Run Run Away

Question:

Thank you for the great advice. I plan to have as much fun with it as possible. I spose everyone has their stories, but I can remember HATING running. Then one day I just decided to go for a run. Ever since it has been part of my daily ritual. Now, it’s hard to imagine NOT getting up 30 minutes early! So as you can see, taking the plunge and doing a race is a pretty big deal. It’s taking me about 25 minutes to do the 3 miles so I’m doing pretty well. Anyway, thanks for the tips! I’m going to start varying the routine also — doing more uphill/downhill, etc. Tania   P.S. This has been the most responsive NG. Usually, when I ask for help no one replies. Thanks everyone!

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Return seven 5 cent cans.  Other than that, you’re doing fine. -Ray I’m $.32 from registering for Race for a Cure in October. It’s only a 5K so I thought it would be good for a starting race. This will be my first one. First half is uphill then the second half is a straight shot downhill. Currently I’m running 3 miles — two days on, one day off. What do I need to be doing to get ready for this, or am I fine doing what I’m doing? Any advice will help calm nerves…. Thanks, Tania

– -Ray Charbonneau The MITRE Corporation

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I’m $.32 from registering for Race for a Cure in October. It’s only a 5K so I thought it would be good for a starting race. This will be my first one. First half is uphill then the second half is a straight shot downhill. Currently I’m running 3 miles — two days on, one day off. What do I need to be doing to get ready for this, or am I fine doing what I’m doing? Any advice will help calm nerves…. Thanks, Tania

Since 3 miles is about the same as a 5K, it sounds like you’re in shape for it now. Since the first half of the race is uphill, I’d advise you to do some hill training. Once a week until race day is plenty. Just find a steep, long hill and run up it a few times. Since it’s your first race, you’re going to be excited and pumped up with adrenaline and you’re going to want to start out fast. Don’t succumb to that, especially on an uphill course. Conserve your energy for the last mile or so, then turn on the juice. Good luck. J. Brinkley

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I’m $.32 from registering for Race for a Cure in October. It’s only a 5K so I thought it would be good for a starting race. This will be my first one. First half is uphill then the second half is a straight shot downhill. Currently I’m running 3 miles — two days on, one day off. What do I need to be doing to get ready for this, or am I fine doing what I’m doing? Any advice will help calm nerves…. Thanks, Tania

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I’m $.32 from registering for Race for a Cure in October. It’s only a 5K so I thought it would be good for a starting race. This will be my first one. First half is uphill then the second half is a straight shot downhill. Currently I’m running 3 miles — two days on, one day off. What do I need to be doing to get ready for this, or am I fine doing what I’m doing? Any advice will help calm nerves….

You’re doing just fine.  The jitters is natural for many people during most races and even more prevalent with first races.  Relax and enjoy the race.  Don’t let your adrenaline take you out too fast race day. Good luck and have fun. These Are My Opinions !

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Tania, Let me preface this by saying i have not run road races in several years. If you plan to run your race at the same pace as your training pace, then you are probably going to be OK. If you would like to run at a faster pace during the race, i would suggest you increase your mileage to about 1.5 times your race distance or about 7.5K… make it 5 miles, at least a couple of times before the race. You may also want to do some of your shorter distances with one or two minute intervals at your race pace with rest (walk or jog) in between. The most important thing i can suggest is…have fun with it! Carlos – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m $.32 from registering for Race for a Cure in October. It’s only a 5K so I thought it would be good for a starting race. This will be my first one. First half is uphill then the second half is a straight shot downhill. Currently I’m running 3 miles — two days on, one day off. What do I need to be doing to get ready for this, or am I fine doing what I’m doing? Any advice will help calm nerves…. Thanks, Tania

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elite, fast runners do is that they have a very *small* leg lift. That is, their foot barely gets off the ground. Some elite runners almost have a ’shuffle’. It so happens that this is a very efficient way of running. A high leg lift and is *not* desired for long distance running. (Note: This applies to long distance running, not sprints. For sprints, power is generated with a big leg lift and ‘kick’.

