Any runners out there?
 

I just started running about 2 months ago. I bike also but think that running will be a more efficient way to help me lose weight. I would love a buddy or just to hear what has worked for others. Right now I run mostly with a club three days a week. Each run is about 3-3.5 miles at a very slow pace (10 1.2 minute miles at best). I have started to incorporate a 4th run each week where I run an even slower hour. I haven't measured it to figure out the distance, I just go.

I'd love some advice on good foods to eat to help with energy or how to change my running routine to help with the weight loss. Actually, any advice and/or support would be appreciated.

I don't have any advice. But I love to run. I started running last October/November and it was very slow going at first. I'm running a 5K race tomorrow. This will be the first race I've run since early March and I'm worried about the heat and humidity. I know - it's only a 5K...

I've been struggling to find any support for running. There don't seem to be many runners. I'm in no way an expert - just a runner for as long as I can until I get permanently grounded. I was grounded a couple of months ago but I'm ignoring that.

So... tell ... what ARE you eating and HOW have you changed your routine???

Hi Tig - I ran my second 5k today in 30:35. This was good for me as I am not very fast either. How did your 5k go? i don't think there is anything shabby about a 5k. Someday this season I would like to do a 5 mile race but I'm not sure I could even aspire to a 10k this season. Some of it is that I just don't have enough time to run more.

Can I ask what grounded you?

I have to go right now to water my garden/farm so later I'll write about my routine. You can tell me about your running routine though.

I ran the 5K today - ran 15 minutes, walked 5 minutes, ran 7 minutes, walked 17 minutes, ran 3 minutes for a total of 42 minutes. It was over 80* at 8:00 AM when the race started and with the humidity, the heat index was in the 90s - the road surfaced added to the overall misery. And it was a BLAST. I was second in my age class and got a silver medal. My dearest Hubster and daughter came in first in their respective age categories and were awarded gold medals. My buddy from Tampa who decided to join us was awarded a bronze medal for placing third in her age category. Winners All!!

Dearest Hubster is planning on graduating to 10K races next fall, but I'll stick to the 5K. My newest goal is to run the entire way. Of course, it will need to be not so miserably hot!

Hubster and I run together - wait, that's not accurate - run during the same time period on the same streets early in the morning. ;) Even though running is a solo sport, I am convinced it takes a buddy or two or twenty to keep up the motivation and to help us push to the next level.

My weekly goal is a total of 20 miles either walking or running. Most weeks I meet my goal. We have a 3.6 mile route, a 4.5 route, and a 5 mile route. I also go to the gym for the DT (Dreaded Treadmill) and ETM (Elliptical Torture Machine) on weekends if we don't get out early enough to run.

I have polyneuropathy and have problems with pain, weakness and balance. The physical therapist grounded me, but she was very bad so I fired her. I see a new PT in a couple of weeks, so I consider myself not grounded. :)

Hi girls, I've been a walker for years. Always on the ike trail. I'm blest living on over 400 miles of beautiful trails. This past winter my DH bought me my first TM so I could keep up my walking during the winter months. It was after this that I got it in my head to try running. Long story short I've been increasing my speed since March and now can do 3 miles on the trail in 47 min doing intermittent running and walking. My goal for July was to be able to hold 6 mph for one full mile (10 min mile) I accomplished that today and I feel awesome. I will be 40 in Aug. and never ran for exercise or fun before, but I know I'll never quit. Good luck to you both. (How old are you?)

Kristi

I think there is more runners that people think. I too am a runner and am slowly getting some were. I useto like the treadmill but now I have to in to running outside. I am loving it. I run anywhere from 3 to 5 days a week. up tp 20 miles a week. I am hoping that I will run a 10 k soon. In May I did my first 5K and was realy happy with my time28.29 min. This fall I know that I will be doing an 8 K.
I hope that this thread will stay around. We are going on holidays soon and would like to talk more about running and get advise from others too.
Plan on a run tomorrow.
Tanya

great job Tanya on your 5k time. That's awesome!

