Thanks TripSwitch. 2.2 miles (3.3 km) it is then!

Ooooh that sucker is gonna be hard.

Now that you say that, I get SO hot too. To the point that it's scary (??). I thought it was just sweating but it's more than that, my body is hot. I guess I thought I was imagining it since I never ran before and feel so accomplished when I'm done.

I only do 25 minutes at 3.8mph while I do the C25K training so it's not like I'm running long, far or fast.

Tabbycat here.

I'm a in-between runner. I started jogging just over a year ago and I've worked my way up to running a 5K without stopping to walk. I have done six of them and my best time is 36:25. That usually plants me smack dab in the middle of my age group (I'm 57).

Three miles is just about my limit. I'd like to be able to go more, but if that happens, it's gonna happen slowly. I don't think I'll ever be doing a half marathon... maybe a 10K in the distant future.

I have a two mile route and a three mile route in my neighborhood where I run. It's nice to see the neighbors wave at me as they drive by or walk their dogs.

I don't exactly love running, but I like the way I feel after I run. :)

Annie

Count me in between, too.

I completed c25k in September, and currently run about 3.4-3.5 miles in 45 minutes. I'd like to get a little faster, but my long term goal is a 15k race. It's in July, and this year's sold out in 4 hours, so there's no big rush.

I tried running on a treadmill over the winter, and I was bored to TEARS. Just can't stand it.

My old sneakers just died, and my new ones just came, so I've been going easy this week. I've done 2 short runs (30 min), and 1 full run this week. So far so good.

What I've found that works for me is run at your normal pace, and once every 5 or so minutes bump the speed up by .5mph or so for 30s-1m, then lower it just a bit below your normal pace for a recovery, and repeat til you have your distance. When you get to your distance, slow it to a brisk walk until you meet your goal mileage.

For example, when I was trying to be able to run 5 miles in 1 hour (on the treadmill) I still use this method now, just with more variation in the speed:

run 5.2mph, increasing it to 5.5-5.7mph for about 1 minute every 5-7 minutes. After the "sprint", I would drop the speed to 5.0mph for 1 minute, then bump it back up to 5.2mph, repeat. Every 15 minutes, I gave myself 2 minutes to walk at a 3.5mph so I could get a drink (before I mastered running and drinking) and a good recovery. When I got to 1 hour, I was usually about 4.6-4.75 miles. I would then walk at a 4.0mph until I got to 5 miles, then got off the treadmill and walked about .25 miles around the track at my gym.

When I run outside it is a bit different. I have a timer that has two intervals. I currently have it set at 4min (run), 1min (walk). When it beeps to start the 4 mins I:

increase my walk to my run pace (the pace I can maintain for 4 minutes)
after about 30 seconds I pick up the pace for 1 min
slow to my run pace
sprint the last 15 seconds before it beeps for my 1 min walk.

My 1 min walk is whatever pace I want, as long as I am moving forward.

Hope that helps!

Chris

I am sort of an in-between runner. The distance I am most comfortable at is 5-10K, but I ran my first half in February (2h33m).

Today I ran a 10K in 1h8m45s on a treadmill. Well, I ran 3 miles in under 30 minutes, then walked for about 14-15 minutes at a 3.5mph, then ran until I completed 5.5miles in 1 hour. I then walked/light jogged that last .7 miles to complete the 10K. If I would have spent less time talking, I would have done it in under an hour, but I'm impressed with what I did!

One of my goals is to complete a marathon and a triathlon, but I don't think that will be my "normal" running distance, I'm more of a 6-8 miler right now.

Lot of people seem to think if you take walk breaks, you are not a true runner, but Jeff Galloway (a former Olympic marathon runner), actually got a better marathon time once he "invented" the "Galloway Method" (run/walk). I have 2 of his books, and while training for my half, they were VERY helpful!

Chris

Thanks Chris. I will try playing around with the speed.

I didn't manage more distance today, but did a little more speed and shaved 30 seconds off my 2 mile time. I upped my speed from 9.0km/h to 9.2km/h.

Wow, this topic has taken on a life of its own! I'm kinna overwhelmed by all these replies. :eek:

About getting ridiculously hot: This isn't the exact science explanation but it's my understanding of what my cousin explained to me. It's like your muscles are creating friction and your body has to release the heat. You know how when you rub something for a long time it gets super hot? It's like that. Sort of.

