Thanks TC, I'm actually not too bummed about the race - well, I was on Saturday but by Monday I was over it and ran a GREAT 3 miles. On the treadmill, no less! Today is 5 miles on the TM since we're currently having a blizzard :brr: so I hope it goes just as well. My 10k is in 2.5 weeks!! :yikes: I need to get two more 5 milers in to feel confident, I think.

MBN you are so right about putting your body through a lot with races. After my first race I was surprised at how SORE and tired I was... I'd run that 5k route plenty of times but running it with 7,000 people is something entirely different!

Hey running gals :wave: been MIA, came down with "flu like symptoms" ... Woke up Sunday with a scratchy throat, did my usual 5k run... Then the rest of the day was down hill... I've taken 3 days off work, but I am scheduled to go back tomorrow, I feel 100% better today although weak...

I think I'll pass on the running for this week and start over on Sunday again... Have a great rest of the week gals...

Hi all,
I'm back as well. I've been in all out war with a miserable cold (pretty sure it's just a cold) this past week so I haven't been out running, but I did a short run yesterday and this morning so I think I'm back.

Congratulations to all the fabulous racers. You guys are such an inspiration.

Hey all!!
Went back to the Doc yesterday...had a bone scan done on my footsies...turns out, THIS time, it is NOT broken, HOWEVER the doctor found FIVE, count em---FIVE old stress fractures in my foot that have healed, that i didnt even KNOW ABOUT!! How crazy is that?? So, ive been told no running for 3 more weeks (turns out it is just a really BAD sprain in my Post Tib tendon, which is REALLY WEIRD because i didnt DO anything to sprain it).

No running for three weeks----uh, ya right. So, ive recently been getting educated on the school of thought known as BAREFOOT DISTANCE RUNNING....... What do you guys know about this?? I just started trying it, on the treadmill for now, as soon as the blizzard is gone i will start trying it outside......just WOW. It is amazing. SO DIFFERENT. And it causes me/you/humans to strike and land with a COMPLETELY different part of the foot, so it doesnt bother my sprain at all!! i LOVE IT. Muscles i didnt even know i had in my foot and back of my calves are SORE. If you guys are interested in this,i can give you more info about the why, how, what, etc....



FAT and Dancer----whatcha thinkin bout this weather?!?! :) Jeffco school are CLOSED today, if you can beleve that!

I've heard of barefoot running but I've never tried it. Interesting that our shoes (which are supposed to best represent our feet!) make how we strike the ground so different. I'm interested to hear how it goes for you!

Bleh - this weather. All the schools are closed here but it's hardly snowing and we're only supposed to get 2-4 inches. Back when I was a child, we had to have a foot of snow before school would close!

Fat-- the idea behind barefoot running is that our SHOES are the REASON we have so many running related injurues, and i think it makes PERFECT sense!! The more "support" and "stability" put into a new, high-end running shoe, the LESS your feet and leg muscles have to work to "support" and "stabilize" you. Basically we are giving our own feet permission to get weak, if that makes sense........

I agree about the snow....we almost NEVER got out of school for snow, unless there was so much people couldnt leave their driveways.......

crazy weather - good day for the elliptical afterall, I guess.

MK - very curious to hear more about barefoot running - do you run in booties or something to protect your soles a bit?

MBN - Thanks so much for your response. I thought it was just me! I definitely pushed myself pretty hard on Sunday and it caught up with me, but it was totally worth it!

Ilene and Slyvied - Hope you feel better soon!

Mk - Glad to hear your foot is ok! Are you just doing a bunch of short runs these days? During my race on Sunday, I saw a guy running "barefoot" but in those cool new black rubbery shoes with a space for each toe. Not something I'm ready to look into, but let us know how it goes!

Sorry you guys are having crazy weather! It's definitely cooling down here, but no snow in LA ;) I think I'm starting to develop seasonal allergies though! My nose has been runny for a week and I'm just sleepy all the time, but I can tell I'm not sick with a cold (or the swine flu!!). Anyone else get allergies? What do you do to deal with the fatigue? I'm full of questions these days!

Barefoot running interest me as well. My arches are so weak I can't imagine running, I can barely walk barefoot. I am trying in Yoga to do things that increase my arch strength. The vibram running footies are pretty cool looking though. Did anyone else see the 50-50-50 documentary? Dean Karnazes (sp?) ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. People would come out to run with him when he was in town. Somewhere west coast(probably Cali) somebody ran wearing cheap flip flops and cutoffs like he does everyday . I can't remember exactly, but he ran alot every day( like 20+ miles) in cheap flip flops, cut offs and a big straw hat. My dh thought I might want to return my new suacanys and check it out.............

wow - I think I'd rather be totally barefoot than in flipflops!