Kristi

Just because of pride I have to make a correction. It's 4 miles I do in 47 min on the trail.

Kristi

hey there
 

correction
 

Great job Gen, you've steadily lost weight since starting and are going greater distances, Keep up the good work.

Hi everyone. I was on the treadmill today. We have been getting rain alot(we need it). I when for a long one.
Everyone is doing great with their running. I feel that it is not a race but what you can do to help yourself. I know that you can get great advice from other runner. I have ran with on guy that has ran the boston. What a insperational guy to speak to. Very down to earth and will help you if you need help. I had to laugh he told me he had the same gola of just a 10K and now he is a marathon runner. I can see that in my future. Too many hours of running and training to get there.
Well everyone keep up the great work that you are doing.
Tanya

I too have children Tanya, 4 of them, and if I ever find the time to train for a Marathon I'll be running my first when I'm about 50 y/o lol

Hi Everyone - I am back from 'celebrating' the holiday. Unfortunately I did not get to run yesterday or today and I feel terrible. I really miss it and the healthy feeling I get afterwards. it sounds like everyone is doing great. Tig - great job on your 5k! It is amazing how much the weather can affect your running. I think 20 mpw is great. I don't think I am up to that yet - probably about 15 mpw right now but I am hoping to add in another longer run each week to get to 20 mpw. Good luck with the new PT. I hope you don't get grounded again. Congratulations Kristi on you first 10 minute mile! I ran my first sub 10 minute mile this weekend and it was great. At least when you're a new runner you can see progress pretty fast. Tanya - super 5k time. You seem to have the sub 10 minute mile down pat. My goal is to run a sub 30 5k by the end of the summer. Great job! Lucky you that you have someone to help you personally with your running. I am trying to get information from my running club but wish I had a partner to run with and help motivate me (in person). Thanks gen for the link. I'll be sure to check it out at work tomorrow on one of my breaks. That running clinic sounds good. Keep us posted on your progress.

Is anyone running Tuesday? I have a track workout with my club. Last week we did hills so I'll be interested to see what we do this week.

Have a great Tuesday! It's a short week - yeah! :D

Doesn't it seem like every runner, at least in their subconscious, is ultimately training for a marathon. ;)

where is everyone?
 

I bet you are all out running. :D

I went to my track workout tonight. We did intervals totaling 3.75 miles. It felt more like 10 miles! I know it's good for me though and it is nice to get the encouragement of others in my group. Anyone else run or do anything interesting today?

Ang

ran to day
 

We ran Tuesday morning. Started off with a warm up walk, then 20 minutes running, then walking, then 15 minutes running followed by walking for a total time of 57 minutes. We've increased our distance because we're increasing the amount of time we run vs. walk. We plan to run again tomorrow morning. We have to start before 6:00 AM or it's too HOT!

gen, I really liked the site. I realized that my shoulders frequently hurt after I run when I was reading the Fun Stuff. I learned that I need to relax my shoulders by relaxing my hands.

My long term goal is to lose weight. I think I have between 25 and 30 pounds to lose (hopefully not more - I'll have to see if I ever get down that far). Right now I also use running as a way to feel like I am accomplishing something. A lot of other stuff in my life is not going great so this is something good to hold on to. Short term goals are to run a sub 30 min. 5k and one race this year at a longer distance, maybe 5 miles or a 10k if I really start to make some progress.

gen - I think participating in a triathlon is a great goal. If you want it you will get there, and if not, just think of all you will accomplish trying to get there. Your clinic sounds great. Keep up the good work.

Tig - Did you run this morning? 57 minutes out is great! I wish I had the time and energy to put in an hour of running/walking.

