Rockin' rOctober Running!
 

Fall is here and so is another month of running!

So bring your rockin' booties to the party and share your running stories. Short, long, beginner or master - we don't care as long as you RUN!

So I'm into my second week of my first marathon training starting Monday and today I'm in day two of a 4 day exercise rest and about ready to jump out a window! I must say though, even a day and a half in I'm feeling a lot better. My knees feel like they're healing and so does my arch. And my body as a whole is just feeling less run down. So I think I really needed an "official" rest. If I think about it, I don't think I've taken a realy rest for probably 2 years...dumb, dumb, dumb. I'm learning lots and lots about my body and one of them being - it's OK to rest! I'm not going to lose fitness or gain a bunch of weight with a short control rest period.

Anyway, my marathon training won't really take of for about 6 weeks, so really I'm jush plugging along and taking this time to lose the little bit of weight I gained back and get back into last year's goal pants and back down to my preferred racing weight. It's the perfect time of year for me, because my DH works less and my binging opportunities decrease which is the real problem anyway. My milage is also at a good point that will allow for my calories to be where they need to be. It is a little pressure though because I know that when my milage starts to ramp up, weight loss will be nearly impossible. I think I'll do fine though, I refuse to by any new clothes!.

Hope everyone is well, happy running!

Oh yeah and I got new running shoes last night! I won't need them for probably another 150 miles, but they're waiting for me!

Ncueno-- if you artart rotating your shoes now (new one day, old the next.. old for long runs untill the new are totally broken in) you will get a MUCH longer life on the old shoes!! Its true... so give the new one s a try on your next runs, and then just alternate shoes every run after that... save a lot of money in th elong run

Thanks MK, good advice.

BTW, did you check out my training schedule at the end of September's thread?

Oh and any good podcast recommendations for those long runs? I'm just finishing up a bulk of the Marathon Training Academy podcasts, but I've been listening at work.

Hi runners! Happy oct.

I tried to maintain my training and byild distance today withnmy bum knee. It was a slight fail. I got to 4 miles and walked the .8 miles left home. I sgould have known when my body didnt wake up at it normal running time. By the time i got out there it was already too hot.

Im trying to look at the bright side, though, 1. I improved my mile time when i was running, and 2. I ran 4 miles!

Ncuneo- congrats on the new shoes! I love shopping. Im sort of dreading the day when i will have to get new shoes since mine are so comfy, but i think its the superfeet orthotics and not the shoes that make it easy to run..

ncuneo - just seen your 'goal pics' - congratulations on your half! I never realised you'd started running only a year ago and never realised that you've lost so much weight in the last few years. Wow, what a journey!!
Best of luck with the marathon training! It's more than i've been brave enough to tackle, but with your track record it'll just be another great achievement to notch up!

Belting it down with rain here at the moment, so i've settled for a gym visit in place of a run today!

Podcast Ideas
 

Hi, I haven't ever responded to anything before, been kind of lurking and learning from everybodies responses. I just started running in May and have done 4 5k's, plan on racing my first quarter marathon in 2 weeks and have been progressing pretty good....longest run has been 8 miles, planning on 9 miles tomorrow. Anyways, I seen the question about podcasts to listen to while running and I really like a podcast called "Running with the Pack". It's so informative and entertaining. I've listened to all the 2010 and 2011 episodes to date. Love, love, love the speakers comments and conversations and I forget I'm running sometimes...lol. Just wanted to pass that info on.

Thanks Ang! That thread is actually a year old and I'm coming up on my two year running aniversary soon. I don't actually remember the day I started running, I just remember deciding in November of 2009 that it was time to take my weight loss all the way and at some point between then and January of 2010 I started jogging small distances, by April of 2010 I was able to run 3 miles and decided to run my firt half marathon in May or June of 2010. Which leads me to today having completed 2 halfs and gearing up to train for a full. It's been a very full filling journey and almost more impactful to me than losing the weight. Running has become part of my identity and it gives me purpose, goals, a weight manangement system, and most importantly a way to relieve stress and forgo therapy LOL! Seriously, there are some pretty dark times in these past 2 years for me and my family and I do struggle pretty seriously with depression and aniexty, but running has given me something more than any therapist or pill ever could.

