tPF Running Club!

[FrankieP]

Hey Freak, head on over to www.runningwarehouse.com. I've bought from them before and they're fantastic, they list lots of info about each of their shoes and have tons of clothing too for good prices.


Went for my run tonight, did 11km and whilst my leg was sore for the first two km it settled down after that. Until I stopped, anyway, and it had me limping for a couple of hours! Can't wait until storm season has passed now, which is a shame as I otherwise love this time of year with rain and thunder. Anyway, 11km at 12kmh / 5min pace, 55mins total.


Got bored watching telly and made our thread a gif!

Aaaand another patented Frankie Crappy Gif is unleashed upon the interwebz...........

[tln]

I'd like to join! I am currently getting started again after taking a few weeks to let my shins heal. I was popping ibuprofin and limping terribly, so I didn't run for 3 weeks. I've switched to running at the track at a nearby school and haven't had any soreness. I've got to increase my frequency gradually, as I am only running 1-2 times per week. Driving to the track is not nearly as convenient as heading out the front door! But, if I can build up my strength over the winter, maybe I can get back to my 5-6 times a week pattern!

[Cristina]

Welcome, tln!

Generally, running on the track is better for you and easier on your joints because it's a softer surface. I've read that concrete is terrible for running, and that asphalt is all right (softer than concrete), but that track and trail running provides a much softer surface.

Good luck in getting your mileage and frequency back up! Slow and steady will prevent injury, and soon you'll be good to go

So, tPF runners - when do you run and where? I was thinking about this during my morning run. I logged 5 miles in 44 minutes. I usually pound the pavement around 5:45 a.m. four days a week. My route is usually along a coastal road that goes right along the beach.

If for some reason I can't make it in the morning, I'll go after work to the gym and squeeze in a run on the treadmill. On days I don't run, I cross train with weight training, the elliptical or Spinning classes, and I usually take one, sometimes two, rest days per week. I started working out in the mornings almost three years ago, when I got tired of having to fit everything in after work. I wanted my evenings free, so I trained myself to get up, hit the gym and get ready for work in the locker room.

It is one of the best changes I've made in order to continue a healthier lifestyle. Not to mention that running outdoors early in the morning is more suitable here in South Florida, with our scorching summers. The morning temperatures around this time of year are in the mid to high 60s, so it's lovely

[aliburke84]

Hi everyone! Nice job getting this thread rolling Frankie! We needed another type of running discussion!

So anyway, I've been running for the past 6 or so years and don't know how I ever lived without it. I look at people who don't run, or mostly, who don't exercise regularly and have no idea how they do it. It makes me feel sooo much better about myself and just better in general. When I need to sort something out in my mind, I know that I will be in a better place mentally after a nice run and the time alone while running also really helps! I've also helped many friends start running and they've transformed nicely into runners with my help! The house I lived in in college actually turned into a little running group and we'd go on 6-8 person runs several times a week! These were girls who couldn't run a mile without dying and they got up to being able to do around 6 miles!

For anyone looking to increase mileage, don't get discouraged! I know it's really easy to get frustrated but just realize that your body is getting used to what you are doing to it and that takes time. Try to stop thinking in terms of miles or kilometers when you go out and more in terms of time. If you run 10 minutes one day, try to simply add 5 or 10 more minutes the next day. Or a trick that I used and still use when building back up is when you are struggling and really want to stop look ahead to an item (tree,trashcan, anything...doesnt matter) and say "okay just keep going until you get there" and then when you get there try to assess whether or not you're actually going to die or not and if you feel that you can maybe make it to the next land mark you see then just try for it! Oh, and for anyone running on a treadmill and struggling...try to run outside instead! I know it's getting colder and that doesn't help with motivation, but it's not too cold yet and if you run progressively into the cold weather you get used to it!

[aliburke84]

Originally Posted by Cristina

Welcome, tln! Generally, running on the track is better for you and easier on your joints because it's a softer surface. I've read that concrete is terrible for running, and that asphalt is all right (softer than concrete), but that track and trail running provides a much softer surface. Good luck in getting your mileage and frequency back up! Slow and steady will prevent injury, and soon you'll be good to go So, tPF runners - when do you run and where? I was thinking about this during my morning run. I logged 5 miles in 44 minutes. I usually pound the pavement around 5:45 a.m. four days a week. My route is usually along a coastal road that goes right along the beach. If for some reason I can't make it in the morning, I'll go after work to the gym and squeeze in a run on the treadmill. I started working out in the mornings almost three years ago, when I got tired of having to fit everything in after work. I wanted my evenings free, so I trained myself to get up, hit the gym and get ready for work in the locker room. It is one of the best changes I've made in order to continue a healthier lifestyle. Not to mention that running outdoors early in the morning is more suitable here in South Florida, with our scorching summers. The morning temperatures around this time of year are in the mid to high 60s, so it's lovely

You're so lucky you can do that! I have to be at work by around 7:45am and the commute is 45 minutes, so I'd have to be out the door by 5 to get a good run in. Maybe I'll work up to being able to do this, but I finish work at 4 and just go right out the door to the park from there so it's not that bad!

I also think I have more energy later in the day, but would much rather get my run overwith before work! The day is much better when I start out like that!

[gypsumrose]

Frankie - love the graphic!

