I did 7 miles this morning. I was excited and worried about it, which is silly since I had no issues with 6 last week. I enjoyed it, even though I went out later than normal so it was hotter. Today was the first time I listened to Pandora, and I really enjoyed that.

Ncuneo - After I was done, all I could think of was that I had to go almost 2times that far for a 1/2. It seems daunting, but with training I know I can do it. I bet with increased training you could do a marathon ... if you want to.

Cheshire - take care of that knee!

Welcome Hdallas - With training I bet you can do a 1/2 in Dec!

hi all :) welcome hdallas78
pinksparkles, it continues to get easier! do it girl!
indie, yay for no knee pain! but boo about the foot. chin up, this too shall pass...
krampus, sorry your knee is still giving you some trouble. you’re smart to let it heal up though!
Cheshirecat, ncuneo, envelope, all those miles!!! INSPIRING!

I did my 6.5 miles today! Yay me! I have a new “this is the most miles I’ve EVER run” moment every week. Makes me happy.

This week I did some sprints on my cross training day. Just sorta fell into it accidentally, but i LOVED how I felt! Not exactly cross training, but I think I’ll exchange one of my shorter mid-week runs for sprint training... Anyone have any experience?

Also, I am getting fitter every week, it feels great and soooo encouraging, but... I’m not really losing any weight. Training 6 days a week (3 runs, 1 run+strength, 1 strength+stretching, 1 cross training) calories are around 1500-1900. Any thoughts?

I used to love running, and regularly did 10k's when I was in my 20's. But life changes and knee changes happened, and running is not on my list any more. Today was my first day back, and I ran 1 mile on the treadmill and walked 1 mile. I would love to train to do a 5k in October - seems doable, right?

JuhiR, seems totally doable :) work up slowly!

I was soooo sick this morning - like nauseous-sick so my HIIT cardio went out the window, lol. On another note, all the running has made me go from a C cup to a B cup which I'm not too happy about. But to be fair, I was a B cup for most of my life until my body fat went through the roof a few years ago. I keep telling myself that I'm still me even with smaller boobs but I'm not very curvy so my breasts were like the one womanly thing about me, lol. Although I was only a small C and now I'm like a full B so it's not like I'm flat like a pancake. *can't believe I'm typing about my boob shape* I just lost the fullness in the middle - sorry about the TMI. *sheepish* But I did convince my hubby to take me shopping this morning so I could buy some new pretty new bras. That's a bright spot in my otherwise craptastic Monday, right? :)

4.5 miles this morning. I had to get out and get it down since I needed to get into work. I going to have to switch to evening soon for running with school starting up again. I much prefer mornings but I cannot do a 4:45 am wake up call!!

Anyhoo,

fitmom-Your boob talk had me laughing. I shrunk in that area as well. But after a bit I really grew to love my new size. They are small but I can so get away with those bras with no underwire and love that!

JuhiR-Keep consistent and a 5k in October will be great!

Shasha-I'm just starting to get into sprints or speed work. I've been wanting to try it out and there is this one race next year I want to place in because they had a the best awards! Haha, motivation!
But I like that you can just open up and run all out. I tire quickly but I do like it and will keep it up. I know there are tons of way to do speed workouts. But I'm going to go to a hill and sprint up then jog down and have a minute to recover then go again.

Hdallas-I totally hear you on the humidity! I never come back dry from a run. I'm sweating full on and it just sticks to you! Yuck.

ncuneo-It's daunting when you look at the miles but you train for a marathon just like you trained for the 1st half marathon. It seemed like there were so many mile and what the heck to do you for hours on end and how do you keep running?! But you can do it. Put trust in a good training plan and you'll get there!

Today was a happy running day for me. Cloudy (but still humid) and a nice breeze set me up well. I was able to run 3 miles straight for the first time. And my time? 12:10 first mile, 12:35 second mile and 3rd mile (which is a slight downhill for about 60%) 10:30!!

i know yall are running miles, but i'm just slowly working my way up to that point... and i made it 3 whole mintues without having to stop (:

i can't wait until it's a WHOLE mile!

ElleHolla-- Everyone starts somewhere! Keep up the good work :)



I am STRUGGLING in this heat. Ugh.

