No idea how you runners do it.

24

Replies

  • NutellaAddict
    NutellaAddict Posts: 1,258 Member
    IMO it seems more of a mental barrier instead of a physical. Also, (from experience) highly look into a running shoe from a store that specializes in running. No they don't all cost 200+ I got my Asics for 110.
  • kapatts
    kapatts Posts: 19
    I give up. I have no idea how you runners do it. I just tried going for a run on the only level stretch of road near me. I got .73 mile according to this app I downloaded before I started wanting to shoot myself and headed back home. Having to watch for cars constantly was seriously screwing with my mojo, and the impact of feeling my foot hit the ground and having that reverberate all throughout my body and up into my skull made me want to punch someone. It was worse than what I feel when jumping rope. I also noticed per my HRM that I didn't burn nearly as many calories as I would have if I had jumped rope for that same duration.
    Your second sentence...look at your first sentence for the answer. We don't do that. We don't give up.

    You might want to pick a better time to run if you're worried about cars. I start my day an hour earlier than I need to for work. So, I'm up and out and running between 4am and 5am. Over the course of my typical 3 - 7 mile morning run, I almost never encounter other pedestrians...and I see less than 20 cars. The vehicles I do see are mostly newspaper or bakery delivery guys and local buses. I make it a point to wave to the bus drivers as they approach from either direction. I acknowledge them, they acknowledge me and now they know to keep an eye out for runners, in general.
  • pinkraynedropjacki
    pinkraynedropjacki Posts: 3,027 Member
    I ran 11km today, 10km yesterday....and the day before that...and the day before that.....well you get the idea. I run around a park for 20 laps if I need to. I run around a great big parkland area for it cause I love to. I run where there are NO cars...they don't stop for me & I'm sure as hell not stopping for them. My feet don't strike with the heel so I don't get a jolt when it hits.

    How do we do it? We just do. We don't give up when we get out of breath in the 1st km/mile. We keep pushing cause you know what..... you are not going to die. Runners do NOT give up. Ever. That's why we love it so much, that's why we love to do it as often as we can.

    We don't quit.


    I don't know how much you expected to burn in such a short distance. I burn closer to 600 cals in an hour. Not huge but goo enough on a daily basis considering how much I burn with all my other working out during the day. Trick is to make is constant....plus are you worried about how many cals you burnt or how much fitter you are getting in order to just burn more when not doing anything?

    Plus...if you want...try landing more with your knees bent just a little.... perhaps you will find you 'bounce' like you would when walking....I'm sure you don't hit the ground hard walking? I know I don't. I land more with my mid-foot an knees than anything...that way I'm getting a nice little squat thing happening.
  • Yogi_Carl
    Yogi_Carl Posts: 1,906 Member
    All this talk about running made me get up from my seat at work at lunchtime and go for a 30 minute jog! Feel much better now.




    edited: (because my original posting was a bit judgemental and adrenalin-fuelled from my return when I read it back)
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    I ran 11km today, 10km yesterday....and the day before that...and the day before that.....well you get the idea. I run around a park for 20 laps if I need to. I run around a great big parkland area for it cause I love to. I run where there are NO cars...they don't stop for me & I'm sure as hell not stopping for them. My feet don't strike with the heel so I don't get a jolt when it hits.

    How do we do it? We just do. We don't give up when we get out of breath in the 1st km/mile. We keep pushing cause you know what..... you are not going to die. Runners do NOT give up. Ever. That's why we love it so much, that's why we love to do it as often as we can.

    We don't quit.


    I don't know how much you expected to burn in such a short distance. I burn closer to 600 cals in an hour. Not huge but goo enough on a daily basis considering how much I burn with all my other working out during the day. Trick is to make is constant....plus are you worried about how many cals you burnt or how much fitter you are getting in order to just burn more when not doing anything?

    Plus...if you want...try landing more with your knees bent just a little.... perhaps you will find you 'bounce' like you would when walking....I'm sure you don't hit the ground hard walking? I know I don't. I land more with my mid-foot an knees than anything...that way I'm getting a nice little squat thing happening.

