April Running - Calling ALL runners!!!!
 

I've been doing this thread for over a year now (I actually think I stole it from someone January 2011:o) but over the months partipation has dwindled and I want it back!!!! So I want ALL runners to join in report, share and join together to make April our best month of running EVER!

I don't care what your status as a runner is, if you run whether it be a minute or a mile you are A RUNNER! Even if your injured or taking a break, join us!

I started running in January of 2010, could barely make it 5 minutes, two weeks ago today, I ran a marathon! So anyone can do this so let's do it!

Today I'm headed out for 6-8 miles...slept in today cause it was too windy to drag my toosh out there this morning. I'm still recovering from my marathon, which has been quite a humbling experience. I've never needed recovery time from a race before, so this is quite new territory for me. I'm still taking it slow and not at 100% effort on my runs yet.

Tomorrow I will be technically starting my next training cycle, but I will still be taking it easy until things feel more normal and I'm metally comfortable pushing myself. My new goal is no longer distance, but speed. This will be an entirely new thing for me. While I have done speed work in the past, I've never focused on it or pushed myself and up until my marathon, I've never really races, I've just run. So I'm excited for this new chapter and excited to see how far I can take it.

Happy running!

I've been getting a lot more serious about running. Most days I run 4 miles -- on the weekends I run 6 miles. I hurt my back pretty badly on Friday and so I've had to take a couple of days off, but I'm hoping to be back at it tomorrow.

My youngest kid (nearly 8) and I are running a kids' marathon in two weeks. We run a mile or so a day together and then on the day of the marathon he runs the last 1.2 miles and then gets the same finisher's medal that the adults do. I'm looking forward to introducing him to the festival atmosphere of road races and I might run a 5k that day if my back gets better within the next few days.

I've been running in minimalist shoes lately and have been pleasantly surprised by how much they diminish what I thought were weight-related injuries and pains.

Nice to see this thread!

ncuneo: thanks for the new thread! and again: awesome on the marathon! I registered for a 10mile big run in Amsterdam in september (the biggest running event of the year) and am gonna register for half a marathon in november. Should be do-able!

----
I am ALMOST done with my 1 week running break. LOL. It's so hard to not go out for a run. I've been on the elliptical and stationary bike more than I care to just to get my cardio in.

Reason for the break being that I am off to a bit of an over-enthousiastic start since I managed to go beyond 1mile at the end of january to 4 to 6 miles these last few weeks. My jump has been too big or the time between my runs too short or maybe my stretching too little, I started feeling like I was developing shin splints. My legs are completely fine after 5 days of no running but will see how I do after my first run after my break on tuesday.

You girls can help me pace myself! ;) Oh, and I'll start stretching religiously, I also got some anti-inflammatory naproxen and will take one on my run day and use the recently bought icepack if I feel any discomfort. I am starting with weight training so hope to train my muscles around my ankles and calves and have it help. I basically am doing everything I can think of to make sure I never get REAL shin splints. It just scares me to get running injuries so I am overly careful. If the pain/discomfort returns right away tuesday I will get my shoes checked out, but they were measured in the store, quite expensive and have done me just fine on my runs mostly. It's when I upped distance and frequency I had discomfort.

So yeh. That's me. LOL.

I ran 8 miles this morning in cold drizzly rain. I have no idea why this is happening, but over the last 3 weeks or so, my running times have improved DRAMATICALLY. I typically run a 10:30 mile. Today I ran the 8 in 1:15:39 - that's less then a 9:30 mile! I'm not consciously pushing myself at all, either.

2.5 weeks until my surgery and then at least 6 weeks off running :( Just as I'm getting good!

OK fair game ncuneo, I'll try to participate in this thread more often :D

I am training for a half marathon on May 20th. Ran 9 yesterday... the 7th mile of which was all uphill, whew! That was tough. But I don't even really feel sore today which makes me really happy! I am a yoga buff and practice 4-5 times a week... sometimes it can be hard to manage both but I think overall it's helping my recovery time so far.

That's great! I find that my improvements tend to come on all of a sudden too :) 6 weeks off! Might sound scary, but it seems you have enough of a base that won't lose all your fitness and bounce back quickly.

