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

1…468910

Replies

  • ZambiNan
    ZambiNan Posts: 61 Member
    Running CAN be bad for your joints, but it doesn't have to be. Try investing in a pair of Merrells/Nike Free's/Newtons/Vibrams or some other barefoot or transition shoe. One of the main benefits of barefoot-style running is that your gait changes so that your muscles are absorbing the impact, not your joints.
  • natalie412
    natalie412 Posts: 1,039 Member
    Great info - thanks!
  • back_to_18
    back_to_18 Posts: 28
    "A jogger is just a runner lacking confidence"

    ^THIS^

    Totally! As a new runner (of around 4 months now) it's amazing when you realise what you thought was a "jog" was actually a "run" getting up its confidence!
  • dmc3044
    dmc3044 Posts: 3 Member
    This is a great thread for a beginner such as myself!! I'm doing my first 5K in November (Turkey Trot in Grant Park, Chicago) and I've been terrified (of not being able to finish it) ever since I signed up. Reading this thread has given me such encouragement and motiviation!!! Thanks for all of the great advice!!
  • lenoresaari
    lenoresaari Posts: 500 Member
    what about heel spurs ; any ideas besides sitting it out or surgery?
  • DiannaMoorer
    DiannaMoorer Posts: 783 Member
    Keep your toe nails cut short.

    Buy running shoes slightly bigger than your shoe size,feet swell.

    Minimus shoes are awesome, my shin splint are gone and my back doesn't hurt when I run any more.:happy:

    Coffee with cream and sugar is awesome before a run but it will loosen the bowls so give it a bit after you drink it before you go out.:bigsmile:

    If you haven't inhaled a bug yet,just wait.it'll happen.:tongue:

    Stash a few sticks along your route to scare off dogs. They respect you more with a stick in your hand. :angry:

    Fruit,bread and other carbs are good to eat before a long run but not meat. Meat sits longer on the stomach and may give you a stomach ache.

    And......Happy running:drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:
  • wannaberunner33
    wannaberunner33 Posts: 55 Member
    love this post:smile:
  • mmddwechanged
    mmddwechanged Posts: 1,687 Member
    I like what I've been doing for the last few years since I started running: train for a 10km from January to April, take a few months off or just walk/run lightly, then start a very gradual 5km training program near the end of summer. I feel like a superstar! The easy 5km training program is so easy and I notice I have more confidence every year.:happy:
  • valeriebpdx
    valeriebpdx Posts: 497 Member
    -Start stretching your IT bands yesterday.

    huh??
    Iliotibial (IT) Bands- The IT band runs from your hip to your knee, and tight IT bands are a common source of injury that feels like knee pain, hip pain, or both. Commonly people mistake IT band problems for joint injuries, when a few really basic stretches would alleviate and prevent the issue/pain in the future. It's really easy to do and can prevent lots of future problems. Google "IT band stretches" and start doing them religiously.

    Yes! And buy a foam roller, and roll on it, in addition to doing these stretches. If you don't, and continue to increase your distance, it will be a matter of WHEN you have ITBS, not if. Start working it before it hurts.
    Also, Two Toms SportShield > bodyglide
  • butlera8
    butlera8 Posts: 130 Member
    Did anyone mention anything about pain killers before running? I get very intense back pain after the first mile.

    Try improving your posture. Use your legs more. As I said, I'm not a runner, but I know how the body works. There is something called compensatory movement--basically, if you are not using your legs like you should be, your back ends up doing some of the movement. Run with your head up, shoulders back, and remember to run with your legs, not your back. If that doesn't help, you may want to talk to your doctor about NSAIDs or antinflammatories to take before you run. If you run often, DO talk to your doctor, as a lot of OTC pain meds can cause liver or kidney damage with long term use! :)

    I'm currently working on my posture. It just kind of hit me as I watched other people run around the track lol!
  • butlera8
    butlera8 Posts: 130 Member
    Did anyone mention anything about pain killers before running? I get very intense back pain after the first mile.

