Runner Thread (All About Running)

[lottie342]

I love running, especially in winter, because it means I don't get too hot. I try to avoid running in the gym as much as possible, the treadmill is SO uninspiring!

 

[sarehak]

I love outdoor running as well, but indoor treadmills are not bad either. It's probably because at the gym I go to the treadmills each have their own mini TV for our entertainment. Basically all the cardio machines have that, does any one else's gym have that too?

 

[Jenna-maria]

^No we do not have tv at our gym...I allways feel little jelous when I hear there can be tv´s infront of trademill.
But at our gym there is nice view from the window and I can see people walking and judge the clothes they are wearing *hahah* my guilty pleasure.

Weather has been so good, sun is shining and only few minus celcius!
I have been doing easy running fro 40min of day OR nordic walking for an hour in day. NORDIC WALKING is seriously as good as running.

 

[embellished]

What is nordic walking? Do I have to be in scandanavia to do it lol!?

I am completely guilty of not stretching so I will do that before my run today! Looking up stretches to do as I type! I'll also see how the cold water workds out - thanks for the tips!

I always run at sunset because I live by a beach and its so beautiful at that time of day, so I run until the sunsets and then make my way back when it has set so no one can see my red face in the dark! tactics tactics!

 

[Jenna-maria]

yes actually you have to be scandinavian so you can nordic walking. kidding kidding, here is little info about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_walking

I love running when it is sunset.
Today I did my running in the morning and sun was shining, my eyes almost blinded because there were still snow and it makes sun effect even more painful...

 

[la-romantique]

Somebody suggested a stretching routine before, which is always great. I used to alternate my workout between running and yoga (before I became too lazy to work out) -- I'm convinced it kept me from bulking up.

 

[indepwe]

I am thinking about starting to run again. Oh who I am I kidding.. I never was a runner in my life, haha!
Although there is this field near my village playground which people run in so may go up there one dry weekend and do a lap or two. Thing is I need some nice trainers, mine are dreadful and wouldn't be seen dead in them.

 

[Vixx]

I've started running again too. It feels good. I joined the gym a while back but have since stopped going as much in favour of running outdoors after I return from Uni. It's so much more enjoyable running in the fresh air as oppposed to the warm gym, plus I find that I have more motivation outdoors because if I make myself run a certain distance away from my house then I am forced to run it back again... in the gym I tend to just hop off the treadmill when I get bored. Plus, the scenery is a lot nicer outside.

My biggest tip is a motivational playlist on my ipod. I have one deidicated to exercising, filled with upbeat pop/rock to keep my energy up.

 

[.Anja.]

When I dragged my lazy *** back to the gym after hmm an embarrasingly long break , it just felt sooo good to be running again. I try to run at least 5 times a week, do some weight exercises for my arms, then stretch and it does a trick of getting me back in shape.
Watching something while running (obviously on the treadmill ) is even better than good music, makes time pass quicker!

 

[Hipkitten]

I had an amazing 40 minute run today. I feel fantastic. It's the kind of feeling only fellow runners can truly appreciate! Thanks for letting me share

 

[Ryan Riverz]

I've gotta start running more, last time I had to run I was exhausted in a matter of about 30 seconds...I've got friends that run miles everyday

 

[Annu]

I start to run again.. when it is little bit warmer (always some excuse) but I promise! I have worked my cardio inside with Wii during winter and I feel that I don't need to start from very beginning. I did it couple summers ago, it was one of my greates achievement, before I wasn't run for years, could hardly run a minute and end of summer i was able to run, slow, but still run, 30 minutes. It felt amazing! Need to find somekind of program to this summer too, it worked me best: schedule.

 

[moonlightshadow]

I run almost everyday but i having a light cold now so can't run now. It's really frustrating, love the fresh air, the freedom and the nature.

 

[Belowen]

I am building up my strength/stamina with running again. I'm working in bursts of running with power walking and after a week I am already noticing a difference in my ability. My main problem seems to be breathing, I can't seem to take deep enough breaths.

