"Learning to Run"-open support group
Replies
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Hey everyone! I just wanted to check back in since I haven't in awhile. I've been thinking about what I'm going to be doing during the off season and I really would love to continue to do a few outdoor runs as often as I can, I think I will find it difficult considering how early it gets dark already (in the Midwest). Milwaukee kind of sucks at keeping their sidewalks snow/ice free so I'm a bit worried for that, but I'm not sure if the trails are maintained during the winter. If those are, I could probably walk to a trail and run that. Although I have a gym membership, I've found it rather difficult to run for long periods of time on the treadmill cooped up inside a gym staring at a tv screen; it gets boring. So I've actually been running with the tv off and with music on, seems to be working. I never run outside with music anymore, I've really begun to love the sound of my feet on the trails.
Any suggestions for winter gear? Specifically shoes. The shoes I have currently may be the culprit to my knee pains and if they're not, they're meshy on the sides and I hate having wet feet. I bought a long sleeve running shirt and am considering getting a pair of running gloves as well.
Speaking of knee pains, I went to visit an orthopedic doctor last week and I had x-rays done on my knees and although there was nothing serious wrong (as I expected), they did notice my knee caps are slightly off-track which are causing inflammation in my knees and therefore pain for me. Apparently, this can happen when ones outer thigh muscles are stronger than the inner thigh muscles. So I'll be seeing a physical therapist for a few weeks. They'll be able to test my running gait (is that the right word/use of the word?).
Also, if you weren't already aware or tend to ignore what other people say (because you think you're right, as I do), running 3-4x week is better on your joints than running 5-6x/week (as I was doing). And on your off days, cross training is quite beneficial. This could be eliptical, stationary biking, spinning, and weight training.0 -
Any suggestions for winter gear? Specifically shoes. The shoes I have currently may be the culprit to my knee pains and if they're not, they're meshy on the sides and I hate having wet feet. I bought a long sleeve running shirt and am considering getting a pair of running gloves as well.
Speaking of knee pains, I went to visit an orthopedic doctor last week and I had x-rays done on my knees and although there was nothing serious wrong (as I expected), they did notice my knee caps are slightly off-track which are causing inflammation in my knees and therefore pain for me. Apparently, this can happen when ones outer thigh muscles are stronger than the inner thigh muscles. So I'll be seeing a physical therapist for a few weeks. They'll be able to test my running gait (is that the right word/use of the word?).
Also, if you weren't already aware or tend to ignore what other people say (because you think you're right, as I do), running 3-4x week is better on your joints than running 5-6x/week (as I was doing). And on your off days, cross training is quite beneficial. This could be eliptical, stationary biking, spinning, and weight training.
Thanks for sharing your information on cross-training and muscle development. The area just above my knees has been a little achy and it probably means I need to hit the stationary bike more often, because I've been slacking. I'm glad you realized that running nearly every day is bad for you before serious injury was done. I always advise new runners here to run only 3 days each week and do something non- or low-impact the other days. Even though we might be able to handle running every day from a cardio sense, our joints need the days off.
On a personal note, I ran 8+miles yesterday! The middle toe of my right foot was in serious pain (still hurts) and I happened to be visiting my sister in the Phoenix area, so I took my shoes back to Roadrunner and exchanged them for a half size larger in a similar style of Mizunos. I can't believe I'm wearing a 9 when I normally wear a 7 or 7 1/2 but I think these will help me. They were $10 more than the shoes I had bought previously (which were also an exchange) but the salesman gave them to me for no additional cost. I cannot say enough good things about Roadrunner Sports!0 -
Thanks for your quick response Sue! Do you happen to have any links or brands of the gear you posted?0
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Thanks for your quick response Sue! Do you happen to have any links or brands of the gear you posted?0
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Great group!
Just started running...my boyfriend runs a lot and he's always begging me to go with him. Sooo I figured I'd try and start.
