for a few years now. The first year I spent basically acclimating my frame for running. I did a lot of icing and didn't push too hard. I was religious about not over-doing it. Every three weeks I made sure I did an easy week to help the body recover. Now I was either training or pre-training to run competitive races so the intensity was pretty high but the same concepts apply to just casual running. Running a few times, getting hurt and taking three weeks off to heal is pointless. Like others have said, work some cross-training in to keep the body from adjusting to your workouts. Don't go too hard to begin with. It'll be better to feel like you're under-doing it in the beginning(3 month at least).

[GMScud]

Good advice from FRPLG.

Do you have a gym membership? If you do, I'd vary your cardio workouts. Muscle confusion is a great thing. I do lots of cardio, but mix it up with running on a treadmill, running outdoors, the elliptical, and the rotating stair climber thingy.

Remember this- the first couple of days after you start your running routine, you're gonna be sore as all hell. Make sure you stretch thoroughly before and after your runs.

As far as the weight loss thing, if you don't lift weights or supplement your diet with extra protein, I would consider it.

The best hours of my day are the ones right after I'm done with a workout. Mentally sharp, totally oxygenated, feeling so great! Good luck 12th.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by GMScud

Good advice from FRPLG.

Do you have a gym membership? If you do, I'd vary your cardio workouts. Muscle confusion is a great thing. I do lots of cardio, but mix it up with running on a treadmill, running outdoors, the elliptical, and the rotating stair climber thingy.

Remember this- the first couple of days after you start your running routine, you're gonna be sore as all hell. Make sure you stretch thoroughly before and after your runs.

As far as the weight loss thing, if you don't lift weights or supplement your diet with extra protein, I would consider it.

The best hours of my day are the ones right after I'm done with a workout. Mentally sharp, totally oxygenated, feeling so great! Good luck 12th.

Well I used to use the company gym when I worked at the office, but now that I'm working from home I'm not as motivated to go to the gym. But your point is well taken, I think I definitely need to work in some weight lifting.

What's your take on push ups?

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Well I used to use the company gym when I worked at the office, but now that I'm working from home I'm not as motivated to go to the gym. But your point is well taken, I think I definitely need to work in some weight lifting.

What's your take on push ups?

Push-ups are great. You can do so many different variations of them. I have the Perfect Push-up, and it works really well. If I can't get to the gym, often times I'll do a push-up work out with some abs thrown in.