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NSV - Running

hollywoodguy99
hollywoodguy99 Posts: 25 Member
edited January 5 in Success Stories
Some background: On July 25 I was able to run 2.08 Miles (mapmyrun.com to figure out distance) in 24 minutes, or 5.2 MPH, 11:30 Min Mile. My goal was 23 - 25 min of cardio. I ran away from home for 12:00 minutes, found a natural end point, and turned around and ran back, That is why the odd distance.

I ran three days a week, Tues, Thurs, and Sat Morning first thing, when it was still dark most of the time. When I was completing that distance in 21 minutes I bumped up the distance to maintain 24 - 25 minutes.

Fast forward 100 + days and I ran 5K (3.1 M) this morning in 27:35 Minutes, 6.74 MPH, or 8:54 Min Mile. With the remnants of a cold, and with stopping for a breather (w/ stopwatch running) three times.:happy:

Even when I was an athlete in high school I could never run like that. I am 6' 2" 224 lbs (25% BF) , which is still thirty pounds and 10% BF from my goal weight/BF as well!

I give much of the credit to changing my running stride to a mid foot strike and my Saucony Kinvara Minimalist shoes, I eventually want to go to a Vibram Five Fingers. For the first time ever I do not have stress injuries on my joints when I run (I used to run with a heel strike). In case you were wondering, I also have been doing a pushup, ab, squat, lunge, dumbell row circuit training two days a week at home as well. My thing is trying to keep all my exercise time below 29 minutes so that i will always have time to do it.

I just had to share, I am really excited.

Replies

  • Mac_X
    Mac_X Posts: 110 Member
    Excellent work, my friend! Keep it up and step it up!
  • Congratulations! Good for you....keep on runnin'
  • nickgarner6
    nickgarner6 Posts: 106 Member
    Well done!! You should be excited. Keep Calm and rock on!!!
  • lmeslie
    lmeslie Posts: 46 Member
    Way to go, that's amazing! I am also working on improving my distance and speed now that I can fun for at least 30 minutes without stopping. It's great to read stories like yours to get motivation that I eventually will get faster. Great job :)
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    Outstanding!
  • marikevr
    marikevr Posts: 389 Member
    Awesome stuff!
  • LeenaRuns
    LeenaRuns Posts: 1,309 Member
    That's amazing--great work! I love my VFFs. Best shoes ever.
  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    That's a great story. Congratulations on your success. Keep going because you'll only get better if you keep trying.
  • RunMyOregonBunsOff
    RunMyOregonBunsOff Posts: 862 Member
    Congrats and keep up the good work!
  • mrsna
    mrsna Posts: 195 Member
    Congrats!! How did you change your stride? I know I tend to be a heel striker and have been working to change my stride.
  • LittleBallofFurr
    LittleBallofFurr Posts: 242 Member
    Thats really exciting :)
  • MandaJean83
    MandaJean83 Posts: 675 Member
    That is something to be VERY proud of! At my very best, I can run a 12 minute mile...for one mile only. LOL But I have hopes that over time it will improve, just as it did for you!

    Great dedication! You've earned this NSV! :)
  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    Awesome NVS! And I love that you've been able to find times/routines that fit your daily life, too.
  • hollywoodguy99
    hollywoodguy99 Posts: 25 Member
    To answer the question on midfoot striking

    I had a co-worker tell me that running while leaning forward like a controlled fall is the first thing. Secondly I took it slow, Thirdly, I can not stress this enough, stretch your calves, achilles, and ankles all the time everyday.

    Shorten your stride, if you see your feet in front of you, adjust. I still have to consciously adjust when I am running, a lifetime of bad form takes time to overcome. Up your cadence and lift your knees more.

    I started with Adidas Supernovas, changing to minimalist footwear (4 Mil heel to toe drop) made it much much easier. The kinvara2 is on sale at 6PM.com for $45.
  • shmiracles
    shmiracles Posts: 105 Member
    great great job!
    i love your approach. and i love your attitude.

    i remember when i couldn't go a block without feeling like i was gonna die, and last weekend i finished my 6th marathon.
    (7 if you count the unofficial marathon i ran on my own)
    i'm not fast, but i am dedicated.
    and you sound to be just as dedicated. and also faster than me! hah

    amazing work!
  • larryc0923
    larryc0923 Posts: 557 Member
    Fantastic, very inspirational!!
  • Awesome NSV. Just a suggestion about shoes. Check out Altra Zero Drop shoes. At your size, you may still need some cushioning. Altras give you a flat, barefoot like platform with some cushioning. I bought my first pair a couple of months ago and I'm convinced I'll never buy a different brand.
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