Anyway, not sure how I got on that sappy story. I guess running is just such a big part of my life now and so important to me, and remembering that thread from a year ago got me a little sentimental.

Today is the last day of my 4 day break, thanks goodness! I'm dieing! I'm ready to jump out a window from no exercise and I miss running like crazy! My knees feel really good and today I'm actually going to pick up a foam roller and start doing IT Band massage exercise and stretches to hopefully finish the healing and avoid the problem getting any worse. What I really should have done was take the "exercise break" back in April when the pain started. My foot/arch on the other hand (mild planter facitis) is better than it was but still the same as it's been the last few weeks. We did quite a bit of walking yesterday and it actually seems like walking bothers my foot more than the running...kinda weird. So I'm going to also start doing more stretches and massages of my foot, maybe some icing as well.

So I'm going to need to be very careful with my training to make sure I make it to the starting line in-tact. So tomorrow I have a nice easy 3 miler waiting for me to ease me back into the swing of things - can't wait!

I also have/had the arch problem - it really stinks!

So, I went and got a shoe sole formed especially for my foot and then I bought new shoes.

Now it is barely there.... for example, I used to get the arch pain after about 55 min. of running - it also hurt when I walked. Now I can go much longer before I notice it, if I notice it.

Also, the shoes you wear everyday to work, etc. can also influence it majorly.

It was pretty painful, I'd always squint through the last minutes of my run. But, my arch seems to have eventually adapted.

Sunday: Jogged 7km (45min) followed by 30 min. yoga. I know I've said this before, but let me just say again how wonderful it is to follow up running with a yoga session.... the muscles are already warmed up - its great.

yeah, there's something about running that becomes a part of you. And i totally agree on the stress relief aspect. Running just gives so many benefits to health, both mental and physical, way above what you'd reasonably expect for such a simple pastime!!

I have ITB issues too, actually that's why i've never done the full marathon, or got much above 26km. As soon as i start training seriously it seems to kick in, or actually some shin splint thing was the culprit last time - which is a new one for me. Sigh.

3 miles today - running with my dogs. They usually start out a bit wild and unfocused, but when they get into the groove it is great. 3 is the longest I have run and I seem to have a mental block about more mileage. I really need to push for more...

ncuneo - Glad you are feeling better, and hope your foot/arch is doing well so you can start training. Your story is pretty inspirational. 2 years is not that long ago for starting to run. Good luck on your training.

jayohwhy - congrats on improving your mile time!

cyndee - congrats on training for your first 1/4 marathon!

unna - I like yoga too, but haven't done it in so long!

ange - I like running too, but i am finding it hard to increase my distance. I've been doing intervals, but perhaps I need to run more often. Any tips folks?

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I ran 3 miles today. 2 miles were interval training which has helped me with increasing my speed. I found it harder to run today because I was up late last night. Happy running everyone!

Hi runners....

I have run 2 half marathons in the past 2 weekends. I will never be really fast, but I did manage to bring the half on Saturday down to 2:07. My first half in March took slightly over 2:24, so I'm improving. I have another one next weekend, and I hope to just match my time.

I feel very lucky. No injuries this year, so apparently my training is successful. I have my first full marathon on Nov. 13th, with another close to follow on Dec. 4th. That is, if I live through the first one! :)

Good luck to all of you runners. I don't post much, but occasionally I get to read everyone's stories and I love all of the tips and tricks.

hi everyone :)

Oh ITB issues.... yes I've got em. Two words: Foam Roller!!!

unna I think I have a mental block against doing any exercise after I run... but I am a yoga fiend and doing yoga after a long run sounds really nice.

milmin congrats on your halves! and no injuries!

For me today: 6K. It was hot and hilly, but nice :)

I actually just got a foam roller yedyerday! How long after udi g it did you start to get real relief?

I ran my first run in 4 days this morning, just an easy 3, and I thought I'd rock it, but 4 days of and lazy eating and my easy 3 felt like he//. My body felt like lead...my knees feel ok and my arch feels ok too, so just continued easy running and some stretching and foam rolling I think.

