anyone up for a running challenge?
 

I just bought a new treadmill, and I can tell you they make great clothing racks. :dizzy:

Is anyone out there new to running, too - and interested in a little co-encouragement/goal-setting?

I would definitely be up for trying! Right now I do the treadmill twice a week and am upping my mileage but we could set goals for intensity too. Let me know what you think.

i'm about to jump on the treadmill right now...i've managed to run about 20 minutes at a good clip (abt. 4.5 MPH - i'm a shortie, so that's an average run! but i can handle 5 MPH, for a few minutes. i hope to work up to the faster speed for the entire duration).

how's your speed/time coming along?

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...b/180/135/178/

I am in. I have run in the past and am trying to get into it consistantly again. Unfortunately just as I was getting in to the swing of things again my gym membership ran out on Saturday. I don't really like running out in the cold so I could definitely use some motivation to keep going.

I was running about 3mi at a 4.5mph pace (I'm tall and slow) which is a 13:20 mile. I am going to try and run 3-4 miles on the road and time myself to see what my pace is there. Hopefully about the same. I would like to improve my time some so I don't have to spend so long just to get a couple miles in!

SJ

Hi Ladies,

Yes, that was me. I am a horrible typist and hit the wrong button. I would love to do a running challenge. Last year I completed a half marathon at a very slow pace. I refer to myself as a plodder, which is somewhere between a jog and a walk. I am starting outside training in mid April, so I would love the motivation to get on the treadmill. Maybe my pace will pick up this year. (oh and I haven't done a mile since October when I crossed the finish line).

:tread: I dont have a tredmill at home but at our local community center I work out on one and Ive been doing great on my time and my MPH. I was there yesterday and I wanted to yell out that whoo hoo Ive bested my time by 15 seconds but didnt want people to look at me like I was crazy. :dunno: I follow the time and the total of miles I run I usually run a mile but then hit the eliptical and the bike for additional miles.
I love the run I get a really good sweat on when I run.

Yay we've got some interest here! Last week I did 5 miles on the treadmill for the first time (between 6-6.8mph) but this week I've been going shorter distances (3.1 on Tuesday and 1 mile today) but increasing to 7-8mph for intervals. When I started running I was doing 5mph and have worked up.

Now, I know I'm a newbie...but I'm so excited that I just ran 1.5 miles at 4.5 (I'm 5'4" tall, so that speed has me really jumping!)...and although it pales in comparision to what you all are doing, I'm so INSPIRED by all of you!!! And look at your weight loss! You're all amazing!!! :-)

By the way, do any of you use the free online running log at:
http://www.coolrunning.com/log/index.shtml

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...b/180/135/178/

I'm in, I just signed up for a 5k. I know I will be walking part of it, and am totally ok with that, but would like to run atleast 1 mile of it. I've been snowshoeing 1.5 - 2 miles most days for the past few weeks, with yoga & weights on days I can't make it outside. I was hoping to do the couch-5k plan from cool running but can't stand making the time switches on the treadmill. Once the snow is gone, I'm going to try and run on my path - although the mud will make it much harder.

That online running site is very cool. I have a running log calendar that I've been writing my mileage in and it has tips and stuff like that so it's helpful in motivation. Don't want to have a blank week, you know. My boyfriend and I are signing up for a 5-k together too and I am very excited to do it. Not sure how he's feeling about it haha.

how have you all gone about building up your distance/speed? do you just take one day/week to really challenge yourself, and keep the other increases slight?

by the way - to those of you running 5-6 miles...how long did it take you to get to your target distance/speed?




http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...b/180/135/178/

Ran four miles outside yesterday at a 13:09 min/mi slightly faster then on the treadmill. I am hoping to start decreasing my time as I get in better shape and am hoping to run a half marathon in the fall.

krisinnyc: don't worry about your speed and distance both are actually very good for someone who is just starting out running. You will find your speed picking up as you get in better shape. Also consider doing intervals. They are supposed to help increase your speed and will allow you to go longer distance as you are buidling up endurance. Maybe try a longer distance with intervals one day a week? Walking is not cheating! However, usually I do my intervals at a fast jog/slow jog speed so I feel I am working harder. Each week decrease your slow interval time and increase your fast interval time. (for example 5 min fast:5 min slow intervals then the next week 6 min fast:4 min slow). This is how lots of beginning runners build distance. Since you can already run 1.5mi may you should just adjust a beginner program to where you are at.

