MFP Runner's Club

Good Morning!!!

4.8 mile "indian run" (or last man up run--whatever you wanna call it) for me this morning

hi everyone!! I have just started running, I usually go in the morning about five times a week I love to run, but I have been having problems with my shins I am going to start a beginners jogging program that will hopefully help my legs to become stronger. I will probably have tons of questions for you all! I hope that I can find some great support and encouragement, and maybe some good advice too!
Hope you are all having a great day!!

Any time you are getting sore from running, check out your shoes. If you are near a running store, have them check out your foot type and gait to make sure you have shoes that are right for you.
The other thing is to remember to stretch well after running. Most everybody stretches their quads and hamstrings, but don't forget to stretch your shins. Goes a long way to help with shin splints.

I already posted by I ran 3.2 miles yesterday! I am estatic about this and still in awe that I did this. It is taking me right now 36 minutes to run that. Between stretching before and after and a 5 minute warmup plus driving there it takes up a least an hour. Those of you that are running higher distances. Where do you do it? How do you squeeze in enough time to do that distance? Thanks!

Great job on your run!
I usually run on a treadmill at the crack of dawn. I try to get up before the kids and get my run done -- makes for a great day. here lately I have been driving to a local park that has a 5.3 mile loop through the woods. I have a friend that runs with me and we do the loop twice. I do that long run on the weekend so time isn't an issue. the hard part for me is running on a treadmill during the week now that I've had a taste of running outdoors!

Being a working mom of 2 I have to do my running early or else it interferes with dinner and homework (and the list goes on!) That time in the morning is MY time -- and it keeps me happy

I know what u mean about running on the treadmill after u get a taste of running outside! Short runs like 3-4 miles don't bother me, but a long run on the treadmill is looooong!
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I already posted by I ran 3.2 miles yesterday! I am estatic about this and still in awe that I did this. It is taking me right now 36 minutes to run that. Between stretching before and after and a 5 minute warmup plus driving there it takes up a least an hour. Those of you that are running higher distances. Where do you do it? How do you squeeze in enough time to do that distance? Thanks!

Great job on your run!
I usually run on a treadmill at the crack of dawn. I try to get up before the kids and get my run done -- makes for a great day. here lately I have been driving to a local park that has a 5.3 mile loop through the woods. I have a friend that runs with me and we do the loop twice. I do that long run on the weekend so time isn't an issue. the hard part for me is running on a treadmill during the week now that I've had a taste of running outdoors!

Being a working mom of 2 I have to do my running early or else it interferes with dinner and homework (and the list goes on!) That time in the morning is MY time -- and it keeps me happy

I know what u mean about running on the treadmill after u get a taste of running outside! Short runs like 3-4 miles don't bother me, but a long run on the treadmill is looooong!

yeah, I cant run more than about 3 miles on the TM...I hate it!! lucky for me, the weather is nice here year round, so I dont have to run inside often.

Ran 3.1 today in just under 33 minutes...Whoo hoo! I'm running my first 5K next month and want to finish it in under 35 minutes, which is pretty much what I had been averaging. Decided to start playing around with the speedwork today, so I timed it along with my iPod. I ran my normal pace for two songs, then went hard (aka uncomfortable and breathing like a cow) for one. It was definitely challenging, but I felt great seeing that time when I got done!

Nich0le :drinker: :drinker: Good job!!!

Ketchie - was he (the woohoo guy) innocent or guilty????

Satellite - good luck on your 5k, I'm sure you'll do great!

gustergirl - you rock!! Congrats on your run!!

runnerdad, you are so lucky. I would love to have a place to run like that around here.

Welcome to all our new people! I look forward to meeting you!

I ran a little over 3 miles today. I've noticed that if I give myself an 8 minute warm up rather than a 5 min one, I do a lot better on my runs. Today was the first time I have ever ran, walked, or jogged with music. WOW, what a difference that made!!!! I actually burned 655 calories on my run.

Today I marveled in the fact that it is getting easier each time. My form has improved and I'm running a lot smoother. I get less winded and can go a little further each time. I think I'm up to a fast jiggly jog now! I can actually picture myself completing a 5k....maybe even call myself a runner someday

The treadmill can be your friend.....really.

I have learned to really enjoy treadmill running but I had to master the mental challenge, and let's face it, that's all it is. Outside we are distracted with sights, sounds, curbs, and dogs. The biggest challenge on the TM is your mind. If you conquer that, you have an ultra convenient workout program... unlimited drinks and restrooms!

OK, enough... the secret is?

You likely made a $1,500+ investment on the machine, right? Here is how you maximize the investment:
1) Add a decent size TV and DVD player right smack in front of you.
2) Add cordless headpones, or get a long extenstion cord for headphones and suspend your wired headphones right behind you on the treadmill (that's what I do)
3) Get a BIG fan, something industrial grade and as wide as your treadmill and face it right smack on you. Spend at least $40 on the fan.
4) Rent a movie for multiple days, and ensure it is action, suspense, or something that will completely engulf your mind.
5) Run to half of it one day which for me is usually good for 5 to 7 miles. You usually cut if off just as the suspense peaks..... well, guess what? You are dying to finish the movie the following day, so it's easy to lace up again for round 2 to finish the show.