About treadmills vs. outside: I ran on a treadmill once. Never gonna happen again. Ever. ;)

About trackers and such: I use a Nike+ to keep track of speed, distance, time, etc. It's super easy to use (which is important for a Luddite like me :D).

About eating and running: I don't know what the "correct" answer is. I usually run in the afternoon, about 3-4 hours after lunch. If my blood sugar feels a bit low, I'll eat something carby - usually a bit of banana - before I run. I read somewhere that it's best to eat carbs before and a carbs/protein combo after.

About being a "real" runner: "If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." (John Bingham)

what speed are you running in mph?

I saw you post something about running on an incline in another thread....and yes I've read anywhere from 1-2 % incline mimics outdoor difficulty...I generally run at 1% incline every time i'm on the treadmill and it did make transitioning to my trail run easier...however it can't mimic the affect on the rest of my body...I found that the trail impact affected my ankles, knees and general rest of my body....which doesn't mean i'm going to stop going to my trail...just something to be aware of

here is a pic of me on the trail near where I live....my teenager took the pic...it was a downpour of rain and we were getting soaked LOL

Attachment 44593

Ran 1 mile today, it was a nice quick run.

That would be from a 5.5mph to 5.7mph (Thanks Google!)

I always run at 1.5% incline, because I've heard that too. The weird thing for me, is my run time outdoors (pretty flat area) is usually better than on the treadmills! I think it is because I zone out more (I run in a pretty quiet neighborhood) and don't focus on how far I've gone. I also find I get less shin splints outdoors, I'm not sure why on that though???

Novus, congratulations on all the great feedback for this thread! Clearly a space was needed for all of us in-betweeners. I'm glad it has taken a life of its own :carrot::carrot: The Bingham quote is one of my favorites because it is so true.

It's getting quite warm where I live so I've tried to squeeze in my running in the mornings when it is cooler. Yesterday I ran 3.44 miles on the trail that circles around my house.

I post on the monthly running thread and have for 1 1/2 years.
I would like to say I don't believe we are "elitest", everyone there is very helpful and supportive. If you read back to last year...most of us that have started running longer mileage...STARTED exactly were you all are and it's all there in old posts.
I for one started running a year ago Oct. in. Breast cancer 5k,that my friends talked me into ...I walked most of it and trotted a bit,then another was coming up in Nov of that year.I signed up and got running walking and by Nov. I placed in my age group..WHO KNEW.....I fell head over heels for running.
I weighed 30 pounds more than currant weight up until dec when I started working on my weight.And I am not young I turn 61 in 10 days SO I did not even start running till I was 59. I don't run fast about a 10 min mile but I can run forever....So feel free to post on the monthly we all start some where one foot in front of the other.

And run for the joy of running!

I didn't mean to offend the folks on the monthly thread with this one! I hung out there for a bit but always felt so silly with my "I ran a mile" posts when everyone else was like "I did an easy 30 mile run today." So I decided to look for people who are more like me, because they certainly weren't posting in the monthly thread. I'm glad we've found each other and I apologize if anyone is miffed about this thread.

Well 30 miles is a big exaggeration. ;) Beyond that, I'd just like to point out that easy doesn't mean not difficult. Easy refers to pace and effort. You go slower than race pace and should be running at a conversational pace. When I'm training for a race, every few weeks is a step back week, where the distance is shorter and the pace is easier/slower.

Right now though, I'm running 0 miles. I'm out for a few weeks due to an injury. :(

I agree peeps are helpful and supportive in the monthly running thread, but it is dominated by distance runners (which is fine). I'm still struggling to get beyond 5K without walking and I'm soooo slow.

Just chiming in to say that yes, people are very welcoming on the other running thread; however, people might feel more comfortable here because they might feel it's more suitable to their needs or current levels. Just as someone feels more at home in the 300+ forum or the Featherweights or the Maintainers doesn't mean that all forums/threads can't co-exist in harmony. :)

As an example, someone posted above that they aren't a fast runner, just a 10 min/mile. Well, to ME that's fast! :) And since I'm the kind of person who needs to stay away from comparing myself to others for my own mental health, I might choose not to post on the other thread, in order to stay away from unintentionally comparing myself. Just my $.02.