Ya, so, i actually BOUGHT a pair of those Vibram Five Finger shoe thingies, with the slots for each toe and a rubbery bottom. The ONLY thing they do, is protect your feet from hazards on the ground when you are running. They provide NO support or anything. They feel amazing!!!!

SGeran----Running barefoot should actually MAKE your arches stronger! Thats kinda the point. As for me, i have these RIDICULOUSLY high Barbie doll arches, which, apparently make me ideally suited for running barefoot without needing much of an adjustment period. Your arches act like springs, and if you have flat feet or weak arches, running barefoot will re-strengthen the ligaments/muscles/tendons that support the arch. My doctor thinks im crazy for tryin this though.

im SO EXCITED to get outSIDE and try running barefoot...ive been doing it on the treadmill a few times since the marathon -- after i hurt my foot, when i discoverd i could run on the treadmill at an incline. my calves are SO SORE. but its a good sore!!!! YOu guys should try this next time you go to the gym!! Just take off your shoes on the treadmill (keep wearing your socks if you want). Set the treadmill at a bit of an incline, like 2%. Then run at a comfy pace. Its going to feel REALLY Weird at first. Our shoes have taught us to strike with our heels when we run, and to lean/power forward, and what not. When you are running barefoot, you CANT strike with your heel, which you will figure out within about 2 seconds. you have to hit with the ball of your foot, and you will naturally roll outward THEN back to your heel in one motion. You will also end up taking much smaller steps, and your foot will strike underneath you, instead of a little in FRONT of you. All in all, it feels different, but you will adjust to it within a minute or two.

TakingCharge-- i dont get allergies, so i am no help, sorry!

SNOW PICTURES!! and VIBRAM FIVE FINGER Pictures
 

Hey all!! Thought i would post a few pictures illustrating why i am unable to RUN or leave my HOUSE for the past two days...GRRRRRRRRRRRRR.......................... CABIN FEVER!!! This picture is my daughter in the backyard---no, they are NOT snow DRIFTS, this is flat out how much snow we got, and YES, she is standing up straight!!! Check out the grill in the foreground, and the trampoline in the background!! The weight of the snow Broke it completely (but that might be hard for you guys to see!!! Also,a couple pics of my new Five Fingers! Im just Itching to try em out outside! :)
Fat, DAnce...you guys snowed in as well??

grrr----pictures wont post!! Will keep trying

In the UK Eddie Izzard did something similar with the consecutive marathons. I love Eddie... I was surprised when I heard he even ran let alone did 1000 miles in marathons!

http://eddieizrunning.com/

mk - definitely way snowed in! definitely another elliptical day for me!

ideal - from the little I know of Eddie Izzard, the running thing seems way out of character - how funny!

We actually did not get snowed in...can you believe that?? Usually we're worse down south but we got maybe 3-5 inches total. Yesterday was barely anything, today it piled up but still not enough to stay home from work (darn it!!) I am on the north side of the city and just barely a mile south of my house/work it's like an entirely different town... just a trace of snow. I can't believe it's doing this and it's not even November... think it's gonna be a LOOOONG winter!!

yikes - fat pants - I so hope you're wrong about this winter!

Hello All,
I know that October is almost over and a new November thread will be coming soon, but I want to jump on this band wagon while I'm thinking about it. Some faces are familiar, others not, but I'm looking forward to chatting with you all. I recently started running - about 2-1/2 months ago, then started C25K first of October so I'm currently in Week 4, will do W4D3 tomorrow. My goal is to be able to run a 5K next spring - I've already found one taking place April 24th that I want to run. For my long term goal, there's a Frosty 50K here in town each January that I'd like to be able to do in 2011 - no way I could do 31miles by this January! Even 2011 is probably pushing it, but what is life without goals?

Hi all I am new to running too. Started in Aug with the goal of being able to do a 5K well met that goal at the end of Sept and kinda lost my momentum is that normal? or am I just being a wus because the weather went nasty?

anyway I have a new delima and I am hoping you vetrans can advise. My business partner recently went back to running after a hyatis and wants to run durning afternoon breaks with me. (he is in my office 1-2 weeks a month) well my stride is slooow but steady and himn being male and I am sure a longer stride I am worried I will try and keep up with him instead of my own pace and then need to walk because I was going to fast...any suggestions? I know this is kinda silly-but I am competive but just not ready to be competive

Amy - nice to see you over here!

nancy - welcome! I would probably tell your partner what your pace (min/mile) is and ask him if he's comfortable running with you at that speed. A married couple that I'm friends with run at different paces (she's the faster one) so they do a loop from opposite directions and pass each other a couple of times while they're out - that may give you another option. Good luck!