Thursday I ran with my club and did 3 miles in under 30 minutes. I go a lot faster when I have to try and keep up with people. It is the first time I ever averaged under a 10 minute mile. Today I really wanted to ride my bike but I spent 4.5 hours weeding my farm/garden and I'm just not sure my legs can take a bike ride now. I guess the weeding was still exercise, at least I hope so.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Ang

We ran again this morning. Walked 10 minutes, ran 20 minutes, walked 2, ran 15 and walked 10 for 57 minutes again for the 3.8 miles. We ran after 7 so it was a good drippy humidity run! :lol: I keep thinking if I run the 20 walk run 15 consistently I start increasing the time until I can run a 5K with no walking. That's my goal for this fall when the 5K races start up again here.

Ang, weeding definitely counts as exercise! You're right about running faster when running with other people. Congratulations on the under 30 minutes for the 3 miles!

Thanks Tig - good job with your running too! You will be doing a 5k in no time. It is amazing how much energy you get at races too when there are so many people. I have been in two local ones and hope to get in one this year that is a little bigger. It's hard though if I'm not willing to drive a little bit. We'll see what happens. Tig - you may want to pick out a race for the fall and have it as a goal. I have one in September that I am going to use as my under 30 minute 5k (I hope). It's nice to have something to strive for.

Keep up the great work - I think I am actually going to stop typing and get on my bike.

Ang

HI everyone Just back from holidays. I did one 4 mile on Saturday. We have been getting the rain. I am getting back on the running game again this week. I will be 4 times this week. I am be trying to kinda train for the 8K coming up soon. The only problem we are taking holidays soon again for 2 weeks and to run on holidays like I do at home is way too hard. The 8k that is coming is in Sept.
Well that is my Short goal. Long goal is to get a 10k at a good time like 55 min. And keep my weight down. After holidays that is 5 pounds.
Well it sure looks like everyone is still keeping up with their runs.
I hope that all are doing well.
Tanya

Good job Tanya. It is hard to run while you are on holiday but are you able to find any time to exercise? I ran 4.5 miles this morning with my running club. Two people that are run with and I extended the 3 mile run. We are trying to work up to the 6 mile run. A large group goes out for 6 but we're a lot slower than they are - one day hopefully. I also rode my mtn bike for over 2 hours on a state forest trail - it eas a good workout for my legs.

Anyone else get in some running this weekend?

Ang

hmmm
 

gen - I have problems too with posts not showing up. It is a little frustrating. Good job on your walk/run. Give it time and you will be able to run more at one time. A running coach I talked to said that sometimes cramps are dehydration, but other times they are just because your body is not in 'good enough shape' so it has trouble getting enough blood to certain places and thus you get a cramp. Where are you cramping?

Ang

Hey, my first post on this thread - I signed up to do a 5k in September; the mail has been sent, there's no escape! ;) I'm going to follow the couch-to-5k-plan, and I'm starting today. I've run before but it's been a while since I've done much of it, and the first few weeks are always the worst. Wish me luck!

Welcome Laura. Great idea to sign up for that 5k. Do you have enough time to get through your plan by the race? You mentioned that you used to run, how long ago? Did you run a lot? It seems from my experience, that people who used to run can sometimes get back into it a little easier than those who have never run before. Maybe the muscles remember somehow. Good luck and definitely keep us posted on your progress.

gen - sounds like you are on the right path to figuring out the cramping problem. I get pain in my shins when I run on a road that slants excessively. The pesky cars are a problem though. :lol: Let us know if the potassium helps. Do you stretch adequately before and after your run?

Who is running today? I have a track workout tonight but it is raining right now. I think I will still try to go, I just hope someone shows up to explain the workout.

Have a great Tuesday!

Ang

HI everyone I never got my run in yesterday like I planed. I got the stomach flu. I am going to try later today on the treadmill.
Laura I wish you luck with the 5 k. It is great feeling once to have done one. I found out that the Terry Fox run is a 10 K here. I think that I will try to do that one. It is in Sept.
Well I hope that everyone is doing well today and keep up the great work.
Tanya

Good morning everyone.

Tanya: I'm sorry you got the flu. Are you feeling any better? Have you been able to exercise at all? Let us know if you decide to run the 10k that would be quite an accomplishment.

I have run since Sunday. :( It has been raining here and I don't have access to a TM. I was in such a groove. This rain is really upsetting me because I am trying to make running a habit and these breaks don't help. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to get out.

