THE RUNNER'S THREAD

[runsuzie]

Wow Aruba,
you had a great time for your first 1/2 marathon. I bet if you add a speed workout in once a week (if you haven't already) you will really see big improvements. Cross training and improving core strength is good for long distance runners as well.
Good luck with the 5k

[anneg1116]

Has anyone here done the Hood To Coast run in Oregon??

I'll be doing it this year in Aug. It's a relay I think there was someone here that did it. Anyone know who??

A-Rod did it last year. Sounds like it was a blast!! Have fun!

I'm pretty sure she's doing it again this year too.


I'm getting back out on the roads a bit. Been walking some, but have a new jogger to put the boy in and hope to be jogging/running again soon! Just need to get used to moving again.

Here's the little guy in his new ride:

[wileybosco]

But he is wearing white sox!!!

[kellahhh]

HI,

I ran cross country, indoor track and outdoor track in high school, and I was decent. UM< but that was like 15 years ago!!! I always loved running and even as my weight kept climbing up, almost to 300, I could still run a little. I got serious this year, and I started in January with a treadmill, and today will be my first outdoor run. I am not sure how it will compare to the treadmill. I am up to 2.3 miles on the treadmill. I hope I find that the treadmill is harder, because it will feel so much more motivating when I am on it, where if I go outdoors and run today and do like half as good, I will feel like the treadmill is weak, and might make me less motivated by it. Anyways, I am so excited to run outside, and really really miss it!!! I haven't ran outside because I was embarrassed, and now I have built up some confidence and hope I do good. This site is really inspiring!!!!REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[anneg1116]

But he is wearing white sox!!!

Enough out of you smart ass!

[Doc_plus25]

Welcome, kellahhh! I love running outside. I'm sure you will do well. Just try to keep that self-consciousness in check. The rewards of running outside are so much more than those insecure feelings! Plus, I see heavier women out running all the time, and they look great.

WTG on the half-marathon, Aruba! I can only hope to do as well as you did. I still have a few months of training for mine (which isn't until September).

TA, your boy looks very happy in that stroller - looks like he is going to be an enthusiastic running partner. What a cutie.

Sunday I am doing a 5K. It's my first women-only event. I'm going for a PR. I want to challenge myself and see what I can really do. Should be interesting!

[wileybosco]

Kick butt, Doc!!!!

[kellahhh]

Thanks Doc! Good luck with your 5k! I can't wait to announce something like that!!!!

My outdoor run, was to my regret, a bit disappointing. I could run, um, about a quarter of a mile without stopping. I was crusing on the treadmill an easy 1.5 miles without stopping....so I was really like..OH CRAP! I made myself continue and it felt like I had cement all over with every step. Walking even seemed more difficult for me. At first, I had all those little voices screaming failure and I swear I heard nana nana boo boo..but I was like screw this, I will walk this whole trail for an hour if I can't run any further.....So i ran on and off and then when I couldn't run any more, I walked really fast. I got home, and beat myself up....Then I was like, you know what, what are you going to do pout? yell? cry? Not going to get me anywhere. So I am putting it on my many experiences of South beach as a new tool. When running on the treadmill, increase incline to about 3%, which should equal the outside run. I also feel like, I totally worked a different set of muscles completely, so maybe, doing both, will excel me in the long run. it was a put me in check type of thing, and now I know where I stand, and that I have a lot more work to do. But I am gonna just keep on truckin!!!

[ArubaLover1105]

Thanks Doc! Running that half marathon has really inspired me to continue with running--it was such an accomplishment since I have always been told by my family that I come from a long line of "non-runners" We are going to do a bunch of races this summer and possible another half in late summer and/or fall. One of my friends is trying to convince me to do a full marathon. I am also considering a sprint triathalon but I am not a strong swimmer---and I am scared of lakes. Good luck with your 5K!! You will do great!!
kel- welcome! Whatever you do don't get frustrated! I started out the same way and it just takes practice! I feel like the treadmill is so different than running outdoors. I always feel like I get a better workout outside. I actually never run on the treadmill anymore. Rain, snow, sleet, wind (and yes I have ran in them all) I am takin to the streets! Focus on what you have accomplished, not what you didn't. Congratulations on your first outdoor run!!

[kellahhh]

Thanks Aruba! Thanks for the encouragement you guys!!

[blhens]

I feel your pain! I just started running again in the last month. I run both outside and on a treadmill. The treadmill is SO much easier!

I found a great running plan in Runners World magazine. It is an 8 week plan that has you running Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Mondays are for Cross Training. You start off with a five minute walk then for 15 minutes you walk/run. Then finish with five minutes of walking. You slowly increase the 15 minutes to 20 then 25 then 30. I have been amazed at how much further I can fun each time. I read somewhere that you should really try not to push yourself to run longer and gradually ease yourself into it. Otherwise you might end up hurting yourself or you won't be ready to run in 2 days. This plan has worked for me. Its similar to what is available on Coolrunnings which they call the "couch to 5k plan".

I also posted a calendar on my fridge and I use stickers to track my runs and workouts. It motivates me to stay on track and makes me proud of my accomplishments! I hope this helps you and any other new runners out there.

Kim

[runsuzie]

Doc......I want to know how the race went this weekend?????

[Doc_plus25]

Great race! I lined up between the 8 and 9-minute pace signs. It was different starting out toward the front! Some people passed me and I passed some as well. Started out pretty fast, and was working hard within the first 1/2 mile or so. But it's a 5K and I wanted to run it hard!

I passed the mile mark at 8:12 and tried to keep a pretty consistent pace for the rest of the run. It was mostly an out-and-back course with a little loop, and the leaders were coming off the loop by the time I reached it. Only a few, though. Not nearly as many people as those who had not reached the loop while I was on my way back.

Approaching the finish line I see the clock - 25-something! I crossed it in 26:04. My goal was to beat 27 minutes and my hope was to do the best I could, whatever that be. My previous 5K PR was 29:24. Shaved off 3:20 in 3 months. I'll take it!

Overall placement was 145/886
Age group finish 24/147

Between 16-17% on both. It was an all-women race. I was dead by the end of it. Took me about 5 minutes to catch my breath. Then out came a nasty cough that is still with me (but getting better).

[wileybosco]

You are amazing with the running, Doc. Are you running the Corporate Challenge?

[runsuzie]

Wow!!!! Amazing Doc . I can't believe how much time you took off your 5k in such a short amount of time. What training tip do you think helped you the most? you are the woman!!!

Can't wait to see what's next for you.......