Also, I've started a blog on runners world that will document everyday of my marathon training if anyone is interest. My user name is the same over there.

jojo- thanks!

due to my angry knees, i have to take a break. im thinking of resting for two scheduled runs, which means my next rrun will be on saturday. however, in the meantime, i've cut my calories and i am doing jillian michaels yoga as well as playing in my xbox kinect... i am so addicted to running, though!

Anyone care to share their favorite running pants? I ran in yoga pants last winter, the heavy, black, cotton type, but they are too big now and were never the best for running. I want something that isn't too tight, but that doesn't have a flowy, loose leg either. I am thinking a full length running tight with a running skirt would fit what I am wanting, some coverage but with ease of movement, but I want another less fou-fou, girly option

whenever i'm after new running pants i pick up literally about 10 pairs and go and try them all on. Maybe i'm a weird shape or something, but i just can't tell by looking at them how they're going to fit.
Avoid cotton though and go for the specialist synthetic stuff if you can.

aimebell While I prefer to run in quick-dry, to-your-butt running shorts (seriously! I love having my legs free!), I live in India where woman aren't even supposed to be running in public anyway so I have to be more modest.

I just wear cheap cotton black 3/4 length leggings. I have a pair of expensive Nike Dri-Fit 3/4 length pants too, but the cheap cotton ones work just fine :)

ncuneo I could feel some relief after the first session, but it took a few sessions to mitigate the discomfort continually. It really hurts the first time, or the first time you do it in a while, but it's so worth it!

aimebell: I agree with ange82much - it really is essential that you find a material for running (cotton is terrible for running, it doesn't let your skin breathe!). I personally like adidas clima-lite; nike dri-fit is also okay. Of course my favorite-ever running clothing is by Falke - expensive german quality running clothing. If you buy anything from Falke, you'll never notice you are wearing it and it lasts for years! Try to buy running apparel, if possible, at special sport-stores or a running store (or an online store for runners). It really is worth the extra money - the right clothes and shoes will definitely improve your running and make it overall more enjoyable.

I also skeptically bought a pair of Mizuno's last time I was in America. I'm usually in Brook's. Anyway, the Mizuno's have been surprisingly really nice and offer a tad bit more cushion than the Brook's - really great for harder, city surfaces.

So, just did a quick 6km and yoga yesterday. It was a good run - one of those surprise days .... I had tons of energy and could have ran longer, but my boyfriend didn't had time - he had to pack his bags for a business trip.

I'm going to continue the shorter sprints, but put in more time on cross training this week.

Poll: does listening to music improve your running or distract your breathing?

Hey girls, I've just started running in my gym and I must say I love it! I just love those hill-like programmes and having control over my route! Plus, I'm all alone in the gym at 6 am, yaaay :D

Ran 6.5km on Tuesday. It started lightly raining - a bit cold, but I love running when it drizzles!

Aleksandra: there are so many days I wish I had a treadmill! (my apartment is small and european - big exercise equipment is a no-go) I saw your exercise journal - pretty cool! I love how consistent you are, its very motivating to me.

Hi all, new runner here. After hating running my entire life (I used to seriously dread running the mile in PE in high school), I was shocked to find out last week that I can actually do it relatively comfortably now and even enjoy it! My longest run so far has been 2.6 miles, and that was at a very slow pace (really, I'm jogging, not running, but I have to start somewhere!). A co-worker recently sent a link to a 5K race at the beginning of Nov, and at the time I thought there was no way I could even run part of it... but now I'm thinking about registering. I put together a training schedule for the next month, and if I can get through the 3.5 mile run on the treadmill at the end of next week I'm going to go ahead and register. I am excited to see where this goes!

Tonight was just 1.5 miles, but at a faster pace than the longer runs. On Friday I'll attempt 3 miles at the slower pace.

Hi, my name is Rebecca, a running addict :) It's great to meet others who struggle with the same addiction as I do :) lol

just kidding :) But it is great to meet others who love this as much as I do. I started running at the beginning of April and ran my first 5k on April 16. Now I'm training for my first 1/2 marathon that is scheduled for Nov. 20. I haven't lost much weight b/c of running but I feel so much better and am so much more confident! Can't wait to get to know you all :)

Welcome! Nice to talk with fellow running addicts - it is really so super for mental health and general well-being.