Thanks for starting a new thread Ncuneo :)

8 miles DONE today! I got a later start than I was expecting, but I woke up at 2am, back to sleep @ 4am, then woke back up after hitting snooze @ 0730! I wanted to begin my run at 0730--oh well, 9ish it was!
I had my pre-run fuel and remembered my GU for after the 1st 45 min.
If you've never tried GU, I recommend it--especially the Roctane--2x Caffeine. Yeah--yeah I know not good to inhale a bunch of artificial Pump-Up while training, but the extra push sure is nice when you're legs are heavy!

After the run, I took my K9s for the Recovery Walk 1.28 miler.

My time sucks! I walked a total of 10 times for 1 min each. It was hot here, like mid 80s. I had a bandana and a running cap on, which held the heat in my body. I'm not too concerned with the time. Just to be able to run 8 miles at one time is pretty awesome for a gyal like me.

Next week: 9 miles!

I had been experiencing a mild case of tendonitis on my right posterior tibial tendon. I bought new shoes, new socks (for previous blisters), and new inserts. I also RICEd it for over a week. I have FINALLY been able to run pain/blister free! The only issue I'm having now is with my right 2nd toe. I think I will lose this nail like I did the left one. It is super tender on the tip!

Oh, for those unaware--My first 1/2 Mary is April 28! :running:

K9-
i also have post tib tendonitis... do you have high arches? what STYLE of shoe do you run in? not brand, rather neutral, stability, minimalist, etc.....?

mk:Stability. I have a little overpronation.

You said ALL runners, so...
 

I just started the C25K program TODAY! I guess today is the first day of the rest of my life, huh?

Sunday, April 1: Week 1, Day 1
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 25.53
Average Pace: 17:11/mi

~Peri

i like to run too...i can run a mile without stopping but i tend to run by breaking things into intervals because i get so easily bored LOL

i'd like to run a 5K in the fall...right now i have 45 minutes daily on the treadmill that i used to run 2 miles or less in intervals of half miles...also been working on speed...i have a hard time with faster speeds because my hips dont rotate properly to propel my legs that fast or a long enough stride...

Trying to jump on here.... Did 9 miles this morning , doing 1 tomorow and starting weigth training again. Doing a half marathon on may 6 and planin on a full on october.

Hey ladies! I do interval running myself but am also having a week off because of a painful calf.

How do you all deal with weight loss while running? Did your weight slow down at all??

I have stopped trying to lose now that I am training for this 1/2. I have to eat too much to stay fueled for training to concentrate on a deficit at this point.

That is certainly an inspiration! I'm trying to run a 10K by June 9th. Right now I can walk/run 5K in about 34 minutes and can run 2 miles approx without stopping. I have a ways to go, but I think I can make it!

This morning (I go to the gym at 6am), I did HIIT. - six 60s intervals at 9.0 followed by 60s fast walk at 4.0 (with warm up/cool down).

Thanks for the thread, I'm not a natural runner so I need the motivation!

Hi everyone,

I'd love to join in. I am running about 3 miles right now. Taking it slow after a couple knee surgeries. I just registered for an 8k at the end of the month. Working towards a half, depending on how i hold up. You guys are great motivation!

I'm getting back to where I was in the winter/spring when I was running more regularly. On Friday after work I ran about 5 miles and only took a total of ~2 minutes in walking breaks. My total time was just about 55 minutes, not fast but I was very pleased and encouraged.

I started smoking again and that impedes my running ability - I am hoping that by keeping running I'll phase out smoking "naturally" like I did in the fall of 2010.

Ran my usual 4 mile route today. Super windy my time was a bit slower but great run...my walkman decided to work today.Shuffle arrives later this weekno more temermental music!

Hey... me again.... I missed my run on friday, so ran on saturday and skipped my sunday run. Thought I'd run today but didn't turn on my alarm so didn't get up (of course). I've been doing quite a bit of running, I have a pain in my left shin to the right of the bone. It doesn't seem like a shin splint but I guess it could be. I'm thinking I need to stick to the plan and no do so much extra distance (even though I really want tooooooo!). They say you can't/shouldn't increase speed and distance at the same time. I'm still hoping to do a 10k in July.

