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

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Replies

  • mandersatx
    mandersatx Posts: 86
    My two cents:

    -Smile while you run and/or sing to your playlist/radio - this is GREAT for the mental game!
    -Running shorts are a no-go for me. Good running capris w/spandex are great for keeping everything from moving too much and causing broken veins.
    -I second throwing vinegar in your wash water - deodorizes & kills bacteria. Add another 1/4 cup to the rinse cycle instead of softener.
    -mapmyrun.com is an excellent tool to figure out the distance on your route, find new routes, and figure out elevation changes.
    -Busty ladies - wear an underwire sports bra for support, then cover with a traditional sports bra one cup size down to keep the girls from moving.
    -Vaseline is your friend! Cheap, a little goes a long way, you can get a small tube to carry with you, and it instantly stops chaffing wherever it's happening.
    -Tuck a credit card & cell phone in your pocket/sports bra. If you need a drink or a cab ride home (injury & no one's answering the phone!), now you have a way to get what you need!
  • Masterdo
    Masterdo Posts: 331 Member
    I don't know if it has been posted yet, but :

    www.roadid.com

    A Road ID is a very cheap thing that could be very important. I always wear mine on runs and bike rides.
  • teletubbie87
    teletubbie87 Posts: 78 Member
    - Don't ever let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. And trust me, there will be lots of "experts" offering their opinion. Dream big!!

    - And, don't EVER give up! :D


    I LOVE THIS =)

    I used to say I couldn't run, I couldn't lose weight, etc, Until I realized my 3yr old nephew's favorite word was
    I CAN'T DO IT... He would mainly say this when he would reach the end of a level on Metal Slug, he would want to
    give up... Then I kept telling him, Damien " YOU CAN DO IT, YOU JUST HAVE TO TRY A LITTLE HARDER".

    Well that advice I had to apply it to my own excuses, and
    Now, am 42pds lighter, and am not the fastest runner,
    I am still training for a 5k at my own pace, but I know I will get there soon. =)
  • DawnVanSlim
    DawnVanSlim Posts: 10,468 Member
    Bumping to check out later.
  • Zoggy3333
    Zoggy3333 Posts: 43 Member
    Lots of good info here, I have been hitting the treadmill for about two weeks now, I would very much like to find a 5k in my area this fall and hit the road.

    Thanks for the tips. I shall put them to good use
  • tajour
    tajour Posts: 134 Member
    "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 needed to hear this. THANK YOU!
  • careyannal
    careyannal Posts: 161

    And yes, you do look like a rockstar while you run. Everyone does. NO ONE looks stupid running.

    I love this! Every time I see someone running when I'm in my car I get jealous.
  • Crysti
    Crysti Posts: 17
    This is the most positive, supportive topic I've seen on here! Runners, unite! I wanted to comment on almost every post.

    Rockstars- yes, ma'am! Even when we're making the awkward, gasping faces when we push through a particularly rough patch.

    Snot rockets- I used to be morally opposed, but I now understand their purpose. I cannot execute one and this is sad.

    -Don't be afraid to call yourself a runner. Own it. You earn it with every step you take.

    -Foam roller- get one.

    -Chafing sucks. Lush Ultra Balm seems to be a good alternative for those of us with sensitivities to petroleum based products.

    -Ladies, a good sports bra is essential, even if you think you're flat. Read reviews, try them on (hop around in the fitting room), and really invest.

    -Push it. Just do it! Work it! Get it. You got this. Whatever words push you through, keep on going!
  • barefoot76
    barefoot76 Posts: 314 Member
    I'm just starting to run myself. And one thing I've noticed is-- those running in the streets. And I'm genuinely interested as to why. Why not run on the sidewalk? Is it due to cars coming in and out of driveways? That is what I'm assuming.

    I often run in the street if the sidewalk is in horrible shape. I have accidentally tripped on broken sidewalk concrete and faceplanted on said broken concrete too many times. I've got scars on my chin and hands and knees. Luckily, I have never broken a tooth!

    Anyway, I know it is annoying to see a runner in the street if you're in a car or on a bike, but I swear we're safer there than on broken concrete!
  • barefoot76
    barefoot76 Posts: 314 Member
    Here are my tips:

    - Read "Born to Run." It is a fun read and very inspirational! Give barefoot running in the grass a try. It is like being a kid again.

    - If you're just starting out, practice knee highs (like running in place, but you lift your knees in front of you and slap them with the palms of your hands -- get those knees as high as you can!). Start with 10 and see if you can do at least 100 on each knee daily.

    - Who cares if you are slow or if you don't go far? YOU ROCK for even trying to run. It is a very intimidating sport. I started running when I was 16. I didn't go more than a mile until I was 28. I ran my first 5K (well, I walked/jogged it) and was hooked. Now I am doing distance challenges at age 36. I still don't understand all the running lingo! Some of us are just slow to warm up ;-)

    - I'm not really into listening to music when I run, I find the rhythm often throws me off my natural or intended pace. I love to listen to comedy (laughed my a** off listening to Louis CK when I ran a half marathon earlier this year, best way to run ever!) and audiobooks. I find this kind of stuff helps distract me from the pain or monotony of a long run. Plus, if I read business books, it is like killing two birds with one stone! (Can I write off all of my gear, do ya think?)
  • jeannelawrie
    jeannelawrie Posts: 53 Member
    I just finished C25K and am actually starting to really love running. I come home from a long day at work and can't wait to change my clothes and get out and run.