Welcome ShrinkingAmy and Nancy!!! You guys will find TONS of support here!! Glad to have you

Nancy--IMHO if your friend/coworker asked you to run with him, then he needs to respect YOUR pace. If YOU asked to run with HIM, then YOUD need to respect HIS pace. DOes that makes sense?? I have a feeling he just wants the company when he runs... a lot of people dont like to run and train solo. I know that i am faster than alot of people, like my BoyFriend, for instance ( whom i DO run with very occassionally) and i automatically let him pick the pace. I just love to get out and run, ya know?

Amy-- i LOVE how you think!!!! A 50K sounds like such an awesome goal to work towards!!! Just keep at it--youll be AMAZED at how quicky your body adapts to running the longer distances!!

Upcoming/Immediate Running?training Goals
 

Phew!
I finally have a plan you guys! Thank god........ Heres what i want to train for in the immediate/near future!!

Here in colorado there is a running series known as the Winter Distance Series. Its comprised of 3 events, and each even has a "short" option and a "long" option, i.e; 5K and 10K or 5 mi and 10 mi. Fat and Dance, you may have heard of these races--- Frostys Frozen Five, and Rudolphs Revenge and Snowman Stampede?

Anyhow, I checked last years results on these races, and the first one, a 10K, is 6 weeks away, on December 19th. Im going to train my You-KNow-what off to COMPETE at the 10K. There is one lady that appears to run em all who always wins, that i dont THINK i can beat, at least, not in 6 weeks. However the OTHER top 5 or so females, i can Absolutely give them a run for their money. But im gong to have to train REALLY hard and shave a good 3 or more minutes off my 10K to do it!! I can At Least Place First in My division, and get on the podium, for overall female, so to peak. Anyway, i LOVE the challenge of this. 6 weeks is not a lot of time to get my 10K under 44 minutes!! Im excited!!:carrot:

Next. As SOON as im done with this 10K in December, i will be EXACTLY 14 weeks out from the National Marathon in DC. I want to train to qualify for Boston. That will give me 14 weeks, to shave 20 minutes off of my marathon.

The national marathon will be a godawful marathon to try to qualify at, because it appears to have a LOT if uphills during the first half, but thats what will make it even MORE challenging!!! And, if i DONT make my qualifying time, i can try again in May here in denver...theres a few marathons in May........

Both of these plans will have me running 4X a week. 4 QUALITY runs. 1 Track workout a week, 1 short Distance LA Threshold(tempo run) short meaning faster paces, working on 10K speed...up to 6 or 7 miles. then i will have 1 LONG LA acid/ threshold run, where i work on my LA Threshold running LONGER, meaning the paces are a little slower, but the distances will be from 8 to 12 miles. ANd then ONE LONG run each week. I will continue to run long while i train for the 10K becasue i dont want to lose the ability to run long. As soon as i jump into marathon training, right off the bat i will be doing 20 mile runs.

I also plan on doing 2 Barefoot runs each week. Shorter distances, easier pace, easy runs. Running Barefoot consistently will have an incredibly positive effect on my running and running form-quickly, i think. I will also cross train/strngth train as well

Hi all,

Just introducing myself. Dancer from the 'sexier by thanksgiving' challenge invited me over so I thought I would pop in and say hi. I'm 29 years old, currently at 207.5, (have lost 28.5 pounds so far) and am dearly hoping to get to onederland by Thanksgiving, which would require an 8 pound loss in the next four weeks. That's pushing it but outside the realm of the possible.

So, I've been doing gym work-outs on treadmill/elliptical followed by strength-training. My pattern has been to do 35-40 minutes on the elliptical followed by running a mile on the treadmill. My goal is to do a sub 10 mile and I'm pumped because this week my treadmill mile (no incline) time was 10:30! Only 31 seconds to shave off! I was the fat kid in gym class who couldn't run a mile without walk breaks, so now to run a mile consistently, AFTER my time on the elliptical, feels pretty awesome. Avenging my own personal history!