I have been running pretty well, but in the last week or so I've been getting horrible side cramps and have to stop at 2 miles. Any suggestions? I work on my breathing and made sure to stretch and hydrate well, but nothing seems to be working.
Does anyone else have this problem?0 -
Hi! I just found this thread..I did C25K, ran a 5k (yay ) then busted my ankle. I didn't want to start all over, so I'm now working on my speed on the treadmill by doing distance intervals instead of time. I completed the program at 5.0mph (but my 5k race took 42 minutes) and now I'm working on 5.6mph. I started with .25 mile at a time, now I'm up to .45 miles. I did that twice this morning, then just for kicks did the last .10 at a 6.0. I do .15 or .20 miles walking in between.
So, I'm totally making up a program. Any feedback, positive or..constructive.., is very welcome
And..I am also a size 7.5 shoe wearing a size 9 Brooks Glycerine sneaker.0 -
Hi! I just found this thread..I did C25K, ran a 5k (yay ) then busted my ankle. I didn't want to start all over, so I'm now working on my speed on the treadmill by doing distance intervals instead of time. I completed the program at 5.0mph (but my 5k race took 42 minutes) and now I'm working on 5.6mph. I started with .25 mile at a time, now I'm up to .45 miles. I did that twice this morning, then just for kicks did the last .10 at a 6.0. I do .15 or .20 miles walking in between.
So, I'm totally making up a program. Any feedback, positive or..constructive.., is very welcome
And..I am also a size 7.5 shoe wearing a size 9 Brooks Glycerine sneaker.
I like your speed plan. I need to work on mine, too, but I'm so focused on distance right now (and don't have access to a treadmill) preparing for the half marathon. I want to work on speed starting in January. I might need to join a gym. How long are you walking or jogging, and what speed, between the sprinting intervals?0 -
HI All,
I used to run a couple of 10ks a week but steadily put on the pounds by swapping exercise with eating - not a good move! I am now desperate to get back to the running but I honestly think I am just too heavy to run - every time I try I feel like I'm going to collapse and get shin splints. I go for 2 x 5 mile brisk walks a week and wonder how the intensity of this compares to slow jogging in terms of calories burnt.
Good luck to all you new and experienced joggers - it is a great rewarding exercise.0 -
HI All,
I used to run a couple of 10ks a week but steadily put on the pounds by swapping exercise with eating - not a good move! I am now desperate to get back to the running but I honestly think I am just too heavy to run - every time I try I feel like I'm going to collapse and get shin splints. I go for 2 x 5 mile brisk walks a week and wonder how the intensity of this compares to slow jogging in terms of calories burnt.
Good luck to all you new and experienced joggers - it is a great rewarding exercise.
You might look into either the Couch to 5K or Jeff Galloway's interval program (I recommend this one) for a structured program to get you to 5K in a reasonable and safe timeframe. Just remember to limit running to three days a week, with a day off between doing something low- or non-impact to give your joints a chance to recover. Also make sure you have GOOD running shoes, especially if you are carrying extra pounds.
ETA: Forgot the calories part... Average calorie burn for either walking or running 1 mile is 100 calories. The more you weigh, the more calories you burn. So each 5 mile walk is at least 500 calories burned, no matter how fast you go.0 -
Hello!!! I made it to two minutes before I had to slow down, which is amazing for me!!! Even better, I was able to chase my kids at the park yesterday!! That felt great!! I hope to be able to do a 5k at some point!!!!0
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Today was my first day of the Couch to 5K program. It felt amazing! I've been working out for the past few months, so I didn't totally die this morning.
I'm trying to get a serious kick in my weight loss before my 30th birthday in a few months. I'd love to be able to run for 30 minutes straight by the end of the year....I'm feeling confident I can do it!0 -
Speaking of knee pains, I went to visit an orthopedic doctor last week and I had x-rays done on my knees and although there was nothing serious wrong (as I expected), they did notice my knee caps are slightly off-track which are causing inflammation in my knees and therefore pain for me. Apparently, this can happen when ones outer thigh muscles are stronger than the inner thigh muscles. So I'll be seeing a physical therapist for a few weeks. They'll be able to test my running gait (is that the right word/use of the word?).
