Run Run Away » cross country running

Advice for begginer

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

You’ll have to run until you injure yourself to find out.

Response:

don’t listen to barf bag, he rarely has anything positive to say.

Next the arsehole will accuse me of being insulting… dickhead.

Response:

don’t listen to barf bag, he rarely has anything positive to say.

How can I be positive when the end of the world is upon us, and everything sucks?

Response:

Hi everyone, I am nearly 13years old and want to start running. I can manage a mile non – stop, and want to know, how far I can safely run without risk of injuring myself. Thanks, Natalie

My daughter is also 13 and just joined her high school’s cross country running team. They race 3 miles nearly every week. She’s gone from being able to run a mile to being able to run three miles in about three weeks just by going out after school every day and running. She’s mostly been running as long as she can until she has to stop and then walking the rest of the way. Personally, I run as long as I can without having to stop then walk for a brief interval and then run again when I feel like I can. I’ve gotten much better very quickly with this method… PROVIDED that I go out running at least three times a week, preferably four times. As in so many other things, practice makes a big difference. You should also learn how to stretch and make warming up and cooling down part of your workout. I’m an old fogey so a warm-up for me might be a brisk walk around the block (a quarter mile) and then start jogging slowly. After about half a mile of jogging I stop and stretch my calves and quads and hamstrings and THEN I start any timed runs. I do pretty much the same in reverse when I’m done with my run. I’ve noticed my daughter’s coach has them doing pretty much the same thing. You can get more complex than this: run intervals, run acceleration strides, run hills, etc… but for now just start with running interspersed with walking. Warm-up and then do half an hour of run/walking and see where you are. Good luck! It’s a great sport. I was 13 when I started cross country running, too. One reason I chose it was that it was an activity that I could continue into adulthood. I mean, you don’t see a pickup game of Field Hockey happening before work when you’re a grown-up! But you can get in a nice run before your morning shower. It works for me. An added advantage to starting when you’re thirteen is you do some great bone building. When you’re 90 and you’ve got strong hips it’ll literally save your life. (Most really old people who break their hips are dead soon after in a downward spiral that starts with the hip break.) I know that’s too far for you to imagine, but looking back now I’m glad I was a runner during my "bone building" years. Just make sure you get lots of calcium. In fact, learn how to feed your body and you’ll be miles ahead of your peers! By the way, it’s spelled "beginner". :-) Dally

Response:

don’t listen to barf bag, he rarely has anything positive to say. the web is full of advice on how to get started, one such site is http://www.halhigdon.com/ it all boils down to starting slow and building up your mileage over time…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, I am nearly 13years old and want to start running. I can manage a mile non – stop, and want to know, how far I can safely run without risk of injuring myself. Thanks, Natalie

Response:

Hi everyone, I am nearly 13years old and want to start running. I can manage a mile non – stop, and want to know, how far I can safely run without risk of injuring myself. Thanks, Natalie

You’re too young, never run before 30YO.

Response:

Hi everyone, I am nearly 13years old and want to start running. I can manage a mile non – stop, and want to know, how far I can safely run without risk of injuring myself. Thanks, Natalie

Response:

Those last few pounds -

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Now, all my life I’ve been ‘chubby’, never really obese, but no where near thin. About a year ago, my parents where arrested so I went to live with my grandmother, and she’s an elderly Russian Jewish lady, so you can imagine the food. Every meal is a 5 course feast, with snacks inbetween. I was in England at the time, and I went from a small size 8 to a size 12. 2 months later, I went to Israel, and continued eating in this fashion. When I went to hospital about 5 months ago, due to my constant headaches, I weighed in at 63.5 kgs. That’s 140 lbs. At 5"2. Horrible in all aspects, because I felt awful as well. To make things worst, I had agreed to go out with a guy in school with me, and my fear of my body made me wear a corset at all times with him, because I felt embarassed to sit down. Given that this was still winter, I decided it would be perfect to lose weight, since in winter you wear more covering clothes. Summer in Israel is not a place for large clothing. So, in about 2 months, I weighed in at 56 kgs. Today I weigh 53 kgs (116.5 lbs ). I find it depressing that in 3 months I only managed 3 kgs. I have a different boyfriend, who loves me dearly, and we spend alot of time playin’ like kids [rough and tumble in the park, lol], we walk everywhere since he doesn’t have a car, have an active sex life… He’s encoureging me to lose weight as well, not really lose weight, but to excersize more so my stomach is more toned. I want to lose those final 8 pounds, desperatly, if I could lose 33.5 lbs, I have to be able to lose 8 more, but I’m stuck; I don’t eat chocolate, I’m a vegetarian, I don’t eat junk food, and I can’t go on a low-carb diet. Frankly, potatoes are one of the few vegetables I do like eating, I like eating soup with noodles in it, and I tend to eat half pitas with ketchup in them in the morning [I have odd food cravings]. I don’t know what to do really, I’ve cut down on the pitas, I did increase my calcium intake, which helped in weight loss [3 % milk with a bit of corn flakes, 98% fat free youghurt sometimes, I like the fruit ones]. I go for half hour walks a few times a day, then with my boyfriend we keep moving… I’m at my wits end! My health isn’t great, I can’t do strenious excercise, and I don’t know what else to do! Please share some advice, this is a small goal compared to the 100 lbs some of you have lost.

Response:

and eating practically nothing for about a year. I looked great, but I wasn’t healthy, and I was doing this for him…. I wonder how one can look great but not be healthy… It sounds counterintuitive.

I wasn’t ill, I received lots of compliments about how great I looked, etc. My skin looked great, my body looked great, etc. But internally (read mentally) I was not healthy. I didn’t feel good about myself and did terrible things to my body to conform to some esoteric standard of beauty. It is impossible actually be healthy when you are eating only enough calories per day to simply function and workout. I was eating a bag of plain popcorn and 2 apples per day. I was very early 20’s and didn’t know better, but can you say eating disorder? That’s the road I was walking down. Not healthy. Sorry I was unclear. Ally 212/181/160

Response:

He’s encoureging me to lose weight as well, not really lose weight, but to excersize more so my stomach is more toned.

Ummmm, this statement struck a chord with me. I dated someone who I thought was "better than I deserve" many years ago. He was handsome, charming, sweet, but really wanted me to change my body so that I would look like the girls in the magazines he had plastered all over his wall. I worked incredibly hard, doing 2-3 hours daily in the gym and eating practically nothing for about a year. I looked great, but I wasn’t healthy, and I was doing this for him…. Any changes that will stick must come from YOU and not what your boyfriend wants. If YOU want to tone your stomach do ab exercises. Your current weight does not sound out of proportion to your height, please examine what is going on with you internally rather than letting the external influence your health/mindset. You have already achieved great things, losing the weight you have! Celebrate that! Wanna tone up? Work out. There are plenty of people here that can point you to some excellent websites. Please let us know how all is going with you. Ally 212/181/160

Response:

I’m at my wits end! My health isn’t great, I can’t do strenious excercise, and I don’t know what else to do!

Lose the starchy foods, please. What you have accomplished to this point is something to be proud of, don’t you think? But in order to effect a change, something has to be changed. There are people in here who know a whole lot more about this than I do, and I look forward to reading their suggestions.

Response:

At 5"2 … Today I weigh 53 kgs (116.5 lbs ).

Seriously reconsider your goal, and look closely at your age. People who hit 20 years old naturally complete their growth and add weight. I find it depressing that in 3 months I only managed 3 kgs.

Less to lose, slower to lose. Nothing to lose, must go low calorie to lose. I am very dubious you actually have any excess given your height. He’s encoureging me to lose weight as well, not really lose weight, but to excersize more so my stomach is more toned.

Sounds good. I’m a vegetarian, I don’t eat junk food, and I can’t go on a low-carb diet. Frankly, potatoes are one of the few vegetables I do like eating, I like eating soup with noodles in it, and I tend to eat half pitas with ketchup in them in the morning

Time to grow up and decide you like veegies. Sound harsh, is harsh, but you need to be told that right now. If you are a vegitarian veggies must be plentiful in your food or you will eventually be in trouble. Health or weight, something will crash. [I have odd food cravings].

That’s a sign you aren’t eating right. Add more veggies no matter what. Decide that you have grown up and grown-up like veggies, then start eating some.