I did 6.5km today. It actually was one of those really energetic runs, where you feel like you could just run forever, like Forest Gump. Those don't happen very often!

I'm actually wandering if it is partly due to my small weight loss this past month. My muscles were expecting 170lbs, but I don't weigh that much right now....

Ran 3 miles today - another personal best - I finally broke under 30 minutes - 29:48. When I started running outside just a few short months ago, I seriously could not even THINK that I would be able to break 36 mins let alone under 30. It's very surreal.

I have to tell you that I have been doing a lot of core work lately - a lot of balance ball ab and back work, and my running has improved dramatically since then - both in terms of time as well as form and I'm not sore in my shoulder area like I was after running.

A friend who is a competitive biker told me that running (like biking) relies heavily on your core, but does not work it. So core work is really important. And, oh, yeah, my balance is really improving as well!

Holy Moly!! That's a great time!! I've not improved any more than 33 minutes. It seems like that's as fast as I can go right now. I have been trying to train a friend for a 5k, and she just began running so we don't get too far during the week. Tomorrow I have 8 miles and I'm really looking forward to it :carrot: So keep up the good work peeps!

Sorry I've been MIA guys...work has been...well hectic. Back to 10 hour days for a few weeks and while the extra cash is awesome and so needed right now, it's metally exhausting.

Running has been going awesome! 3,5,3 this week and am going to do 8 Sunday to reach 800 miles for the year. With my marathon training I should have no troubles reaching 1000 for the year.

Oh and have I mentioned that the foam roller is the greatest thing since sliced bread! My knees feel the best they've felt in months and I was able to do full expressions of poses in yoga this week that I've been struggle with forever. Speaking of which I really need to go do some now. :)

So I've been really getting into detail about my marathon training in my blog over at runnersworld. Maybe I'll eventually get around to linking it in my siggy. But my user name is the same over there if anyone wants to follow my trials and tribulations. It sure to really interest when that milage ramps up.

Oh and one other thing I have to mention PODCASTS! I have found the most fabulous podcast. It's called Two Gomers. They have one about them running a half marathon, then one about running a full and then one about them trying to run a full faster. It's just two regular guys with no running experience. It's fun and really motivating. Another one I also like, I may have mentioned it already, is marathon training academy. More technically but equally awesome.

Alrighty, that's it for me today. Have a great weekend everyone.

Just wanted to pop in here, and say that I've been keeping up my walking/running intervals. I'm now doing a 4 minute warm-up walk (mostly uphill). I then do running intervals either to 19 minutes, or until I reach 5 or 6 full minutes of running altogether. Not bad since I started at only doing 2-3 whole minutes of running altogether.

I'm trying to do my first 3 (at least) running intervals as full minutes with only a minute of walking between them. Once I get to my 4th interval, however, I might only do 30-40 seconds with the rest of that minute and the next as a walking break. I then do a cool-down walk until I reach 30 minutes.

(I aim for 30 minutes outside altogether, but usually end up doing 31-38 depending on how far I've made it from my house, and how long it takes me to get back.)

This seems to be really working for me. When I was at my highest weight (227) I was struggling to find something that I could keep up, and kept trying to use dvds, equipment, or games, and I would usually abandon them, but this is so easy to keep up, because as soon as I go outside I get it done. I have never once walked outside thinking I was going to do this, and then changed my mind and came back. Once I'm outside, I'm in the "Zone". :D

Oh, and I've been shedding weight fairly consistently for me. It's slow, but it's pretty steady. Today the scale said 211, but I haven't changed it on the ticker just yet. I have a fear that if I accept this new, lower weight, it will pop back up. lol.

Cherry that is an AWESOME time!!

ncuneo glad your knees are feeling good! nice on the 800 and good runs for the week :)

serval way to stick with it! and see improvements! I'm glad you're getting results on the scale for all your hard work

**

Did a nice enjoyable 45 minutes yesterday at the park. I did the outer loop instead of the usual inner loop. It was longer and SUPER hilly... so hilly that at times there are stairs built into the path.