I'm so glad you're getting that checked out before it turns into the issue I have! I wish they would have caught my problem before my kneecaps started dislocating!0 -
Hi! I just found this thread..I did C25K, ran a 5k (yay ) then busted my ankle. I didn't want to start all over, so I'm now working on my speed on the treadmill by doing distance intervals instead of time. I completed the program at 5.0mph (but my 5k race took 42 minutes) and now I'm working on 5.6mph. I started with .25 mile at a time, now I'm up to .45 miles. I did that twice this morning, then just for kicks did the last .10 at a 6.0. I do .15 or .20 miles walking in between.
So, I'm totally making up a program. Any feedback, positive or..constructive.., is very welcome
And..I am also a size 7.5 shoe wearing a size 9 Brooks Glycerine sneaker.
I like your speed plan. I need to work on mine, too, but I'm so focused on distance right now (and don't have access to a treadmill) preparing for the half marathon. I want to work on speed starting in January. I might need to join a gym. How long are you walking or jogging, and what speed, between the sprinting intervals?
I am sooo slow, I feel like I have to improve my speed or else I might as well be walking I wish I could avoid the treadmill but for right now it's all I got...my neighborhood is not safe in the dark and I'm out there at 5:30am. I do plan to get back slow/long runs outside on the weekends one of these days. I'm in SoCal so it's always nice out.
Generally when I finish a run I put it down to 3.4 for a few seconds then back to 3.5 until I run again. I try to run again after no more than .15 mile but today I had .20 in between runs. Maybe 2 minutes?? I also walk for .15 mile before running to loosen up my tight ol' hips. And I do 30 minutes on another machine, stairmaster or elliptical, before the treadmill. I always did it that way because I could burn more calories on other machines but now the treadmill is catching up, so that makes me happy!0 -
bump0
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Hi! I just found this thread..I did C25K, ran a 5k (yay ) then busted my ankle. I didn't want to start all over, so I'm now working on my speed on the treadmill by doing distance intervals instead of time. I completed the program at 5.0mph (but my 5k race took 42 minutes) and now I'm working on 5.6mph. I started with .25 mile at a time, now I'm up to .45 miles. I did that twice this morning, then just for kicks did the last .10 at a 6.0. I do .15 or .20 miles walking in between.
So, I'm totally making up a program. Any feedback, positive or..constructive.., is very welcome
And..I am also a size 7.5 shoe wearing a size 9 Brooks Glycerine sneaker.
I like your speed plan. I need to work on mine, too, but I'm so focused on distance right now (and don't have access to a treadmill) preparing for the half marathon. I want to work on speed starting in January. I might need to join a gym. How long are you walking or jogging, and what speed, between the sprinting intervals?
I am sooo slow, I feel like I have to improve my speed or else I might as well be walking I wish I could avoid the treadmill but for right now it's all I got...my neighborhood is not safe in the dark and I'm out there at 5:30am. I do plan to get back slow/long runs outside on the weekends one of these days. I'm in SoCal so it's always nice out.
Generally when I finish a run I put it down to 3.4 for a few seconds then back to 3.5 until I run again. I try to run again after no more than .15 mile but today I had .20 in between runs. Maybe 2 minutes?? I also walk for .15 mile before running to loosen up my tight ol' hips. And I do 30 minutes on another machine, stairmaster or elliptical, before the treadmill. I always did it that way because I could burn more calories on other machines but now the treadmill is catching up, so that makes me happy!0 -
i love running now !!!
(only after 2 months!!)0 -
HI All,
I used to run a couple of 10ks a week but steadily put on the pounds by swapping exercise with eating - not a good move! I am now desperate to get back to the running but I honestly think I am just too heavy to run - every time I try I feel like I'm going to collapse and get shin splints. I go for 2 x 5 mile brisk walks a week and wonder how the intensity of this compares to slow jogging in terms of calories burnt.
