Long distance running saved my life...

[diewhitegirls]

Ran for 15 minutes today and my left arm and chest started hurting. Got weirded out and ended up walking the rest of my 6 mile "run."

[Knugget]

I wish I had a pool or somewhere to swim... its so good for you. I would love to alternate run one day and swim the next.

At that rate I would try to incorporate biking and amuse myself with the notion of doing an Iron Man comp one day.

I actually WANT to do Iron Man..however, not in the near future. It's one of those "i-wanna-do-this-before-i-die" thing. I could however do a previous level Iron Man and do the LA Triathlon Sprint. It's super short compared to Iron Man:D.

Ran for 15 minutes today and my left arm and chest started hurting. Got weirded out and ended up walking the rest of my 6 mile "run."

Your arm started to hurt? Do you run with clenched fists? Or are your pinching your fingers? A trick to find out if you're running with pinched fingers is to grab a blade a real grass and hold it between your fingers. After your run (or during) if you find that the blade of grass has split or disintegrated, then you should try to relax your hands while you run. If it's not the hand thing, then I have no idea what could be the problem.

[LaiShin]

strange terminology calling it a short marathon, considering its only about 1/3 of the distance. Where did the 14.7km distance come from.. seems odd.

Thats just over 9 miles, i think.

it's a run from the city to the beach. Distance is fixed. As I said, it's for charity...so I guess it's mainly for fun; rather than competitive marathon.

There's an actual marathon in a couple of weeks of about 42km (around 26miles). Don't think I'm ready for that though.

highfructosecorn: thanks.

[diewhitegirls]

Your arm started to hurt? Do you run with clenched fists? Or are your pinching your fingers? A trick to find out if you're running with pinched fingers is to grab a blade a real grass and hold it between your fingers. After your run (or during) if you find that the blade of grass has split or disintegrated, then you should try to relax your hands while you run. If it's not the hand thing, then I have no idea what could be the problem.

I've been focusing on running as relaxed as possible, so my shoulders are typically resting back, with my arms moving rhythmically and not forced and my hands in a very loose fist-like position. I was freaking out because that's what a heart attack apparently feels like, but as a 27 year old physically fit male with no family history of heart problems, I think I might be ok.

It's also been 2 weeks since I last ran, since I was on vacation. Maybe I just need to get back in the saddle.

[highfructosecorn]

maybe its possible you just slept in a weird position? for me my neck and shoulder never starts hurting after sleeping funny until in the middle of my run.

Knugget: Do the ironman! I'm aiming for one in 2010. The worst part (for me) is the biking...

[diewhitegirls]

I'm shooting for the '10 IMWI, since the starting point is 3 blocks from my house. I'm doing a sprint this year and will do some Oly's and half's next year.

[travisio]

i ran my in my first race today, a 5k for charity. i was shooting for 25 min but i ended up failing to the tune of 26:23. kinda disappointed but i'm satisfied as i just started running 2.5 months ago.

the winner ran a 16 something...kind of disheartening.

[jwied82]

nobody posting in this thread for a while, but anyway..

signed up today for a Marathon. I've done a couple half-marathons, but this will be my first full. Its next sunday, so only 9 days away.

I'm probably not as prepared as i could be as my longest runs each week are like 15 or 16 miles. I know i can finish it, but i don't know how strong i can finish... the last miles will probably be uncomfortable.

I'm going to try to run about 2 hrs 45 minutes, but i could imagin myself finishing anywhere from5 minutes faster to 10 minutes slower than that.

[anhtice]

prob not as good as running but i breakdance every night and meh, thats all my cardio for the day

but im prob at the best fit of my life.

[Larry!]

Haha, I hate to keep hyping the Frees, but the v3 are baller as hell.

[diewhitegirls]

nobody posting in this thread for a while, but anyway..

signed up today for a Marathon. I've done a couple half-marathons, but this will be my first full. Its next sunday, so only 9 days away.

I'm probably not as prepared as i could be as my longest runs each week are like 15 or 16 miles. I know i can finish it, but i don't know how strong i can finish... the last miles will probably be uncomfortable.

I'm going to try to run about 2 hrs 45 minutes, but i could imagin myself finishing anywhere from5 minutes faster to 10 minutes slower than that.

You're not doubling your half-mary times for that planned time are you? 2:45 for a first full is pretty aggressive.

[jwied82]

You're not doubling your half-mary times for that planned time are you? 2:45 for a first full is pretty aggressive.

no no... i've ran a 1:18 half and a 1:13 20k (both early this year), so 2:45 isnt an unrealistic goal.

[masuerte]

Anyone do barefoot?

There was some thing I read on the interweb where barefoot peeps run and for sake of cushioning they never land on their heel. Which also kind of helps with running form as some think it's more efficient to run on the balls of their feet.I would never ever run barefoot unless a bear catches me offguard by the riverside or something equally outlandish but I see some efficiency in the barefoot runners' form.

