ILX running running thread

In the NYT this week
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/health/nutrition/26best.html?_r=3
re caffeine as a performance booster

ha i was just gonna come in here to say, yes, it absolutely does work - drank some strong black coffee before i ran today and basically ran double the distance i normally do without stopping. amazing.

it is banned above a certain amount though i think? i remember the tennis player larisa neiland getting banned for caffeine about 10 years ago.

i basically cant run w/o coffee - dont drink it otherwise

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/03/25/fashion/26best.2-190.jpg

See, now that would just never work for me. I'm way too sensitive to coffee--it's hell on my stomach.

i was going to do a half marathon in a month but i think i'm not going to be ready :(

i mean i don't want to be a quitter but i also forgot what the point of signing up even was

That's a long run. I've always wanted to do the Solider Field 10 mile run, but I don't think I've ever been in the shape to do it.

just discovered running in the cold dark streets after work at the start of this year. awesome.

started running for the first time ever a couple of years ago bc a teenager friend wanted to run a charity 5k and needed someone 18+ to do it with her, i hated the idea and did it as a favour but found out i really like it. since then i've tended to stop over summer (too hot) and winter (park closes at sundown) but i've been pleasantly surprised by the running-in-the-streets thing - i was reluctant bc don't like people looking at me at the best of times let alone when i'm red-faced and icky, but basically no one takes any notice of me, it's brilliant. i figure this is because lol self-obsessed central london (my running area is bordered by tottenham court road in the east, edgware rd in the west, oxford st in the south and euston/marylebone rd in the north). when it gets lighter i will go back to regents park though.

the most i've ever done with no stopping at all is just over 5 miles, in about 40-45 minutes at the beginning of last summer. at the moment i seem to be doing around 3 miles in 30 minutes with no stops 3 times a week, which feels slow but good. home to work is 6.5 miles and i'd love to be able to run my commute at some point - sadly there are no showers at work and i have to go out most nights, so this is unlikely... i can get away with cycling in and out because it's only half an hour and i bring clean clothes, but running gets me more thoroughly icky than riding. i guess i could join a gym but even before i think about the expense, it gives me the fear. i don't like treadmills, i don't like gym music, and i want stuff to look at. trees and buildings and stuff. not orange-faced people.

i started by doing the run three minutes-walk for a minute- run three minutes - walk a minute thing but now it seems to work better if i try not to stop at all... re the runners high euphoria thing, if it really is just that feeling like you could go for ages thing i'm kind of disappointed! bizarro definition of "euphoria"... i run without ipod or anything though and it's really good for working out some problem in my mind without forcing myself to concentrate on it, or clearing my head if it's been a full-on day at work.

running first thing in the morning does not compute. tried it, hated it.

the keeping shoulders loose thing really helps me, also keeping hands and fingers relaxed not clenched, and actively thinking about pushing my elbows backwards as well as my legs up and forward.

i would like something to track my progress, some pedometer thing. any suggestions? i will not buy nike and would like to keep the spend under £20.

re stretching and stuff, i think i am bad at this... i stretch my legs a little bit before in a really half-arsed way and a bit more after in a slightly less half-arsed way, but what should i be doing? i have had shitty ankles forever and manage to go over on both of them at least a few times a year (just through general walking around, not running).

beer immediately after running is terrific. is it a really bad thing to do? such a buzz...

I remember reading somewhere that mid afternoon is the best time to go for a run. The morning is the worst because your body hasn't woken up yet, the result is a lot of ache and pain afterwards. The only time i enjoy running in the morning is in the summer because it's still relatively cool.

As mentioned above I really like my garmin forerunner 405. It's a little bulky, but I don't really mind. My main beef about it is that it takes several minutes to find satellites. I hate standing outside waiting for it to connect. Kills all motivation to run. I've found it's best if I just turn on and sit it by the window before I go out. Usually it's connected before I'm ready to go outside. I'm so hooked on using it, I refuse to run without tracking myself. If I run without tracking it it, it feels like it didn't even happen. I have the heart rate monitor as well, but I find it uncomfortable to wear.

is there a drug you can take to simulate the fabled "runner's euphoria"? caffeine, maybe?