CherryPie99: That is a good time, but please remember that running faster is a great way to get injuries. Faster is not always better, especially if you have to take time off from running altogether to heal.

If you are going to run faster, then you also should be running "like a dancer" - meaning, you must have the correct running technique in place.
Like where is your power coming from? is it coming from your upper thighs or is it all in your lower leg and the ball of your foot (bad)? Also, how is your foot hitting the ground? How is your posture? Are you swinging your arms too much?

I hope I don't sound discouraging - but running fast is an art, especially when we have extra weight we are carrying around. I too think it is fun to go faster - but have had to have counseling from profi's to understand exactly 'how' to do it.

Most importantly, and this goes with every jog: start off slow. start VERY slow. Keep yourself purposely slow for the first 10 minutes. This will also keep the injuries at bay.Then you can rev it up for mile 2 and the home stretch.

So, my boyfriend is back so we are going to do a 10km jog around the lake.

Fall running is sublime!

tell me about it - I'm renting a 9 m2 room :D luckily I have a semi-cheap gym really close to my tiny apartment :) european winter makes it neccesary to workout indoors, because we're already pretty close to cold winterly tepreratures :D

I appreciate the advice. One thing to note is that I am not pushing myself to run faster, the speed is coming naturally as I get stronger. I also think the weather is playing a large role. I have run all summer on my lunch hour - which a short time ago meant running in 85 degree heat with 70% humidity. Now at lunch the temps are 60 degree with little humidity.

I also have been working hard at running with my thighs. I've been fat for so long my thighs didn't rub together, they were plastered together, so I walked - if this makes any sense - from my knees down. So that's how I was running. I have been concentrating now that they don't rub together to walk and run from my hip - which means longer and more powerful strides.

aleksandra: It is getting cold here. There are TONS of joggers and walking trails where I live - last winter I learned to love the experience of jogging in the snow!

CherryPie99: Good - I just think many people believe faster is always better and push themselves too hard and end up with injuries. Also, to go faster, shorter, faster steps are easier on the body than doing super long strides. I would practice both if I were you.

Anyway, it is just my advice, nothing more - I've been running steadily for a few years and have unknowingly caused many injuries that could have been avoided.

oh wow, you all, getting back on the horse is really hard! yesterday morning i tried to get back and run my usual 4 miles. after a week off and being scared about rehurting my knee, i pooped out after a mile and a half and walked the rest home.

one thing i learned, i am used to running in the evening- i think that i need to stop making saturday mornings my long distance days because the sun and the tiredness/lack of food throws me off!

when i got home, my knee was a little tender but it didnt show continual pain- i'll take that as a good sign. however, i'm ready to move on and continue in my journey as a runner, so, cheers, here's to a better run on monday!

jayohwhy: I'm definitely an evening runner too. I never get side stitches or feel hungry and have tons of energy. I have stopped planning runs before 5pm.

i'm glad to see that i'm not alone! i'm ready to get my run in tonight-- but i decided that i'm going to wear an elastic knee brace for support

just thought i'd check in, even though i haven't been running for a few days. We had visitors staying with us over the weekend and they're walk-for-exercise-ers, so we went walking for a few hours on saturday and on sunday.

My glutes know about it though! Definitely different muscles to running, and good to do some fast walking for a change.

oh wow you guys!
i went running today with the knee brace, but before i went i had bought some vibrams.
i didnt run with them today-- since the 10k is coming up, i need to train distances and with the vibrams you have to take it incrementally. however, after even wearing the vibrams for 5 minutes i finally figured out striking midfoot felt like! it revolutionized my run. i was able to go for 5.2 miles with minimal knee pain. however, when i would forget and take a step and heel strike, it would bother my knee. it also helped that i shortened my stride. it really kept up my endurance!

I also find a shorter stride to be better for injury prevention and maintaining energy.

Yesterday, it was dark and grey and windy here. I love running when the weather is like that.

I set out with my lightest ever long- sleeve running shirt and by 3km I just felt like I was totally overheated. I hate unknowingly dressing too warm for a run, it just felt so ICK! I put in my 45 min., but just barely. The super-light shirt ended up feeling like heavy wool by the end.

jayohwhy: what type of cross-training are you doing for your knee?