Cherrypie - Do you run with the dogs in your avatar? I've ran with my older dog last year and I'd really like to run with the both him and the younger one this year. I'm not sure how I'll manage to run with 2 dogs though! How did you start out? Even my older dog isn't that well trained for running, he's probably forgotten everything since we haven't ran together since last fall. I'm also worried about just taking one since there is a jealously issue between them.

Yes I do run with my boys! I bought a tandem lead from Amazon - I hook the leash to that and then wrap the leash around my hand several times so they don't have a ton of lead.

My boys are very well trained but sometimes my white boy will get really excited - especially at the start of a run - and will try to get my brindle boy to play - jumping and biting at him - while we run. They don't typically get into the groove until a mile in.

Well that's more like it!! Page two and its already day 2!

I also have posterior tibial tendonitis. I use an extra arch support when it flares up and I just got some KT tape for this latest flare up. God forbid I actually take time off running. I usually have the most trouble with it when my milage gets high.

Yesterdays run was an amazing trail run, my first, until I started my period at mile 6 (sorry tmi) then I ran in misery for another mile before I finally called it and walked home.

Starting a modified version of the FIRST training program Wednesday, modified meaning I won't be running at 100% effort for another week or two. My next race is June 3rd...still undecided on the half or full at this point.

Sounds like everyone is doing fantastic! Keep it up!

Hi to all the April runners!!

I did my first run at a new speed tonight, 3 miles @ 5.3 mph. It was tough the last mile, but that always seems to be the case when I increase the speed. Either way, that's the fastest steady-pace run I've ever done, so I was pretty happy when I finished. :D

Wednesday night will be 3.5 miles at the same speed, and another 3 miles at that speed on Friday night, and then I'll try to up the pace again on Sunday to 5.4 mph. I suspect that I might need to start adding an extra run into these sets before increasing the speed (4 runs at each speed, rather than 3)... my legs seem to do fine, but my lungs may need a bit more time to catch up. My goal this month though is to get to the point where I'm running at 5.5 mph comfortably. :)

HI all,

I'd by no means call myself a runner, more of a pretty poor jogger who cycles between getting half way through C25K and giving up, then nothing for a few months until I try (and fail!) again.

But, this time, I'm hoping it'll be different, as my running is happening alongside gym classes which I never did before, and I know my general cardio fitness is much better than in the past, so I'm hoping I can make a runner of myself yet!

Signed up to a 5k on May 20th for Cancer Research, and I'd LOVE to be able to jog my way around, but I've a long way to go!

I'm loosely following C25K, but trying to use my past failures to guide me as to where I need to tweak the program to make it work.

I find that on flat/slightly downwards rolling ground I could probably go along way now, I've finally developed a comfortable gait, worked out the breathing and seem to be able to zone into my music and just keep going. HOWEVER, add in a hill or any real sort of incline and I really struggle, both my legs and my lungs can't take hills! If I manage to talk myself into not giving up and keep going (albeit very slowly) I do find that my recovery time is pretty short once I either get to the top of the hill or get to a walking interval, but whilst actually in the hill run, I find it massively tough.

So, I come here looking for advise really. What is the best way to train myself to be a 'better' hill runner? Is it simply by running hills as often as I can and pushing myself? Id it by mixing hill runs with runs without hills? Or can I do something completely different from running that will help me with my stamina? Any ideas massively appreciated. I really hope to one day be writing that I AM a runner, rather than a hopeful!

Krampus--- im right there with you on the smoking... bleh.
i HATE myself as a smoker, and its kind of embarrassing hiding behind dumpsters BEFORE a race to puff one down real quick, lol. oh ya, and i livei n Colorado--the healthiest ('read pious) state, right? I cant even go into the City of Boulder without being ostracized because my shoes arent recycled, i dont drive a subaru, i smoke cigs (which is outlawed in the city) but i dont smoke pot, and i work for an oil and gas company... blah blah blah
i have nothing of importance to contribute to this thread at the moment

Aunty-- sounds like shin splints -- sorry. get em checked out by a SPORTS doc if it continues. The right shoes will solve the problem though, or re-learning to run will (new shoes are easier tho) ;)

Ive been slowely comingo outta my funk. Looking to get financed to buy this really nice road bike. Ive been skiing, even got my pass for next year...... the running will come, i think.......i hope.......

