Runners....

[GrnBay007]

I think we have some runners at PR. Anyone ever use one of these marathon training guides on the internet?

Someone suggested Hal Higdon ?

I'm not a runner. Haven't ran in ....ohhhhh.....a really long time! This Hal Higdon site has a section for novice, which I like. There are two races I'd like to participate in with my son this year...of course I'll just be doing the 5-k first and see how that goes I know 5-k doesn't seem like much but now that I've decided to do it, I wanna do it right. Got a gym membership so I can use the treadmill there until this stupid snow is gone. I know "real" runners run outside year-round but ....ick!

[hoosier]

5K is a nice distance to start with. Be sure to work up to it gradually and consistently, and don't go nuts on bumping your mileage--trying to increase too quickly (more than 10% from one week to next) is one of the biggest sources of injuries. And whatever training guides you consult, also read Chris McDougall's Born to Run.

Winter: I much prefer running outside in the dead of winter to running in the humidity of July and August. But the snow and ice does force you to shorten your stride, which takes some of the fun out of running.

[MJZiggy]

Isn't Chris McDougall the one who advocates barefoot running? That could be tricky this time of year.

[GrnBay007]

5K is a nice distance to start with. Be sure to work up to it gradually and consistently, and don't go nuts on bumping your mileage--trying to increase too quickly (more than 10% from one week to next) is one of the biggest sources of injuries. And whatever training guides you consult, also read Chris McDougall's Born to Run.

Winter: I much prefer running outside in the dead of winter to running in the humidity of July and August. But the snow and ice does force you to shorten your stride, which takes some of the fun out of running.

Thanks Hoosier, I'll take a look at that. Been looking for a book to dive into.

I can completely understand preferring to run in ANYTHING other than the heat and humidity of the midwest. My concern is not the temp as much as it is slipping on ice. My son runs during the winter too, in fact they will start running a lot in a week or two for the track season. Bought him some of those tights I see a lot of the runners wear because the kid won't wear sweatpants or running pants and last year ran from Feb. on in shorts. So I hope he will give these a try.

[HowardRoark]

I am not being sarcastic when I say this......just Google anything and if it makes sense start doing it. With any amount of effort at all, you will be at a 5k.

A number of years ago I decided I wanted to run a marathon, so I signed up and then printed out a training guide. After the first half mile of training I almost puked on the running path......before you know it though, you are knocking off 11 milers after work like it's nothing at all.

Running a marathon is 95% mental in my experience.

Don't buy a book......just start running.

[hoosier]

Isn't Chris McDougall the one who advocates barefoot running? That could be tricky this time of year.

Wimp! For the faint of heart such as yourself, there are always those Vibram thingamagigs.

[MJZiggy]

Wimp! For the faint of heart such as yourself, there are always those Vibram thingamagigs.

Those things look funny. I'm actually not much of a runner. I prefer hiking, tennis, biking, swimming, dancing, sex, and other activities.

[hoosier]

So you're saying you've never gotten it on while wearing Vibrams?

[mraynrand]

I recommend the gradual start. If you aren't physically active, go for a walk first, then go for a longer walk - 30 minutes, then an hour, then walk it faster. Do a bunch a walks for two weeks, then start running. Mix the running in with your walk. And for shit's sake, get some decent shoes. I like the New Balance line and waste a lot of cash on shoes. People tell me they like the 880. I've been mixing up the virtual barefoot shoes - 801as, the cushioning trainers 992 and 1222, and I have a 1226SR that I got half off that I'm waiting to use in the spring. I'd wait before using the midsole runners/barefoot stuff until you're in shape. Those things are wild, because they alter your gait, but they make you faster, especially if you mix in speed workouts with distance. Oh, yeah that's right - once you get into shape, mix up your workouts. Run a fartlek (that's a Swedish term for 'speed play,' I kid you not) where you mix short sprints, intermediate length faster strides in with 'jogging.' Don't stop. stay hydrated. have fun. If you're hating it, slow down, walk, take a day off, etc. Most people hate the damn sport because they start out really aggressive and get exhausted or hurt right away. Also, if anyone says "Hey do you jog?" punch them in the face and say that you're a runner.


P.S. think safety - weak a reflective pinnie after dark, don't run alone in the dark, eat your vegetables, etc. etc.