Well FWIW, I have done 3 half marathons and will be training for a full this year. I'm still really slow. My long run pace is 14:30-15, and my short run pace is 12:30-13. And I take walk breaks. The finish line is the same, not matter if you're first or last. The last half I did, the 5K, the half, and the full even shared the same finish line. As did the half before it.

Maybe I'm just cranky because I'm not allowed to run right now, but I feel like people are saying distance runners look down on runners that run shorter distances. Running is running. Last summer, when I started running, I couldn't even run for 60 seconds straight. We may not be as different as people think. Don't post in the other thread if you don't want to, but it sucks to be on the receiving end of blame as to why you don't. Clearly this isn't the thread for me.

This^^^ I agree about the support and help on the monthly thread, but I didn't feel like I had a place there. I'm coming more from where JenMusic is coming from--comfort.

FWIW, I sense no blame in your original post Novus. You were seeking a certain type of camaraderie and validation. Nothing wrong with that. 3 FC wouldn't exist if this wasn't the case.There is no reason people couldn't post to both threads if they wanted.

That is super impressive!!! Get well soon. I shouldn't be running much at the moment due to injury too. It sucks!

this exactly!! I posted there for awhile too and decided not to because no one really talked to me and I didn't have anything in common with the ones who could run an easy 10 miles while I was pushing it to get to 3 miles with walk breaks lol

agreed! there was absolutely no blame in the original post...no worries :) I love this thread and will still be hanging out here

No offence taken really JUST realize we started there at a mile too,and maybe no one commented because some of us are busy!! I had a sick dog for 2 months and could not run so did not feel supportive no could run,

As stated above we are not all fast some people are...and as for 30 miles NO ONE I have seen on that thread has ever done that! 10 to 15 and an occasional marathon YES,
And we all do not run that every day I usually run 3 .4 and ME I can only run on dirt like I said I am old!

And I should have said from the start I am glad you all found a place you are comfortable posting and being supportive of one another..just we are regular folk too!:hug:

I'm still lurking here and envying all of you!

I finished W8D2 of C25K so next week is the last week of training but I'm nowhere near actually running the distance of a 5k so I'll be working on that (it's because I'm so slow and uncoordinated in my feet!).

You all inspire me so thank you!!

As the monthly creator of sorts for the "other" running thread - I just wanted to throw in my .02. When I started reading that blog, I couldn't run around the block. I was a smoker who could.not.run. It was the motivation I found there that led me to start running...many to most of the posts I've found are just the day to day hey, I ran 4 miles. Yes a lot of people, myself included have by now run half and full marathons, but certainly not every run. And more importantly, nobody has ever written a post putting down someone for any time or distance. I took over creating the monthly blog well before I could run any sort of distance..it's a running share forum, not distance specific. I just wanted to be clear about that - I am just somewhat confused as I've gone through recent months and all I've seen are motivational posts and questions written and answered by all sorts of runners so please don't write this blog stating that the other one is about people acting intimidating or distance specific...it's for everyone, just like yours.

WELCOME!! :) I don't think i'll ever get to where I can run a 5K without stopping or walking....that's why I focus on incline and speed instead...partly because I get bored with distance and partly because of asthma flare ups

today I did HIIT running intervals and then some high incline walking (usual workout) but without using my inhaler first...I was actually FINE until I was done, which is weird, and then I had some mild asthma...enough to where I used my DH's inhaler when I got home...my inhaler that I carry is clogged :(

Very well said, Jen. Thank you!

I'm a 3-yr in-between runner having finished C25K in August 2010. Although I've flirted with doing the 10K training, I've realized that 30 mins is about my sweetspot time for running. I've not really felt the need to go longer than that.

So for the past 3 years, I've worked on building my speed and endurance, more than building my distance. I've worked my way up from just barely wheezing my way through C25K at 4mph to running at a minimum speed of 6mph for 30 minutes. I consider myself a dabbler runner more than a serious one and I'm pretty excited about this thread.

alaskan laughter, is most of your running trail running or do you also run on asphalt? I ask because I have 3+ mile trail that circles my home that is part gravel/dirt, part asphalt. I run it for convenience but also because it's less stressful on my ankles and joints. Can you feel the difference between trail and/or asphalt or treadmill running?