Response:

yep, doing it for some boyfriend is silly. Maybe it’s not *pounds* you have to lose…. -coop

I’ve been there and in the long run, there was always something else he wanted me to change about myself. It was like he was amusing himself by seeing how far I’d go to please him. Eventually, he got bored with me and dumped me away. Thank God. If your boyfriend is only interested in the superficial you, then he’s not really interested in you. Tonia 221/177/130

Response:

yep, doing it for some boyfriend is silly.

Maybe it’s not *pounds* you have to lose…. -coop

Response:

Nah, he doesn’t want me to be like a cover girl, whenever we go out, he asks me if I’ve eaten today [I'm out alot, so if I go straight from learning out with him, it means I havn't eaten yet], if I say no, he’ll take me straight to eat, so he wants me to be well fed, but he wants me to exercise, which I have a genuine problem with; Swimming, walking, skating, no problem, but things like running, volly ball, etc are not do-able. I’m currently being treated for headaches in hospital [outpatient], and I will just pass out from running even if I only have a slight headache. [I'm not horribly out of shape, if I have no headache, I can happily do cross country running (4 kms last time we did it), but I don't enjoy passing out, which is what the hospital is looking into] He himself isn’t the problem, he never makes comments about my stomach, which I hate, and had encoureged me to go to the beach even though I’m horribly shy of going, but I feel better going with him and knowing I’m not so fat anymore. In regards to veggies; Salads, raw carrots, cauliflower, brocoli, potatoes, artichoke, leak, corn… I do eat, the problem is, my little brother, who is underweight despite eating like a pig, loves meat, so my father focuses on cooking meat more than anything. Which personally, I hate. I tend to eat raw carrots and mushrooms after dinner because there will be very few veggies there. Should I cut down on the starchy food? Argh, if I lived on my own, it’d be so much easier, it’s amaazing I’ve stayed away from the junk food in the house. I still have a bit too much excess on my arms, thighs and stomach, even if my weight is alright for my height, about 8 pounds less is what I could do with. Any suggesstions? For example, what to eat for breakfast? I don’t like eating in the mornings really, it makes me feel bloated and more sleepy than I already am, but on weekends when I wake up late, I eat cornflakes. Is there something else I should be eating? I was told to drink milk in some form because I had a calciu deficency… And for dinner? Besides meat, there’ll be either pasta, rice or potatoes, I can add simple things to it, but cooking my own dinners isn’t an option. Thank you.

Response:

At the BMI of 21, the right way to get rid of "excess on arms and stomach" is by converting fat into muscle, not by starving yourself further. Starving without exercise will but off other organs before the fat. If you are body conscious on the beach at the BMI of 21, it is overwhelmingly likely that you are not seeing your body in a rational light. And if you look bad, then, maybe exercise can address is better than further starvation. Losing more weight is not a solution for looking more beautiful. Glad to hear that your BF is a supportive person. i

Ig, I’m sure you know that fat can’t be converted to muscle! One can lose fat and one can gain muscle, but fat can’t turn into muscle. They’re just different stuff. This aside, adding a little muscle might give Roxi a more pleasing shape. And it can speed up the metabolism a little bit, which can help her lose fat. Chris

Response:

Pretty much what I am doing myself, this year. I lost 5 lbs of weight and added quite a bit to my muscle mass, maybe 2-3 lbs. You have also gained some muscle and lst some fat, if I remember right.

Overall I’ve lost muscle as well as fat. When you’re already doing serious weight training (and I was competing in weightlifting well before I started dieting), you don’t lose 117 lbs. without losing muscle too. I didn’t have anywhere near 117 lbs. of fat to lose. Chris 262/145/ (145-150)

Response:

Running, Circulation, Itching

admin — Tue, 13 Apr 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

toxins as in what?, unload as in how?

Response:

Very useful, thanks, i guess it’s just a case of running through the "itch"barrier!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [[ This message was both posted and mailed: see the "To," "Cc," and "Newsgroups" headers for details. ]] Hi Predominantly i am a cyclist, but also enjoy cross country running also. I have been recovering for months with an ankle injuury, so therefore not as active as i used to be. I used to run for miles & all was ok. My mother & grandmother, bith had this problem of circulation & itching, especially when getting back into walking, running. The symptoms are, that when i start to jog, when my body starts to get hot, my sides, stomach, buttock & thighs & feet begin to go red & itch & i get nauseous, the urge to scratch is terrible & end up with severe bruising through scratching, nail marks! This happens mostly when going down hill. This doesn’t happen at all in cycling. This feeling is terrible, but it seems to subside the more i run, not more distance, but the more short distances regularly. For example, before i went away to work abroad, i was jogging 3 miles a night to get fit & this never affected me! Does anyone have an explination for this! Thanks Gary Gary, Hope this post from a few years ago helps: Ozzie I’ve been back into training about 8 weeks after break of a few months. Each morning when I get up I get really itchy legs all over for a few minutes – it then goes away – This has happened B4 in similar circumstances – I doubt it’s any allergy type of thing – like to changes in soap powder and all that stuff. I’s damned annoyying – Any Ideas? Robin, It is normal when coming back to running especially among women…and probably if you’re in a colder climate. As the blood vessels dilate in your peripheral circulatory system, the blood flowing through the vessels not yet used to being dialated give one the itchy feeling. You can see in some women that the legs get splotchy (medical term). The feeling is one of having to stop and really scratch the itch or that the itch can be so intense that it feels like one is breaking out in hives. Often at that point one becomes worried and stops running to diminish the itchy feeling. Worked through the feeling with one women a number of years ago. Because of the itchiness, the doctor prescribed an antihistimine for the itchiness. Which only prolonged her problem and pushed the natural process of the vessels dilating and the itchiness going away. At mile 1 the itchiness started and she wanted to stop. We continue slowly for about 3 more miles. At mile 3 of the 4, the vessels dilated and the itchiness went away. It can be irritating…and in her case it was so intense that she would stop each time it got that intense, afraid that she wouldn’t be able to continue and that the intchiness would increase proportionately. So it prolonged the breakthrough. For many who believe that sweating is unladylike, sweating can be a learned reflex. You see some people whose face gets beet red. Once they get to the breakthrough point, their face finally begins to sweat…usually with a few beads of sweat appearing on the nose and then the face breaks into a sweat, the water evaporates and cools the blood flowing through the vessels….and the flush disappears. — In health and on the run, Ozzie Gontang Maintainer-rec.running FAQ Director, San Diego Marathon Clinic, est. 1975

Response:

you would release them more through running. then they re-enter through your thighs.

Response:

[[ This message was both posted and mailed: see the "To," "Cc," and "Newsgroups" headers for details. ]] Hi Predominantly i am a cyclist, but also enjoy cross country running also. I have been recovering for months with an ankle injuury, so therefore not as active as i used to be. I used to run for miles & all was ok. My mother & grandmother, bith had this problem of circulation & itching, especially when getting back into walking, running.

Too many toxins in the body, only accelerated all the more by streneous physical activity. Best unload prior to major efforts.

Response:

Hi Predominantly i am a cyclist, but also enjoy cross country running also. I have been recovering for months with an ankle injuury, so therefore not as active as i used to be. I used to run for miles & all was ok. My mother & grandmother, bith had this problem of circulation & itching, especially when getting back into walking, running. The symptoms are, that when i start to jog, when my body starts to get hot, my sides, stomach, buttock & thighs & feet begin to go red & itch & i get nauseous, the urge to scratch is terrible & end up with severe bruising through scratching, nail marks! This happens mostly when going down hill. This doesn’t happen at all in cycling. This feeling is terrible, but it seems to subside the more i run, not more distance, but the more short distances regularly. For example, before i went away to work abroad, i was jogging 3 miles a night to get fit & this never affected me! Does anyone have an explination for this! Thanks Gary

Response:

The symptoms are, that when i start to jog, when my body starts to get hot, my sides, stomach, buttock & thighs & feet begin to go red & itch & i get nauseous, the urge to scratch is terrible & end up with severe bruising through scratching, nail marks!