@ElleHolla: 3 minutes is huge! That's awesome, what a great start. It takes time, I bet in under two months, you'll be running a lot more.

Elle, that is awesome, I think we've all been there at one point or another. When I start last January I could barely run a 1/2 mile.

So after my 14 I was supposed to run 5 Monday morning, but I don't think anything could have drug my butt out of bed so I went for the dreadmill in the afternoon. Still didn't get in 5, for one I just wanted to rest my knees and two a friend I hadn't seen in a while show'd up to the gym so I joined her on the eliptical for 2 miles after running 3 miles. So close enough.

I've been going round and round mulling over the marathon decision and think I may postpone it for a bit. If my knees we're bothering me (I think it's a small injury from not replacing my insoles and running on them for 3 months) I may think differently and maybe I'll change my mind. But for now the plan is to run my half in August, cut my milage back a smidge for a few weeks then maybe do another half at the end of the year another small break and then start working toward a 20 mile long run and then see how I feel.

All I want is for this to be challenging but fun. I never want running to be a chore or something that I don't look forward to the majority of the time.

No run today (although I may sneak a mile warm up in) just ST and Yoga.

Hey everybody!:wave:

I've been laying low around deeez here parts cuz I haven't ran in 2 weeks. My knees are loving it, but my heart aches to run again. Its just tooo stinkin hot!:mad: I've been swimming alot though. I swam last night for 3 hours straight. I'm forming a new love right now...swimming. I will come back to running, for sure, but for now I'm gonna just enjoy my new love for a while.

Don't worry...my new love...it's just a summer fling!:lol: I'll be back to running soon enough.:)

Hi everyone-

Just stopping in to say hi. No running still for me. I'm going to try to do an hour on the elliptical today to get the heart rate up. Will try to run tomorrow AM... we'll see how the arch of my left foot feels :-/

I ran my 3 miles this morning in 26 minutes. I wanted to do it in 25 minutes but the heat was a bit much for me. Anyway, when I get back from my trip at the beginning of August, I'll be adding some mileage (slowly) on to work myself up to 4 miles. I eventually want to do 4 miles in about 40-45 minutes. My goal is to accomplish that sometime in September. Hopefully, I can do it.

fitmom, sounds totally doable! I’m impressed, you’re running that 3 quickly!
joyfull, your avatar is awesome! you’re so toned and fit! amazing.
indi, try intense intervals on the elliptical to help boost that heart rate. fingers crossed the run goes well tomorrow!
ncuneo, I think you have the right attitude about running. if it’s becoming less fun bc you’re pushing for mileage, then by all means, postpone! no big deal.

I do a short 3 mile run today. Feeling lethargic and my muscles are heavy. Plus, I’m starting a new acting class tonight and I’m all jittery and nervous! Will try to power through...

Hello, I am a jogger, I guess?! :^: I'm not a runner by any means, that's for sure. I am training for a Spartan Race in October and it's a 5K, so I would love to jump in on this thread. I started my "jogging" training two days ago and did 1 mile straight at 4.5 and 1.0 incline (granted, it took me 13:26, but I did it). It's in the 90s and humid this week, so I'm sticking with the treadmill for now.

I would like to work my way up to 3 miles without stopping, but I don't know how often I should be jogging. Since I'm new at this, should I be doing this daily or every other day? I don't want to risk injury and I don't know much about jogging/running, so any advice would be appreciated! :)

@Emme: What works for me is jogging/running every other day - M, W, F and Sat. That way my body has a chance to rest and I don't get bored b/c it's not a daily thing. Good luck to you. :)

@shasha12: Is that fast? LOL. I have no idea. But if you say it is, then it is. :D Acting class? Very cool. I'm gonna spend my evening bathing my six-year old and needlepointing. Yep, I'm a mom. ;)

@indiblue: Hope your foot feels better soon. I hate when pain sidelines my workouts. Grrr!

ncuneo Good for you for not allowing running to be a chore. I think for me anything more than a 10K would be a chore... so I have no intentions of doing any more than that... ever :)

joyful Way to give your knees a rest and continue to get in good exercise! Nice job on the swimming

fitmom Increasing speed/distance slowly is the way to go! You can definitely reach your goal of 4 miles/40 mins

shasha good advice on intervals. I just did steady-state elliptical yesterday... but I really should be doing intervals. Thanks for the reminder!

