you don't need to carb load for a 5k & other running wisdom

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  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    Thanks to both of you for the explanation and links to "IT Bands!!"

    Learn something new everyday here :)
  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
    consider that if you take pepper spray more so for fear of bears than people, that they may just think of it as extra seasoning!! lol

    :laugh: Damn you, I already have a slight bear phobia! Not around here, black bears in this part of the country are usually docile, but as I've considered moving out to grizzly country, I had planned to carry bear spray. But not in hopes of attracting bears who like their food spicy!

    haha...I live in so called docile black bear country too. But, I think the smell of pepper entices them. :) They are curious little big things!

    I'll be sure not to test spritz on trails then! Also, I wouldn't be so foolish as to assume any bear is docile to the point of approaching one!
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
    Oh..one more thing..never ever EVER lose to anyone in fancy dress!!
  • Copperycat
    Copperycat Posts: 215 Member

    One of my favorite places to run is a large local cemetery- All nice new asphalt roads winding all over the place, you can run in the middle of the road without any fear of traffic, and you can run for a long time without ever taking the same windy route twice. A+. You just have to run during the day and keep an eye out for zombies.

    LMAO!
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    Very important:

    be sure to wear your finisher medals to your next race...
  • MindyBlack
    MindyBlack Posts: 954 Member
    I am just starting to learn to "jog". Can now do a minute!

    "Joggers" are runners with inferiority complexes. If you can go faster than a walk, you are a runner. Now go work on being a better runner!
    Amen!
  • marathon64
    marathon64 Posts: 378 Member
    Very important:

    be sure to wear your finisher medals to your next race...

    Be a skeptical consumer of advice :laugh: :wink: :drinker:
  • Advaya
    Advaya Posts: 226 Member
    I begin week 4 next week and really feel that running is something I'm never going to quit. I'm digging the tips here!
  • feisma
    feisma Posts: 213 Member
    bump to read later...
  • bostongeek
    bostongeek Posts: 80 Member
    bump for fabulosity. thanks everyone!

    also I am totally pro-IT band stretching. (I realize it wasn't, like, really up for a vote, but I'm voting yes anyway lol.)
  • lachesissss
    lachesissss Posts: 1,298 Member
    If you don't push yourself, no one else will. Running is about you and how long you are willing to tough it out.
  • lesita75
    lesita75 Posts: 379 Member
    Great info for beginners like myself. Thank you!!
  • samblanken
    samblanken Posts: 369 Member
    Sidewalks - I avoid them in my neighborhood for a few reasons - they are poorly maintained - pine cones, cracks, upheaved etc. And what really pisses me off - is when people park their cars and block the sidewalk. I don't want to have to zig zag around a parked car. I used to hate seeing runners on the street when there were sidewalks and know i know why - I am in my zone and the pace I want - I don't want to have to shorten my stride or break cadence to zig zag around a parked car. Leave the sidewalk free people!!!!
  • karenwill2
    karenwill2 Posts: 604 Member
    I ran (jogged) for 7.5 minutes earlier this week. I had to brag as I am a morbidly obese 35 yr old that was one of the only people that ran the assignment instead of walking it.
  • SomeoneSomeplace
    SomeoneSomeplace Posts: 1,094 Member
    Interval training is important to improve your time per mile. You can stuck in a rutt if you constantly do endurance/long distance runs. Occasionally you should go down to the track for interval training. To do this you want to run 400 M at a 6 minute mile pace which is 1 lap around the track in 90 seconds. Jog to recover then repeat, keep doing this until you think you're going to puke. If you constantly focus on distance you'll hit a plateau in your time per mile.

    When you're focusing on distance try not to worry to much about speed, find a speed that feel comfortable and try to keep that pace, remember it actually gets EASIER after the first 1-2 miles as your body warms up so try and push yourself a bit! The first 1-2 miles of my run are often harder then the last 2!
  • spinachsmoothies
    spinachsmoothies Posts: 50
    Great thread - thanks for firing my flagging running spirits back up!
  • dalh
    dalh Posts: 82 Member
    There are a few really great free running apps that you can get for your smart phone that will track you as you go via gps. They will give you distance, time, lap time etc and you can play a music set list through it with vocal coaching. I like Endomondo :)
  • Graceious1
    Graceious1 Posts: 716 Member
    Enjoy your run. I love running and I love logging how far I run (I have a distance tracker) and how long I've run. I went from stop start running to running 45 minutes straight within 2 years. It burns tons of calories. Great post :wink:
  • CassieLOL
    CassieLOL Posts: 34 Member
    if you have a choice between running on concrete (road, sidewalks, etc.) and grass, run on grass. Especially if you're a new-ish runner; gives you a reduced chance of getting shin splints. (:
  • ptak1sm
    ptak1sm Posts: 172
    I am just starting to learn to "jog". Can now do a minute!