 Elite ultra-marathoners may have a minimal leg lift but nowadays, when distance runners are knocking out 5 minute miles (+/- depending on sex, and whether world or "just" national class), I would say that their leg lifts quite a bit to generate that speed.  Intelligent interval training improves one’s performance because it develops this ability (among others).  A warning to "shufflers" who haven’t already learned: tripping over objects is a much greater hazard then it is for runners with a higher lift.  Cycling tends to develop a slightly higher knee lift for runners if that is what they may be looking to develop. ttyl;paul — brooklyn, ny, usa                         Design & Consultation

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I am never gasping for air, and my recovery rate seems to be very good.  I simply have trouble "convincing" my legs to keep going.  My husband says its because I don’t lift my feet high enough, I feel it is because my legs are too heavy, but I don’t know.  It’s almost as though when I begin thinking about what I’m doing, another part of me tries to convince the "runner" that she’s tired, when in essence I’m really not.  

I don’t know if  this is a common ‘problem’, but I know that I experience it. If my ‘goal’ is to run 6 miles, I start feeling ‘tired’ at the 5 mile mark. However, if my goal is 20 miles, I breeze through the first 15 miles or so, and then start with a ‘heavy legs’ feeling. Perhaps this is because I have a personality which is ‘goal oriented’. BTW, your husband is wrong, wrong, wrong when he he says you don’t lift your feet high enough.  Studies have shown that one of the things which elite, fast runners do is that they have a very *small* leg lift. That is, their foot barely gets off the ground. Some elite runners almost have a ’shuffle’. It so happens that this is a very efficient way of running. A high leg lift and is *not* desired for long distance running. (Note: This applies to long distance running, not sprints. For sprints, power is generated with a big leg lift and ‘kick’. going when the going is not even tough yet.  I’ve tried listening to a walkman

Well, I’m certainly not going to open up this topic again. Also, about how long does it take before you are "hooked" on running.  I don’t really enjoy the running, but I do enjoy the great feeling of accomplishment when I finish.  It’s nice to know I can push my body to work, without gadgets, just me and my feet.  But I don’t look forward to it yet.  I’ve spoken to

I often don’t look forward to it either, especially when I get up at 5:00 to do my runs. However, I do generally enjoy the runs, and especially the good feelings afterwards. I don’t think you are too unusual. p.s. I was also wondering if I should run every day, or every other day.

Do what feels comfortable. However, you probably need to run at least 4 days per week to get any benefits from it. On the other hand, studies have shown a that runners who run 6-7 days per week tend to have a higher incidence of injury. So, the conservative recommendation would be to run 4-5 days per week. (However, I myself run 6 days per week, so I don’t take my own advice). —   Terry Linhardt                uunet!jgaltstl!terry                  

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My problem is, that when I run, I do ok until the I approach whatever goal I have mentally set for myself.  Last night I did 14 laps (walked 2) and when finished, I didn’t feel as though I pushed myself like I should have. I am never gasping for air, and my recovery rate seems to be very good.  I simply have trouble "convincing" my legs to keep going.  My husband says its because I don’t lift my feet high enough, I feel it is because my legs are too heavy, but I don’t know.  It’s almost as though when I begin thinking about what I’m doing, another part of me tries to convince the "runner" that she’s tired, when in essence I’m really not.   I was hoping some of you experienced runners may have tricks to keep on going when the going is not even tough yet.  …

Try to become aware of the mental feedback you’re giving yourself. As the workout progresses, are you saying to yourself, "I’m getting tired now; I hurt; I don’t know if I can make it", etc.?  If so, come up with some positive feedback to replace the negative.  Give yourself some positive self-talk before the workout even starts. Review your objective for the workout (say, to run the 14 laps without stopping), think about how it’s going to feel, tell yourself you can do it and that you WILL do it. Once you start, get to the effort level you want to sustain throughout the run (a conversational pace is probably good – you should be able to talk to a running partner without fainting!).  Focus on the strength and fitness gains each step brings you.  Be your own cheering section. Keep telling yourself to maintain your pace and to finish the workout strong.  Also, it’s good to have your husband involved, not necessarily for advice, but for support for your goals.  Let him know what your goals are – for each workout, and for 3 months or 6 months from now. Then on those days that you really don’t feel like doing anything, he can hopefully give you an extra boost to get out there. Also, about how long does it take before you are "hooked" on running.