You might want to google "exercise induced urticaria OR hives". There are probably also threads in this ng about this, too. Here’s a URL to get you started: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20011015/1367.html I developed hives five or ten minutes after running four times over a period of a couple years, the last two times only a couple weeks apart. Finally (at my goodwife’s urging), I went to an allergist, who tested me for food allergies (40 pinpricks for 40 foods). I turned out to have (developed) an allergy to beef and tomatoes–and could correlate that with what I had eaten the last two times I got hives. (I can’t recall what I ate the other times.) Since then, no beef or tomatoes six hours before running, and I’ve not had any recurrences (except once, when I ate two large double cheeseburgers _without_ exercising afterwards). Very odd–I’ve never had any allergies before, nor was I (apparently) allergic to either up until a few years ago. Worse, I love tomatoes and beef… BTW, from what I’ve read, getting hives _while_ running (your case) is much more common than getting them _after_ running (my case). Oh, and I now carry a beesting kit in the car, in case I need it after a run. Allergic reactions can be deadly. Mike McSwell

Response:

Strongyloides, I bet

Response:

But i don’t get it through weight training or cycling, just running!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Strongyloides, I bet

Response:

[[ This message was both posted and mailed: see the "To," "Cc," and "Newsgroups" headers for details. ]] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Predominantly i am a cyclist, but also enjoy cross country running also. I have been recovering for months with an ankle injuury, so therefore not as active as i used to be. I used to run for miles & all was ok. My mother & grandmother, bith had this problem of circulation & itching, especially when getting back into walking, running. The symptoms are, that when i start to jog, when my body starts to get hot, my sides, stomach, buttock & thighs & feet begin to go red & itch & i get nauseous, the urge to scratch is terrible & end up with severe bruising through scratching, nail marks! This happens mostly when going down hill. This doesn’t happen at all in cycling. This feeling is terrible, but it seems to subside the more i run, not more distance, but the more short distances regularly. For example, before i went away to work abroad, i was jogging 3 miles a night to get fit & this never affected me! Does anyone have an explination for this! Thanks Gary

Gary, Hope this post from a few years ago helps: Ozzie I’ve been back into training about 8 weeks after break of a few months. Each morning when I get up I get really itchy legs all over for a few minutes – it then goes away – This has happened B4 in similar circumstances – I doubt it’s any allergy type of thing – like to changes in soap powder and all that stuff. I’s damned annoyying – Any Ideas?

Robin, It is normal when coming back to running especially among women…and probably if you’re in a colder climate. As the blood vessels dilate in your peripheral circulatory system, the blood flowing through the vessels not yet used to being dialated give one the itchy feeling. You can see in some women that the legs get splotchy (medical term). The feeling is one of having to stop and really scratch the itch or that the itch can be so intense that it feels like one is breaking out in hives. Often at that point one becomes worried and stops running to diminish the itchy feeling. Worked through the feeling with one women a number of years ago. Because of the itchiness, the doctor prescribed an antihistimine for the itchiness. Which only prolonged her problem and pushed the natural process of the vessels dilating and the itchiness going away. At mile 1 the itchiness started and she wanted to stop. We continue slowly for about 3 more miles. At mile 3 of the 4, the vessels dilated and the itchiness went away. It can be irritating…and in her case it was so intense that she would stop each time it got that intense, afraid that she wouldn’t be able to continue and that the intchiness would increase proportionately. So it prolonged the breakthrough. For many who believe that sweating is unladylike, sweating can be a learned reflex. You see some people whose face gets beet red. Once they get to the breakthrough point, their face finally begins to sweat…usually with a few beads of sweat appearing on the nose and then the face breaks into a sweat, the water evaporates and cools the blood flowing through the vessels….and the flush disappears. — In health and on the run, Ozzie Gontang Maintainer-rec.running FAQ Director, San Diego Marathon Clinic, est. 1975

Response:

Hello , is any one there

admin — Wed, 12 Nov 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

*lurking* — [bni] Why does the vatican have lighting rods?

Why does a man lose the hair on his head but keeps his pubic hair until the day he dies .? Stay safe and I wish you well . Peter .

Response:

*lurking* — [bni] Why does the vatican have lighting rods?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi group , its been a while and there have not been too many changes to talk about . Last weekend I went out for a meal and managed to go the whole evening without a panic attack . Sitting in a crowded room with well over one hundred other people , mostly strangers , and I managed to enjoy the evening , so for me that was really good . Its strange but I felt calm , that does not happen that often . My cancer problem appears to be holding well and I have managed to keep my mind occupied with other things . My hobby at the moment is Genealogy , as I am trying to find out all about my families past , this I find has helped me a lot by way of keeping my mind away from bad thoughts . If there is anyone that has been lurking for a while and wants to talk over any problems or thoughts , now could be the time to do it ,the group needs a kick start right now . anyway that’s about it from this Old guy , take care and stay safe everyone . Peter . Hi Peter Well done for going out without an attack, and I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. I’ve started idling in a channel called #depression on the Undernet IRC Network, if you know how to use IRC, and that helps distract me sometimes, but I’ve taken to going out for walks with headphones on to relax me. Glad to hear you’re getting on Peter, keep the faith my friend Andy Kimbrey

Thanks for that Andy , You are doing a good thing by walking Andy , Any form of exercise is good for the mind and the body . I used to love cross country running , but it is not an option these days but I still manage to get out on my mountain bike believe it or not . I need lots of fresh air and take myself off to the hills around my home . I love to sit beneath a large tree and just listen to the wind Andy , I can find peace by doing this , and it takes away much of my pain , all be it for a short while . I have mentioned to you before about finding your special place Andy , The one place where you feel warm and at peace . Keep looking Andy you will find it , and when you do , write to me and tell me all about it . Take care and Stay safe my friend . Peter .

Response:

Hi group , its been a while and there have not been too many changes to talk about . Last weekend I went out for a meal and managed to go the whole evening without a panic attack . Sitting in a crowded room with well over one hundred other people , mostly strangers , and I managed to enjoy the evening , so for me that was really good . Its strange but I felt calm , that does not happen that often . My cancer problem appears to be holding well and I have managed to keep my mind occupied with other things . My hobby at the moment is Genealogy , as I am trying to find out all about my families past , this I find has helped me a lot by way of keeping my mind away from bad thoughts . If there is anyone that has been lurking for a while and wants to talk over any problems or thoughts , now could be the time to do it ,the group needs a kick start right now . anyway that’s about it from this Old guy , take care and stay safe everyone . Peter .

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi group , its been a while and there have not been too many changes to talk about . Last weekend I went out for a meal and managed to go the whole evening without a panic attack . Sitting in a crowded room with well over one hundred other people , mostly strangers , and I managed to enjoy the evening , so for me that was really good . Its strange but I felt calm , that does not happen that often . My cancer problem appears to be holding well and I have managed to keep my mind occupied with other things . My hobby at the moment is Genealogy , as I am trying to find out all about my families past , this I find has helped me a lot by way of keeping my mind away from bad thoughts . If there is anyone that has been lurking for a while and wants to talk over any problems or thoughts , now could be the time to do it ,the group needs a kick start right now . anyway that’s about it from this Old guy , take care and stay safe everyone . Peter .

Hi Peter Well done for going out without an attack, and I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. I’ve started idling in a channel called #depression on the Undernet IRC Network, if you know how to use IRC, and that helps distract me sometimes, but I’ve taken to going out for walks with headphones on to relax me. Glad to hear you’re getting on Peter, keep the faith my friend Andy Kimbrey

Response:

Marathon goals… a little too much?

admin — Fri, 16 May 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

okay so… 2 days before the cellcom race… In response to my last post…. maybe i wasn’t specific enough… I have always been athletic… basketball, baseball. Just never ran for a sport (although I did do cross-country running in high school ROTC and hiking..) Now i have to say I have been eating great….Kept myslef on a really good diet…and this last week I have been really CARBing up for the race…. As far as the question about the race course, it’s super flat…. Now I want to run the whole race… I am gonna be caeful, but does 5 hours seem too unrealistic? (oh, by the way…I am totally healthy 5′10" 165" no knee or leg problems and can bike a LOONG ways…that’s one of my other hobbies)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – okay so… 2 days before the cellcom race… In response to my last post…. maybe i wasn’t specific enough… I have always been athletic… basketball, baseball. Just never ran for a sport (although I did do cross-country running in high school ROTC and hiking..) Now i have to say I have been eating great….Kept myslef on a really good diet…and this last week I have been really CARBing up for the race…. As far as the question about the race course, it’s super flat…. Now I want to run the whole race… I am gonna be caeful, but does 5 hours seem too unrealistic? (oh, by the way…I am totally healthy 5′10" 165" no knee or leg problems and can bike a LOONG ways…that’s one of my other hobbies)