 

[Annu]

I found new program, 12 weeks this time (I should run 7,5 km then) and I have done my first exercise.. it was fun.

 

[yesitsdagny]

Last summer I went running every single day and I ran every day at least 4 miles. And now I decided to start with it again.. already today actually

 

[Qui]

I could never run well - NEVER.
but my goal this year is to run 45 mins at 9km/hr without stopping. I started about three weeks ago (although took about a week and a half off over easter - hehe). When i started i could only run FIVE minutes before i stopped - partially due to running out of breath, partly due to sheer boredom. Yesterday i made it to 20 mins!!

One question for all the runners - i get REALLY bored running. Like REALLY bored. Just music doesnt do it for me - therefore the only place i seem to be able to run is on a treadmill in front of a TV. How do you all keep yourselves from being bored when running long distance?

 

[Nemova]

I was planning to start running this week, but the massive rain that has been hitting hard on my city for the past 30 hours stopped me (I was going to run outdoors). I might go running tomorrow morning if the rain stops.

 

[adorefaith]

It's great to see this thread so active.

i used to run quite a bit and have only started again in the last 3 weeks. so far so good.. it's still taking time to get back into it and my hip is giving me trouble (it's always been bad and the impact doesn't help..) but i'm loving it already. it feels great to notice my fitness improving day to day. i'm going with a girlfriend which helps a LOT on days where i feel too exhausted. knowing you'd be letting someone else down really does wonders for your motivation.

i used to run mainly on a treadmill but i've committed to running mostly outside, and around a track on nights where it's too cold or bad weather. i find this helps a lot.. it's so nice to feel the wind and watch scenery rather than staring at a screen in a room. i'm also listening to an ipod which i've never done before and i'm finding it works wonders.. i normally don't listen to very upbeat music but honestly, Kylie Minogue is my new best friend. her music is incredibly motivating..

as for the breathing, B, i think a lot of it is just practice and perseverance. obviously some people's lung capacity is better than others and some naturally are more accustomed to breathing deeper than others, but you can teach yourself. try and do deep breathing exercises during the day - this is what i do, and i find since i'm running again i am much more aware of all those things....breathing, posture, etc. at work during the day and even when i'm standing in line, going grocery shopping etc, i try to focus on my breath and breath through my diaphragm and take 'whole body' breaths. this will translate to your running. the rest is just fitness, i think.. as you go a little further each day, your lungs will get used to it.. i'm already noticing a big difference..

Qui what kind of music are you listening to? maybe you need to switch it up. or run somewhere where there is a lot to look at... people, animals, mums with strollers, etc. a busy park, a popular track somewhere? sometimes having lots of people and stimulation around can help if you're getting bored. i find, though, that if i push myself (which i try to..) then i need all the focus and concentration i can get (and this is coming from someone who's easily bored. ) maybe you just need to run harder, longer etc? focus on your breath, how your body feels etc. or just think...brainstorm...try to unravel some issues or work on some self-development stuff in your mind.. maybe that would help cure the boredom a bit..

 

[Belowen]

as for the breathing, B, i think a lot of it is just practice and perseverance. obviously some people's lung capacity is better than others and some naturally are more accustomed to breathing deeper than others, but you can teach yourself. try and do deep breathing exercises during the day - this is what i do, and i find since i'm running again i am much more aware of all those things....breathing, posture, etc. at work during the day and even when i'm standing in line, going grocery shopping etc, i try to focus on my breath and breath through my diaphragm and take 'whole body' breaths. this will translate to your running. the rest is just fitness, i think.. as you go a little further each day, your lungs will get used to it.. i'm already noticing a big difference..

I've started up with my meditation again, so I'm hoping that helps with the deep breathing! You're right that it's just perseverance. I will work on it, I can already see some progress which is incredibly motivating

An iPod and great running playlist is a must for me. Not only because I hate hearing myself puffing/panting and my feet hitting the ground (I find that tires me out? lol) But because I like running to a beat, it keeps me moving steadily.