Emme congrats on the mile! That's good you are running on a slight incline. It helps make the transition from treadmill to outside easier.

--

I did 5K at the park today. Knee feels GREAT. Foot felt uncomfortable, but I don't think it really affected my run. It was hurting after I got home so I iced it quickly. Still numb from the ice but I think it helped.

I'll just stay at easy 5Ks for the next couple of weeks until my foot seems to have stabilized, I think.

Emme - Google C25K and you will find the Couch to 5K program. If you can run a mile straight already, you may find the first few weeks easy. It also gives you an idea on how much rest you might need between runs. BTW - you are already faster than I am, I jog an average of 15 min per mile. Although I think I did it slightly faster by jogging every other day. I currently jog 5 days a week.

I used to be in the military and was really into running & boxing when I was in (oh, and not to mention the best shape of my life... sigh). I have gotten back into running. This week I have done:

Monday: 5 miles @ 50 mins

Tuesday:5k @ 29:15

Yesterday: 5 miles @ 48:38

Right now I am debating taking today as a rest day from running & doing ST (as I forgot to stretch yesterday before my run & I am really feeling it today), or sucking it up & running 5k after work. We'll see.

I want to get up to 10k (which I think I could do in the next week or so), but I think I need to focus more on improving my speed/time for the distances I am currently doing. What do you all think? What is "more important"? Running further and slower, or faster and for a shorter distance? I want to make sure I have my runner's priorities straight! Thanks ;)

Depends Nikki, although I think your times are great. If your goal is weight loss then slower and longer. If your goals are just running then you have to ask yourself do you want to train for speed or distance? Two totally different things. In runners terms I don't think one is better then another, they are just different goals.

indiblue: That's what I've heard too. To increase the speed and distance little by little. The last thing I need is to like blow out my knee or hurt my ankle b/c my enthusiasm gets the better of me, lol. I have a 2 mile circle-like route by my house that would be perfect for me to do twice around for the four miles (when I get to that point). It's weird about the speed b/c the longer I run, I'm finding I'm naturally getting a bit faster. When I first started, I used to trot, lol. Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better.

nikkinouille: My father is a former Marine and he always jokes about how he used to run like every morning. He showed me pictures of him from back then and his stomach was like a washboard, lol. Wow, I'm in awe of your distance and time. Maybe I'll get there...one day. But I just started so baby steps, I guess.

I'm not running today. Tomorrow morning I'm running my 3 miles. Hopefully, I will come in at like 24 or 25 minutes. *fingers crossed* We'll see. :)

This week I've logged a couple of shorter, faster runs (2.3 mi, 3.5 mi) and I have gotten my pace up to 11:20 min/mi (down from 13:40)! Tonight, despite the heat, I am going to shoot for 5.5 miles and keep it a little slower. I need to focus more on distance than speed since I am just aiming for being able to finish the half marathon in December, but it sure feels good to see progress in my speed! I'll shoot for 6 miles Saturday morning and then we are off to Vegas on Sunday. We are planning on getting up early at least one morning that we're there and running the strip. It should be fun!

To all of the newer runners (like myself) that have posted - keep up the good work :) You have no idea what your body is capable of until you push yourself! I started with C25K and never in a million years thought I would be able to run 2 miles without stopping much less 13.2, but I am going to do that half marathon in December come he** or high water!

ncuneo: you inspire me so much :) I hope it won't be long until I am going out for 14 mile runs!

Since I'm such a newbie to the world of running, I have a question for the more seasoned runners. I'm a bit *obsessed* with the way my stomach looks particularly since giving birth - twice, anyway, I read that you should be sucking in or holding your stomach in while you run, is this true? I tried doing that and then not doing that and didn't feel any difference, lol. Has anyone heard this and implemented it while running? Just curious.