But my primary goal is weight loss. I have heard of this HIIT (high intensity interval training) and I know there are programs and plans out there. So I'm open to any ideas/suggestions people have about how to arrange my elliptical/running on the treadmill workouts to maximize weight loss. I'm still a bit nervous about running for longer amounts of time or on harder surfaces (like outside on pavement) since I'm still pretty heavy and I don't want to stress my joints. My hope is to be able to run more in earnest when I've lost 10 or 20 more pounds and I don't have to be as concerned about my knees. I generally work out in afternoon/early evening (I am SO not one of those people who will get up at 5 am to go the gym!) and I listen to my iPod when running. I enjoy it as 'me' time away from work and personal responsibilities and I love feeling stronger! At some point I would like to do races like 5k or 10k but my focus now is getting to onederland and getting my BMI under 30.

Alright, got to get back to work but thought I would stop in and say hello. Keep up the great work everybody!

blueridge - so glad you joined us! I think a bunch of us would agree that running is a major component of our weight loss success so I think you'll be super happy with the results as you increase your distance. Lots of folks on this board gave me the great advice to work up to a higher distance gradually and then worry about speed so I'm passing that along in case it's helpful to you too. I run on paths in the park as running on asphalt doesn't work for me - do you have any parks or unpaved paths near you for some off treadmill running?

good morning everyone
 

Ideal: I loved the Eddie Izzard link Thank you. His stand up is nearly to much fun for me. I could run all day with him amusing me! It's amazing that he was able to do that many consecutive marathons with such little prior training. What a crazy thing for him to do. I wish I could have followed along. The Dean Karnzes documentary is less about 'will he finish ?'., his ultra running feats are unbelievable, and more about the people who would come out to run with him. My dh is most impressed with Dean K ability to eat crazy stuff while he's running one hundred or two hundred miles.

MK : You sound excited to have a plan and goals. Excellent! I hope barefoot running continues to help you heal and get stronger.

So I never really thought much about running a marathon, but the awesome perks of running the Nike Woman's marathon in San Fransisco has me wondering. Am I a shallow person to run a race just to get my Tiffany charm from a hot firefighter in a tuxedo? ......

SGeranium - what a combo - jewelry and dressed up fireman! Sounds like a must do!

mk - your plans sound exciting! Maybe fatpants and I can come to one of your winter races to cheer you on!

Shallow? Are you kidding? I've never wanted to run a marathon until I read that ;) Dang.

DAncer-- why dont you and fat pants come RUN in the race yourselves?!?!? Like i said, each race always has a long and a shorter distance....... You guys should consider doig it!!!!

BlueridgeGirl--- Welcome!! That was a fabulous intro!!! I think if you are REALLY trying to kick your weightloss up by thanksgiving, then you should Change up your routine!! FOr instance, try doing all of your Strength training BEFORE your cardio...while they are both important, it is the strength training that will boost your metabolism for the rest of the day.... ALso, if you strength train first, your muscles will be "full" of the energy (glycogen) they need for the strength training, so your muscles can be worked out fully to fatigue, and second, if you use up a lot of your glycogen stores weight training, then your body will HAVE to use some of your fat for energy during cardio!!

Also, if you are concerned with wanting to be able to run more, why dont you spend less time on the elliptical, and more time on treadmill? THAT could be your HIIT. For instance, WARM UP on ellitical for 10 minutes, then run a mile on treadmill, THEN back to elliptical (or walk on treadmill) then RUN another mile, etc.....

I think its really good for our bodies when we change up our routines!!

mk - I'll have to settle for being with you in spirit unless they start holding more races on dirt roads. Pavement is kind of a not so much for me, unfortunately. Who knows, maybe someday. But, hey - I'd love to come hold signs for you AND fatpants (we'll call you skinny jeans on the sign, of course)!

Hi everyone!

I am extremely interested in starting to run so I figured I would jump in here with you wonderful people!

Here's a bit about me:

In highschool, I dreaded the day when we had to run 'the mile' in gym. I was never able to run the whole time and had to take frequent walk breaks. I was always ashamed at my score, but heck, I was a kid and once I stepped out of gym class I didn't really care about it anymore. I always had an admiration for those who could run the entire mile though...I never said that out loud. ;) Skipping ahead, life got so crazy and routine and I ended up gaining a lot of weight skyrocketing up to my highest weight which is on my ticker. I found this forum, and lurked for about a year before I finally decided to do something about my weight. When I started out, I was waaay to intimidated by running so I did exercise dvd's at home, I eventually added some aerobics classes and to date I have lost 52 pounds. :carrot:

I've decided it's time to start running. I've always looked up to people who could run, who could run long distances etc. My husband joined the Air Force and I'm amazed at how his running has improved. I've always wanted to be a runner, I was just always to scared to try. Well NO MORE!

