Running

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by Manton

What a pain.

*****.

 

[airportlobby]

A few tips, once you figure out what kind of foot strike you have and get the appropriate shoes, start by alternating walking with running until you can sustain running for greater stretches of time (try to gain progress by time rather than mileage at first). I think it helps to start on a 5K or 3 mile path and gradually work up to running the thing without alternating with walking. There are a bunch of starting running training programs online - google something like beginner's 5K which break down the time spent running/walking for beginners, but it's fairly self-evident.

Start running at a pace that is just slow enough to be able to converse comfortably without getting out of breath. As with swimming, running only becomes enjoyable when you get comfortable enough with it that you aren't thinking about what you are doing, form, etc. (although, generally, running involves much less explicit attention to form than swimming).

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by Manton

I hate running. Really, really hate it. However, my pool is closed until September for resurfacing and other rennovation. Not doing anything seems like a bad idea. Walking is OK but the walking thread indicates that this is the ***** option. So that leaves running. What do I need to know, beyond the fact that I have to go to Foot Locker?
Manton, what is your goal? Run if you want to improve your resting heart rate and be able to... run longer. If you want to lower body fat level, or at least manage it, increase metabolism, slim down, or be a bit more toned (I know you're skinny,) I'd strongly suggest strength training. Especially at your age. The last thing your joints need is punishment from an activity that you hate and has marginal benefits. All of the above has improved with me since I STOPPED running. Some people love it so go ahead but you don't even like it so I don't think you should start.

 

[Manton]

I do the weights already. Running would be a temp replacement for swimming until the pool reopens.

 

[Connemara]

I'd say do an exercise bike. Running sucks.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Originally Posted by Neo_Version 7

I love running. I'll echo the sentiments in this thread and say you'll probably hate it at first though. However, once you get accustomed its rhythm and demands, running is quite rewarding. I mean, I used to loathe running up inclines for example. Now, I attempt to include them in my runs as often as possible.

This is the most bullshit thing that runners love to say. I lost 100 pounds and let me tell you from the beginning to the end running is ******* torture and I hate every second of it.

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by Manton

I do the weights already. Running would be a temp replacement for swimming until the pool reopens.

Why do you need to do both?

I'm just wondering what your fitness goals are. Be specific about what you're trying to accomplish.

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

This is the most bullshit thing that runners love to say. I lost 100 pounds and let me tell you from the beginning to the end running is ******* torture and I hate every second of it.

It's also been shown that there are much better ways to lose fat than running.

I used to like running but I don't like it anymore. Have nothing against people that do it, but I think you should do it only if you enjoy running. There are more effective activities to achieve what most people want from physical activity that can be less damaging to your body than running outside.

 

[ChicagoMediaMan]

As the others have said, go to a running store. The people there will actually know what they are talking about and give you the correct shoe based on your foot type. Also, stretch before and after you run. I am currently in physical therapy for a minor knee issue that probably wouldn't have occured if I would have put more effort into stretching.

 

[Neo_Version 7]

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

This is the most bullshit thing that runners love to say. I lost 100 pounds and let me tell you from the beginning to the end running is ******* torture and I hate every second of it.

Um..torture? As in, you were in physical pain? Why bother running then? Like SField mentioned earlier, there are plenty of alternatives if weight loss is your goal. I don't run to lose weight anyway.

 

[LawrenceMD]

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

This is the most bullshit thing that runners love to say. I lost 100 pounds and let me tell you from the beginning to the end running is ******* torture and I hate every second of it.

It's probably bullshit to you and your individual experience. But that doesn't invalidate other runners experiencing runner's high or their collective experience especially if its rewarding.

Its like hating math/numbers, some people like it, but because you hate it and its torture to you doesn't mean its bullshit. It just means you yourself hated math and it causes you torture.

If its torture then you might as well look for another exercise to do. I like road cycling, but I rarely get an equivalent to a "runners high" on a bike. I just love going fast, the equipment, and having something low impact to cross train with running.

 

[ChicagoMediaMan]

Originally Posted by SField

I used to like running but I don't like it anymore. Have nothing against people that do it, but I think you should do it only if you enjoy running. There are more effective activities to achieve what most people want from physical activity that can be less damaging to your body than running outside.

I agree. There are many casual runners who run 1-3 miles at a time, but the people who run long distances (like half-marathons, marathons) don't do it to lose weight or "stay in shape". They do it because they either like running or for the goal/feeling of accomplishment/competition aspect.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Originally Posted by LawrenceMD

It's probably bullshit to you and your individual experience. But that doesn't invalidate other runners experiencing runner's high or their collective experience especially if its rewarding.

Its like hating math/numbers, some people like it, but because you hate it and its torture to you doesn't mean its bullshit. It just means you yourself hated math and it causes you torture.

If its torture then you might as well look for another exercise to do. I like road cycling, but I rarely get an equivalent to a "runners high" on a bike. I just love going fast, the equipment, and having something low impact to cross train with running.

No, no, I didn't mean to offend. I don't mean running if you like it is bullshit. I just hear all the time that the more you do it the more you are going to like it. I think that logic is bullshit. If you really running it I don't think it is going to grow on you over time.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Originally Posted by SField

It's also been shown that there are much better ways to lose fat than running.

I used to like running but I don't like it anymore. Have nothing against people that do it, but I think you should do it only if you enjoy running. There are more effective activities to achieve what most people want from physical activity that can be less damaging to your body than running outside.

Could you name some? People always tell me lightweights, but I don't want to add any bulk at all, just keep the love handles in check.

 

[LawrenceMD]

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

No, no, I didn't mean to offend. I don't mean running if you like it is bullshit. I just hear all the time that the more you do it the more you are going to like it. I think that logic is bullshit. If you really running it I don't think it is going to grow on you over time.

ah.. yeah i get that... if you don't really like it in the beginning, and stick with it for a while to the point that you're running 5miles 5x a week and still don't like it then well its probably not going to get any better... lol

I have the torture feeling when it comes to yoga/pilates/and deep tissue massages. But I do it anyway because I convince myself its good for my body...

for me I was in the camp that running was like torture at first... but also had memories back in college and H.S. that whenever I got properly warmed up and jogged for long enough (about 10-15min) then a runner's high would kick in. So I stuck with a walk to run program and eventually I got that runner's high feeling back again.

Now if I could just replicate that runner's high with yoga/pilates/road cycling... I'd have a lot of enjoyable variety in my workouts.