Momadance: I think the Couch 2 5K program is great too, but a total pain on the treadmill to switch times (Maybe do longer intervals so you don't have to change so often?)

What a great thread! I started running a few months ago but had to stop because of an injury(non running related). I am just getting back into it and am very happy that I can run for 27 min w/out stopping. I am going to do 30 for the next few times until it's comfortable and start doing intervals. Maybe I am doing intervals incorrectly because I don't keep my endurance if I do intervals and can't run as long.

So my trainer claims running on a treadmill is easier. I'm not sure I agree. any thoughts?

Howyadoooooin', BrOOklyN ChIcK!
I'm in the neighborhood, too - Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill! We may be neighbors!
I just checked out www.nikerunning.com - it's great. (Maybe even better than Cool Runnings?) Thanks for the tip!

Skinnyjeans: Um, I hadn't even thought about using intervals to build my speed. (I'm just now figuring out that my treadmill has a use, other than being a great place to hang my clothes.) Also - thanks for the tip!!! I'll give that a shot to hopefully break the 2-mile barrier this weekend. Keep you all posted...

Have a good weekend, everyone. :-)

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...b/180/135/178/

I think running on the treadmill is more difficult but that's because I'll put it on a higher speed than I would normally run outdoors. I find it easier to "cheat" running on a track or along the road because I slow down. However the surface of the treadmill makes that easier so it's a good rule of thumb to have the incline at 1% to somewhat mimic the ground.

On a side note, do y'all run with music or without? I always use my Mp3 player but the batteries died the other day so I just ran one mile without music and it seemed SO much longer.

I think music is a must! With the right music, I almost forget that I'm working out.
But with no music...well, the run can become soooooo much longer!

Does anyone know when the elusive "runner's high" kicks in?

(I know it's SURE not kicking in at 1.5 miles...but I've gotta know there's a carrot at the end of the stick somewhere!;-))

I'm headed right now to try to push my distance up to 2 miles...keep on trotting, all!

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...b/180/135/178/

But the WRONG (too slow, or too somber) music isn't that helpful, either.

Say - what kind of music is everyone listening to? What gets you moving?

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...b/180/135/178/

From what I have heard the "runners' high" is completely individual...some people never get it, some people can get it after running for only a short time. I really think you've got to have an intense workout to get to that point and push yourself. I don't know if I've ever achieved it but I can zone out with the best of them.

For music it's all trial and error with downloading new stuff on my mp3 player. Britney Spears is super motivating (sorry, got to admit it! I like "The Hook Up"). I actually like Hilary Duff's "Party Up", Gwen Stefani/No Doubt "Crash", Kanye West "Workout Plan" just from the top of my head. With mixes like mine I just adjust the speed higher when it's a really good song and slow it down when it doesn't motivate me as well.

I'm a phishhead, so most of the time I listen to live sets. The songs can last for upwards of 20 minutes, with escalating jams that work like power passes for me - then there are wonderful piano solos which can slow it down, before picking the pace up again. I just found out about a band called O.A.R. and their "That was a crazy game of poker" has become my must for my snowshoeing outings.

I bought a double-set of dance mix CDs for about $5 the last time I was in London and had a chance to visit the Virgin Megastore sale bin. The music is really upbeat, silly, chirpy, really beat-heavy, and it's mostly running-friendly, speed-wise.