Have a great day!
Ang

HI everyone I have been feeling better. I was albe to get a 5k yesterday and a 35 min today. They call it a tempo run. Start off slow and work up to your speed that you would run in your 10 k. and cool off for 5 min. It went better than yesterdays run.
I am sure hoping to do the 10 k run in Sept. I am trying to get myself in to a training. I found on on the net of a schedual to follow. It is a 10 week program. I am really looking for a good time like under 1 hour. I hope to be able to do that.
Well I hope that the weather gets better for you soon. I am happy that we have a TM. We have had it for3 years and if it was to break down we would have a new one right away.
Well I hope to get a nother run in tomorrow. Some strength trainig in too. Hope that all have a good day today.
Tanya

Glad to hear you are feeling better Tanya. It sounds like you are right back into your running. Is it a specific training program that you are doing? Is there a link you could share? I think I have been fooling around long enough and need a little more structure in my training.

I am hoping that the weather gets better soon. Tonight it rained just enough (combined with some other issues for me) to give me an excuse to stay inside. Of course now I feel guilty but at the time sitting in front of the television seemed to be a happier alternative. Sometimes I lack motivation to get things started. I have also been more tired lately. Does anyone else get tired (at the muscular level) when you exercise too much? If so, how long until I am back to normal. My legs just feel like dead weights.

I should go for my 3 mile pub run with my running club tomorrow. Strength training sounds like a good idea too. I keep forgetting to start. :o

Keep on running. Ang

Tanya,
10 in 10 sounds really interesting. I'm with Ang - is there a link or name of a book that you can share? My dearest Hubster is planning on a 10K in the fall and I'm always happy to help out by tagging along. Well, tagging behind. But I'm always willing!

Can I join you guys? I have been running on and off for the last four years... I am planning to do some clinics with the running room this fall. I would love to say one day that "I ran a Marathon"

Cheers!

Ali:)

My goals?

Relative short term (6months) lose the extra weight on me, run a 5 or 10 K and start winter running.

Long term: run a marathon:)

CheerS!

Ali

Welcome Ali - we'd love to have you join. What is your present running plan?

Ang

Hi everyone I had my stomach act up again after my runn. Not happy about that. But so far I am feeling better to now.
Well the one place that I have found info is the runningroom.com and runnersworld.com I hope that will help you all.
Ali good to have you join us. I am glad to see that you have such great goal. I know that it is a great feeling onceyou have done a race. I know that my 5 K was a great feeling to have doneit.
Well I am going to that tomorrow off. I think that I will do my strenght traing. I never got it in today because of the way I felt. I will do a little walking to.
Well great to see everyone nad I hope that everyone has a great day.
tanya

good run today
 

hi everyone -

Tanya - what is happening with your stomach? I hope it is just a bug and that you feel all better soon. Good for you that you got to exercise though, hopefully the exercising isn't making it worse. Thanks for the links. I think I will have to check them out. I am always looking for things to inspire and motivate me to be healthy since I don't always find it within myself.

gen - congratulations on finishing your clinic program. Isn't it nice to see progress? :) All it takes is patience, or so I'm told.

Thank God a pub run is not a pub crawl. We meet at a local pub and run 3 miles, ending at the pub. We go in to have appetizers and drinks (I drink water) after the run. Everyone else in the club is fit so they can afford the calories in the beer but the appetizers are bad enough for me. It's just a fun run where we can socialize too. I like it, especially since I am new to the area and still trying to meet people. Isn't a crawl where you jog to each pub and have a drink before you jog to the next one? The pub run was good tonight. There is a fast woman who slows down for me on these runs. She helps me break 10 minute miles for the 3 mile run. Today was faster than last week by 20 seconds (29:27)! It's tough because she really pushes me but I like it because it is my shortest day so the pace is good. I still don't know how to get faster but I'll just keep running and see what happens.

Does anyone have any tips on getting faster?

Ang

pub crawl