Good luck to all you new and experienced joggers - it is a great rewarding exercise.
I'm pretty sure we all started out this way. I sure did! If you haven't seen this guy's website, here it is: http://www.500lbs2marathon.com/Home_Page.html
He's very inspirational!0 -
Hello!!! I made it to two minutes before I had to slow down, which is amazing for me!!! Even better, I was able to chase my kids at the park yesterday!! That felt great!! I hope to be able to do a 5k at some point!!!!
Congratulations! That's very exciting. Keep doing what you're doing and just sign up for a 5k. I kept putting it off forever and finally just signed up for one so I'd HAVE to do it. I'm so glad I did and now I want to run them all the time.
My run yesterday was the fastest I've ever run consistently at 7mph (or 8.5 min/mile) for 30 minutes. I'm amazed and never thought I'd be able to do that, not without dropping more weight first. Another amazing feeling for me was not being incredibly exhausted. I was able to breath comfortably and my heart rate dropped from 184 to 124 in less than 30 seconds (from the point I started walking). Amazing!0 -
OMG what is my problem?....I have been at this now for 6 weeks and I can barely jog for 2 to 3 minutes straight...I feel like if I go any slower it would be considered walking...I am having no cramps, shin splints, or knee problems, just breathing issues...I discovered I was breathing incorrectly and so when I changed I thought it would be better and its not...I have never had asthma but I did smoke for 10 years and have been smoke-free for 7! I am doing my first 5K on Thanksgiving and I am now unsure of myself...I don't expect anyone to have an "answer", but has anyone else experienced this?? Am I just being too hard on myself and messing with my brain (overthinking things??)...This happens whether I run outside or inside on the treadmill. I think I am just psyching myself out...LOL...Maybe after the 5K I will calm down...I refuse to give up! I am thoroughly enjoying this too much...I have not run since I played softball my freshman year of HS some 20 odd years ago so I am very proud of myself!0
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OMG what is my problem?....I have been at this now for 6 weeks and I can barely jog for 2 to 3 minutes straight...I feel like if I go any slower it would be considered walking...I am having no cramps, shin splints, or knee problems, just breathing issues...I discovered I was breathing incorrectly and so when I changed I thought it would be better and its not...I have never had asthma but I did smoke for 10 years and have been smoke-free for 7! I am doing my first 5K on Thanksgiving and I am now unsure of myself...I don't expect anyone to have an "answer", but has anyone else experienced this?? Am I just being too hard on myself and messing with my brain (overthinking things??)...This happens whether I run outside or inside on the treadmill. I think I am just psyching myself out...LOL...Maybe after the 5K I will calm down...I refuse to give up! I am thoroughly enjoying this too much...I have not run since I played softball my freshman year of HS some 20 odd years ago so I am very proud of myself!0
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The good news is you are enjoying yourself! I think signing up for races is a huge motivator. Even if you take walk breaks (or just stop at the water stations), there is a huge feeling of accomplishment. I often repeated weeks when I was on C25K, like when I felt I wasn't ready for the next running segment length. Maybe just play with going slower? I do that sometimes when I feel out of breath, but don't want to stop, i say to myself, how slowly could i go and still be moving? Often I think your body (or mind) just needs to know you're not trying to kill it! Also a subconscious cue to remind myself "I. Am. Enjoying. This."0
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****Have you considered just running intervals? I do all of my running that way. 2 or 3 minutes running and 1 minute walking is my current pace. I'm at least as fast, if not faster, than if I were just running and I went 8 miles that way this weekend. There are a lot of benefits to running intervals. Google Jeff Galloway if you'd like some additional information.****
Yes, I do run/walk intervals, I think you suggested it before actually LOL, because I was not able to handle the long runs of C25K. I just need to chill...LOL...I think I am getting too worked up over it.