It took me a couple of years of consistent (i.e., a few times a week) running before I started to look forward to getting out for a run. I didn’t think I was hooked on running until a knee injury sidelined me for 3 months.  You may surprise yourself! p.s. I was also wondering if I should run every day, or every other day.

I would vote for every other day at the most, since the weight you are trying to loose will put additional stress on your body.  As the weight comes off and you get stronger, then gradually increase mileage. Sounds like you’re off to a great start. Good luck! Julia : Women are forcing their way into a system that has dehumanized : : men for centuries and calling this a great victory.            :

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I am overweight, and would like to remedy this.  I decided that I would add running to my current exercise routines of walking for one hour at lunch, and step aerobics about twice weekly.  I am ~60 pounds overweight and have purchased Saucony (sp?) Jazz 3000s which I love.

If I could suggest one thing, it would be to go slow and be patient.  Running produces a lot of pounding on joints, and this stress obviously increases with bodyweight.  Your objective ought to be to maintain a longterm program of aerobic activity, not to get as fast as you can, and to run as far as you can, as soon as possible.  That will only lead to injury (anywhere from feet to back), which will put a stop to everything. Years of relative inactivity can only be overcome by many months (and years) of progressively increasing activity. Also, about how long does it take before you are "hooked" on running.

Sometimes the hardest thing is to get out the door.  Runners get hooked when they see positive results from the effort.  That may be weight control, or improved speed or increased distance, or the love of feeling strong and fit. But running isn’t for everyone.  I think it’s more important to find an activity (or activities) you like to do, and just get into a regular habit. p.s. I was also wondering if I should run every day, or every other day.

Every other day gives the body time to recover from the stress, and to build back stronger.  Think about alternating running days with step-training days. And have fun! — John Hawkes MIPS Computer Systems, 928 Arques Ave., M/S 1-03, Sunnyvale CA 94088

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Hello, I am a new lurker in this group, and also a novice runner in need of some advice. I am overweight, and would like to remedy this.  I decided that I would add running to my current exercise routines of walking for one hour at lunch, and step aerobics about twice weekly.  I am ~60 pounds overweight and have purchased Saucony (sp?) Jazz 3000s which I love. Though I am quite heavy, my cardiovascular fitness is relatively good.  I run either on the path by the beach with my husband, or when alone, at a local track.  My personal best is 13 laps without stopping!!!  A *real big* success for me. My problem is, that when I run, I do ok until the I approach whatever goal I have mentally set for myself.  Last night I did 14 laps (walked 2) and when finished, I didn’t feel as though I pushed myself like I should have. I am never gasping for air, and my recovery rate seems to be very good.  I simply have trouble "convincing" my legs to keep going.  My husband says its because I don’t lift my feet high enough, I feel it is because my legs are too heavy, but I don’t know.  It’s almost as though when I begin thinking about what I’m doing, another part of me tries to convince the "runner" that she’s tired, when in essence I’m really not.   I was hoping some of you experienced runners may have tricks to keep on going when the going is not even tough yet.  I’ve tried listening to a walkman (no auto reverse, a real pain to turn the tape over), and singing lyrics of albums I know in my head.  I prefer the strand (beach path) but at night I wouldn’t do it by myself.  The track becomes tedious, but I don’t like running the street. Also, about how long does it take before you are "hooked" on running.  I don’t really enjoy the running, but I do enjoy the great feeling of accomplishment when I finish.  It’s nice to know I can push my body to work, without gadgets, just me and my feet.  But I don’t look forward to it yet.  I’ve spoken to runners I know, and many of them still have to make themselves get out and go. Thanks for listening, and any tips, adivce, etc. will be *greatly* appreciated! Thanks to you all! p.s. I was also wondering if I should run every day, or every other day. Michelle Beck

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