tPF Running Club!

[FrankieP]

Hahhaaaaaaa, this thread is off and running, I've so many posts to catch up on just from overnight! I'm so glad though, I could chat running all the live long day, and as Ali said I find myself all pumped at the end of the day for my run!

I wish so much I could run through a place like Central Park, even if I did need to do so with a drink bottle in one hand and a can of Mace in the other! Out here I'm stuck on the treadmill because I'm on call for work and am tied to my truck, but on days off I love hitting the trails. I don't really like road running, I prefer to be surrounded with trees rather than buildings, and I find the roads hurt my legs as the bitumen's so hard. We don't really have footpaths (sidewalks) out here in this little town, and running on the road is a pain because of the camber of the road. When I do road run I have to run out and back on the side facing traffic of course so even when I turn around I cross the road so am still running on the same slope of camber, I can't even up. I run farther down my own road, and once the houses end it turns into a one-lane strip of bitumen and then the bitumen ends altogether. The verges are soft sand so I can't run on that, and I have to turn down my iPod and keep looking over my shoulder to be sure a roadtrain isn't sneaking up behind me! Oh yes, and then every few hundred metres or so I get to do anaerobic training as I hold my breath running past some roadkill, hahahahaha!!!

With training around work and whatnot I get up early to swim in the morning, and then go to the gym directly from work in the arvo. The direct part is very important - although this is a tiny town and it wouldn't take long and would be easier in terms of carrying bags and stuff to go home first, the couch is there and the couch is a very dangerous place. If my backside comes within a metre of that couch it's magnetic properties instantly seize it and don't let go until I go make a coffee. Then I return and the day is lost. Therefore I carry gym kit and handbag to work, get changed at ten to four, and sprint over to the gym to hog my treadmill before anyone else jumps on! I actually bought a tready for home because of the treadmill hogging guilt and to make it easier to train anytime, but it's making a funny bonking noise right now...

Anyway, going direct from work is a big help, and I generally read my running books or magazines or forums in the late afternoon at work to get gee'd up for it. Anyone else here read any running books? I've a couple, one's specifically on running for women and another is on the Alexander technique with running. I love the magazines best though, I find articles and photographs of other women runners especially inspiring and used to leave the pages open by my treadmill at home so that although I can't read the articles whilst running I can at least see them!


Haven't heard back from the running coach yet. After my run last night my shatterbone leg was really sore, even limping really hurt, and it was so touchy that just to touch my toes made it hurt more just because my body weight was shifted forward rather than going directly down my bones! Stupid leg. It's frustrating having the pain and whilst I can tell myself it's a fake pain - there's nothing new wrong, it's just because of the rain that it's become intolerant - it still bloody hurts! I think that after two years that this is as good as it's going to get, so I can pretty much expect a few bad months this time every year. Hmm.. guess I better not move to the coast or anyplace that's always humid then........

[FrankieP]

Originally Posted by TokidokiPeanut

how long should i be running or walking at first?

As much as is comfortable.. if at first you find you can't run for more than two minutes without stopping, run 1 minute and walk one minute five times. Then the next week run 1.5 minutes and walk one minute, then 2 run / 1 walk, then maybe 3/1.5 and then 3/1, and work on upwards. Go back to the first page of this thread though as I've put links there to the Couch to 5km program which will guide you through this!

For running tights I'd get compression ones, try Skinz or 2XU tights. If you just want non-compressive tights then any that are made of a Dri-Fit type material would be fine, but I wouldn't wear cotton/lycra type tights, you need something that will wick away sweat and not end up a baggy puddle stuck to you once you sweat.

[FrankieP]

Originally Posted by anitalilac

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..

I use an iPod shuffle, get the 2Gb one and you'll have more than enough space for all your running tunes. They're cheap, super light, and don't cost so much you'll worry about it getting dropped / lost / rained upon.