It's sooo cold out! How do you all do it in the winter? I'm trying to train for this half-marathon training program that start Dec 13 & we have to be able to run 6 miles. The cold is cutting down on my mileage significantly. The only thing I have going for me is an enthusiastic dog.

It was 24 degrees (F) this morning. Brr!

I scored some Nike dryfit under armour-like shirts at TJ Maxx on Saturday but I think they're too small for me so I'm going to go back to try to find it in a size larger. I was supposed to run yesterday but I couldn't convince myself it was a good idea until I had something warmer to wear.

[aliburke84]

All I can say in regards to the cold is keep going......

it takes time to get used to it, just as it does to get used to running in the heat. I've perfected my winter running clothes over the years though, so you also need to make sure you're adequately dressed. What pants are you wearing? I suggest getting a good (annoying...but they'll run you $70ish) pair of tights. They're very comfortable to run in and keep you very warm. Also, if the air gets VERY cold run with something over your mouth to cut down on the frozen air going into your lungs.

[Cristina]

Originally Posted by aliburke84

You're so lucky you can do that! I have to be at work by around 7:45am and the commute is 45 minutes, so I'd have to be out the door by 5 to get a good run in. Maybe I'll work up to being able to do this, but I finish work at 4 and just go right out the door to the park from there so it's not that bad! I also think I have more energy later in the day, but would much rather get my run overwith before work! The day is much better when I start out like that!

At least you're out the door by 4 p.m. and the park (by park do you mean Central Park? I'd love to run there! ) is right next to you.

I definitely think that energy levels vary for different people during different times of the day. For example, I'm usually beat by the time I leave work at 5 p.m. I want nothing more than to go home, watch the news, cook dinner and relax.

If I work out in the evening, I practically have to force myself to do it, whereas in the morning most of the time I look forward to my run. It helps set the tone for the day, and I'm usually energized by the time I get to the office.

I wonder what it would be like to run in super cold weather. When I was in DC last December, there were many runners along the Mall, in 30 degree freezing rain Most of them were wearing the running tights that Ali is talking about. Running there would be beautiful, I love DC. It would be worth freezing my behind off!

The coldest weather I've run in has been in the 50s or so, when I lived in Orlando. There were a few 3 and 4-mile loops right next to my house, and I remember during the first cold front I'd always go for a run. I love those cooler temperatures!

Quote:

Or a trick that I used and still use when building back up is when you are struggling and really want to stop look ahead to an item (tree,trashcan, anything...doesnt matter) and say "okay just keep going until you get there" and then when you get there try to assess whether or not you're actually going to die or not and if you feel that you can maybe make it to the next land mark you see then just try for it!

This is great advice, beginning runners! I used this when adding mileage to my long runs, and before I knew it, my long runs went from 6 miles to 10, and now 12!

[aliburke84]

Yes...Central Park!

It's only one block from my office and it's amazing! Come to New York and we can go for a run there together!

[gypsumrose]

Thanks, ali & Cristina - I'll take a look at the running store.

I did notice that TJ Maxx had some reebok (maybe adidas?) pants that were thicker polyester and felt a lot like the nike dryfit shirts that I found. Do you think they'd be any good? (yes, I'm balking at price)

Does Nike make anything like those tights? I'll be at an outlet mall with a Nike store on Friday.

[aliburke84]

If you can....stay away from polyester. When it comes to running gear, it's also not thicker=better. Most cold weather running clothes actually seem quite thin, but are made with a material that is able to keep your body heat in while wicking away moisture. Also, the reason I suggest tights as opposed to looser pants is because they keep the wind and cold out whereas looser pants obviously let a draft in when they inevitably pull away from your skin a bit. You also have to remember when it comes to technical wear...."there's a reason it's cheaper."

You can most likely find cheaper though...look around online. All decent ones I've seen full price are $50-$75ish. But perhaps you can find a sale, or like you said...an outlet. Nike isn't as big on tights as other companies...brooks, mizuno, aasics, reebok, saucony, etc.

[aliburke84]

PS. I love this! I could talk about running all day long!

[Cristina]

Originally Posted by aliburke84

Yes...Central Park! It's only one block from my office and it's amazing! Come to New York and we can go for a run there together!

I would love to! B and I were talking about vacations, and I think a trip to NYC would be fantastic. It's the next big city I'd love to visit.

Maybe for his birthday in March He'll just have to wait while you and I run!


I'd just like to rave about Brooks running gear. I run in the Adrenaline, after going through two pairs of the fantastic Asics GT series. I thought I would never wear another shoe other than Asics, but after trying on the Brooks Adrenaline and running in them, I can now say that I'll never be buying anything else I need a new pair, but it will have to wait until my next paycheck.

[cfred]

Frankie, the graphic girl is adorable!
I am enjoying reading everyone's stories and definitely being inspired for my run later on today.
I run at a local track mainly in the early to late afternoon-- I am not a morning person at all.
I bring my Ipod Shuffle and run my lil heart out.
It is an awesome time to run weather wise as it is in the 50's and so the temperature is actually refreshing.
I might be laid off for a few months and if I am I will try to run more and for sanity and to stave off boredom.
Run on!

[aliburke84]

(to Cristina)^^ YESS!!! That would be so fun! But he could join right in when we get drinks afterwards!

And it's an open invite! Come on other tPF runners....you know you want to!