    ...Actually I do kind of struggle with walking as well now that you mention it. It seems like the faster I go and the harder I go, the more "consistent" my stride is. But when I try to slow myself down to anything less than a sprint, problems begin to arise as inconsistencies in my footfall being to show up. I start to drift all over the place (as in if I were on a track I would not be able to stay in my line) and my footfall varies from step to step. Sometimes it's midfoot, sometimes it's forefoot, sometimes it's on the heel, and sometimes it's on the outermost edge of the foot (where I sometimes have issues with ankles rolling). This is also why I cannot safely use treadmills and it's also an issue during basic walking (yes I do sometimes fall over while walking lol. I am known to roll my ankle walking down the hall at work). In order to be able to keep in a straight line and keep footfall consistent I have to be moving at a sprint.
  • carolynhart01
    carolynhart01 Posts: 73 Member
    Don't know if it has been mentioned or if you already have tried it but get fitted for actual running shoes at a running shoe store. They will determine how your foot hits and what kind of support you need. My arches collapsed and I had a pretty good bout of PTTD. My running shoes and running have never hurt my feet because they are the 'right' shoe for me to run in. Can be pricey but if you want tostart running, highly recommended.
  • carolynhart01
    carolynhart01 Posts: 73 Member
    Shoes make a BIG difference. There are two lines of thought on this
    - You go for minimalist shoes which basically have no cushioning in them at all. That way you are forced into using good technique because doing anything else is really painful!
    - You go to a running shop where they do gait analysis and buy some well balanced, cushioned shoes. Try a few out because they all feel really different. This will massively reduce the impact you feel but you will need to learn good technique and practice it to avoid injury.

    What is good technique? this:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx6x2cD6Y8Q

    Personally, I use minimalist shoes for training up to 5K but it is taking me a long time to get used to them. Bare in mind I regularly run 13-15 miles.

    Its worth noting that generally speaking it takes me 3 miles to warm up properly - you need to stretch out your muscles, clear your lungs, find a rhythm and get your head into a kind of meditative stance before you start putting the serious miles in. Once you get there though the time and the miles fly by and you come back physically tired but mentally rejuvenated.


    This This This
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    Don't know if it has been mentioned or if you already have tried it but get fitted for actual running shoes at a running shoe store. They will determine how your foot hits and what kind of support you need. My arches collapsed and I had a pretty good bout of PTTD. My running shoes and running have never hurt my feet because they are the 'right' shoe for me to run in. Can be pricey but if you want tostart running, highly recommended.

    Read above. It's not consistent at all. Plus they use treadmills which I cannot use.
  • carolyn0613
    carolyn0613 Posts: 162 Member
    In order to be able to keep in a straight line and keep footfall consistent I have to be moving at a sprint.

    Well at least that will burn the calories...

    I'm a little bit top heavy to enjoy running - too much jiggling. I do fast walking instead and burn quite a lot of calories.

    And i read this reccently
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2013/apr/05/brisk-walk-healthier-running-scientists
  • Yogi_Carl
    Yogi_Carl Posts: 1,906 Member
    This one's easy:

    SLOW DOWN.

    If I went any slower id be walking backwards!

    You can run with me any time - I'll make you look good!
  • Heather032190
    Heather032190 Posts: 138 Member
    These seem like all really good advice.

    And I kind feel what the OP is saying only to a certain extent..I hate running when I do it hurts my shins and it just makes me want to give up..am I doing something wrong?
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    These seem like all really good advice.

    And I kind feel what the OP is saying only to a certain extent..I hate running when I do it hurts my shins and it just makes me want to give up..am I doing something wrong?

    Well I know that in my case it has a lot to do with neurological problems that hinder basic motor control, which is why I struggle a lot with walking and jogging. Yet not sprinting which is odd. I also cannot make lateral movements of any kind or step backwards. =/
  • mikeyrp
    mikeyrp Posts: 1,616 Member
    Yes - you are doing something wrong - running does not need to hurt! Look at my above post for details.
  • crazyellybean
    crazyellybean Posts: 999 Member
    I give up. I have no idea how you runners do it. I just tried going for a run on the only level stretch of road near me. I got .73 mile according to this app I downloaded before I started wanting to shoot myself and headed back home. Having to watch for cars constantly was seriously screwing with my mojo, and the impact of feeling my foot hit the ground and having that reverberate all throughout my body and up into my skull made me want to punch someone. It was worse than what I feel when jumping rope. I also noticed per my HRM that I didn't burn nearly as many calories as I would have if I had jumped rope for that same duration.

    it gets better .. everyday it gets better
  • Leamac83
    Leamac83 Posts: 99 Member
    To the OP...id suggest that you dont run. Dont even attempt it. Your attitude is totally a cant do wont do wont try and will only come up with excuses why you cant do it.

    Get a bike.
  • RavenWolf1977
    RavenWolf1977 Posts: 39 Member
    I started running in February and literally could only go 20 seconds before wanting to die! So you are already waaaay better than me!

    I can now run a mile straight through and am continuing to push because my goal is to be able to run a whole 5K by October.

    I do not run on pavement but still got horrible shin splints. Icing was my best friend! Now my shins barely ache after I'm done! I agree with what you were told about being aware of how your food hits the floor. No heel first!