You left out one piece of information. How old are you? If you are below 30, you can probably do it. I’ve seen a sub 5 hour marathon by a 20 year old female that said her longest race was only a 10k do a sub 5. Heck, she was ahead of me, on my first marathon, until the 20 mile marker. Roger

Response:

Kevin: First of all; playing baseball means absolutely nothing. Should I also be impressed that you play golf every week? 5 hours will, probably, be the best you can do. Maybe even 4:45. As I stated earlier, you are in for some pain. So what. I have, about, the same body dimensions as you and I stay fit. I just don’t prepare for marathons all that well. The first time was the most painful. I learned from it. Make sure you stretch during the race. Get liquids during the race. Start slow. And when the pain starts to hit, and believe me, it will hit, remember to keep going. Walking only prolongs the agony. Mentally, I can tell you are so unsure of this race. Give yourself something to think about when times get rough. Find a girl with a nice tight butt and stay behind her if you have to. Just keep moving. Let us know how it goes. BR

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – okay so… 2 days before the cellcom race… In response to my last post…. maybe i wasn’t specific enough… I have always been athletic… basketball, baseball. Just never ran for a sport (although I did do cross-country running in high school ROTC and hiking..) Now i have to say I have been eating great….Kept myslef on a really good diet…and this last week I have been really CARBing up for the race…. As far as the question about the race course, it’s super flat…. Now I want to run the whole race… I am gonna be caeful, but does 5 hours seem too unrealistic? (oh, by the way…I am totally healthy 5′10" 165" no knee or leg problems and can bike a LOONG ways…that’s one of my other hobbies)

Response:

If your last post was not specific enough, then this one is not much better. Since I did not see your last post, I have no idea of how much training you have done in the last year etc. What you say here says almost nothing. It could apply to one of the top 100 runners in the world or to a couch potato. — Joseph E. Meehan 26 + 6 = 1 It’s Irish Math

Response:

Now I want to run the whole race… I am gonna be caeful, but does 5 hours seem too unrealistic?

Why do you ask. Do you want to hear different opinions? Or just the ones you’re wanting to hear? Good luck out there whatever you choose to do. We can’t tele-diagnose you. I wouldn’t do it. But hey, if it feels right to you, do it. Please report back. nina

Response:

look up under my first marathon post.//

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If your last post was not specific enough, then this one is not much better. Since I did not see your last post, I have no idea of how much training you have done in the last year etc. What you say here says almost nothing. It could apply to one of the top 100 runners in the world or to a couch potato. — Joseph E. Meehan 26 + 6 = 1 It’s Irish Math okay so… 2 days before the cellcom race… In response to my last post…. maybe i wasn’t specific enough… I have always been athletic… basketball, baseball. Just never ran for a sport (although I did do cross-country running in high school ROTC and hiking..) Now i have to say I have been eating great….Kept myslef on a really good diet…and this last week I have been really CARBing up for the race…. As far as the question about the race course, it’s super flat…. Now I want to run the whole race… I am gonna be caeful, but does 5 hours seem too unrealistic? (oh, by the way…I am totally healthy 5′10" 165" no knee or leg problems and can bike a LOONG ways…that’s one of my other hobbies)

Response:

You having a bad day? I was just asking opinions…. sounds like you’re tearing at my neck!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now I want to run the whole race… I am gonna be caeful, but does 5 hours seem too unrealistic? Why do you ask. Do you want to hear different opinions? Or just the ones you’re wanting to hear? Good luck out there whatever you choose to do. We can’t tele-diagnose you. I wouldn’t do it. But hey, if it feels right to you, do it. Please report back. nina

Response:

sorry i missed that LOL, i am 21

Response:

Oh come on Kevin lighten up. This is your third post which basically ask for answers to the same question. Monday it was "all I’m trying to do is finish" and now on Saturday it’s "does 5 hours seem too unrealistic?". Nina’s correct in that we can’t tele-diagnose you. You’ve about got all the different views your going to get. Just go out and do the thing and report back if you wish. My answer on five hours: This means an average pace of 11:27 per mile. Run the first half a lot slower than that and hope you’re feeling ok at mile 20 (where a marathon actually starts) to bang it in. Don’t misinterpret my answer to mean I concur with your decision to run the race with your preparation because I don’t for a variety of reasons but since you seem set on it, that’s my answer. Doug Burke – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You having a bad day? I was just asking opinions…. sounds like you’re tearing at my neck!!! Now I want to run the whole race… I am gonna be caeful, but does 5 hours seem too unrealistic? Why do you ask. Do you want to hear different opinions? Or just the ones you’re wanting to hear? Good luck out there whatever you choose to do. We can’t tele-diagnose you. I wouldn’t do it. But hey, if it feels right to you, do it. Please report back. nina

Response:

okay…. sorry, I am probably sounding like an idiot LOL sorry to nina, doug and the rest of the group. I don’t want to have anyone irritated with me… Just wanted some opinions

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oh come on Kevin lighten up. This is your third post which basically ask for answers to the same question. Monday it was "all I’m trying to do is finish" and now on Saturday it’s "does 5 hours seem too unrealistic?". Nina’s correct in that we can’t tele-diagnose you. You’ve about got all the different views your going to get. Just go out and do the thing and report back if you wish. My answer on five hours: This means an average pace of 11:27 per mile. Run the first half a lot slower than that and hope you’re feeling ok at mile 20 (where a marathon actually starts) to bang it in. Don’t misinterpret my answer to mean I concur with your decision to run the race with your preparation because I don’t for a variety of reasons but since you seem set on it, that’s my answer. Doug Burke You having a bad day? I was just asking opinions…. sounds like you’re tearing at my neck!!! Now I want to run the whole race… I am gonna be caeful, but does 5 hours seem too unrealistic? Why do you ask. Do you want to hear different opinions? Or just the ones you’re wanting to hear? Good luck out there whatever you choose to do. We can’t tele-diagnose you. I wouldn’t do it. But hey, if it feels right to you, do it. Please report back. nina

Response:

You having a bad day? I was just asking opinions…. sounds like you’re tearing at my neck!!!

Okay, your first post said: Well…..I just started running last year, and now I am a week from my first marathon… As far as training, I think I have REALLY screwed it up LOL… I haven’t ran farther than 12 miles, so Sunday is gonna kill me… But hey, all i am trying to do is finish.. Fox Cities Marathon I’ll set my goals (and my training) A LOT HIGHER

and your second post said: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – okay so… 2 days before the cellcom race… In response to my last post…. maybe i wasn’t specific enough… I have always been athletic… basketball, baseball. Just never ran for a sport (although I did do cross-country running in high school ROTC and hiking..) Now i have to say I have been eating great….Kept myslef on a really good diet…and this last week I have been really CARBing up for the race…. As far as the question about the race course, it’s super flat…. Now I want to run the whole race… I am gonna be caeful, but does 5 hours seem too unrealistic? (oh, by the way…I am totally healthy 5′10" 165" no knee or leg problems and can bike a LOONG ways…that’s one of my other hobbies)

Every thing you said was VAGUE! Running facts you supplied Long run 12miles pace UNKNOWN weekly mileage UNKNOWN mileage per run UNKNOWN Total number of months training(running) UNKNOWN Other sports facts you supplied Biking Long bike length UNKNOWN (what is "a LOONG ways"????) weekly bik mileage UNKNOWN mileage per trip UNKNOWN Total number of months biking UNKNOWN Basketball Number of games per week UNKNOWN number of training session per week UNKNOWN Baseball Number of games per week UNKNOWN number of training session per week UNKNOWN Given the fact you gave us, what would you suggest a biker do for a 100mile race? Do you see now why we cannot answer you??? — Ed Prochak running http://www.faqs.org/faqs/running-faq/ netiquette http://www.psg.com/emily.html — "Two roads diverged in a wood and I I took the one less travelled by and that has made all the difference." robert frost

Response:

I could not find it. It seems to have rolled off my server, unless you used a different name. — Joseph E. Meehan 26 + 6 = 1 It’s Irish Math