    "Joggers" are runners with inferiority complexes. If you can go faster than a walk, you are a runner. Now go work on being a better runner!

    I love this! I just started getting back into running within the past few months, and I want to do a few races next year, culminating in my first 10 mile race. I was wondering when I could be considered a runner. I used to say I hated running, but as my endurance increases I'm finding I hate it less and less. Thanks!
  • AlessisMore
    AlessisMore Posts: 179 Member
    Don't ever eat bok choy the night before a race. Everyone around you will hate you and you'll probably end up in witness protection.
  • nkyjennifer
    nkyjennifer Posts: 135 Member
    Love this thread SO MUCH! I'm still new to running, but here's what I've learned

    ~ Invest in a foam roller - oh it hurts so good!

    ~ Lunges and squats will keep your leg muscles balanced and help prevent injury. (I also like to use a rowing machine for this when I can get access to one)

    ~ It's OK to call your workouts "runs" even if you're doing intervals.

    Already mentioned, but I'm going to reiterate:

    ~ Hydrate the day and hours before your run and you won't need water while you're out.

    ~ Stretch those IT Bands! Foam roller will help this, too.

    ~ If both of your feet are leaving the ground at the same time, you're a runner. "Jogging" is just another word for it. :-)
  • ChaseAlder
    ChaseAlder Posts: 804 Member


    I'm just starting to run myself. And one thing I've noticed is-- those running in the streets. And I'm generally interested as to why. Why not run on the sidewalk? Is it due to cars coming in and out of driveways?

    For me, it's because I can't stand the up and down, up and down, up and down you get when you run on the sidewalk... every driveway and cross-street... off the curb, up onto the curb, driveway dip, driveway dip, more curb.... ugh! I just want to stay on one level surface!
  • nellyett
    nellyett Posts: 436 Member
    Bump for later :)
  • ka97
    ka97 Posts: 1,984 Member
    When you find the perfect pair of running shoes, buy multiple pairs. As many as you can. Put the extras in the closet for when you need a new pair. Inevitably, the shoe manufacturer will come out with an updated model, which will be at best slightly different from the one you have and not quite perfect anymore.
  • MelisRunning
    MelisRunning Posts: 819 Member
    I always double knot my shoes~I'm superstitious.

    Join a running group is there is one nearby. Great for company, encouragement, friendship...

    Keep track of how far/how fast you run. The progress you make is amazing!

    A good running partner is worth his/her weight in gold.

    Running in the rain is the BEST!

    It is never too cold to run.

    It is never too early to run.

    Never give up~never surrender.
  • HMVOL7409
    HMVOL7409 Posts: 1,588 Member
    Love this!!!

    Don't use the weather as an excuse NOT to run. It can be below zero and snowing but I am still running!

    If you find yourself getting defeated on a long run, it is ok to start dancing and yelling at yourself to get you moving and energized. Yes I received some weird looks from drivers but who gives a what.

    Sprint training is hell of fun. :)
  • lombrica
    lombrica Posts: 1,419 Member
    I am just starting to learn to "jog". Can now do a minute!

    "Joggers" are runners with inferiority complexes. If you can go faster than a walk, you are a runner. Now go work on being a better runner!

    Awww... Thanks for this! I love it & needed to hear this tonight. First straight 5K (did the Dirty Dash but it has obstacles throughout) is tomorrow and I'm nervous! Gonna keep this in mind.
  • lombrica
    lombrica Posts: 1,419 Member

    hubbys tend to love the flushed, hot sweaty mess that you come home as. :)

    LMAO. nice!
  • TKHappy
    TKHappy Posts: 659 Member
    You must learn to master the downhills as well as the uphills.

    This!! And all the other great tips!! I ran a mostly downhill half...oweee...my body felt like jello when I was done and I was having trouble sitting on my bum for a couple days, my glutes felt the effects well after I got the feeling in my legs back LOL!!

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