    You can do this!! Just take your time and maybe find somewhere to run where the ground is softer.
  • MorganLeighRN
    MorganLeighRN Posts: 411 Member
    You sound like you're making a heck of a lot of excuses here.
    And that's why you can't do it.


    You've got control of the way you foot hits the ground, others have given you suggestions on how to correct it.
    Go to a running store and have your gait analyzed, they'll be able to give you even better suggestions than we can.

    You stated you wanted to run 5k to prove some theory.
    You're just going to have to do it.
    It's going to suck for awhile and be hard but it gets easier.
    You just have to push through it - that's how I get through my running.

    Thank you!!! Glad someone finally said it! OP, you asked for help and now that you are getting it, you keep making excuses (please don't take this as being mean, I just saying what I see). If you truly want to run, get good running shoes from a running store that a professional has fitted you in. Download Couch to 5K (C25K). You will probably have to drive to a trail (I have to do this so it can be done). Put your head phones in a start running. You don't have to be the fastest person out there, I've been running for a year and do 8:50-10 min miles. Best of luck!
  • Heather032190
    Heather032190 Posts: 138 Member
    These seem like all really good advice.

    And I kind feel what the OP is saying only to a certain extent..I hate running when I do it hurts my shins and it just makes me want to give up..am I doing something wrong?

    Well I know that in my case it has a lot to do with neurological problems that hinder basic motor control, which is why I struggle a lot with walking and jogging. Yet not sprinting which is odd. I also cannot make lateral movements of any kind or step backwards. =/

    that must be very difficult to deal with, I am sorry to hear that. I know with me when I walk(never paid attention to when I run) is that i walk on the sides of my feet not sure why but always have..makes me wonder if that might be my problem.
  • nexangelus
    nexangelus Posts: 2,080 Member
    I used to dislike running. I used to get sore everything from it. It took me a while to build endurance up to be able to do 5 km then 10 km then a half marathon. I find it challenging now, but I also love the endorphin rush that goes with it about 15 mins in and the energetic buzz I get for a few hours afterwards. I found the right shoes, changed my running style, I kept trying, I kept pushing myself. It has taken me four years to love running. No more injuries, no shin splints, no pain, just the great outdoors freedom feeling.

    It takes time to adjust to something. But if you really, really still hate it after giving it a good go (a month or so minimum) then do something you prefer.
  • kelsully
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    So stick with jumping rope. Who said you have to run? There are plenty of other cardio options that wont make you want to shoot yourself. :laugh:

    But just so you know, the running thing will get easier. Give it time.

    ^^^^^^^^
    I think running is great but I do not think swimming is that much fun...therefore I run instead of swim. If I loved swimming I would likely swim instead of run. If you don't like it don't do it.

    With that said...the tips of shortening your stride, working on footfall....I like to think about running like I am sneaking up on someone...I immediately lighten my foot strike, get good shoes, get good music etc and you might find you do like...but not need to do something you hate.
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    So stick with jumping rope. Who said you have to run? There are plenty of other cardio options that wont make you want to shoot yourself. :laugh:

    But just so you know, the running thing will get easier. Give it time.

    ^^^^^^^^
    I think running is great but I do not think swimming is that much fun...therefore I run instead of swim. If I loved swimming I would likely swim instead of run. If you don't like it don't do it.

    With that said...the tips of shortening your stride, working on footfall....I like to think about running like I am sneaking up on someone...I immediately lighten my foot strike, get good shoes, get good music etc and you might find you do like...but not need to do something you hate.

    Music I can't do but I can look into earplugs if it might help. I have found that sound--any kind of sound--throws me off and makes me more likely to drift or lose my footing.
  • links_slayer
    links_slayer Posts: 1,151 Member
    just break up
  • 99cherrypie99
    99cherrypie99 Posts: 205 Member
    Barney Stinson: Step one to running a marathon: You run. There is no step two.
  • RunForChai
    RunForChai Posts: 238 Member
    Here's how to do it:

    Start with walking, then run just 1 minute VERY SLOWLY, then walk 5 minutes. Switch back and forth, 5 walking, 1 minute slow running, 5 walking---15-20 minutes every other day for a week or two, then begin to do 4 minutes of walking, 2 running [SLOWLY--this means you should be able to talk, you should not be panting]. Build up like this very slowly.
    Do it on grass or dirt or a treadmill.
    Wear good running shoes.
    If you run on hard surfaces [sidewalk, brick] you will hurt yourself eventually.

    I have trained many, many runners from never having run to completing marathons---and the mistake I see over and over is that people try to run too fast, get out of breath, think they hate running and give up very quickly.

    Jeff Galloway has a good book on walking-to-running.