[aliburke84]

Hi Toki!
Do you currently walk? You don't need a walking base before you start running. How about you just go out and see if you can run for 10 minutes straight first. Or, if that's too much..just see if you can run around the block! Once you can do that and don't feel death approaching, try to add 5 more minutes on and go from there!

As far as the tights I believe mine are Sugoi (haven't dug them out of storage yet), they are great! Here's the site...but my exact ones aren't on here. I also didn't pay $85 or $100...so just look around online!

http://sugoi.com/category/76120

But I would also recommend looking at Brooks and Mizuno as I stated a few posts back. They're all great!!

[aliburke84]

I second Frankie's suggestion for the ipod shuffle! The 1G (2G isn't even necessary!!) is only $50 and they're really reliable. I go for apple products whenever I can now because their customer service is just so great! You can just pop into the store whenever you need something or have a question and they are always ready to help!

[gypsumrose]

MP3 player: I got an ipod touch a while ago for almost $200 below retail on ebay. It was new in box & I couldn't ask for more! Apple recommends you get an ipod that uses a flash drive instead of a hard drive since a hard drive has moveable parts that can break when jostled too much. Also, you can use nike+ with some of these (unfortunately, not my slightly older ipod touch).

I like listening to podcasts all day at work. I just downloaded a few running ones, so I'll let everyone know which are my favorite. If anyone has any recommendations, I'm all ears!

Ali - I just bought Nike tights from the local running shop. They look pretty silly because I'm convinced I'm between sizes and went for the smaller ones because a) less wind blowing up the ankles, b) I'll lose weight someday!, c) they're more comfortable, and d) who cares what I look like?

I went back to TJ Maxx to get a larger sized under armour type shirt & all they had was under armour summer clothing that would fit and wick. I bought two of those shirts (since I'll use them at some point anyway - they won't hurt for layering), and I'll check out the nike outlet store on Friday.

This is my new favorite thread. :)

[aliburke84]

Woo hoo! Gypsum in tights! You'll feel like a million bucks running in them...I secretly love when winter comes back just because of them! Having something tight on your legs feels great...which I guess is the whole science behind compression wear!!

I usually only add a couple new pieces each season to my running wardrobe since you can wear them a couple times before washing (I can at least...I'm not a big sweater though). You're off to a great start

Let us know how they feel when you try 'em out!

[gypsumrose]

Heehee.. I dislike how they look, but they're pretty comfy!

I just checked the weather for tomorrow morning when I would run and it says 32 with freezing rain 40% chance. Should feel like 25. Ugh. I'm pretty motivated right now to think I'm actually doing it. I blame you, group!

[bagfreak48]

Wow, just a day later and there are 4 pages. Looks like there are plenty of running fans on this forum. Unlike you all, my problem here is the heat and humidity. Also safety is a big issue, running outside on my own is not a good idea. Sad but true for where I come from unless I make my way to public parks which are too far away. So its the treadmill for me.

I am tempted to buy on-line for the running stuff but from where I come from, the tax and courier cost will just make it super expensive. Sigh....get very jealous vs. those runners in the US with all their options...

As for running books, I recently read a book by Haruki Murakami (cult Japanese author) entitled "What I talk about when I talk about running". It may not be everyone's cup of tea but its essentially a journal of his marathon and trialathon training. He does 1 each every year since 33 and he is his 60's. Very inspirational and approaches running with a zen like discipline. I was inpsipred to go from 5km to 10 km runs with him...

One more question, do you find that there are some days when running that 10km is super easy and some day, almost impossible. Anyways to overcome it?

[FrankieP]

Murakami is a marathoner?! Golly, he's even more my hero now!

I can't believe I forgot to mention it earlier, but you guys MUST download some PodRunner podcasts!!! They're done at specific beats per minute, and if you can work out which is perfect bpm for you on your long run pace, or your race pace, then you've an awesome time keeper tick-tocking away in your head to keep your cadence in time to the beat! When I'm running on long/slow runs at 12kmh I use a podrunner at 163bpm, and find it keeps perfect time and really helps me stay at that pace when not on a treadmill. For tempo runs at 14kmh I use 168bpm podcast.