*****The good news is you are enjoying yourself! I think signing up for races is a huge motivator. Even if you take walk breaks (or just stop at the water stations), there is a huge feeling of accomplishment. I often repeated weeks when I was on C25K, like when I felt I wasn't ready for the next running segment length. Maybe just play with going slower? I do that sometimes when I feel out of breath, but don't want to stop, i say to myself, how slowly could i go and still be moving? Often I think your body (or mind) just needs to know you're not trying to kill it! Also a subconscious cue to remind myself "I. Am. Enjoying. This." ****
Thank you, I am enjoying myself...my husband is doing this right with me and he was never a runner and he is doing great! I know I just need to relax and just go with the flow...I know it will eventually kick in and one day I will look back and be amazed...I am now with what I have accomplished thus far.
It's nice to have a place for support and encouragement, advice, and a place to just rant...thanks y'all!!0 -
OMG what is my problem?....I have been at this now for 6 weeks and I can barely jog for 2 to 3 minutes straight...I feel like if I go any slower it would be considered walking...I am having no cramps, shin splints, or knee problems, just breathing issues...I discovered I was breathing incorrectly and so when I changed I thought it would be better and its not...I have never had asthma but I did smoke for 10 years and have been smoke-free for 7! I am doing my first 5K on Thanksgiving and I am now unsure of myself...I don't expect anyone to have an "answer", but has anyone else experienced this?? Am I just being too hard on myself and messing with my brain (overthinking things??)...This happens whether I run outside or inside on the treadmill. I think I am just psyching myself out...LOL...Maybe after the 5K I will calm down...I refuse to give up! I am thoroughly enjoying this too much...I have not run since I played softball my freshman year of HS some 20 odd years ago so I am very proud of myself!
I noticed that it seemed to happen all of a sudden...I "found" my running breath. My only advice is keep going, and try to relax amd think about something else0 -
****Have you considered just running intervals? I do all of my running that way. 2 or 3 minutes running and 1 minute walking is my current pace. I'm at least as fast, if not faster, than if I were just running and I went 8 miles that way this weekend. There are a lot of benefits to running intervals. Google Jeff Galloway if you'd like some additional information.****
Yes, I do run/walk intervals, I think you suggested it before actually LOL, because I was not able to handle the long runs of C25K. I just need to chill...LOL...I think I am getting too worked up over it.
*****The good news is you are enjoying yourself! I think signing up for races is a huge motivator. Even if you take walk breaks (or just stop at the water stations), there is a huge feeling of accomplishment. I often repeated weeks when I was on C25K, like when I felt I wasn't ready for the next running segment length. Maybe just play with going slower? I do that sometimes when I feel out of breath, but don't want to stop, i say to myself, how slowly could i go and still be moving? Often I think your body (or mind) just needs to know you're not trying to kill it! Also a subconscious cue to remind myself "I. Am. Enjoying. This." ****
Thank you, I am enjoying myself...my husband is doing this right with me and he was never a runner and he is doing great! I know I just need to relax and just go with the flow...I know it will eventually kick in and one day I will look back and be amazed...I am now with what I have accomplished thus far.
It's nice to have a place for support and encouragement, advice, and a place to just rant...thanks y'all!!
Just keep at it. Endurance will come with time. In the meantime, you'll be getting a great cardio workout, so there's no downside.
I actually shocked myself last Friday. I started a race in a big crowd and I was able to run for 6 minutes straight without any trouble. I walked at that point for two reasons: the crowd had cleared and I hit the bottom of a steep hill. LOL I never usually run more than 3 minutes at a time so it hadn't occurred to me that I really could, but apparently I now can.0 -
Well, Friday I had an awesome run...I just felt really good so after my warm-up I set the treadmill at my pace, covered up the timer and just did it...I wish I hadn't peeked when I did, but I got so excited for going 8 minutes and could have kept going, but decided to walk a minute so I wouldn't wear myself out. After that, I couldn't get back in the rhythm, but it felt great to accomplish that since 2 days before I struggled to get 2 good minutes.