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – look up under my first marathon post.// If your last post was not specific enough, then this one is not much better. Since I did not see your last post, I have no idea of how much training you have done in the last year etc. What you say here says almost nothing. It could apply to one of the top 100 runners in the world or to a couch potato. — Joseph E. Meehan 26 + 6 = 1 It’s Irish Math okay so… 2 days before the cellcom race… In response to my last post…. maybe i wasn’t specific enough… I have always been athletic… basketball, baseball. Just never ran for a sport (although I did do cross-country running in high school ROTC and hiking..) Now i have to say I have been eating great….Kept myslef on a really good diet…and this last week I have been really CARBing up for the race…. As far as the question about the race course, it’s super flat…. Now I want to run the whole race… I am gonna be caeful, but does 5 hours seem too unrealistic? (oh, by the way…I am totally healthy 5′10" 165" no knee or leg problems and can bike a LOONG ways…that’s one of my other hobbies)

Response:

I am probably sounding like an idiot

Some things never change… Bill R. OO

Response:

Help for new cross country coach?

admin — Wed, 27 Nov 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hello. I’ve agreed to take on the position of cross country coach for our local middle school next fall, mainly by default, as they are having trouble finding anyone for the new position. I’m a runner, but I’ve never coached runners before. I’d like to start getting some ideas together… warm-ups, training schedule, etc., and I’m wondering if anyone here can point me toward some resources for coaching. Thanks for any help you can give, Sam

Response:

Try searching for books on amazon.com,…I just did a quick search using "distance running"…here’s some of the book titles that came up: Coaching cross country successfully Distance training for young athletes Training for young distance runners Practical coaching techniques for distance and cross country running etc… I don’t think I could imagine a more appropriate list of books for what you are looking for! Hope this is helpful, -Jake

Posted Via Uncensored-News.Com – Still Only $9.95 – http://www.uncensored-news.com <<<<<<< The Worlds Uncensored News Source <<<<<<<<

Response:

Jake, I’m not a x-country coach, but I’ve observed that coaches in many sports at the middle school level tend to be a very collegial bunch. This may sound funny, but if I were in your place, I’d call up several other schools in the area and find out how to contact their coaches. One or more of them may be willing to give you some advice about how to learn the ropes and do the best job of training your runners. You could also talk to high school x-country coaches about what they think are the most important basics to teach younger runners. Good luck. Chris

Response:

Also, consider taking an ASEP course or getting Rainer Martens book (the latter is used for the former). In some states ASEP certification is required. You might also consider taking the Level I USATF coaching course.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jake, I’m not a x-country coach, but I’ve observed that coaches in many sports at the middle school level tend to be a very collegial bunch. This may sound funny, but if I were in your place, I’d call up several other schools in the area and find out how to contact their coaches. One or more of them may be willing to give you some advice about how to learn the ropes and do the best job of training your runners. You could also talk to high school x-country coaches about what they think are the most important basics to teach younger runners. Good luck. Chris

Response:

Thanks to all who responded here or in email form… You’ve been a big help! BigSam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello. I’ve agreed to take on the position of cross country coach for our local middle school next fall, mainly by default, as they are having trouble finding anyone for the new position. I’m a runner, but I’ve never coached runners before. I’d like to start getting some ideas together… warm-ups, training schedule, etc., and I’m wondering if anyone here can point me toward some resources for coaching. Thanks for any help you can give, Sam

Response:

Fitness goals

admin — Mon, 21 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

That is fantastic that you are setting activity goals. I found goals to be one of the keys in successfully losing weight, developing clarity around your future. Setting goals that compell you to get better at different activitys will force your body to adapt, change and improve to meet those goals. One problem I found was that there is very little guidance given to goal setting for weight loss. I developed my own success planner which helps you plan out your goals and track your results. If anyone wants one. Rod Moore www.fatlossresults.com

Condensed FAQ posting for ASD. 1.1. What is the purpose of alt.support.diet?- To provide emotional support, encouragement, and practical advice to those who wish to improve their health, appearance, and/or self image through a weight loss or weight maintenance program. The name of the group, alt.support.diet, is somewhat unfortunate because: a) exercise is just as important as diet in weight loss, and b) the word "diet" is often interpreted as "a temporary regimen hat’s somehow expected to lead to permanent weight loss," rather than its original meaning of "how one eats." The membership of a.s.d ranges from those who wish to lose relatively small amounts of weight (e.g., the 5-10 pounds that many of us tend to put on over the holidays), to those who are 100 ounds or more overweight, to those who have already completed a weight loss program and wish to maintain their new, healthier weight and lifestyle. 1.2. Are advertisements allowed on a.s.d? Because a.s.d is not a moderated group, there is no way to prevent individuals or companies from posting advertisements for their products. However, anyone contemplating posting such messages should be aware that advertisements, particularly those for weight loss plans or diet aids are emphatically not welcome here. This includes, but is not limited to, herbalife, metabolife, colorad, chitosan, pyruvate, other weight loss supplements, plans, methods and aids. Our definition of an ad includes posting info about a product and saying e-mail me for more info, posting another’s web site URL if the web site sells a product, and any other product recommendation where you stand to benefit financially should the readers of your post purchase the product recommended. Anyone posting any type of ad will reported their ISP for placing an ad in a noncommercial newsgroup that does not allow advertising. Furthermore, the web site host, should it be different from the spammer’s ISP, will be alerted that spam is being posted in regards to the web site that they host. Many a.s.d readers have already learned the hard way that sustained, healthy weight loss doesn’t come from over-the-counter remedies, and that "too good to be true" diets are just that. (a.s.d readers who encounter advertisements posted to the newsgroup should mail the advertiser a copy of this FAQ and report the ad to the spammer’s ISP.) . Should there be a question posted about a product you sell, please do not respond. The fact that you stand to benefit financially from the recommendation you would make, makes the credibility and motivation of your recommendation suspect. There are a few newsgroups (those in the biz.* hierarchy, and those with "marketplace" or "forsale" in their names) where ads are permitted. Advertisers who are interested in reaching dieters or nutrition-conscious readers should check out alt.forsale.nutrition in particular. An alternative to advertising via Usenet is to set up your own site on the World Wide web. The URL (address) of your Web site can be included in the signature file that you append to posts you make in alt.support.diet, but please do not post articles that contain nothing more than pointers to your Web site-such articles fall within the technical definition of "advertisements." (Before including advertising in your Web site, be sure to check with your Internet service provider; many ISP’s prohibit commercial ventures from personal accounts.) The remainder of the FAQ can be found at http://asd.dozer.com

Response:

I’ve been setting all my goals based on body/physical change. I’ve decided to make a fitness type goal that is based on actual ability, rather than pounds or inches. My first goal is a 10 minute mile. Now, I know many of you may laugh at this, I’m sure there are lots of people who can do it in much less than 10 minutes. But for me, this is a good goal because I have always hated to jog and don’t really have the stamina for it. My feeling is that if I am truly in good shape, eventually my body will reflect that! Determined (to make this 10 minute mile)

A ten-minute mile isn’t a bad time at all for an amateur runner. In my high-school cross-country running days, it was the standard training time. If you can run a ten-minute mile consistently, three or four times a week, you’ll be in great cardiovascular shape. T (not a sprinter, either)

Response:

Having fitness goals are great. It give you a feeling of real accomplishment. Let us know how you are doing. Roxan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been setting all my goals based on body/physical change. I’ve decided to make a fitness type goal that is based on actual ability, rather than pounds or inches. My first goal is a 10 minute mile. Now, I know many of you may laugh at this, I’m sure there are lots of people who can do it in much less than 10 minutes. But for me, this is a good goal because I have always hated to jog and don’t really have the stamina for it. My feeling is that if I am truly in good shape, eventually my body will reflect that! Determined (to make this 10 minute mile)

Response:

Here’s to Goals and Challenges

Response:

Your goal is great!! We all have to start somewhere and I see absolutely nothing wrong with a ten minutes mile. Go get it!! Beverly

Response:

I’ve decided to make a fitness type goal that is based on actual ability, rather than pounds or inches.

that is a GREAT idea! My first goal is a 10 minute mile. Now, I know many of you may laugh at this, I’m sure there are lots of people who can do it in much less than 10 minutes.