Hi curvynotlumpy... I just wanted to say that I definitely notice a big difference between running on trails vs. asphalt... and if I could I would do all of my running on trails... I seem to get a lot less injuries too... and I also just enjoy it more... so it's a win/win for me... now, as far as treadmills go... I do a fair amount of running on them too in the winter and I'm fine with them since it beats the alternative of having to deal with slippery and icy roads... the treadmills that I use have pretty well cushioned decks, so I find them pretty comfortable and they are definitely easier on me than being out on the "road"... I don't seem to get injured on those either...

The only bad thing about running on trails for me is that I get so into it and being out in "nature" that I forget to watch my footing... and more than I few times I've been humming along... thinking to myself how beautiful is out here... with my mind sort of wandering... and BAMMO!... I'll twist my ankle... lol... I can't tell you how many times I've done that... :dizzy:

Hi TripSwitch--I've only ran on a treadmill once and I didn't like it. Of course, I live in Northern California so the worst I have to deal with weather wise are the cold, foggy, rainy days. I see you're in NY and I'm originally from Nebraska so if I had that kind of drastic weather to work out in I think I could learn to love the treadmill LOL

My experience with running trails (well, my one trail);) is similar to yours. Joints and muscles feel worked out but not overly stressed. Unfortunately, it's the only trail nearby so I do a fair amount of asphalt running.

And like you, I've also fallen a few times--once on the trail where a group of three horses from a nearby pasture watched me recover while they were eating their morning hay, and once at a busy intersection during rush hour. Every light was red so I became the point of interest for everyone waiting for their respective light to change. Nothing hurt by my ego--HAHA!!

the trail that I run on is mostly hard-packed gravel with some sandy/dirt areas at the tideline....it's a harder impact on the rest of my body than running on the treadmill...like after I run I ache in my shoulders and sides and ankle but not my leg muscles that I run with

I don't run on straight asphalt/pavement because the impact HURTS my ankle and knee....and not in a good way...so I try to avoid that

but mostly I run on the treadmill at my gym because I don't have to worry about bears, asthma/pollen allergy attacks or falling...ive been told in no uncertain terms that a fall will seriously re-injure my back and to avoid at all costs

OMG be careful! :hug: I thought the bear was scary enough to read but you really don't want to hurt your back. :( (And I know you know this, I'm just saying it in a caring kind of way. :) )

I was exhausted today, both mentally and physically although I think mostly mentally...it's been a crazy busy week gearing up for the start of our summer program and with DH being out of town

last sunday I ran between 1.5-2 miles on a trail and walked back....on Monday through Wednesday I ran HIIT intervals and did high incline walking at the gym....Thursday I was physically very sore and so ran a light mile with walking intervals and did incline walking...today I was just DONE....I barely squeezed my gym time in this morning, between interviewing job applicants and taking DH's truck to the airport....I spent 45 minutes doing incline walking and called it good...

I need a treat and my jammies and to snuggle with DH and finally get a good night's rest (I don't sleep good while he's gone)

Loading up a new playlist while I wait for the weather to warm up so I can head out for a run! :running: I'm doing a 5K training program and today is speed work. I only have two speeds - slow and even slower - so I don't know how that's gonna work. ;)

Who else is lacing up their kicks today?

So, today's run was:
1 mile warm-up
hard 1/2 mile
easy 1/2 mile
hard 1/2 mile
1 mile cool down

I jammed it on the first hard 1/2. It was NOT easy....I thought I was gonna die. :eek: I was definitely pushing myself as hard as I could.

It was so difficult to keep running for the easy 1/2. I desperately wanted to walk. But I ran. And I was kinna dragging for the second hard 1/2; my pace really wasn't much more than the easy 1/2.

Overall, I was pretty much thinking the run sucked. And then I uploaded my run from my Nike+, logged into my account, and discovered this:

http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7d193a89.jpg

Holy crap, Batman. Talk about setting a PR! That's almost a "normal" running pace.

my mind would like to get out on a trail run today but the rest of me overruled and I know I need a weekend break both mentally and physically....im exhausted in all possible ways :(

Ask away TripSwitch! Not a running expert by ANY stretch of the imagination, but I'm certainly happy to answer questions from my experience.