Runner Thread (All About Running)

[eternitygoddess]

For me, the only way I got shin splints was by running too far, a distance my body wasn't ready for. And, I was running outdoors.

I run outside too. Usually on concrete pavement. I have to take a few days break every 2-3 weeks to let my knees and shins rest, lest they start hurting.

Last summer I got really bad shin splints - to the point where I couldn't even kneel properly.

 

[alix*]

For the outdoor runners - What gadgets do you guys use to show the distance you've ran / calories burnt etc
I always feel better running knowing precisely how many calories I've burnt and the distance compared with time.

 

[sarehak]

The iPhone & iPod Touch has the Nike+ iPod Touch Workout App which syncs with any Nike+ running shoe & it tracks stats like how many calories you burn, how many steps you've taken, distance, etc. Only downside is you need the 2nd gen iPod Touch & a Nike+ shoe to make full use of the app. You'll know if the shoe is compatible because it will have a red Nike logo/apple symbol on the bottom of the shoe, like I have with one of my sneakers.

More info here.

 

[SirSunday]

^ Has anyone tried the Nike sport kit using non-Nike shoes? For the time being all my running is indoors on a treadmill so that I can track calories, distance, time, etc. But I have yet to see any machine be close to 100% accurate in all measures.

I have gotten shin splints in the past, due to a combination of bad form, worn out shoes, and concrete paths; right now it's not an issue. Muscle fatigue is, though. I rarely take a break and Tuesday was the first day that I took a complete rest day in months.

 

[papa_levante]

I usually run 7 miles everyday but today I opted for 8 miles, and I started to feel my left shin hurting. It didn't hurt the whole time; I shifted my posture and my shin started to hurt less.

I think it's when I don't prepare my body for more distance/faster speed gradually that I feel it in my shins.

 

[indepwe]

Ooh, Easytones have had my interest for a while...do you really feel them work your muscles more? What color are yours?

shoes.com

These are the ones I have and I find them really good, it felt weird at first but they really do work your muscles. Everyone has mixed opinions about them and they aren't for everyone so maybe try in a shop before you buy

 

[Melisande]

Cute! Thanks for the info, will try them out.

 

[*Princesse*]

I'm usually a gym rat, but this summer, I was at a dance intensive in CO and gymless. So I took to the streets, er, camp pathways and ran solely by my own two feet. I have to say repeating the same action over and over and over again for an extended period of time without much distraction wasn't always too my liking, I loved using by body outside in the fresh air. There's something special about combining physicality and nature that made my runs quite special.

 

[SirSunday]

Is anyone training for a race? There is a 10K this Saturday and I may register last minute just to see how I do.

 

[chalk_love]

This is a great thread. I've been running for a couple of years now and here are my best tips;

- I run on treadmill at home, but when I travel i use mapmyrun.com to find a good route and to know exactly how far i'm running. It's actually a nice way to get to know a city/town

- Some people on this thread have issues with boredom when running on treadmills, I know what you mean. I have a TV in the room, but I usually only need it for the first few weeks getting back into running. After that you start to appreciate time alone with your brain and ipod. It's very therapeutic

- I've never had shin splints however I did get this sharp pain along the sides of my knees after 15 minutes of running. I went to a specialist running shoe store and they told me that I needed orthotics to correct my feet, which roll in slightly. Since then I've never had any problems. It's important to get the right shoes.

 

[papa_levante]

Some people on this thread have issues with boredom when running on treadmills, I know what you mean.

What has helped me was changing the speed every now and then. It kept me paying attention to what lap I was on and when my speedy lap would arrive.

Today, I started out running at 6.5 for my first mile. Then, as my last lap approached, I upped the speed to 7.0. Then, upon the first lap of my second mile, I went down to 6.6 and then the last lap for the second mile, up to 7.1.

It really helped surprisingly.

Yes, there is something therapeutic about being alone on a treadmill with just your iPod. I use it as an opportunity to listen to entire albums rather than just songs I know from the radio.

 

[swingkat]

I jog 3- 4 times a week, mostly outside. My usual distance is 10 K although last spring I was training for a half marathon so I went up to 18 km. I never did come up to 22 km during training, but I did ok on the actual race .

I do run on the treadmill occasionally, specially when it's lousy weather outside (I don't do snow), but I'm one of those who thinks it's really, really boring. I wish I could learn to appreciate treadmill running as some of you guys do. I do speed training on the treadmill, mostly because I can only stand up to 35 minutes at a time, and so I think, I might as well go all out.

I used to get shin splints when I first started jogging outside, but now it's mostly under control. For me, getting proper shoes has made all the difference. I have Asics Gel Cayano for indoor use, but my outdoor shoes are Mizuno Wave Inspire which I love. For some reason I feel Asics are heavier shoes, while the Mizuno feel to me like jogging on air. I'm not a fast jogger (10K takes about 51-55 min) so the music on my Ipod's running playlist is not at all "beat per minute" chosen (I ran to Us from Regina Spector during my half marathon just to give an example) but I've read about how music can make you run faster. Someday I might give it a try, but for now it's all about enjoying and not worrying whether I'm making better or worse time than before.

 

[papa_levante]

'm not a fast jogger (10K takes about 51-55 min) so the music on my Ipod's running playlist is not at all "beat per minute" chosen (I ran to Us from Regina Spector during my half marathon just to give an example) but I've read about how music can make you run faster.

Your exercise/training playlist!

Off the top of my head...
Timebomb by Beck
Got My Mind Set On You by George Harrison
A-Punk by Vampire Weekend

those are good running songs

 

[swingkat]

^ Thanks! I'll give those a try . I have Run from Vampire Weekend in my running playlist , but I haven't heard A-punk, I don't think. Anyways, thanks again for the suggestions.

 

[Shiny Diamond921]

Runners

I just started running and have been doing it for a week. It feels like I am making no progress with the distance I can go. Maybe I expect to much but I thought I would notice at least a little difference. So any tips you have for a new runner? Thanks!

 

[softgrey]

hi shiny...and welcome to tFS...
i've merged your question with an already existing thread about runners...

please always check or do a search before starting new threads...
thanks!

 

[e-v-elina]

I just started running and have been doing it for a week. It feels like I am making no progress with the distance I can go. Maybe I expect to much but I thought I would notice at least a little difference. So any tips you have for a new runner? Thanks!

yes, you def expect too much. if you just started running, you should start slow, light jogging, maybe 3 times a week. and dont push yourself too hard in the beginning.

 

[Jenna-maria]

After way too long break from running I have started it again.
I have done lot´s of spinning and running lately and I love the feeling after great workout and I love what those two things do to my legs!

I would looove to buy my own trademill but I have way too small apartment for that...and my gym is near to me so trademill could be pretty useless.
Personally I dont feel that running in tardemill is boring, good music and that´s it. I cannot watch tv while running...or reading, it makes me feel dizzy.

papa_levante I liked your training playlist.
My secret weapon is QUEEN bohemian rapsody. Might sound wierd but that song just keeps me running and runnning and...singing

 

[FleurDeLys]

I want to start running but I'm afraid my legs will become too heavy/muscular. How do I prevent that?

 

[sill]

^ long distance running won't make your legs become too muscular, they'll just become nice and toned (I have the same fear as you). If you're really worried about getting muscular legs you could always try walking (quickly, every day). Jogging is a much more effective way of toning legs (and body, your stomach gets to work as well) though