But sometimes I feel like I want some music which is a little more edgy, and - dare I say? - a little bit more angry. At times, as you all know, this time on the treadmill a little less than happy and chirpy. A Brit-Pop remix of Elvis' "Satisfaction" doesn't quite do the trick!

Music is a must. My mp3 died yesterday at the last mile of the run and my pace slowed by 30 sec for that mile! I usually listen to rap when I'm running, luv 50 cent! I think that running on the treadmill is easier because you don't have to remember not to slow down but man can it get boring! Better than the cold though.

I have heard that even experianced runners cannot predict when runner's high is going to happen because it is influenced by so many factors: your pace; how rested you are; how hydrated you are; etc. Also, like Liz, have heard that some people never get it. I have been running on and off for about 5 years and it only happened once. It was really cool! Almost felt like I was floating. All I can say is if it happens, you'll know it.

SJ

have any of you long-time runners had any knee trouble from the impact on your joints?

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...b/180/135/178/

Knee troubles- Ha Ha! Yes is putting it mildly. I had knee surgery long before I started running so I am particularly sensitive to impact causing joint pain some combination of the following usually works for me to prevent trouble.
1) Never increase mileage too much from one week to the next, gives your knee time to adjust.
2) Ice and elevate running.
3) Take a day off the roads and try for a softer surface like a track or teadmill
4) Take a day away from the impact by biking or using an elliptical instead

Oh I forgot ran 5 miles on Sunday and going to run 3 today. Hopefully a little faster! The weather here finally hit the 40's and it is sunny. Great day for a run. I can't wait to get out of work!

SJ

Thanks for the nike running info Brooklyn Chick. Looks like it will work much better for me than the couch to 5k, not so much adjusting. I think I'm going to start at week 3 since that seems to be about where I am at. Wish me luck and good luck to you. You'll have to keep us posted on how it's going.

The nike running site was great thanks for the tip! What a great way to track workouts. It even keeps track of mileage for your shoes! Usually I just go with when my steps start feeling jarring...Hmm maybe I should have mentioned shoes above.

Krisinnyc- My knees always start hurting right before I need new shoes. If nothing else works you might try that.

Yesterday was my day off my run. Thank goodness because it snowed and I wouldn't have any motivation to go out in that. Luckily it is back up in the 40's today so it will be comfortable again. Hopefully I can find enough energy to go the scheduled 4 miles. At the moment the sound of it makes me want to take a nap!

SJ

I hope everyone is doing well with their running. I slacked off for a little bit but managed 3.5 miles yesterday so I am getting back on track. I really need to buy new running shoes but options are somewhat limited in my little town so I have to wait till we go to Austin or even Abilene. Anyone have recommendations on shoes? I like the Nike Shox but I hate the thought of spending $100 on shoes that will be worn out in 6 months or so.

Another useful forum is the one at Runners World: http://forums.runnersworld.com/index.jspa

They have an entire topic devoted to injuries. :-(

When I was running, I liked Asics and Adidas, which are less expensive than the Nike's. But you should really buy based on the shape of your foot and foot mechanics. Liz, have you tried buying shoes online? Road Runner's (www.roadrunnersports.com) sometimes has free shipping or e-mail coupons.

Hi everyone. I'm new here at 3FC, and this running thread caught my eye. I'm running in my first 5k on May 7th, so I've been focusing more on speed lately than I usually do. Though, I hear that these fun runs are so crowded that I'll be lucky to get much speed at all! :)

Anyway, I know from past experience that the group support gained from forums like this can really help to motivate me to exercise, which is my key to maintaining weight loss momentum. I can eat perfectly all the time and still GAIN weight if I'm not exercising almost every day. I'm sure you all understand. :)

How did the 5-k turn out Holly? I did my first one that week too actually and had a time of 26:21 so I was happy with myself.

Is anyone still running ? I see that the last post was 5/30/05. I want to get in on it if it's still going on...

Lo

There is a runners thread in the Excercise forum if you would like to join us.

SJ