Today was my first run after a break for a week. My shins are not sore. I stretched and I put ice on them right after my run. I also had a short run. So I think I am fine!

Did 2miles in 20mins. I usually run 11.5min/mile so I really had to push myself. My heartrate is usually around 165-170 when running and now it went to 190 here and there. LOL. Anyhow, it was awesome. I am gonna do that once or twice a week and do long runs on the other 2/3 running days I think. I don't like real tempo-runs the way they are suppose to be done with certain distances or building up to speed because it means I have to really pay a lot of attention. This I just do by running faster than normal and slowing when my heartrate hits 185/190 to bring it back to 175 again. No clue if it's effective. I'm just doing my own thing. Any tips are welcome!

mkroyer, I shouldn't find others' addictions comforting, but I do - you're proof one can run marathons AND smoke (Of course we should quit so we don't die horrible deaths). I live in a pretty non-health-focused area and I think living somewhere like CO or Seattle or Portland would make me want to rebel and start littering or something dumb.

Ran about 3 1/2 miles yesterday, I had nothing but PF Chang's fueling me (dinner, and leftovers for lunch the next day) and I was exhausted by the time I was done. Better fuel myself with better fuel.

Cherrypie - so your boys are ahead of you when you run? How do you like it that way? I've always read it's best to have them beside you in a heel position. I have a problem with my older one tugging on the leash... he's an odd dog, the trainer says he's an all or nothing type, so when he's walking he's WALKING! He wants to go as fast as he can and as far as he can, he's a bit of a neurotic border collie cross. My other boy tends to follow him but he's not a puller. I'm thinking I'll use a halti on the old guy and their short leashes and start walking them up and down the block for training. How old are yours and how long have you been running with them?

Mkroyer - Colorado sounds like an interesting place! I've always wanted to visit, but recycled shoes? I used to smoke so I can understand your pain. I quit about 7 years ago and it was probably the hardest thing I ever did in my life. I couldn't imagine trying to run while being a smoker. I've taken a few days off, I was really going hard, doing 7-ish k every other day instead of my regular 5k and faster to boot. that was probably my bodies way of saying "To much! To soon!". I'll be running tomorrow (providing I can get up!) but just my usual 5 k, I'm going to stick to the program!

kcrampus - Good luck quitting, it was the hardest but probably the best (or second best) thing I ever did. And I agree with you about the food.... when I eat crud I feel like crud.

Ncuneo - Another race already? Have you fully recovered from the other one yet?

Aunty Jam -- I run with my Husky/Australian Shepherd cross. He would like it very much if I ran 10-12 miles a day. I disappoint him by only running 4-6, then he gets a 2.5 mile walk with my husband in the afternoon and a much shorter walk in the evening.

Until a few weeks ago, we were running in a gentle leader and I kept him in the heel position. I've been transitioning to just attaching the leash to his neck collar and that has been going ok. He still is just beside me. He has a hard time not reacting to quickly approaching bikes and dogs and trash trucks.

Having to run him is a great motivator for me and gets me out when I would much rather sleep in (like this morning). I am training for a half-marathon this fall (I have a long ways to go -- I am still taking walk breaks when I do my six mile loop) and I am thinking he'll be with me every step of the way.

Aunty Jam...no I am not fully recovered...and I making sure that I am not denying myself that fact, because it would be a crucial mistake to do so. I plan to be super careful with my training rest when I need to and not push when I shouldn't. Because of the weather where I live and familial obligations my training window is very limited so June will be my last opportunity for a full until next year...so I'm going to do it! Just got off the phone with registration and I'm upgraded.

I think what made me do what that I was hesitating to upgrade...couldn't figure out why...then I realized it was because I was afraid of failing...failing at my time goal or finishing slower than my first marathon...but here's the thing...it is very unlikely I will improve my time by much at my second marathon because my training will be limited, I'm not fully recovered and so forth and so on, so I think it will be a really good lesson for me in acceptance...acceptance of things that I can't control, things that are just out of reach for me and my abilities.

I had to accept that I was never going to obtain the body I wanted because...well let's face it, after losing 130 lbs, our bodies just don't look the same...so I had to stop trying to lose weight and stop obsessing about...no I need to do the same with running.

