The "Running" Thread

[Monte51Coleman]

i am more proud of tonight than when i decided to start running.

It's not the running that becomes addictive. It's the sense of accomplishment.

[GoSkins561]

i have to say that tonight was my best night since i started running. i got up and really didnt feel like going out. my legs were hurting(or at least that was my excuse to myself) but i decided that i need to get out there and keep improving. so i stretched and went on my normal path. at about a quarter mile in i was just thinking to myself "man my legs hurt and my side is cramping. i should just stop at the next corner." but i kept pushing and pushing and gutted out my half mile lap. by the end i was grunting like the williams sisters and talking to myself "keep going!!!! almost there!!!! no quitting!!!!" my neighbors must think that i am some kind of psycho lol.

i am more proud of tonight than when i decided to start running.

Great job man, way to push through the stitches. I have learned when the cramps start to focus on your breathing and make sure you are getting O2 at a nice even pace.

So I need advice, my left heel started hurting(bruised) on Monday(2 days after my 5k). I assume it has something to do with my shoes. I mentioned earlier I usually run on a treadmill because running on the street kills my legs and ankles. I would prefer running outside if it wasn't for the soreness.

Is this problem because of my shoes?

Does the soreness from running outside go away if I keep on running outside(suck it up) vs on a treadmill?

I would like to get my 5k time to 22 minutes by the fall.

[Corcaigh]

So I need advice, my left heel started hurting(bruised) on Monday(2 days after my 5k). I assume it has something to do with my shoes. I mentioned earlier I usually run on a treadmill because running on the street kills my legs and ankles. I would prefer running outside if it wasn't for the soreness.

It could be a number of things. What type of shoes do you have and how many miles approximately are on them? Do they look worn on the soles, and if so where?

If your heels are hurting you may be putting too much of the impact on them and racing on asphalt does enough to make it hurt.

Try to get to a decent running store when they should be able to analyse your gait and advise you what type of shoes will work best for your running style.

You could also try shortening your stride and focus on landing on the middle of your foot, or when your foot is under your body rather than in front of it.

One other thought is to try to run in parks and trails. There's no doubt that running on cement and asphalt is harder on the joints than dirt trails or grass, especially if your mechanics aren't perfect (or your shoes are worn out).

[renaissance]

I had my first soccer game of the season on Saturday and quickly realized I need to get back in shape. Last night I went just over 2 miles on the rock creek park trails. Felt great!

[Titaw]

So I ran another 1.5 yesterday and will probably run 2 tonight. The runs are getting more and more difficult, and I was getting discouraged. I realized last night that I have picked up the pace substantially and I didn't even realize it. Tonight I am going to slow the pace and run a little longer.

[Corcaigh]

It's been hard running most of the evenings in the DC Metro area for the past two weeks. Last night seemed particularly hot and humid and just didn't cool down around sunset.

The next few days look better though.

[TheLongshot]

It's been hard running most of the evenings in the DC Metro area for the past two weeks. Last night seemed particularly hot and humid and just didn't cool down around sunset.

The next few days look better though.

I was almost completely frustrated last night. I tried and bailed on running outside last night. I tried going home and running on the treadmill after I got home, but what was once an easy run for me has become difficult. Running on the treadmill is a reminder to me of how much my running has fallen apart, and I have no solutions for it right now. I can't breathe in this crap we call weather. (Only in DC do you have a torrential downpour and it is still hot and humid afterwards.)

[Monte51Coleman]

The average temp/heat index here for the past month has been 86º/96º. Acclimation is a slow process. The humidity is so oppressive that I am completely soaked by 3/4 of a mile.

[ljs]

Here's a google map link to Fleet Feet, a running store I just looked up that's in Coeur D'Alene, ID. There's a branch here in the DC area and they're pretty knowledgeable. I'm sure they can outfit you with a shoe that will address your needs.

I checked out the Fleet Feet store here, and the gal who helped me is a track/cross country runner. The funny thing is, I told her that a person in DC told me about the store, and how odd is it that we have one in our lil town. Then she tells me her brother lives in DC and works at the store there.

I bought a pair of Asics GT-2150 for $100.


They are the mens shoe b/c my feet are not only very flat, but also wide. I ran a couple miles on the treadmill and they feel pretty good.
(and of course my first thought was, Saints colors)
So thanks for the info!

[stickyshooZ]

I haven't run in almost a week. I was doing hour long (non stop) runs and could usually run about 7.5 miles before I was completely gassed. I could probably run further if I paced myself, but it's not like I'm trying to run a marathon.

[darklight1216]

I had my first soccer game of the season on Saturday and quickly realized I need to get back in shape. Last night I went just over 2 miles on the rock creek park trails. Felt great!

The longest distance that I've ever run was just under 2 miles. I wanted to die. -_-

I always wondered why, despite the fact that I had to run a mile a day for PE, it never got any easier. I was always coughing up a lung and I never got any better at it.

Any guesses? And no, I'm not fat or old, nor do I smoke.

[Corcaigh]

Any guesses?

Slow down. Build strength and endurance by going farther. Speed will come once you are aerobically strong.

[pointyfootball]

The average temp/heat index here for the past month has been 86º/96º. Acclimation is a slow process. The humidity is so oppressive that I am completely soaked by 3/4 of a mile.

Since February I've averaged about 8 miles of running, 30+miles of bike riding and 1.2miles of swimming per week to be ready to do sprint triathlons this summer. I'm not really a triathlete (I'm an ex-scrum half, football & soccer player that's never been an endurance athlete) but I don't like focusing on only one sport b/c I get bored/injured. Anyway, I know I'm 40 now, but I have had a HORRIBLE time getting used to this H/H. I can run 7:15/mile 5k under decent conditions, but now I'm lucky if I can squeak out 9:15. Even swimming in an outdoor pool (where the water is 88+degrees) is more exhausting than normal due to air/water temps. It sucks.

Running improvements I've made this year I attribute to the following:

1) Slowing down and not worrying about my pace/mile, although I do record every workout.
2) Concentrating on breathing, running form (trying to land mid-foot, shorter steps to get wind back, slight lean forward, etc.).
3) Different types of runs such as hills, flat, fartlek, distance.

[Skin'Em84]

So I ran another 1.5 yesterday and will probably run 2 tonight. The runs are getting more and more difficult, and I was getting discouraged. I realized last night that I have picked up the pace substantially and I didn't even realize it. Tonight I am going to slow the pace and run a little longer.

I do that all the time. And its not even for the whole run, its always the first 2 miles. I need to run with like a metronome or something lol.

[Corcaigh]

The cooler temperature last night was great. Did an easy 6.5 miles on the W&OD Trail, making it 40 days running in a row and 245 miles logged.

The temp this morning felt great too. Looking forward to tonight's run already.