The "Running" Thread

[Redskins Diehard]

I saw something on Real Sports with Bryant Gumble about the new barefoot running fad. How do you figure out if you're a heel striker or midfoot? How long would you have to train to change your stride?

Yup, agree on the running shoes. I went to my local running store for the first time
last year and he put me in a nice pair of asics. Light, streamlined (less bulky) than other shoes. They were on sale too so I got it for under a hundred, so it wasn't too bad.

Barefoot is a pretty risky proposition in my opinion. Great if you grow up that way...risky if your body(bones, ligaments, tendons etc) have grown accustomed to shoes. Probably something that should be a very gradual process if it is something you are considering.

I think you probably know if you land on your heel or midfoot. Most people tend to be heel strikers. One sure fire way is to look at the bottom of your running shoes. If the back edge are worn out then you probably are a heel striker. Depending on your current for and cadence they say it can take months to completely train yourself to run that way. I do it for periods of a run but definitely don't hold good form for an entire run

[Kilmer17]

I still run some 5k fun runs and my wife and I do some muddy buddies.

I stick to sprint Tris though for longer events, 10k is just too much on my knees anymore.

[Redskins Diehard]

I always got shinsplints when I did any sort of distance running (like, a mile).

Proper stretching and shoes would help a LOT with this particular issue. That and gradual increases in distance

[Elessar78]

oh, no way i want to run barefoot. Although considering getting into those Nike Free shoes (simulates barefoot running).

[Redskins Diehard]

I still run some 5k fun runs and my wife and I do some muddy buddies.

I stick to sprint Tris though for longer events, 10k is just too much on my knees anymore.

Tri's are where it's at. So much more fun in my opinion than simply running. I try to mix in some sprints and oly distance. Contemplating someday doing a 1/2 IM. Better get to it soon I suppose.

Take a look at some Chi material. Did wonders for my knees.

[Botched]

I don't know how you distance runners do it. I tried running -only a mile- every day for a 3 month period, and it never got any easier. The last run I did was just as tiring and difficult as the first.

I played alot of sports growing up with no endurance problems...there's just something about running distances that is so hard.

[Redskins Diehard]

I don't know how you distance runners do it. I tried running -only a mile- every day for a 3 month period, and it never got any easier. The last run I did was just as tiring and difficult as the first.

I played alot of sports growing up with no endurance problems...there's just something about running distances that is so hard.

I've never been a fan of running the same distance at the same pace day after day and expecting much improvement. First you have to stress your body in different ways, short/fast and long/slow runs as the most basic way...and then allow for recovery. Recovery is when your body actually gets better...not during the run

[Elessar78]

Do you have asthma or anything like that?

[Botched]

Do you have asthma or anything like that?

Me? No. Just not a good distance runner, never have been.

[Corcaigh]

Barefoot running can be anything from a cult to a practical way of strengthening your feet.

As kids we ran barefoot on grass (and on the beach) and when you do you more naturally land on your midsole.

With big cushioned-sole trainers it's possible to land on your heels which acts as a breaking action and can also cause injury as certain parts of your legs take an undue amount of strain. An expensive shoe can mask the problem but sooner or later the chickens will come home to roost. But you can just as easily get injured running in minimal footwear or barefoot.

If anything, it will happen sooner. That said, I know serious athletes who do warmups or drills barefoot on grass to help strengthen the muscles in the foot.

But it doesn't take barefoot running to make you land on your midsole. When you run you can focus a little on that. For most people it's fairly natural to have the foot land under rather than in front of your body.

Worrying about cadence seems a little too artificial. If you avoid over-striding you will typically run in an efficient way.

[Corcaigh]

Me? No. Just not a good distance runner, never have been.

Slow down. Go farther. Develop endurance over time.

[SC_RedskinsFan]

I ran a half marathon 2 weeks ago in Hickory NC. It was warm, and very hilly, but i still had a good time. I did it in 2 hours 2 minutes and 32 seconds, and finished in 151st place out of 600 people.

I run about 3 times a week, now since it is so hot down here in the lowcountry i get up around 5 am to do 5-7 mile runs before work. I plan on running 2 more half marathons this fall and a few next spring! I really enjoy running, it is a great stress relief for me.

[Corcaigh]

HOLY Moley..thats a lot of running. Don't your legs ache like no other? You are supposed to take days off in between runs at least every once in awhile. At least that's what I have learned through multiple sources. How is your body holding up to this? Curious, and damn good job, but 5k's? sounds like you are ready for marathons.

No problems with aches and pains. I try to do all my running on trails (I live close to the W&OD trail). It's a little more forgiving on the knees and as it undulates and wooded it's a lot more interesting than flat concrete or asphalt.

Days off are really only necessary if you need the recovery. All my running is "easy" pace so recovery days aren't necessary. If anything, inactivity might lead to stiffness.

Maybe when I ratchet up intensity I might enjoy the days off.

I also stretch after every run (well almost every one) and do basic strength exercises.

As for race length, I'm much more interested in the challenge of running a decent 5k, and the different training elements required to do that, than jogging a marathon. At this point I don't know if I'll ever consider racing more than 10k.

[Obibyn23]

I run about 3 times a week, now since it is so hot down here in the lowcountry

Great..I am visiting my old man down in Beaufort July 1st-6th, and was planning on doing my normal running routine...sounds like it won't be as fun or easy as I thought.

[SC_RedskinsFan]

Great..I am visiting my old man down in Beaufort July 1st-6th, and was planning on doing my normal running routine...sounds like it won't be as fun or easy as I thought.

This week was rough, the highs were around 100 with lots of humidity, in the mornings at 5 am it was still close to 80! I would meet ya when you are in town, but im going to be in the Keys....