Today was my first day of C25K and it was AWESOME! I feel so strong and invigorated! I've decided I do not want to run on a tredmill because I want to some day be able to run in a race or two (hundred lol! :dizzy:) and I've always noticed that if I ran on a tredmill for to long and then tried to run on a track, the track was soooo hard! Luckily, there is an indoor track that I can use during the colder months.

My ultimate goal is to be able to do a half marathon. (Go big or go home, lol;)) I'm also going to be very active this spring and summer with the local races. Having a race in mind is really helpful in keeping me motivated.

I look forward to chatting with you awesome people and learning from the best!

Have a great weekend. :hug:

Dancer-- i think Fat goes by Skinney Jeans now!! You can call me "Quadzilla!!" :)

Welcome Eve!!!!

Heck yeah... wearing a size 8 now! :carrot:

Do you have to do all three Winter Distances? I can't do the one on Dec19th but I might be interested in doing one or both of the races in Jan & Feb.

Welcome Eve and Blueridgegirl....nice to see you both over here! :D

Fat--you do not have to do all three races. here is the link!! That would be so great if you ran some of them too!! :)
http://www.winterdistanceseries.com/

BTW--size 8!! :) Congrats!! Youve been dropping MAD weight lately! I can see it in your face!!!

Thanks for the welcome, MK and Skinny! :D

Congrats on the size 8, Skinny!

Hey, check these pics out!! They were from that 10K that I got first place at a few weeks ago! Man, i have NEVER had a photographer take so many pictures of me! lol! I think its cuz i was in the lead hehe

http://www.proimagesoftware.com/[email protected]

Awesome pics! You look wonderful and super strong!

Thanks!! But i think i look really LARGE...like TOO muscular!!

Oh! Hey all guess what?!?!? I JUST achieved a LIFELONG Fitness goal!!! It was up there with "run a marathon" in the list of outrageous things i never thought id accompolish-------- Do a PULLUP!!!! I can do a pull-up!! WAHOOS!!:carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot:

Hey all! Sorry I've been MIA this week! But don't you worry...I'm baaack! :)

Welcome to all the new members! It's great to see you here. This is such a wonderful thread for inspiration and advice and it's always nice to see some new faces! I look forward to hearing all about your running (and other stuff!)!.

FatPants - Size 8!! You go, skinny girl!

Mk - I love your running plan! It's so well thought out and seems like it'll keep you in great running shape and will be challenging without pushing yourself TOO hard. Can't wait to hear about your progress as you kick butt in the 10K! Love the new pics too. You're not quadzilla!!! You look teeny tiny, in the strongest, healthiest type of way, which is freakin awesome! And ya, the photographer clearly had a little crush...haha!

As for me, I've done a few short runs this week (3-4 miles) and am attempting my first 7 miles tomorrow morning! I'm super nervous, since the most I've done up to this point is 10K (~6.2 miles). I know it's mostly mental and I'm sure I can finish, but it'll just be a matter of pushing myself and not letting myself stop. Do you guys think I should bring some water/gatorade with me? I've heard that you should either hydrate or eat something after about an hour, but since this is my first time, I'm kind of lost as to what I should do. I also don't have a water belt or anything, so I'd have to carry a bottle with me, which could be a pain. What do you think?

How's everyone else doing? It's good to be back!

I've been MIA this week too...reading all your posts but having nothing to share :( Here's where I am at...

I am thinking about registering for my first 5k on December 5th (and I am already signed up for one on January 1st) but am worried about whether or not I can do it.

Now, I generally run 5K three times a week at home on my treadmill and, although I am running slowly, I can run it no problem. But I have NEVER run outside in real life. This week, I was determined to try because I need to start getting used to it if I am going to do these upcoming runs.

So...I've been totally psyching myself out and wimping out (it's cold...it's raining...whatever). So much so that I haven't run at all this week...not even on my treadmill! (Wha' the?)

So tonight...I finally went outside and started running. And it felt like I had never run before!! I couldn't find my groove, my breath was raspy and difficult, I didn't even make it a mile (in fact...closer to half) before I walked. Ug. I did only a mile and then gave up, picked up a friend and walked for four more.

What am I going to do? How do I make this transition? What am I doing wrong?

This just sucks. I am just feeling really discouraged with myself...

Is running outside REALLY that much different? I know it's cold and windy tonight but this seems crazy. I am still coughing like I did after my first 20 minute run during the C25K. Ugh.

Any words of wisdom?