This WORKS! From an Iowa boy with some very, very cold winter days this makes winter running easy. In fact, I don't even consider watching ANY suspense/action movie unless it's a treadmill run. It's a waste of the movie....really! The trick is eliminating commercials, or any momentary glitch that lets your mind think about breathing, pace, distance. I have done many, many 18+ runs like this and actually really enjoyed it ( you need that rare 3-hour flick like Gladiator). Most folks already have a TV with the treadmill, now pick a favorite movie, and a big breeze, and try it.

One last post..... Some advice about HUNGER and WEIGHT gain during running.

When training for Ironman's I would wake up in the middle of the night and eat 2 bowls of cereal and likely an entire bag of chips, with ZERO will power to stop because the machine needed food. I would often start having weight creep on when I was doing 10-12 hours a week of cardio.

I feel all of your pain.....

Some helpful tips.

1) Skip meals, and eat smaller portions all day

2) Target 50-75% protein as a percentage of diet. It has less cals and helps you feel full

3) Strategically time the protein shakes, do them as snacks or before meals

4) Load up with Carrots, Apples, Radishes, and similar fruits/veggies with a net zero calorie impact

5) Skip the cheese, mayo, sauces, and sweets. I know, that's why we run but they really do add tons of senseless calories.

6) NEVER binge, be very careful about this. Stay steady for 7-10 days, and then enjoy a good meal or two and get back on the program for another 7-10. If you go 3 good and 1 bad it will never yield a good result because it takes roughly 2-days to stabilize blood sugars and the body changes metabolic rates accordingly.

This will keep you feeling full and help you slowly lower weight with an ever increasing metabolism. STAY strong because this is a big mental challenge. The book "YOU on a diet" is a good outline of metabolism and diet, that is iff you can handle the constant 1-line jokes. It's usually about $15 on Amazon.

Great advice all around, Rainman! Thanks.

I ran 6 miles late last night at the gym and did about an hour of strength training. I'm not a big fan of getting home at 11:30 PM from the gym (my gym is open 24 hours), but you do what you got to do, I guess. I don't think I posted yesterday, either...but I ran 5 at the gym the other night. Today I'm excited to be able to take it outside. I'd like to get in 7 or 8. I'll let you know!

Hope everyone has a great run today!

Good morning everyone!! No running for me today ...it's a strength training day. But I sure would like to go out there and run anyway lol... is it safe to run two days in a row? I've only been running 3 days a week (trying to follow the couch to 5k program).


Rainman, thanks so much for the advice. I am a newbie runner so any kind of advice I can get, I appreciate!

I don't treadmill run - I have one that sits out in the garage that is a piece of cr*p so I don't even bother with it (I don't even know it works anymore). I can't give up the outside running...man, I absolutely love it! We do have a nice gym here at the college where I work....they have great treadmills there so perhaps I will try it out when the weather gets to cold to go outside.

How do I keep a bottle of water with me when I run? Do you strap it to yourself somewhere or carry with you while you are running? Does it bother you to carry the extra load? Do you have to keep switching off each hand? I'm already getting loaded down with gadgets lol - between my HRM and my ipod lol Also, what about bathroom breaks? Won't the water add to that?

Lol, I agree with the hurting! I've been hurting for weeks but it's slowly going away as I've been working through it and my muscles are getting stronger.

How do I keep a bottle of water with me when I run? Do you strap it to yourself somewhere or carry with you while you are running? Does it bother you to carry the extra load? Do you have to keep switching off each hand? I'm already getting loaded down with gadgets lol - between my HRM and my ipod lol Also, what about bathroom breaks? Won't the water add to that?

Annaliza -

This is what I use as far as a waterbottle for my long runs - http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/RRU1003/ This is not exactly what I have, but it is very similar. It is nice because you wear it like a belt, and it had a little pocket to stash your key. I don't find it a hindrance while running, but I only wear it on my long runs once a week. I find that I can get by on shorter runs with just hydrating before and immediately after. Hope that helps!

is it safe to run two days in a row?

I don't know if it's "safe", but I run 5-6 days a week.

currently I am having a protein shake -- about 110 calories and 21g protein no carbs.

Julie - Sorry if you already mentioned it, but what protein shake are you drinking? I've never done shakes before, and I'm considering trying some out.

Thanks!

I have been wanting to start running for awhile. I have been trying to walk at least every other day. I found an article with training tips (in my FITNESS magazine) for newbies that I am going to try to follow starting tonight. Wish me luck!! You are all an inspiration to me!!:happy:

Go for it, Michelle. Once you start, it'll be hard to stop! Good luck! :flowerforyou:

is it safe to run two days in a row?

I don't know if it's "safe", but I run 5-6 days a week.

I run 4 days and weight train 2 day -- with one complete day off!
Rainman -- what's your take on that

Sure it is safe to run 2 days in a row, I used to only take 1 day off a week. No big deal. Try to organize 1 or 2 main runs for each week, the others are what I call "base miles". These main runs should stretch you in strength, speed, or distance. Maybe pick a hill workout, and a distance workout. I sometimes add some interval runs (intermix slow and fast for active recovery). Try to organize rest days after the major run, example, a long run needs to be followed by a rest day.

Strength training and running is a killer combo. Upper body does not matter, do it whenever. If it is leg workout try to do it after a good run. You won't be able to walk, but it will make you much, much stronger. IF you do this, you can't run the next day, and run light the following. So, it really is a 3-day commmitment on the plan. Time this workout appropriately. You only do leg lifting 1 time per week, it's all you need. The quads/hams/gluts take 2-days to repair so it is often a good time to throw in some swimming, cycling, maybe elliptical and stretch big time. I have started some Yoga and it is wonderful!

Hope it helps!