Anyway, this is getting legnthy and I need to process the fact that I just impulsively upgraded my half marathong to full in less than 9 weeks! LOL...seriously though.

Great job everyone! Oh and MK and Krampus - get rid of those cigarettes! :D

i could run a full mary and smoke the entire time while i do it!! ;)

Nceuno-- sometimes i forget that youve lost 130 lbs! This weight is how i *know you* :)

My boys will turn 3 and 2 this summer and I only started running with them last summer on short distances (they also have been running on the treadmill). If I walk with them they are totally in heel. If I run with one, that one totally heels. Something "pack mentality" seems to kick in when I run with both and they sometimes get ahead of me. I try to keep them at heel but with both of them they want to be slightly in front of me. Not directly in front but to my left and front. But I can pull them back - usually a short hard tug on the leash does that.

I would suggest really working hard on heel for your older boy, be really strict with it even when walking. A halti might help. And start with short runs. I find for dogs that a trot is not terribly natural - better so for mine from working dog lines - but a herding dog like yours is going to want to SPRINT or WALK - trotting will be unnatural feeling to him.

I might pay money to see that LOL!

Sometimes I wish I'd forget I've lost 130 lbs...I know we all think we should never forget where we've come from...it's an important part of the journey...but honestly I feel like I was always this person I am today (athletic, confident, capable) just trapped in someone else's body...but my saggy tummy may never let me forget! Oh well!

Keep on, Keepin on
 

C25K, Week one, day one, v. 2
Distance: 1.65 miles
Time: 28:27
Pace: 17:16/mi.

Trying hard not to do too much too soon. I definitely feel like I could run more, but I don't want to have my knees get sore. The weather is beautiful, so it was actually fun to get out and run.

~Peri

Ran three miles today on a new outside loop. Felt pretty good but tough towards the end. Hadn't ran outside in a while.

I started running for the first time a month ago. I am only able to sprint short distances at this point, between asthma and shin splints, it's pretty slow going.
I did go out this weekend and got some "real" running shoes. Made a world of difference. However, I didn't take into account that I run on dirt roads and that rocks would get stuck in my shoes. Didn't seem to make a difference in my run, but we see.
So, I am only up to a mile at this point. Not sure what I am shooting for as far as goals. Just happy that I am moving :)

I'd like to join in :)

Right now I'm doing a long and easy-ish marathon training program from Hal Higdon. I'm on my 3rd week, will be running 4 days a week. I hope to run the Portland (OR) marathon in October!

Yesterday I did 2.25 miles and today I am to do 3.

I have been running off and on for a few years, done some half marathons and 5k races. Not fast at all, right now I average between 10 and 11 min. miles. My goals for this year are to keep running, do the marathon, and get a little faster!

BigKnitter--

shouldnt you be starting the training program sometime in June then? Hals programs are 16-20 weeks for a full marathon.....
Please dont hybrid the program.. it was written that way for a reason.

For some reason, first time marathoners feel like they could do better if they stretched the program out, to twice as long or whatever. But they are designed with very specific mileage buildups, step back weeks, etc.....Not to mention prevention of burn out

Now, if you need a program in the meantime TO BUILD your weekly mileage and longest run distances, there are many out there designed for just that.....

and speed will come naturally as you lose weight.
However, DONT expect to lose weight by training for a marathon. Another common mistake

mkroyer I am actually using the Novice Supreme program, and it is for 30 weeks. I have 26 1/2 weeks left.

The mileage right now is just kind of building a base, so I'm just trying to stick with it and get used to the 4 days a week. I was doing 3 before. While I would love to lose while training for the marathon, and I think I will be able to until the mileage gets high, I'm not that worried about it. I feel like I can do pretty well for what I want to accomplish at around 140. The mileage will be difficult for me around July so I hope to have lost another 10-15 maybe by then.

Anyway like I said my main goal is to finish. I have committed to staying on track this year and just make healthy habits and keep them. Whatever I lose is whatever I lose and I'm going to try to be okay with that.

Thank you for the input!

Forgot to add that I did 4 miles today instead of 3 :)

Scared to jump in but I want to hold myself accountable. Started C25K this week....Tomorrow, I'll finish W1. I'd like to do a 5K on June 16th (aggressive I know). I love dropping in for the advice.