I started doing it unknowingly 3 weeks ago due to me wanting to land my feet firmly under me instead if reaching forward and landing on my heels. For my short 3 mile runs (I'm still easing into the running amounts... i.e. I r n00b) it has really increased my speed and in turn increases intensity of said runs. I'm thinking landing on the balls shortens my stride and forces me to be more efficient by focusing on pushing off with my ankle and calves.

I found it a great workout for my calves at the very least. Heheh.

And as far as I know this kind of form doesn't really cause any injury so.... why not? Is this common with y'all too:? Or do y'all land on your heels?

[jwied82]

^^i think there is chance of injury with any running form (though i agree it probably is greater with heel-striking). I've heard that people that make a quick transition from heel-striking to forefoot running sometimes end up with injured/strained calves and achilles.

I do not strike much on my heel but pretty much land with my midfoot, unless i am running at like 5k pace of faster then i strike more up on my toes/ towards my forefoot. But, I used to be more of a heel striker and would reach forward wih my strides as you described, but i slowly changed that, which improved my running form/efficiency.

You definately have the right idea with simply trying to have your foot land close to just under you body instead of out in front of you as you said you are trying to do.. i think that encourages proper form. Is this forcing you to have a faster turnover (and probably a shorter stride length)? But i wouldnt suggest trying to consciously land on the balls of your feet all the time... if you just worry about not overstriding then the landing point should take care of itsself.

[Tazer]

Ran XC and track all through high school. got fat and lazy when i got out. i need to get back into it

[travisio]

Anyone do barefoot?

There was some thing I read on the interweb where barefoot peeps run and for sake of cushioning they never land on their heel. Which also kind of helps with running form as some think it's more efficient to run on the balls of their feet.I would never ever run barefoot unless a bear catches me offguard by the riverside or something equally outlandish but I see some efficiency in the barefoot runners' form.

I started doing it unknowingly 3 weeks ago due to me wanting to land my feet firmly under me instead if reaching forward and landing on my heels. For my short 3 mile runs (I'm still easing into the running amounts... i.e. I r n00b) it has really increased my speed and in turn increases intensity of said runs. I'm thinking landing on the balls shortens my stride and forces me to be more efficient by focusing on pushing off with my ankle and calves.

I found it a great workout for my calves at the very least. Heheh.

And as far as I know this kind of form doesn't really cause any injury so.... why not? Is this common with y'all too:? Or do y'all land on your heels?

I read some studies about chi and pose running styles and apparently striking midfoot/forefoot doesn't do very much to prevent injuries, increase running efficiency or anything really. I still changed over to mid/forefoot striking just because it feels nicer and faster to me.

When I ran in a 5k there was a guy that ran it barefoot. He beat me but that's not saying too much...

[Larry!]

Running on the balls of your feet gives you more power and speed, but tires you out a lot more quickly.

But the hell do I know, I'm a sprinter.

[diewhitegirls]

From what I've gathered, the "best" way to run is to land midfoot on the outer part of your foot and your foot will naturally flatten out, while minimizing the energy that's being directed to one specific spot.

[grilled cheese]

I've been running a lot since we last checked in. I'm clocking about 35 miles per week, have trimmed down a bit, and gotten a lot faster. Too bad I also have some nagging knee pain and some troubling nascent foot pain as well--seems like I'm getting a bunion on my right foot! :eek: I guess it's tough being 30+...

[steveeD]

Anyone do barefoot?

There was some thing I read on the interweb where barefoot peeps run and for sake of cushioning they never land on their heel. Which also kind of helps with running form as some think it's more efficient to run on the balls of their feet.I would never ever run barefoot unless a bear catches me offguard by the riverside or something equally outlandish but I see some efficiency in the barefoot runners' form.

I started doing it unknowingly 3 weeks ago due to me wanting to land my feet firmly under me instead if reaching forward and landing on my heels. For my short 3 mile runs (I'm still easing into the running amounts... i.e. I r n00b) it has really increased my speed and in turn increases intensity of said runs. I'm thinking landing on the balls shortens my stride and forces me to be more efficient by focusing on pushing off with my ankle and calves.

I found it a great workout for my calves at the very least. Heheh.

And as far as I know this kind of form doesn't really cause any injury so.... why not? Is this common with y'all too:? Or do y'all land on your heels?

I run "barefooted". Check out Vibrams FiveFingers.

Supposedly they replicate running barefooted.

I'm currently training for a marathon and I run with these on my short/easy days, while wearing my oasics for the longer/harder days.

It helped fix my form and my heels rarely touch the ground anymore.

[jwied82]

I run "barefooted". Check out Vibrams FiveFingers.

Supposedly they replicate running barefooted.

I'm currently training for a marathon and I run with these on my short/easy days, while wearing my oasics for the longer/harder days.