Go to www.podrunner.com, or you can download them through iTunes too!

[TokidokiPeanut]

Well, I walked about 2 miles. Didn't get to do as much as I wanted. Family came over and then it got late. I felt good though, I walked fast. it is really humid here right now and the air is heavy. YUCK! Next time I am going to try some of your sugestions and run for a bit.

[aliburke84]

Originally Posted by bagfreak48

As for running books, I recently read a book by Haruki Murakami (cult Japanese author) entitled "What I talk about when I talk about running". It may not be everyone's cup of tea but its essentially a journal of his marathon and trialathon training. He does 1 each every year since 33 and he is his 60's. Very inspirational and approaches running with a zen like discipline. I was inpsipred to go from 5km to 10 km runs with him... One more question, do you find that there are some days when running that 10km is super easy and some day, almost impossible. Anyways to overcome it?

I'm reading this book now! My marathon buddy gave it to me right before we ran NY last week, she said it's really motivational. I'll give my feedback when I finish!

And to your question about good running days and bad running days...yes. They happen to everyone! There isn't really a way to overcome it necessarily. Is 10km your peak distance? The only thing I would say is that if you dwarfed the distance by running, say, 15km more often, 10km would seem like much less and seem more like an easier run. But then you'd most likely have the same struggle with the 15km distance because you'd have days where that was more difficult to achieve, and so on. Get what I'm saying? But basically all you can do if 1) accept that everyone has bad days and try not to become too frustrated when you have one, 2) make sure you are doing everything else correctly: stretch, eat enough, drink enough water, 3) pay attention to your recovery post-run.

Experts say that you are supposed to eat within 30 minutes of exercising to replace what you've lost (in a good way!!). There are some foods that are better than others - dairy is a big one (yogurt, glass of milk, etc), but realistically it's difficult sometimes to do this, so whatever you can get your hands on is fine! There's basically a 30 minute window that your muscles have post-exercising and you need to get energy to them as quickly as possible. I know it might not feel like it, but this replacement fuel will help you more before your next tough run way more than what you eat the day of, etc.

So try to make sure you're doing everything correctly, that way you can just chalk it up to "a bad running day" rather than something you've done wrong.

[gypsumrose]

Well I ran this morning in tights. Woohoo! It was pretty good. I was cold at first, but it was more brisk than Arctic Ocean. My butt is still cold right now, but I had a good run. It did rain.

I ran around a pond (of the swanky retention variety), through a small residential area and around the high school track (sooo much easier to run on! dog didn't like me leaving him and coming back as I rounded the laps). I ran 4 miles (wow!.. for me) and had a faster overall pace including some good parts where I kept it under 11 minutes.

Anyway, I couldn't wait to share it with you all & a local guy who comes into my work.

[TokidokiPeanut]

YAY!!!! Good for you GR!!!! Keep up the good work!

Originally Posted by gypsumrose

Well I ran this morning in tights. Woohoo! It was pretty good. I was cold at first, but it was more brisk than Arctic Ocean. My butt is still cold right now, but I had a good run. It did rain. I ran around a pond (of the swanky retention variety), through a small residential area and around the high school track (sooo much easier to run on! dog didn't like me leaving him and coming back as I rounded the laps). I ran 4 miles (wow!.. for me) and had a faster overall pace including some good parts where I kept it under 11 minutes. Anyway, I couldn't wait to share it with you all & a local guy who comes into my work.

[aliburke84]

Hahaha wow you really do make it sound cold where you are!! I can still survive in shorts + running jacket. I used to run in Liberty State Park last year, which is on the Hudson River and about 50 yards from the Statue of Liberty....very motivational as the sun is rising! But anyway, it was definitely ARCTIC cold and I had to run with vaseline on my face....horrible!!

Glad to hear you liked your new purchase though


Any news Toki?