@ ncuneo / fitmom - thanks for your perspectives! i think at this point, i would be more impressed with myself if i ran for a longer distance, rather than worrying about improving my speed. once i get where i am at comfortably, distance-wise - i can start upping the speed a little.

Awww! Thanks hdallas!

Nikki, I should also comment that if fat loss is your goal, slow and distance is better HOWEVER, not too much distance. Once you start getting too high in the distance catagory you'll start to have a more difficult time losing. It is almost impossible for me to lose while training for anything. I've noticed that once I start going above 20 miles per week my fat loss haults.

I have never heard this and I think it would be hard to do! I can't image adding something to the list of things to do while running, (i.e. form, breathing, etc.:)) I personally have just gotten over the stomach thing. I unfortunately gained to much weight and a saggy stomach is just my punishment, or how about badge of honor that's more positive.

Yesterday I supposed to do 7, but I just wasn't feeling it so I eeked out 5. I may try again tomorrow, we'll see. I'm kinda taking it easy this week, I just feel tired and TOM is around the corner. I still have 3 weeks after this until my half so plenty of time to kick it back up. Next week is peak week too so I want to be rested and ready!

ST and Yoga today.

ncuneo: I googled around and the term is called, 'static flexing'. Supoosedly, it helps your stomach muscles look better at rest and in a neutral state. If you flex slightly while doing daily activities or even jogging, etc., the thought is that you train your abdomen to stay in a semi-flexed state permanently. It sounds somewhat feasible b/c I'm a devotee of Pilates and that's the whole function behind Pilates - that the core is the powerhouse, pull your navel toward your spine, etc. It was mentioned on a few running sites so that's why I threw the question out here on this thread. Thanks. :) Ditto on the TOM, mine's just about over. And it's been so darn hot by me (100 degree heat) so that's zapping me of any energy I may have had.

For me this was true. It's how I got abs from just running.:) I like to focus my mind on my stomach while making a slight twist from side to side. I know...sounds difficult, but it's really not...and after only a short while becomes habit. Hey...if your gonna run, might as well get the most bang for your buck!:D

Today we're getting weather like 104 degrees or better. Actually, last night it felt like 110!:eek: So no running for me this weekend. I'm going to the beach tomorrow and bringing my bike, boogie board, beach chair and umbrella!:D Been swimming laps this week. Muscles are really sore...especially my upper body. Gonna get in some deadlifts today.:)

Stay cool everybody!:cool:

Joy, make sure those twists are very small, don't get offended but that is poor running form and can really cause issues with your knees and feet. When you run you naturally twist somewhat, but adding too much torque can really mess things up.

I ran 3K in 28 minutes today. :( Not happy with that time. But in all honesty, it was so darn hot even at 4:45 a.m. like 85 degrees so I was off my game slightly. Oh, I don't know, maybe I'm expecting too much from my middle-aged body, lol. Anyway, I'll try again tomorrow. :)

joyfulloser: I tried sucking it in but it felt strange, lol. I actually do have a decent (I said decent, not great, mind you) six-pack which I got mainly from eating better combined with the running. I guess whatever works for you. Although I will admit that when I'm just sitting or cooking or something like that I will pull my navel in toward my spine. Who says you can't multi-task? LOL.

ncuneo: You're like a wealth of information! I bow to your running greatness. :p

Ncuneo - I hope my weight loss does not stop or slow down because of distance. I am jogging 22 miles a week and adding a 1 mile or 2 a week for the next 5 weeks.

Joyful...offended? Naaaahhh!:lol: Hmmm...this might explain my bum left knee?:?: It's not really that exaggerated twisting that I do...it's weird, it's like a "half crunch" held while slightly twisting (if that makes any sense). Anywho...it's probably better at forming obliques.;)

I learned this trick many many moons (20 yrs) ago, while weight training. Actually, if you just think "abs" you will subconsciously flex them. Just hold that flex for as long as you can throughout the day. You'll be surprised at how much better it works for building ab muscles than situps.:)

Ok...the heat outside is outrageous! I'm taking half day off work (great thing about working at home) and going swimming.

Have a great weekend all.:wave:

I guess I'd just say make sure your hips aren't twisting too ya know.

Thanks fitmom.