4mph. you go girl!

Response:

why did you start running?

admin — Thu, 07 Mar 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

hey i give up smoking 2 weeks ago and it’s great! Try it! I’m broke and a student so you should feel soory for me !! LOL!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The reason i want to start now is to fulfill my potential and hopefully lose weight too. I was old, laid off, fat and over-weight, broke, totally depressed, ill, smoking 20 sticks of cig a day and generally sick of myself. One day, I told myself that despite all these, I’m not yet finished as a person and so I ran. After a few weeks, I told myself to do a marathon to prove that I could still do something. So after two months of running, I entered my first marathon and ran, walked, jogged, and crawled my way to the finish line, "motivating" myself by thinking that I am worth less than dirt if I quit. I have been running since, lost some weight, smoked less, healthier, but still old, broke and jobless But life feels better.

Response:

I got mad at my sister and ended up running the mile and a half home. I can still remember the feeling when I got home like I had just conquered the world. My legs were kind of tingley. A month or so later I found a flyer for a 5 mile race and talked my parents into letting me run. The rest 23 years later is history. Andy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories. my story is dull. i was forced to do pe at school and one day we did cross country running. I never looked back! I loved it! I hoping to get back into it soon. The reason i want to start now is to fulfill my potential and hopefully lose weight too. Many thanks Nancy

Response:

I hope your daugther gets better soon Nancy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Started running originally in grade nine. PE class we had to run a 1.5 mile route around the block (one big block!). The first day the PE teacher accused me of cutting through a field, because I finished about 5 minutes ahead of everyone else in the class and didn’t break a sweat. Next class he drove around following me. So I dropped out of band and joined up cross country 2/3 of the way through the season. Kept on going through high school, ran a bit in college (out of 5 years there, I still have 3 years eligibility left if I ever decide to go back…not likely!). Since then, every now and then I put on the shoes and go out and get frustrated because it hurts to run now — went from 122 lbs racing weight to over 160 now. However… A series of events in the last year involving my wife and new baby daughter have made me realize a few things about myself and life in general — that being that I want to be around to enjoy it, enjoy them, and for them to enjoy me. So now, I will run again, and this time I am determined to make it stick. I was supposed to start again Monday past, but my daughter has been in the hospital since Sunday, so my restart date is Monday next week. My tag line used to be "I run, therefore I am", and it has always been a part of my being, and so now, I am going to be me again! JerryB I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories. my story is dull. i was forced to do pe at school and one day we did cross country running. I never looked back! I loved it! I hoping to get back into it soon. The reason i want to start now is to fulfill my potential and hopefully lose weight too. Many thanks Nancy

Response:

I got drunk and told my wife that if she ran a half marathon with me (my work friends had challenged me), I would do dancing lessons with her(I don’t do dancing). Her eyes lit up and I regreted opening my mouth. We both started running and we both carried on running, she got into it so much she hasn’t got time to hold me to my side of the bargain! — Martin M

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories. my story is dull. i was forced to do pe at school and one day we did cross country running. I never looked back! I loved it! I hoping to get back into it soon. The reason i want to start now is to fulfill my potential and hopefully lose weight too. Many thanks Nancy

Response:

I like the rush. in early 70 esh used to run thru trail and hills. No reason just ran and walk. in 80 esh a day would not go by with out a 3 or 5 mile run. after work/weekends.. in 90 esh started to get some lip of younger runners/physical types. so gave smell lipback and mostly like to make fun of it. in 2000 I met you all. Only seems like more into style and form. doing races and trying to learn faster healing methods. LowtucZowtuc

Response:

A few years ago, I’d been thinking about starting some sort of exercise program and fixated on running because all you needed was a pair of shoes and some time. Sadly, all I was doing was *thinking* about it, and occasionally talking about it with some friends. One day at work I mentioned starting running to a co-worker (and runner) and she said, "Why don’t you start tonight?" "Umm.. ahh…" "Are you doing anything tonight?" "Uh, no.. I guess not." "Well, why not start running tonight?" "Ok.. that seems like a good idea." I have been running or biking regularly since then. Sometimes you just need the smallest push. Thanks Janelle. -J

Response:

I’m 39, F & started running just over a year ago – ran a *whole mile* for the first time since age 13 (if then) a year ago tomorrow! (woo hoo!) ;-) I am now doing 3-4 miles a day w/longer runs on the weekend. I started running because walking was taking too long. I lost 45 lbs. by walking w/my dogs (and eating the right food!) the year before, but then one of my dogs started chemo and often wasn’t up to walking 3 miles a day, but I felt so bad leaving her home and taking the other, older dog (who didn’t want to go in the first place!) so I started running w/out either of them and then taking them for a shorter walk. Funny thing is, I usually run at the dog park, w/out the dogs. ;-) (Dog continues to do extraordinarily well – presently in partial remission of canine lymphoma, dx’d just about two years ago – would never know to look at her she’s having chemo every three weeks. I’m very, very, very thankful! :-)

Response:

With 15 I stopped playing soccer. With the time I got lazy. My parents encouraged me to join to a sport club. With 18 I joined the local sport club. I was one of the slower runner and that motivated me to start runing myself. 10 years later I am the fastet runner (400m and longer) of our sports club. Felix http://home.tiscalinet.ch/weilenmann/Sport

Response:

Forgot to mention that I did my first race in September 2000. Last year I did only one 10k race. The rest of racing was tri-/duathlon. Will be the same this year. Beneath the tris I plan to doa halfmarathon.

Response:

I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories.

I’ve always ran a lot, since a very young age. I’ve always known that I wanted to be a runner. I’m currently on my longest sabbatical ever from running. I have a fracture on the talus and I’m not running for 6 weeks. I’m presently deciding between a hard cast, or a ankle/foot orthosis? Troy

Response:

I started running in first grade when some older bullies chased me home from school everyday. I also had to run away from my sister a lot so she couldn’t hit me. In seventh grade, track and field was the only part of P.E., I got an "A" in. The teacher told the other kids that I was fragile and if I could get an A they should be able to also. At that age, I loved to just take my dog to the park and run with him – it felt great! In ninth grade, we had to run a lap around the track in P.E. and then run back to the field. I was always the first one back. After a few weeks, the teacher asked me if I’d like to join the crosscountry team. I didn’t know anything about it except that it was running so I said "yes." I was introduced to the coach. (A large 7 foot tall man.) I was afraid of him and he seemed dubious about my being on the team. He let me join and at first, I was the worst one but by the end of the season I was named most improved. Eleventh and Twelfth grades I was team captain and my coach was my all time favorite teacher. My coach also took my friend and I to our first road race – a ten miler around the Rose Bowl. I placed first in my division and I was hooked!

Response:

Nancy We were made to run in school when the weather was too bad to play football (that’s real football, or Soccer you guys "across the pond") I hated it (along with everyone else in my class) and we used to try all the skives imaginable. I don’t suppose I ran further than 800M for the first 28 years of my life. However, I did get into sailing and particularly dinghy racing, so it’s not like I was totally unfit. (plus I’ve always been slim, and since puberty tall as well) Then (to cut a long story short.) I got involved in a plan to sail around the world, and stopped racing. I became worried that sailing full-time would be difficult and I was losing fitness, so I planned a run and went round the block. It nearly killed me. Fortunately I took a wrong turn, and so only ran about 1.8 miles. I thought my heart would come out of my chest. For days after that my legs were agony (particularly on the first step of a down flight of stairs) Anyway a few days later I went again and did the full 2 miles as planned. I ran multiple times over the next 6 months or so, then we left and I found out that long distance sailing (my kind at any rate) involves almost no exertion at all. I ran in all kinds of countries, and all over the place. I wish I’d had more confidence as I could have dome some great races (I’ve still never raced) such as the nocturnal 10K race they have in Seville (Spain) or another 10K in Papeetee (Tahiti) Anyway, I got back, got a job (working for myself) and started to get fatter. I still had bursts when I would run for perhaps a couple of months, but then injury, or more commonly recently illness (I have a 2 year old) would stop me, and I’d be poorly motivated to start again. Anyway, I finally started again in earnest on 15th Jan 2002 (to get rid of what my wife calls my "Love Handles") and so far I’ve run 74 miles. (with 1 week off) I’m hoping to do a sub 2 hour 1/2 marathon later this year which will be my first race. Well my first "proper" race, you see there’s this damn fool "Amphibious" race each year in a little village in Norfolk. 1 lap of a roughly 1 mile course. Running over marshes, swimming across creaks, crawling through mud. I’ve done it 3 times now, and each time I vow to be better prepared next time. It’s a real killer. Cheers Rob

Response:

At age 39 my waist was 38 and growing exponentially. I was unsure which would reach 40 first, my age or mid-section. Took up running which in High school was always done for some penalty and the weight melted off. For the last 15 years I hang at 172-175 all year. I now suffer from CRS – Can’t remember sh*t! — Caveat Lector "the further you go outside, the further you go inside" – B. McKibben Doug Freese

Response:

- Want to get fit and loose the weight. – Started running last year in jul/aug. – Currently try to run at least 20miles/week. – Satish

Response:

Oops…I misspelled lose twice so far!

