THE RUNNER'S THREAD

[toese]

Aloha!!!

I wanted to start a new running thread for people who are wanting to learn to run to people who have done races, marathons or just like to go out and jog.

I've been lazy for the past week and would love to talk to other runners or soon to be runners and just help motivate each other and suggests tips, secrets and everything else.

I myself, LOVE TO RUN!!!! You can read my journal on the first page will tell you a little more about me but I would also like to get to know everyone else here that runs or would like to run.

SO feel free to ramble about your running experiences or questions about running!!!

[luvs_torun]

toese, what a great idea! I love to run too! I started running 10 years ago to lose weight. My most vivid memory from back then was the first time I ran 3 miles non-stop!! I think I called everyone I knew, to tell them. My husband, who is a runner also, said to me... "One day you will be able to do 5 miles non-stop". I didn't believe him..... Now, I don't know how many 5k races, 10k races and a marathon (finished in 4:20) later... I am so hooked. Running has become a huge part of who I am. A long run outside affords so many opportunities for "thinking". A good run equals a good mood! A bad run...... equals better than doing nothing! I love the self confidence that I found when I started running.
I could go on and on (most runners do when it comes to talking about running ).......
So thank you toese for starting this thread. Hopefully, it will be a great source of information and motivation for new runners and even "old" runners that might just need a kick start!

[WGirl]

YAY!!!

I'm so glad you started this. I had thought about it myself.

My first Q for the experienced runners. What kind of records do you keep. Right now I've started a log at coolrunning.com

later

[luvs_torun]

Susan, every year since I have been running, I buy a date book. Every day I write down my miles (and any cross-training) that I do. I also write down the dates that I buy new running shoes, have an injury and if the weather is baaad. I live in Minnesota and it is a tad cool here in the winter, so if it is minus 5 and I had a good long run...... I am gonna write that down!! On the other hand, if I slip and fall on the ice and wonder "what the heck am I doin' out here!" I write that down too!
At the end of every year I add up the miles that I ran for the year! What a great ego booster!

[Yosh]

Nice thread Toese

I was never a runner when I was younger. I tried so hard to be one, even in college I tried 5 miles with my friend every week and ended up walking most of the 5 miles then eventually quit. In 2002 I ran my first marathon in HOnolulu. All throughout 2001 I trained from ground zero (meaning getting my bum off the couch and running for even 5-10 mins at first!!). I kept a journal by my bed to put down my progress, any aches and pains, and how I felt emotionally. This helped me get through the marathon saying that I wanted to do another as I crossed the finish line!!

I stopped running for several months, then started back up again when a coworker of mine wanted to do the LA marathon. So I started training again (great excuse to get back into running!!) I trained well up to a half marathon even completing one faster than my original half marathon in Hawaii. AFter that, life got in the way again, but my fiance and I went out for the marathon anyway. That showed us how important training is!!! We finished 1 hour slower than our original marathon, but intend to do more. I've been doing 5K, 10K, and want to continue with 1/2 marathons mostly. Maybe finishing one or two more full marathons in my life.

Currently I"m trying to hold running an hour for my base runs at least 3 times a week, 5-6/week would be great. I'm logging all my running info in the Presidential's challenge for the hard core beachers challenge right now as my log!

Look forward to hearing everyone's stories!!

[LyndaB]

As someone who's just becoming interested in running, thank you very much for starting this thread, toese. I will welcome all the information I can learn here from you pros!

My nutritionist had me begin to incorporate jogging into my powerwalks about a month ago, and I'm really enjoying it so far. I run on the streets instead of a track because I go at 4AM and the streets are close to the house and safer, at that hour of day, than the track which is across town. Plus, I bring the dog with me so my safety factor is boosted even more.

[toese]

Aloha!!!

Glad you all found the thread.

Wgirl.....I have never recorded my runs up until now. I use cool running also. I started running back in the early 90's. I used to live in Hawaii and I joined a 6 man canoe racing team and they made run around the Ala Wai which is 3 miles. Took me a couple of months to actually run straight around non stop. Then that lead me to run 5k, 10k, half marathons and then the Honolulu marathon which I completed in 5 hrs. Never stopped just kept running.

It also took me awhile to actually get that "Runners High". Once I experienced that I was hooked on running. It was the best feeling and you just feel like you are on top of the world.

Before I even attempted running I never thought i would be able to run becuase when I did attempt to run I was always out of breath so I thought something was wrong with me. It was just that my lungs never experieince me running before. It did take awhile for my lungs to get used to it and I think my body thanks me every time I do run!!!! It's really good for you!!!!

[crzymm1995]

Great thread! I started running just this last month with DD. It started out as me helping her to train for the x-country team with the school because her school doesn't offer formal training until gr.7. Now we have decided to continue to run until we can do a 5k. Currently we go out for 1/2 hr in the morning 3x a week. We walk for 10 min, run for 7 min, walk for 2 min, and then run for 7 min. We are trying to increase the amount of time spent running each week. I am keeping a log at fit day, but am thinking of starting one at coolrunning as well... I think it would be more accurate!