lately I've been slacking off like crazy, and in the past year I've probably averaged less than 2 days of running per week. when I was more ambitious, I ran on a treadmill at a moderate (~7 mph) pace a few nights a week, and I set aside two more nights for a high intensity interval workout. the latter went something like

warm up for 10 minutes, doing a few light intervals toward the end -> run seven or eight 30-45 second intervals at something like 10.5 mph @ an 8% incline, fast-walking for a couple minutes after each one -> cool down for 5 minutes

in theory, this type of workout pushes your body so hard that your metabolism stays at an elevated level for several hours afterward, making it a good bet for improving cardio health, building muscle, burning fat, et cetera. whereas when you run at a steady, moderate pace, your metabolism tends to return to normal soon after you're done, so in the long run you end up burning fewer calories even if you manage to burn more during the actual workout.

so it's a wonderful thing in theory, but maybe I pushed myself too hard, because sometimes during the last couple intervals I found myself huffing and puffing like crazy, getting a little lightheaded and unable to catch my breath even after a few minutes of rest. my heart seemed to be running at 1000 bpm, and once or twice I felt a touch of chest pain. plus I started to lose weight that I really can't afford to lose (lol skinny indie kid). basically I gave it up because I'm paranoid about collapsing and dying on the gym floor, and I'm also quite lazy. eh, if I'm anything like my dad, I'll develop bad hips and won't be able to run much at all by the time I'm 30, so maybe I can use premature aging as an excuse for sitting on my butt all day.

xpost

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/assets/images/products/010-00658-10/en/cf-lg.jpg

so this is the one you have? if the 2.11 oz figure is right, then it must be about the same weight as your average steel wristwatch. I think I could deal with that, but if I was running on a sidewalk, I'd be terrified of banging it against a fence or a tree or something. I know it costs a fortune to repair a Garmin GPS, and I'm guessing it's the same for that thing. but I'm really just hiding my jealousy. I'd love to have one of those (the closest I have is a barely functional pedometer), and I'd love to be able to keep track of my times on the computer, cuz I'm a statistics geek like that.

Actually, I have the bulkier 305. I covet the 405. It wirelessly syncs too, so you don't have to hook it up for it to transfer the data.

I did speed/elevation intervals last night and it was grueling. Probably made worse by my sedentary, boozy weekend in which I smoked a couple cigarettes.

about 4.3 miles in roughly 40-45mins (walked for 5mins midway through) - longest i've ever done (usually do about 3 miles non-stop). and i think i can push myself a bit more next time - it's amazing how much of a second wind you can get. visible improvement really is the best motivation!

i haven't started running this year yet but it's starting to warm up outside. should i kick things off with a 5k this weekend even though i haven't run in months (and haven't even used the elliptical in weeks)?

Is this an organized 5K, or just your own thing? That seems like a lot for an initial foray.

Ran today for the first time in 17 days. It was pretty miserable. I hate running in this weather, I'd rather run in 95 degree heat.

Regardless, 2.89 miles. First mile at 7:56, then slowing down to 10 min because I was miserable.

I think I'm finally over the two week period of low stamina and shin splints I get when I start running more every spring! I hadn't run since Sunday due to weather and working late, but today I ran about 4 miles in 40 minutes comfortably, so that puts me back at my normal base level. Now the only thing between me and faster, longer runs is making time for them, which is always a little tricky.

Definitely should do intervals and shorter, faster runs more, they do help a lot with speed (and if it's true that they speed up your metabolism more, that'd be nice too). The problem is that I really, really hate them! It's so much more pleasant to go slowly and enjoy the scenery.

i am just starting to commit to running several days a week seriously, but because i have never run regularly before, 2 miles in 22 minutes on a treadmill w/ 1.5 incline leaves me completely winded. some good advice tho on this thread, i hope to improve (first step: buy sneakers that hurt less, agh)

music seems as much an impediment as a motivator - if i play things with heavy beats i end up matching my running to the BPM of the music but i feel this might have some kind of deleterious effect in the long run (it def. results in my run subconsciously resulting in more of a stomp, which can't be good for my feet)

but at the same time i really do not want to work out to "poker face", now or ever

also i've always purposely avoided caffeine before a run because i assumed it would dehydrate me -> make muscles more tired. i didn't have any before i biked the bridge today and i was grunting and puffing before i'd even gotten to the bridge entrance, so i'm definitely going to try this now

is there a walking thread?

i was doing a good job, then stopped completely for the past 3 weeks, and now i'm doing that thing where i can't start again

i went today, around the lake. sorta dragged ass, but i hadn't had much to eat. my roommate is training for a half-marathon and it's making me feel bad about myself

also btw caffeine isn't really ~that~ much of a diuretic

It's still too cold. I look at the 15 day forecast every morning. Watching. Hoping.