It helped fix my form and my heels rarely touch the ground anymore.

you like the feel of the vibrams? Did you have to gradually ease into using them?

I've seen someone using them once on a paved bike trail in my area and then I saw them at a local running store... they seem like a good idea and i'm all for people running in lighter/less cushioed shoes but id be afraid to use them much on the roads.

[john11f]

started running again...been at it for a month now. my goal is to lose weight since moving to Thailand. food here is just absolutely delicious! doing 20-25km/week. and i'm still way off my goal.

doing threadmill only for now though. it's got that nike+ thing which is helping me clock my runs. doing interval training and hoping to improve to longer distance running soon.

using the Brooks Adrenaline GTS8 and the Asics Gel-Nimbus 10

i'm an overpronator.

[steveeD]

you like the feel of the vibrams? Did you have to gradually ease into using them?

I've seen someone using them once on a paved bike trail in my area and then I saw them at a local running store... they seem like a good idea and i'm all for people running in lighter/less cushioed shoes but id be afraid to use them much on the roads.

I love the feel of the vibrams. After about 2-3 runs it'll feel better and your muscles/body will adjust to it. The first time I wore them and did some roadwork my calves were really sore the next day and my arch was hurting.

I never really "eased" into them. I just didn't use them for about a week after I used it because my calves/arches were gone.

It's REALLY great for fixing your form and teaching you to not land on your heels. There is very little cushioning and every time you land on your heels you'll feel the "shock" and you're body will adjust to it.

Vibram also has great warranty... This is my 2nd pair (I ruined the first one because I was sparring with them on.... and I suppose all the quick agile movements created too much friction and created a small rip. I simply emailed them and they told me to send them in and they'll send me a brand new one.)

As far as durability, the second one has been holding up perfectly fine on my runs. The furthest I ran in the Vibrams is 8 miles on mainly concrete and some grass/dirt. I also use it for CrossFit.

I would say give it a try and if you don't like it you can add onto my negative reputation..

Let me know if you have anymore questions and I'll try my best to answer them.

[diewhitegirls]

Oh man...just ran the second longest distance of my life about an hour ago (10.65 miles) and I don't feel like dying! Took me ~1:36:change (~9:00 pace) which isn't bad for me, considering that I run my 5k at a 7:30 pace. I was shooting for a negative split on my loop, but I just pushed it too hard on the way in and finished with a +4:00 split.

[highfructosecorn]

was that a 5.3mi/5.3mi split? 4:00 over the second half of that doesn't seem so bad if its a longer distance than you're accustomed to..

i bought new shoes a week ago. gel ds-trainers. i think i found my perfect shoes.

[masuerte]

You know, I've been reading Haruki Murakami's autobiographical book based around his running and he makes a point about his thoughts while on a run. What are your meditative thoughts when you guys run?

I usually am thinking about my surroundings... taking it all in, I try to run during the more lovely parts of the day.

[Servo2000]

I'm finally starting to look like I might be getting the system here at school down better and might have some more time and definitely need to get back into excercising and was thinking running would probably be a decent / cheap way to get into it. Any of you folks have suggestions for getting into running in terms of 'excercising'? Would it be better to do a few short times a week or maybe two longer runs? Mainly just trying to figure out how to work it into my schedule at this point.

[shoreman1782]

Servo, have you run before at all? Do you have a lot of trails or a public track nearby? Treadmill?

I'm not an expert/40+mile per week kind of guy, but I generally alternate between distance runs and intervals, depending on how much time I have. I try to get out 3-4 times a week, but 2-3 is more realistic.

A typical distance run for me is like 6-7 miles at a 9:30 pace these days (i.e., not fast).

A typical interval workout is an easy jog to a local track, and then 8 laps, running the straights, jogging the curves. I look ridiculous. Takes about 30 minutes from the time I leave my apt to when I get back.

FWIW, the intervals are way more draining, but I enjoy the longer runs more.

[highfructosecorn]

I'm finally starting to look like I might be getting the system here at school down better and might have some more time and definitely need to get back into excercising and was thinking running would probably be a decent / cheap way to get into it. Any of you folks have suggestions for getting into running in terms of 'excercising'? Would it be better to do a few short times a week or maybe two longer runs? Mainly just trying to figure out how to work it into my schedule at this point.

I was in the same situation a long time ago, maybe even with worse baseline fitness. I started running a few short times a week focusing on extend the longest distance I could keep running without a break. My philosophy is that this is better for beginner runners since there is less strain, there is less possibility of bad form causing injuries. Intervals are great only but only after you get familiar with the smoothest way for your body to move.

It worked for me anyway...

[Vampyrvargfesten]

I just acquired a pair of Nike Free 3.0 v2 (i think they may be discontinued)

Training for marathon at the moment, and my feet have never felt any better! No more injury... and running with the ball of the foot is now very natural..

Nike Free VS Vibram 5 fingers??