[WGirl]

First on coolrunning, i like the journaling there cause it keeps up with the numbers. If I put 3 mi on my avias, I immediately get my totals.

2nd on coolrunning: redpanda, is that you over there asking about running with headphones?

Over there I am volfan

[demoncat]

I recently started running too... There's a beautiful reservoir near my house that's got a dirt trail around it and is almost exactly one mile around. I was getting really into it for a few weeks, proud to see my progress every single day. Then I just stopped. I have GOT to start running again. I just suck at making the time. WHen I get home from work, I don't want to go. I'm tired. I even KNOW I'll feel better when I get back, I just can't seem to motivate myself. But the Boston Marathon is only 11 months away and I want to run it for charity next year.

I need to get crackin'.

[toese]

Maybe it would be a great idea for all of us to post our runs in here. That way we can all motivate each other and we can all brag about our great runs!!!

This summer I'll be doing a 5k and a 10k and my goal is to run a 9 mile run. Right now I'm at a 9:30min/mile 10k. So thats what I'm working on is SPEED!!!

demoncat: Get Running!!!!

[JennyRaye]

So glad this thread was started!!!

I started running after I got married and had the first kid, back in 1991. I lost 25 lbs in 6 months by just adding running to my life--no dieting. I continued to run off and on until 2002. My weight would seesaw with my running starts and stops. In 2002 I was at goal weight and running. The day I ran and felt like I was running through wet cement, I knew I was pregnant again. It had been the sign with the 2nd kiddo in '91. Sure enough, came home and took a test. It's been three years since I did any sort of exercise. I'm 41 and thrilled to be getting back into running. I did my first training walk/jog this am--using the From Couch to 5k at the coolrunning site as my guide. I bought new runners and a "chronograph" over the weekend and took off this am! It was gorgeous out!!! I did a brisk walk for 5 min to warm-up and then alternated 60 sec run with 90 sec brisk walk. Total of 25 min. It was heaven!!!!

Gotta go--the toddler is too quiet!

[txjen]

Great thread toese!

I started running my freshman year of college (7 years ago). Last year I did not run consistently b/c I was teaching my first year of school. This year I've become dedicated to it once again.

I haven't been running for the past three weeks because I had a biking accident. (I started biking to help w/ my running a few years ago.) On Saturday I went for a 3 mile run as my first back. It was a little bit rough on my legs and I found myself worrying that my wound was going to open back up.

In the past months or so, I have started running in the morning. It is one of the best things I have ever done. If you have never tried running before you go to work--try it! You don't know what you are missing!

I look forward to chatting w/ all you guys!!

[ErinDGH]

Hey Toese -- nice to see you here too!

I've been running since I was a kid -- on the track team in grade school, etc. My family runs, Dad is quite competitive, even at age 60, he run's 18-19 min 5Ks!! He's quite an inspiration -- esp since I've outweighed him since about age 17! I ran about a race a month -- 5ks, 10ks, 10-milers, my longest and proudest was the Philadelphia half marathon. Great race, great course--fast and flat -- and lots of support along the way. Not sure if I feel the need to do a full marathon -- I'm not that fast, and I don't really want to be running for 4+ hours!

I run for fun, I'm not fast enough (or disciplined enough to be skinny enough) to compete -- races keep me focused, goals tend to help my progress. Fortunately, I have a husband and lots of friends who are very active, fit, run races, triathalons, etc. It helps to have race buddies.

I took a few years off running (unintentionally) pre and post my two children. But continued to be active w/other gym things! Yoga, step, kickboxing, weights, etc. I'm just getting back into running now and have a 7-miler planned for June! I'm comfortably running 3-4 miles now, so I don't foresee a problem increasing the mileage in a month or so.

I'm psyched to be a runner again. And even more excited for the great weight loss that comes with it. Toese, thanks for starting this post. It'll help keep me motivated!

[susieq194]

I've only started running in March. Just 6 months ago I couldn't run for more than a minute but I had been going to the gym for over a year and mostly using the elliptical for cardio. I have exertional compression syndrome and my shins would hurt really bad. Then back in March I decided to get on the treadmill and next thing I knew, I found myself jogging. I think my first time I ran 11 minutes in total and I was so pleased with myself. After that, I just kept at it and kept challenging myself to do a little more. Sometimes I can run for 30 - 35 minutes without stopping. Other times it might be 20 minutes. I seem to know when to push it a little and when to listen to my body. I'm sure that with more practice I'll get more consistant and losing the rest of my weight will make it easier as well.

I can honestly say that this is the first form of exercise that I've ever done that I constantly challenge myself and I really enjoy it. I'm looking forward to the day that I can run for an hour.