    Thank you all of the great info in this thread!!!!!
  • ahjenny
    ahjenny Posts: 293 Member
    This has been an awesome thread to read. I'm saving it for later. :)
  • Jonesingmucho
    Jonesingmucho Posts: 4,902 Member
    bump
  • ExplorinLauren
    ExplorinLauren Posts: 991 Member
    Bump... can't wait to read
  • Gwen_B
    Gwen_B Posts: 1,018 Member
    Anther point, is if you snooze you loose. I go a few weeks without running, I have to build my endure back up :-(
  • jus_in_bello
    jus_in_bello Posts: 326 Member
    Find your soundtrack, be it music, nature, an audio book, or a podcast, find something that makes you run longer. (I did all of my longest runs to audio books because they distracted me from my running/boredom.)

    Soak your feet after a run, baby your feet.

    Your mind is a big fat liar. You can do, you aren't weak, you are a runner, you can push to the next marker, you got this.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    And one thing I've noticed is-- those running in the streets. And I'm genuinely interested as to why. Why not run on the sidewalk? Is it due to cars coming in and out of driveways? That is what I'm assuming.
    I run in the street in neighborhoods where the sidewalks dip at every driveway - hate running on that uneven section every few feet!

    Can't think of anything else to add to what's been said - great stuff everyone!
  • Masterdo
    Masterdo Posts: 331 Member

    I'm just starting to run myself. And one thing I've noticed is-- those running in the streets. And I'm genuinely interested as to why. Why not run on the sidewalk?

    It might not be apparent, but the street is significantly softer than the sidewalk, and that eventually accumulates to quite a difference on your knees. It's still not an ideal surface to train on, but it beats concrete big time.
  • CandiceScott69
    CandiceScott69 Posts: 81 Member
    Bump
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member

    I'm just starting to run myself. And one thing I've noticed is-- those running in the streets. And I'm genuinely interested as to why. Why not run on the sidewalk?

    It might not be apparent, but the street is significantly softer than the sidewalk, and that eventually accumulates to quite a difference on your knees. It's still not an ideal surface to train on, but it beats concrete big time.
    Yep, that too! Thankfully the majority of my running route is on dirt.
  • djc315
    djc315 Posts: 585 Member
    I love this thread.
  • goodbekah27
    goodbekah27 Posts: 1
    bump
  • Cheval13
    Cheval13 Posts: 350 Member

    -The human body can survive for 2 to 3 days without water, in most cases, you don't *need* it on training runs

    I agree with most of what Carsten says except for this. If you want a killer headache after a long run (13-18+ miles), then sure, don't plan to drink anything (or finish that run running, really).
    Cheers
    My running wisdom: Don't run with headphones for each run. The power of music wears off after a while.
  • Zoggy3333
    Zoggy3333 Posts: 43 Member
    Bump
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    My running wisdom: Don't run with headphones for each run. The power of music wears off after a while.
    Agreed! Sometimes it's very freeing to cut out all the extras - the music, the programs, the tracking apps, and just run!
  • mitaylors
    mitaylors Posts: 5
    http://www.exrx.net/ExInfo/Stretching.html

    http://www.exrx.net/Kinesiology/Inflexibilities.html#anchor13320380

    Don't really know how to reply and have them show up as originally written, but I love these links! Good info there.
  • Brenda_1965
    Brenda_1965 Posts: 314 Member
    425, 325, and 525 what?
  • Brenda_1965
    Brenda_1965 Posts: 314 Member
    You will amaze yourself at how many times you can make yourself believe the same lie. When running the same route too many times, 'I can walk after this next tree, then changed to the next tree, and the next until you have run the full route without stopping' its hard to continue believing your own lies."

    I have one route that every time I run it, I have to wonder, "Am I gonna fall for it again, or will I see through my own lies?"


    :bigsmile: :blushing: :laugh:
  • Werglum
    Werglum Posts: 378 Member
    Be aware that you will have good patches and bad patches in every run. I expect to feel rotten for the first 10 minutes and then feel awesome. Some days I'll feel bad about 6kms in but I know if I keep going it will wear off and I'll feel awesome again after another 1 or 2 kms. I used to walk when I felt bad but now I know it will pass and if I keep going I will feel like I'm flying again soon.
  • _jen
    _jen Posts: 11

    - Read "Born to Run."

    To which I would add, LISTEN to "Born to Run"! Or, whatever works for you - I love a bit a Springsteen to run to, others may prefer Beyonce, but listening to music you love has been shown to produce increased speed and endurance.

    Also, another good runners' read is "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by the novelist/marathon runner/triathlete Haruki Murakami.

    PS Great thread, everyone. Just what I needed before my first 5K tomorrow!

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