tPF Running Club!

[tln]

I would travel to go on that run with you guys! Ok...this is what is driving me crazy...before I got hurt, I would just run-turn if I felt like turning, whatever. Now that I am running on the track, it is just round and round, or oval and oval, more accurately. Driving me nuts a bit. I change directions several times, and that helps. Any other suggestions?

[CYPRUS]

I would really love to start running! I have a treadmill at home...does that count as well? I have neglected running for so long..I just need an inspiration!

[aliburke84]

The treadmill definitely counts -- I think it's just a little bit more difficult to become addicted to it and definitely harder to motivate yourself to keep going! There's something about running outside in the fresh air (yes..even hot or cold air) that really just gets in your blood and makes you want to move! Know what I mean? There's definitely just something missing from a treadmill but I suppose it really just depends on what you're looking for! You are most certainly still a runner on a TM...but I don't think I've ever heard of a lifelong TM runner. To me, running on a TM makes it seem like a chore...and something that you just have to get out of the way. For general exercise and/or weightloss purposes? Definitely hit up that TM...but also try and see if you can get outside for some runs!

[gypsumrose]

ali - I can't stop thinking about running now. :) I have waaaay too much to do tonight though, so it'll have to wait until tomorrow morning. Hopefully I have something decent to wear then. I'll hit up the running store tonight then TJ's & maybe Finish Line (in order of distance) and I can return what I don't like.

I've been trying to lose weight for a while. I lost 15 lbs towards the beginning of the year but got bored. I'm focusing on running goals now so hopefully the weight will fall in place. It seems more productive anyway than obsessing about every single pound.

[aliburke84]

Gypsum, I know the feeling! I read this and the runnersworld.com forum all day long and by the time I leave at 4 I'm all psyched up to get out and run! I'm also a pretty big fan of "running stores" (as opposed to large chain giants, etc) because the people who work there are very knowledgeable and have mostly likely used the product they are selling. You also tend to develop a relationship with the employees and they are always happy to help you if you buy a product and don't like it or give running advice, etc.

Running is the ultimate way to lose weight. Not only does it provide safe and steady weight loss and calorie burn, but it also provides you with a really great mental well being that you don't get as much from the gym or other forms of exercising, and you certainly don't get it from the amount of dieting that you would have to do to equal the loss that running provides. Too often, people force themselves to run without really wanting to. They look at it as punishment and because of that, they never reap the full benefits of it. So keep going gypsum...I have a great feeling about you!

[Cristina]

LOL I finally got off my behind and registered for the half marathon. So here I am, $75 poorer, but thrilled!

I agree with Ali about non chain running stores. I buy my shoes and Body Glide at Run N' Roll in West Palm Beach - http://www.runandrollfl.com/. The owners of the shop are also heavily involved in the Palm Beach Roadrunners Running Club. I usually buy my gels at Running Sports, which is closer to where I live - http://www.runningsports.com/. The owners of that shop put out two coolers of water and Gatorade every Saturday morning for the runners along A1A, where most of us congregate for our long runs.

Quote:

I've been trying to lose weight for a while. I lost 15 lbs towards the beginning of the year but got bored. I'm focusing on running goals now so hopefully the weight will fall in place. It seems more productive anyway than obsessing about every single pound.

Gypsum, this is exactly how you should look at it. Focus on your health and fitness goals. With proper eating to fuel your runs and a positive outlook, the weight loss will just be another added benefit!

Question for everyone. Do you all do interval training at all? HIIT, or High Intensity Interval Training, is a great way to kick start fat loss and can help beat the humdrum of steady state cardio. For those of you who do mostly treadmill running, I highly recommend looking into HIIT. Every now and then I'll do it. It usually looks like this -

5 minutes warmup at 6 mph
1 minute sprint at 8 to 8.5 mph, or whatever is challenging for you.
1 minute cooldown at 6 mph
repeat for 20 minutes
3 minute cooldown at 6 mph
2 minute cooldown walking at 3 mph

You get in a high intensity workout in only 30 minutes. This usually leaves me drenched in sweat and very tired, but after cooling down and getting my heart rate back to normal, I feel great. After doing HIIT for a few weeks, I found it easier to run at a steady pace, such as a 9 minute mile, for longer distances.

[aliburke84]

Yayy!! Ugh, I know....the money really adds up right? All races with big sponsors are really damn expensive. But hey I guess that's what you pay for the awesome sense of accomplishment that comes along with running an organized race! The NYC marathon was $175 (or something right around there)...ouch! But hey, wouldn't have traded the money back for the world!

I don't do interval training, but am often intrigued by it. I feel like it really wouldn't happen on my own though...definitely need a partner or a group to get myself started with that. I really want to be a faster runner though, so I know it would be really great for me to do so. I've thought about joining a running club up here many times though, so if I do hopefully I can find one that offers interval training support!

[anitalilac]

Originally Posted by aliburke84

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

Hi aliburke,
My spinning instructor told me too that running is the best weight loss exercise..she runs during summer and that is when she slims down the fastest...
Anyway , what kind of portable audio do you runners use while running?
I saw this Sansa clip MP3 player at Costco that cost $69, here from Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Sansa-...6350715&sr=8-1

Or I was thinking the new Ipod Nano 8gb in Pink...
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPod-nan...6350883&sr=1-6

Thanks ladies...especially the info about going to specialty running stores..

[bridurkin]

I run 3 miles 3-5 times a week at 6 AM with a friend of mine. We started off at 2 miles and upped it to 3 a few months ago. I would love to up it to 4, but I am having a hard time finding the time! How sad..less than 10 minutes, and I just can't seem to do it! I love the way I feel after a run.

I ran for years, 6-8 miles a day, but after I stopped, it was hard to pick up again. I'm not sure I would still be doing it if I didn't have a friend meeting me in the morning!

[TokidokiPeanut]

I am so excited about this thread! I am not a runner but want to be so bad. I am going to check out that couch to 5k site and get motivated! I am inspired by all of you! I have tried to start running several times but I always feel like my lungs are in my throat and cannot get my breathing under control. Blech!! So I always give up. Now I want to try again. Thanks!!!

[gypsumrose]

toki - definitely try it out! I wish I had known about it when I started out. I pretty much just haphazardly ran and stopped, trying to get a little better each time. I found a world of difference when I finally got real running shoes. Nothing hurt!

That program will do a much better job of gradually getting your body used to running.

Also, I've noticed that when I've had to take some time off from running, getting back into it has been much easier, having already finished some distance.

Let us know how it goes!

[TokidokiPeanut]

thanks GR. I'm gonna try it again and see how I do. We are going to get out tonight, don't know if I will run but I am going to try. I have comfy running shoes so that shouldn't be a problem. It's just the doing it that's hard for me.

[cfred]

Hi all. I am back from my run and it was chilly!! I look like such a dork because I was wearing navy blue running pants with pink trim, a black puffer vest, a red t-shirt and a black fleece shirt. I look very . Too many colors!!
I ran three miles and incorporated a few quarter mile walking breaks. I think this will help with my desire to increase my mileage. I had always stayed away from this method thinking it was better to push through and run but every single training guide recommends walking so maybe I will trust the experts!
Toki-- definitely join the runners. It is the most rewarding, beneficial, fun and addictive exercise. You will feel great, look better, etc.

[TokidokiPeanut]

how long should i be running or walking at first?

[TokidokiPeanut]

what brand do you recommend?

Originally Posted by 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.