[George Cumby]

I recommend the gradual start. If you aren't physically active, go for a walk first, then go for a longer walk - 30 minutes, then an hour, then walk it faster. Do a bunch a walks for two weeks, then start running. Mix the running in with your walk. And for shit's sake, get some decent shoes. I like the New Balance line and waste a lot of cash on shoes. People tell me they like the 880. I've been mixing up the virtual barefoot shoes - 801as, the cushioning trainers 992 and 1222, and I have a 1226SR that I got half off that I'm waiting to use in the spring. I'd wait before using the midsole runners/barefoot stuff until you're in shape. Those things are wild, because they alter your gait, but they make you faster, especially if you mix in speed workouts with distance. Oh, yeah that's right - once you get into shape, mix up your workouts. Run a fartlek (that's a Swedish term for 'speed play,' I kid you not) where you mix short sprints, intermediate length faster strides in with 'jogging.' Don't stop. stay hydrated. have fun. If you're hating it, slow down, walk, take a day off, etc. Most people hate the damn sport because they start out really aggressive and get exhausted or hurt right away. Also, if anyone says "Hey do you jog?" punch them in the face and say that you're a runner.


P.S. think safety - weak a reflective pinnie after dark, don't run alone in the dark, eat your vegetables, etc. etc.

Rand's on it.

Higdon's good. I actually just bought his Ultimate Marathon Guide.

I really like the Galloway method for the marathon. Here's a link to his page:

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/walk_breaks.html

There's also a ton of "couch to 5k" programs out there. Apps for your iPhone as well.

Hold back on the minimalist running shoe stuff until you get stronger and more fit. It's super hard on your lower legs, if unaccustomed to it. I do think it's the future. What's old is new and all that.

"Yaktrax" or the equivalent for running outside on crummy footing.

Good luck on your running adventure!

[Scott Campbell]

Mad tells me that you'll run faster if you stick to stealing lighter stuff.

[Upnorth]

Back when I was a recruiter we would give out a guide to prepare people physically for basic training. It was designed so anyone could do it, and I mean no matter what level your at it would get you ready igf you followed it. The running program was three times a week and each week had extra goals. Week one was run 30 seconds, walk 4 1/2 min for one hour. Week two was 1 min run 4 min walk for one hour. Week 3 was 2 min run 3 min walk for one hour. I don't remember the rest but by week 13 you are running for 1 hour straight, which means you could laugh at a 5k run and come close to a 10 k run.

[GrnBay007]

I am not being sarcastic when I say this......just Google anything and if it makes sense start doing it. With any amount of effort at all, you will be at a 5k.

I didn't take it as being sarcastic. I felt kinda silly looking up a schedule because it's ONLY a 5k ....but like I said been a really long time. And I promise I won't go nuts and start posting my daily routine on here like partial.


So how many marathons have you guys run? Howard, hoosier and mraynrand...and anyone else? An ex-co-worker of mine used to run them and always had some crazy stories to tell afterward. I always remember thinking to myself.....Why would you want to do that to yourself? lol

[Upnorth]

I have never done a full 40 km, just 20's. For me the first 2 and last 5 km's are the hardest. The middle is fun and I usually talk through them with who ever is around. Well I did, but my knee got pretty screwed up in the military and now I can't run 2 k let alone 20.

[GrnBay007]

I recommend the gradual start. If you aren't physically active, go for a walk first, then go for a longer walk - 30 minutes, then an hour, then walk it faster. Do a bunch a walks for two weeks, then start running. Mix the running in with your walk. And for shit's sake, get some decent shoes. I like the New Balance line and waste a lot of cash on shoes. People tell me they like the 880. I've been mixing up the virtual barefoot shoes - 801as, the cushioning trainers 992 and 1222, and I have a 1226SR that I got half off that I'm waiting to use in the spring. I'd wait before using the midsole runners/barefoot stuff until you're in shape. Those things are wild, because they alter your gait, but they make you faster, especially if you mix in speed workouts with distance. Oh, yeah that's right - once you get into shape, mix up your workouts. Run a fartlek (that's a Swedish term for 'speed play,' I kid you not) where you mix short sprints, intermediate length faster strides in with 'jogging.' Don't stop. stay hydrated. have fun. If you're hating it, slow down, walk, take a day off, etc. Most people hate the damn sport because they start out really aggressive and get exhausted or hurt right away. Also, if anyone says "Hey do you jog?" punch them in the face and say that you're a runner.


P.S. think safety - weak a reflective pinnie after dark, don't run alone in the dark, eat your vegetables, etc. etc.

Thanks for the suggestions rand. I have a good pair of walking shoes to start with and have always made it a practice to never do anything alone in the dark.