Response:

The reason i want to start now is to fulfill my potential and hopefully lose weight too.

I was old, laid off, fat and over-weight, broke, totally depressed, ill, smoking 20 sticks of cig a day and generally sick of myself. One day, I told myself that despite all these, I’m not yet finished as a person and so I ran. After a few weeks, I told myself to do a marathon to prove that I could still do something. So after two months of running, I entered my first marathon and ran, walked, jogged, and crawled my way to the finish line, "motivating" myself by thinking that I am worth less than dirt if I quit. I have been running since, lost some weight, smoked less, healthier, but still old, broke and jobless But life feels better.

Response:

I’ve been interested in running for as long as I can remember (I think watching the Olympics as a kid was an influence). Then once I entered junior high I ran cross country and track, but only ran during the seasons. I started running year-round my sophmore year in high school. At the end of the track season, my coach told all the cross country guys to run over the summer. I enjoyed running that summer, and then when cross country season started in the fall, I found out that I was the only one who ran all summer. I couldn’t believe the difference that it made (I went from #8 on our team to #2), and that hooked me for good! After my competitive days were over (maybe competitive should be in quotes :’ ) I kept running because I liked the feeling of being in shape, and also the ‘runner’s high’. 18 years and still running (only slower), Kurt Kennett – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories. my story is dull. i was forced to do pe at school and one day we did cross country running. I never looked back! I loved it! I hoping to get back into it soon. The reason i want to start now is to fulfill my potential and hopefully lose weight too. Many thanks Nancy

Response:

Started running originally in grade nine. PE class we had to run a 1.5 mile route around the block (one big block!). The first day the PE teacher accused me of cutting through a field, because I finished about 5 minutes ahead of everyone else in the class and didn’t break a sweat. Next class he drove around following me. So I dropped out of band and joined up cross country 2/3 of the way through the season. Kept on going through high school, ran a bit in college (out of 5 years there, I still have 3 years eligibility left if I ever decide to go back…not likely!). Since then, every now and then I put on the shoes and go out and get frustrated because it hurts to run now — went from 122 lbs racing weight to over 160 now. However… A series of events in the last year involving my wife and new baby daughter have made me realize a few things about myself and life in general — that being that I want to be around to enjoy it, enjoy them, and for them to enjoy me. So now, I will run again, and this time I am determined to make it stick. I was supposed to start again Monday past, but my daughter has been in the hospital since Sunday, so my restart date is Monday next week. My tag line used to be "I run, therefore I am", and it has always been a part of my being, and so now, I am going to be me again! JerryB – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories. my story is dull. i was forced to do pe at school and one day we did cross country running. I never looked back! I loved it! I hoping to get back into it soon. The reason i want to start now is to fulfill my potential and hopefully lose weight too. Many thanks Nancy

Response:

For some reason, this guy in a state trooper hat, green camoflage and M-16 rifle kept yelling at me to "Move IT! Move IT! Move IT!" Nuke

Response:

I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories.

Hey, Nancy, I hope you’re successful in your goal. The runner’s world website has something about running to lose weight on their front page. I was interested in your post because I had the cutest run this morning. (Bet y’all didn’t know a run could be cute.) Well, mine are cute if I run while James waits for the bus with Kit, because then I get to run by all the other elementary school children waiting for the bus. There’s one little fellah who’s so tiny, I can’t believe he’s in Kindergarten. He waits outside all by himself. As I ran toward him this morning, I said "Good morning," and he very solemnly raised his hand in salutation. Then, after I was past, he said "Why d’yah hafta run?" I said "I love to run!" but I thought it was a funny question! He’s so serious. The next kid I passed is named Zachary. He was in Kit’s Kindergarten class, and he can’t hold still for beans. I got to read to her class one day, and I knew a lot of the children from preschool. Zach said "Do you know my name?" He must’ve thought I was clairvoyant. Then he took his shoes off while I was reading, and was chastised by the teacher. He’s an awesome rollerblader. As I ran toward Zach, he sprinted down the block ahead of me, then sprinted back. Very fast. I think he could beat me in a race. Finally I ran past three kids standing on the sidewalk, arguing about who was going to get on the bus first (they were in a line), and mom was discussing this with them from a window in the house. I’m sorry, what was the question? :-) I guess that answers why I *keep* running. I started running because it was the only thing I could do with two young children. I ran inside, around a 33 by 16′ room we happen to have. I arranged the furniture so I had a track. And they would run after me. Christmas was difficult, I’d knock a lot of pine needles on the floor. This is as opposed to doing aerobics, where they just couldn’t keep up with the moves, then they would get bored and fight or get in my way or try to grab me. And, I confess, I did Gil Janklowicz, I just couldn’t "elmosize." On weekends I could run outside. And once I started running 16 mile weeks, I was totally hooked. Maggie

Response:

I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories.

Great post, Nancy. I started running in late May of 2000 after smoking a pack a day for 17 years and doing absolutely nothing athletic-wise for that entire period. I was suffering from fairly bad depression at the time as well. It was a very tough period of my life. — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "Bid me run, and I will strive with things impossible." Shakespeare, Julius Caesar http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/home.html –

Response:

I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories.

My story, like some others, is a multi-parter. In school, I was known as the slowest kid in the school. I had a prescription from my doctor saying that I was excused from running because I had exercise-induced asthma. In 10th grade homeroom, there was an announcement that it was the last day for indoor track physicals. Some wit said "Hey, Carr, why don’t you go out for indoor track?" I did a slow burn while everyone laughed and then (I’m still not sure why) I got up and started walking out of the class. The teacher said "Where are you going?" I replied that I was going for a physical for indoor track. The teacher said "Very funny, sit back down." I ignored her and went to get the physical. I have no idea how I passed the physical – I think the nurse never got a copy of the prescription, just the gym teacher. First day of track, I ran a quarter mile, and collapsed with an asthma attack. I literally had to crawl back to the locker room. I felt like hell the rest of the day. So, of course, the next day, I showed up again, and this time ran a bit farther before the asthma kicked in. I think Coach Kopinski didn’t have the heart to throw me off the team. Eventually, I got to be the charity case on the team. There were meets I missed because my teachers wouldn’t let me out for track because they didn’t think I was a "serious" athlete. In college, I ran XC and track. I was 5′9" and 115-120 lbs. At the time, the standard way to train was to start off a couple weeks before the season and run 5 miles a day until you got up to 120 miles/week midseason. When offseason came, you could barely walk or run. Then when track came, you did it all again. Slogans were "No pain, no gain" and "It doesn’t hurt near enough!" Hey, it was what was done. We didn’t know any different. Yeah, there were "Runners World" issues where they talked about increasing mileage slowly and doing workouts at a pace you can talk at. I thought it was the funniest thing. About 1995 or 6, I got turf toe. That’s a lot better to say in Pittsburgh where turf toe ended Steeler Jack Lambert’s career. One need not point out that it’s just a bunion. Anyway, I got surgery for it, and about that time, I decided my running career was over. A little later, I quit being a paramedic, and became a writer, sitting in front of the computer all day. No walking, no exercise, a terrible diet, and horrendous weight gain. At about 220-230 lbs, I started noticing an irregular heartbeat. My heart rate was never under 100. I tried to borrow a heart monitor to see what was going on, but I never caught it, and I wondered if I was imagining it. You know, as a paramedic, I never would have made such a stupid diagnostic decision on anyone else. Well, because of my increased weight, I went to the doctor for what we thought was an asthma attack. Major. At that point, I looked like, felt like, and probably was shit. The asthma medicine just kept making things worse. A new doctor figured out that it was actually esophageal reflux causing the asthma, and he did a blood test for giggles. Ok, I looked like death warmed over – I sort of wonder if he was looking to see if I’d actually contracted HIV from the confused AIDS patient that had attacked me years before when I was a paramedic. Dec. 22, I went into his office, and he said "You’re diabetic." I said "Shit." I said that quite a few times. See, my Dad was a diabetic. He died from Non-Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis, which at the time was not known to be a risk to diabetic males – only females. Several other Uncles died from liver failure related to diabetes as well. Ever see someone die from liver failure? It is not the worst way to die that I’ve ever seen, but it’s up there in the top 5%. I had a book _The Runner’s Complete Medical Guide_ from 1980 that said that exercise was one thought to prevent diabetes. The association of genetics, weight gain and bad diet was also known, and as a paramedic, I was well aware of the risk factors. I can tell if someone is pulseless from across the room. I’ve diagnosed CHF from two floors down. I’ve had to explain to doctors what "Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome" was and the signs and symptoms of it. I was a Pittsburgh Paramedic, and we were among the best. Yet I can’t diagnose myself worth a hill of beans. Being a diabetic is my own damn fault. I went out and read everything I could to find out about how to take care of myself. When I discovered that exercise was good, I started walking. I bought a treadmill. Walking is boring. I started running after a while, simply because I couldn’t stand walking on a treadmill. At least I was smart enough to realize I had to take it slow. I started out with a walk-run for 2 miles and built up from there. The rest, including my first two marathons, is now history! Rob