    Core strength! (otherwise.....see your Dr)

    Thanks!
  • bahacca
    bahacca Posts: 878 Member
    I didn't read all of them, but my most important one after good shoes for YOU:
    NEVER take in anything during a race that you haven't trained with. If you haven't trained with gatorade, don't take it at the water stop just because it is there.
  • macdiver
    macdiver Posts: 145 Member
    Bump
  • lisamariebennett
    lisamariebennett Posts: 32 Member
    bump
  • lamoursuffit
    lamoursuffit Posts: 267 Member
    Heel spurs = cortisone shots. Temp fix, but it might help!
  • wolfgate
    wolfgate Posts: 321 Member
    As a general rule of thumb, people who offer running advice using absolutes usually know much less than those who offer recommendations for someone to try. The wise understand that people are vastly different and we are all an experiment of one.

    So if someone says "this specific type of shoe/training/food will fix your problem" be wary. Particularly if they follow it with "I used it and it worked for me".

    If someone says "you might try this type of shoe/training/food to see if it helps you. It has been beneficial to some people,", then consider they might have a good idea for you to consider.
  • DangerJim71
    DangerJim71 Posts: 361 Member
    For all the beginners that don't think they can do it...
    5 months ago I had been a pack a day smoker for 25 years (I am 41) was 80 lbs overweight, and gave myself stress fractures in both my tibia trying to do Couch to 5k (apparently smoking is bad for your bones) and today I ran 10 miles. In fact, last month I ran about 110 miles, biked 150 and swam 5.4. Whoda thought a fat smoker could do all that? Well, I can and so can you.
  • tappae
    tappae Posts: 568 Member
    I've got one: Don't start out on your race faster than you intend to average. This will be harder than you think, especially with all the people and excitement and adrenaline. Start more slowly and build to your pace and you'll be stronger at the end.
  • Howbouto
    Howbouto Posts: 2,121 Member
    Thanks!
  • Cespuglio
    Cespuglio Posts: 385 Member
    Love. This. Thread. Thanks to the OP for posting and for everyone for the ideas/inspiration!
  • Cespuglio
    Cespuglio Posts: 385 Member
    Contrary to popular belief, running will NOT make your uterus fall out!

    This is popular belief??? :laugh:
  • bdotshaw
    bdotshaw Posts: 90 Member
    Bump
  • Cespuglio
    Cespuglio Posts: 385 Member
    [/quote]

    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.
    [/quote]

    AHAHAHAHAHA! I might try this simply because my necrophobia might pump me with enough adrenaline to run faster :laugh:
  • SueGremlin
    SueGremlin Posts: 1,066 Member
    Be aware and listen for dogs. Don't have your music up so high that you won't hear them. If one does chase you, STOP, face him and tell him to go home in a stern, angry voice.
  • ejwme
    ejwme Posts: 318
    Be aware and listen for dogs. Don't have your music up so high that you won't hear them. If one does chase you, STOP, face him and tell him to go home in a stern, angry voice.

    I was 4 miles in to a 5 mile run, on a back country road on my lunch break last week, and this golden lab comes tearing across a farmyard towards me like he's totally going to rip my throat out for coming near his turf. I yelled at him to go home, he stops, I yell again, he actually tucks his tail and runs home.

    But I wouldn't assume it will work all the time. I adore dogs, but not all dogs are inclined to leave a perceived threat when told to.

    I'll definitely second the idea of moderating music volume - total escape is better done in the safety of the gym.
  • sheri02r
    sheri02r Posts: 486 Member
    some great stuff here!
  • runnermama81
    runnermama81 Posts: 388 Member
    Great thread.
    My advice? Never quit. Even if you take a break from running for awhile, always go back. You won't regret it.
    Have fun.
    Don't be afraid to laugh and cry during a run. It is some of the best therapy.
    Make it prayer time.
    Hydrate.
    After run bubble baths are the bomb.
    Inspire your kids to run. They'll thank you some day.
  • totallydevious
    totallydevious Posts: 309 Member
    Bump.
  • luvmybeebees
    luvmybeebees Posts: 681 Member
    :love: Bumping for later! Love what I've read so far!
  • sarahz5
    sarahz5 Posts: 1,363 Member
    bump :)

Categories