Envelope, I wouldn't worry about it. Try to enjoy the training and go with it. If you find yourself plateauing distance is the likely culprit. I'm in the high 20s right now, dead halt on my loss, but I dropped to 20 even this week cause I needed a rest and even overate a little and I lost some weight. So I'm just hanging tight til my half marathon then I'll drop my milage for a bit lose this stupid 10 lbs and then start thinking about what's next for me on the running front.

I wasn't able to workout yesterday. DS got sick, had to pick him up early and he threw up all over me when we got home. I was kinda done for the day. Easy 3 this morning and will end cutback week with 9 Sunday. Next week peak week! 33 miles for the week with 15 as my long. Oye! That will be my longest ever!!!

Keep it up girls!

Aaaahh...how I miss the married life!:p

Sorry, couldn't resist.:) Take care of your sick poo bear Ncuneo!;)

I FINALLY got in a longer run today. I did 5.76 miles in 1 hr 14 minutes at 6:45 am. It was down to 77 degrees, but with the 90% humidity - holy crap! I was soaked by the time I got home!

I am getting worried about being able to handle the half marathon in December. I did less than half of a half today and it seemed to take forever. I hope by then I will be lighter, faster and be able to hang in longer. At this pace it will take me 3 hours to finish!

I did hit my first weight goal yesterday. I challenged myself to lose 20 lbs in 10 weeks and as of yesterday I'd lost 20.2 lbs in 9 weeks 3 days :-) I leave for Vegas tomorrow and bought a size 6 dress for dinner tomorrow night at the Eiffel Tower restaurant! I figure I'm going to gain at least 5 lbs on vacation, LOL! At least we'll be doing lots of walking and plan to run the strip at least once while we're there!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

UGH. My left foot continues to hurt when I walk or run. I ran anyway this morning- about 30 minutes. My foot really hurts, to the point where I have to limp. I've been RICE-ing it, which has helped, but it's still painful.

I've decided no more running until it completely stops; at least 3 weeks.

I hate this. Back-to-back injuries? Literally the run my knee stopped hurting my left foot starts?

It's not the shoes (I don't think). I *just* bought Saucony ProGrids 2 months ago. I've only put on about 10-12 miles a week on them, nothing significant.

What is going on???

Ok. Sucking it up and going to a physical therapist tomorrow about my foot. I couldn't even go grocery shopping without a lot of pain!

Fingers crossed...

indi - hope you are feeling better soon!

Ncuneo - hope your son is feeling better.

hdallas - You are already faster than I am and you have lots of time to increase your speed before Dec. I did 8 miles yesterday and it took me 2hrs 3m. My 1/2 is in 7 weeks. This pic was posted on the bootcamp thread I follow and I love it.

http://x69.xanga.com/cbbf85600223227...m221204236.jpg

Ncuneo - Oooops! Just realized you were talking about your SON, not your HUBBY...sorry.:( Hope he feels better soon.:)

*takes foot out of mouth now*:^:

Hey all!
Today is a wee bit cooler (under 87 degrees?) so I was finally able to complete my "short run" (4 miles) with an average pace UNDER 11 minutes. My MapmyRun thingy said I averaged 10:29. I'm ok with that, since I felt like I was heavy and dragging a$s the entire time. I'm in a bit of a slump. Bleghck!

Every time I go out for a run, I feel slow and fussy and like I just want to be done. Maybe it's the weather, combined with a bad frame of mind and way too much eating. Siiiigh. Workin' on it.



Joyfulloser-- Love the swimming idea. Do you do it indoors at a gym, in the ocean, etc? How do you incorporate it?

envelope-- That sign makes me smile :)

indiblue-- Hope they can help you with the foot! PS- your ticker is motivating me. I need to get where you are!

hdallas78-- Congratulations on your weight loss achievement! I hope your vaca is fab. I'm doing a 1/2 in September and I am slightly freaking out as well, for the exact same reasons. I feel like an elephant when I run. Waahh! We'll get through it, even if it does take all day to finish the damn thing...

ncunceo-- Is the kiddo feeling better? How was the uber-long run? You're inspiring me to keep pushing through my 1/2 training!

Keep on runnin,' gals, and keep us posted!