We try to do one day outside at the park, but I can't find my pace...also, it has really aggrivated my husband's asthma this week. He even struggled indoors last night. I couldn't make the eight minutes last night, but I did 3/1.5 ratio and it worked great for me. That small victory Friday is exactly what I needed, because I just didn't think I was cut out to run. This restored confidence in myself.
To think, before I started, I couldn't even spend the whole day out with my husband because 2 hours into it my knees would hurt so bad and I could barely walk the rest of the day to, now, running at least 3 days a week, no knee pain, no constant limping! Plus, we have our first 5K to complete in 2 weeks! That is amazing in itself.
I just wanted to share and thank everyone for the advice, support, and encouragement you give to me...have a great week!0 -
Howdy!
I just saw this thread, and thought I'd poke my head in. I'm more of a biker than a runner, but with cold weather moving into Colorado, there are going to periods this winter when running turns out to be the better option for getting outdoors. I have always hated "working out" indoors, and would much rather "go do stuff outside".
Having completed C25K before, I figured I'd jump back into it. I re-started somewhere around week 3, but have been adding extra jogging intervals, just trying to stretch the time out a little bit by going more slowly.
Anyhow, I have my own, "Custom" music for C25K that I made from my library, along with voice-overs for the start and end of the intervals. I'd love to share/trade my runlists with anybody who's done the same. My taste runs the gamut from classic rock to punk to electronica, so the playlists are pretty diverse. Anyone interested?0 -
Totally excited about my workout last night and thought I'd share.
I usually do intervals on my own on the treadmill when I train, but I happened to choose a LifeFitness treadmill at the gym last night, rather than the one that is in my usual spot. I was pleased that there was a speed interval button on it. I really blasted calories and felt like I got a better workout by using. I finally hit the 15 mile a minute pace by alternating between 4 and 5mph.
Shannon0 -
Totally excited about my workout last night and thought I'd share.
I usually do intervals on my own on the treadmill when I train, but I happened to choose a LifeFitness treadmill at the gym last night, rather than the one that is in my usual spot. I was pleased that there was a speed interval button on it. I really blasted calories and felt like I got a better workout by using. I finally hit the 15 mile a minute pace by alternating between 4 and 5mph.
Shannon
That's awesome! I see those at one gym that I got to, but I'm not sure how to set up the intervals..did someone help you?0 -
The machine simply had a program button labeled speed interval. You set a jog and run speed and it alternated for you, or you can hit the button to switch it yourself. It was neat and made me feel empowered that I could go that long!
On another note, it sounds like everyone is doing a fantastic job with their training. Keep up the good work during the holidays!
I'm planning on doing a 2.8 mile adventure race this spring/summer in central PA. I've done two 5Ks prior, but now I'm upping the ante and doing strength training another 5K training program to make sure I'm fit enough for it.
I've decided for the strength portion to use the Spartain Virgin weightlifting training guide. I've been doing it for two weeks already and already feel toned, regardless of the Thanksgiving feast!:-D
Shannon0 -
The machine simply had a program button labeled speed interval. You set a jog and run speed and it alternated for you, or you can hit the button to switch it yourself. It was neat and made me feel empowered that I could go that long!
On another note, it sounds like everyone is doing a fantastic job with their training. Keep up the good work during the holidays!
I'm planning on doing a 2.8 mile adventure race this spring/summer in central PA. I've done two 5Ks prior, but now I'm upping the ante and doing strength training another 5K training program to make sure I'm fit enough for it.
I've decided for the strength portion to use the Spartain Virgin weightlifting training guide. I've been doing it for two weeks already and already feel toned, regardless of the Thanksgiving feast!:-D
Shannon
I've been increasing my mileage this month in preparation for my first half marathon in January. Ran 8 miles on the 13th and my training plan calls for 9.5 miles this coming Sunday. Yikes! The funniest part for me is that my mid-week "short runs" are now 5 miles. I never would have imagined calling 5 miles a "short run!"0
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