Response:

I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories.

I started three times: -once in early high school (track)–dropped out due to basketball and other commitments; I regret that I never tried x-country as a teen, I was a sprinter instead -again after college, started running as a way to stay fit despite a bizarre musician/writer schedule (and eating New Orleans food); injured my left knee in a 10K race on poor quality streets and that was it for more than 20 years -finally, and for good, I started running again in fall of 2000 at age 45 as an accidental part of my plan to do things more "on purpose" in the second half of my life, including fitness. I started doing gym workouts (weights, treadmill, etc.) and after several weeks of lower body strength work discovered I had no pain when running. It’s been a hoot since then, two marathons and many more to come, I have a great deal more energy, I sleep better and I enjoy pursuing a sport where I will be able to compete against myself over the long term. Hope you’re enjoying your training. As I’m sure you know, running by itself isn’t a way to slim down, but it’s a great contributor in combination with healthy eating. Chris

Response:

I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories. my story is dull. i was forced to do pe at school and one day we did cross country running. I never looked back! I loved it! I hoping to get back into it soon. The reason i want to start now is to fulfill my potential and hopefully lose weight too. Many thanks Nancy

Response:

I think that most people’s stories would be dull. I mean, how exciting could it be? Maybe: "After escaping from prison, I had to run ten hours straight before I outran the hounds. It made me realize how much I loved running; so I gave up my life of crime so that I could continue my running life uninhibited." My real story is that I took a treadmill stress test one day. During the test I felt awful. By the time I left the hospital I had recovered and felt more relaxed and happy than I remembered feeling in years. I didn’t even realize how crummy I felt most of the time! Being no dimwit, I figured that running made me feel good, so I kept at it. I take layoffs for several months at a time, and I’ve been exploring other activities, but I’ve been running since that day, and I expect to continue to run until I can’t. — Harold – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering, all of you love your running and i just wondered why you all started? I’d love to hear the stories. my story is dull. i was forced to do pe at school and one day we did cross country running. I never looked back! I loved it! I hoping to get back into it soon. The reason i want to start now is to fulfill my potential and hopefully lose weight too. Many thanks Nancy

Response:

measuring wheel accuracy on grass/turf?

admin — Wed, 05 Sep 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Some slipage can occur when using a wheel on soft surfaces, but the difference you sight is substantial. Compare how it measures against a 100 foot tape on a hard surface, then try it on grass. A variance of 20% will be noticable in just 100 feet. Rich — Posted from c1240929-a.fedwy1.wa.home.com [24.176.2.121] via Mailgate.ORG Server – http://www.Mailgate.ORG

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -We have been attempting to lay out a high school cross-country running route. We have a measuring wheel, but we seem to be getting inconsistent measurements. Does a measuring wheel loose its usefulness on grass? Does it become inconsistent when rolled over a grassy surface? The problem we seem to be facing is that the wheel ALWAYS indicates that it has not travelled as far as it actually has. We have been measuring a course that we feel has been accurately measured in the past as being 15,206 feet. Our measurements with this wheel gives a reading of about 12,080 feet. Thats a substantial difference.!!! We have determined that the counter on the wheel never stops counting…..as long as the user is walking, the counter is counting. The only thing we can think of is that this wheel just does not give a true reading when used on grass. About 60% of the course we are measuring is grass. Anyone have any comments or input on this? Thank you……. Lee Carkenord

For all the courses I’ve ever laid out, I’ve used a bike with a cyclocomputer…they only cost $15-$30 for a basic model and it’ll measure in kilometers and miles. (usually to the hundreth). Joe

Response:

That’s about a 20% difference! Does the wheel measure directly in feet, or does it count revolutions? If it counts revolutions, make sure the factor for converting to feet is correct. Maybe you could try measuring a length of grass with a tape measure (a football field, for example) and the measuring with the wheel. If the wheel is not tracking correctly on the grass, this test should reveal the discrepancy. Also measure on a running track. It’s possible that the counter has been calibrated for a wheel of a different diameter. Of course, a final possibility is that the previous measurement was incorrect. What kinds of times were you getting on this course?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -We have been attempting to lay out a high school cross-country running route. We have a measuring wheel, but we seem to be getting inconsistent measurements. Does a measuring wheel loose its usefulness on grass? Does it become inconsistent when rolled over a grassy surface? The problem we seem to be facing is that the wheel ALWAYS indicates that it has not travelled as far as it actually has. We have been measuring a course that we feel has been accurately measured in the past as being 15,206 feet. Our measurements with this wheel gives a reading of about 12,080 feet. Thats a substantial difference.!!! We have determined that the counter on the wheel never stops counting…..as long as the user is walking, the counter is counting. The only thing we can think of is that this wheel just does not give a true reading when used on grass. About 60% of the course we are measuring is grass. Anyone have any comments or input on this? Thank you……. Lee Carkenord

Response:

Is that a typo? Did you mean 15,080 feet? If not, you could probably do about as well by pacing off the course. We have determined that the counter on the wheel never stops counting…..as long as the user is walking, the counter is counting. The only thing we can think of is that this wheel just does not give a true reading when used on grass. About 60% of the course we are measuring is grass. Anyone have any comments or input on this?

Find a track with grass around the outside or inside. Measure around the track with your wheel, then measure the offset of your radius from the measured line on the track and do the math to figure the true distance. This should confirm whether your wheel is measuring long, and by how much. Alternatively, steel tape a 1000 foot section of the course and see what measurement the wheel gives over that segment. (1000 feet is the minimum length allowed by USATF for calibration courses.) Using a wheel on a rougher surface than the one it is calibrated for would produce measurements that show a course to be shorter than it really is. The wheel would tend to lose contact with the surface and not spin as much as it should. — Terry R. McConnell Mathematics/304B Carnegie/Syracuse, N.Y. 13244-1150

Response:

We have been attempting to lay out a high school cross-country running route. We have a measuring wheel, but we seem to be getting inconsistent measurements. Does a measuring wheel loose its usefulness on grass? Does it become inconsistent when rolled over a grassy surface? The problem we seem to be facing is that the wheel ALWAYS indicates that it has not travelled as far as it actually has. We have been measuring a course that we feel has been accurately measured in the past as being 15,206 feet. Our measurements with this wheel gives a reading of about 12,080 feet. Thats a substantial difference.!!! We have determined that the counter on the wheel never stops counting…..as long as the user is walking, the counter is counting. The only thing we can think of is that this wheel just does not give a true reading when used on grass. About 60% of the course we are measuring is grass. Anyone have any comments or input on this? Thank you……. Lee Carkenord