    It is worth it.
    Finally, having run the Boston Marathon several times, my heart is broken tody.
  • mrsappleblossom77
    mrsappleblossom77 Posts: 48 Member
    [/quote] Well I know that in my case it has a lot to do with neurological problems that hinder basic motor control, which is why I struggle a lot with walking and jogging. Yet not sprinting which is odd. I also cannot make lateral movements of any kind or step backwards. =/
    [/quote]


    OP, I am sorry to hear you have neurological issues that cause problems for you. I totally get it. I had surgery in September to remove an Acoustic Neuroma (benign brain tumor) They wrap around the hearing and balance nerves. I am now deaf in my left ear and I feel my body being pulled to the right. BUT....I was not a runner prior to surgery. I am now halfway through the Couch to 5k program. The other's are right. You can't give up! Giving up to me (personally) is death. So you can't run. What can you do? Because of my balance issues I have to modify a lot of things. Too many examples to list. But since you mentioned you can't even walk at times without falling over, maybe you should get some Nordic walking poles. I used them when I was in the hospital instead of a walker. They helped me feel more grounded to the earth. They can help you keep your balance. I'm not trying to be harsh with you, I am trying to be supportive. You have to tell yourself you CAN do things. Otherwise nothing will change. Good luck to you!
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    Here's how to do it:

    Start with walking, then run just 1 minute VERY SLOWLY, then walk 5 minutes. Switch back and forth, 5 walking, 1 minute slow running, 5 walking---15-20 minutes every other day for a week or two, then begin to do 4 minutes of walking, 2 running [SLOWLY--this means you should be able to talk, you should not be panting]. Build up like this very slowly.
    Do it on grass or dirt or a treadmill.
    Wear good running shoes.
    If you run on hard surfaces [sidewalk, brick] you will hurt yourself eventually.

    I have trained many, many runners from never having run to completing marathons---and the mistake I see over and over is that people try to run too fast, get out of breath, think they hate running and give up very quickly.

    Jeff Galloway has a good book on walking-to-running.

    It is worth it.
    Finally, having run the Boston Marathon several times, my heart is broken tody.

    As mentioned above I struggle just as much with walking.
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    just break up

    She has my CDs. I can't live without my CDs.
  • JustLealah
    JustLealah Posts: 1 Member
    It sounds like you need to visit a doctor about your equilibrium, perhaps there's something else going on with you to affect your balance. If you don't have an actual problem there, then you are just making excuses. It wasn't easy for most runners to become runners, they just went out and did it and pushed through their discomfort. As it's been pointed out, there are numerous great suggestions here, and you seem to have a rebuttal for every one of them. It's plain and simple, you either want to run and find a way to make it work, or you don't want to run and you just don't do it. This isn't a debate.
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    It sounds like you need to visit a doctor about your equilibrium, perhaps there's something else going on with you to affect your balance. If you don't have an actual problem there, then you are just making excuses. It wasn't easy for most runners to become runners, they just went out and did it and pushed through their discomfort. As it's been pointed out, there are numerous great suggestions here, and you seem to have a rebuttal for every one of them. It's plain and simple, you either want to run and find a way to make it work, or you don't want to run and you just don't do it. This isn't a debate.

    Diagnosed w/ Asperger Syndrome & Dyspraxia. My basic motor control is very spotty and varies depending on the day. Basically, I have to "re-learn" how to move every day because when I go to sleep at night it resets to a random severity. Some days I can run okay, other days I can't safely use stairs. Sounds, lights, and seeing movement throw off my balance as well. Fine with doing things that require generating explosive force and leaving it at that, but for anything requiring more control I choke.
  • justal313
    justal313 Posts: 1,375 Member
    When I started running I got on a treadmill and I ran for a little bit, then I walked until I caught my wind and I ran a little bit and continued like that until I could do neither or wanted to move to the ellipticals.

    The first time I ran an unbroken (no walking) mile I was ecstatic if not jubilant. I wished I had heard about couch-to-5k because it will get you into running form. It's not about improving your cardio its getting your muscles and bones used to how running is different from walking or jumping rope or whatever, I had to increase my ability to run by trial and error.

    Everyone talked already about going to a running store and getting fit for shoes, if you want to run, do this, your feet will thank you. And like you, I spent a lot of time running on my heels and I am working now towards landing on the middle to front of my feet. I was inflicted with Planar Faciatias because I had really bad form and I'm making effort to change that.

    That being said, I love running, I'm running/have run something obscene like 20 races in 2013 including a 1/2 marathon, the warrior dash and tough mudder.

    If you run on roads, run on the left side of the street so you can see the cars coming towards you (hopefully not right at you). If you decide that you want to run, and you don't want to run on the streets, find a park or the like near you.

    Go to http://www.traillink.com/ if you don't know where any trails are around you, you'll be surprised, they are there somewhere...