i gave up on half-marathon. not gonna be ready. i suck :(

what the hell dude it's in the mid-60s up here

it's just damp here, like 46º. probably tomorrow i'll be like it's too nice out i'll go tomorrow

Is this an organized 5K, or just your own thing? That seems like a lot for an initial foray.

it was an organized thing that i didn't do. i did run a couple miles over the weekend and my legs were pretty sore on monday (did a fair amount of biking too, i guess i got a little too excited about the sun being out). looking forward to getting my summer legs in working order.

I just ran this. I cooled down the last bit, so the run was just over 2 miles. It felt more, but at the same time it felt good and I could have gone longer. It was a lovely sunset and I saw lots of things.

I'm very happy that I did not succumb to the couch, which is happened last time and what I felt coming on this time.

went out today and yesterday - only ran a couple times the ten days or so as ive been moderately to vaguely sick but my strength is returning - did a mile jog then 2 of intervals and some weights and core strengthening when i got home - next week i think ill be back on the yoga/running cycle - and u know what i think would be sweet to add once i get in a little better shape - plyometrics! why i dunno novelty

yoga running schedule sound good, ima try tht

hey guys. i'm thinking about giving this a try, though aside from trailing the packing during laps in high school sports practice, i've never been much of a runner at all. i've been working on cardio -- elliptical & arctrainer machines @ the gym so i'm not hopeless. however, i now live a block away from a beautiful park about a half mile or so in circumference, and spring is upon us, and i want to get in fighting shape for lol kickball season. so.

any advice for a former chub scout whose knees are maybe not the best? or maybe encouragement, in addition to advice?

Go for it! Just take it a little at a time! Move into action, you'll get so much more! Go for it! Go for it!! Go for it now!!!

Yeah, just hit the park and have fun with it. Wear decent running shoes so you don't kill your knees. It'll take a couple of runs for you to settle into your pace, run at a pace that feels comfortable for you -- pay no attention at first to the other runners in the park who may be slower/faster than you.

yeah just ease into it - itll be tough and somewhat horrible at first but youll get a flow in no time and start enjoying it - one thing ive always found v helpful is to complete the distance i set out to even if it means walking part of it - often ill feel totally gassed and decide to walk out the rest then once i catch my breath find that ive got more juice left and start running again

thanks guys! :D

often ill feel totally gassed and decide to walk out the rest then once i catch my breath find that ive got more juice left and start running again

yeah i've found recently that i can basically double the distance i run b/c of this. also, when you find yourself really struggling, esp towards the end, set a point at which it's acceptable to stop - like, you won't feel like you gave up or anything - often the psychological relief of reaching that bridge/gate/whatever is so great that i can keep on going even further. you have to play these mind games w/yourself, i've found.

yeh thats part of the reason i pretty much prefer intervals because u get to take breaks - also they are imo fyi way more invigorating than a steady running

2.34 miles today, averging 9:01

5K
27:14

Then I walked .5 and jogged another .5

All of this after eating Arby's.

(.5 miles, I meant)

OK, today was my practice for the 5K on Sunday. So 3.10 miles in 28:29. 1st mile = 8:35, 2nd mile = 9:29, 3rd mile = 9:43, .10 mile = 42 seconds. Despite slowing down, I felt like I was keeping more of a consistent pace, which felt good. I would be extremely happy if I can hit that time on Sunday.

I decided today that I hate running and I'm never going to like it. I just like the resulting data set.

Funnily enough I decided this week that I hate running and am giving it up after the 5k in July.

i hate it too but i quit all the time and that just makes it worse. i just do it because i have to do something. i'm not really good at "sports."

Actually I don't hate it. I just wish my schedule was such that I could do it more often. Then it might become tolerable.

Even though I hated every step, today's 5K was pretty good. I didn't expect to break 28 minutes, but official time was 27:45. My Garmin clocked it at 27:35. I stopped for 16 seconds at the halfway point to drink some Gatorade. Sprinted the last .3 mile.

skipped a 5k today cuz i was too tired/hungover. one of my goals for the summer is a sub-24 minute 5k, though ive done nothing new to reach this and basically ALWAYS run 5k's in like 24:20 ~~ i guess :20 seconds isnt that tough an obtacle tho