Running!

[DarkEastwood]

Being an avid runner who loves the UESP Community, I really would like to connet wih other runners, be them track runners, road runners, XC runners, or anything really. I'd like to get to know those around here who run To start, what types of runs do you do? (Ultra-Distance, Distance, Mid-Distance, Sprints, etc) Or maybe you're running simply for weight loss/fitness? If so, how is it coming along?

Personally, I enjoy mid-distance and distance running, as I am best at 400, 800, and 5k distances.

[scribbane]

I believe that people should only run if they are being chased.

However, I have been walking recently to help with weight loss, with the end goal being to jog/run a mile without feeling like I'm going to die. I don't necessarily care about being fast, but I would like to be in decent enough shape to not need a 20 minute break after running up the stairs or something.

[Musicman247]

I used to enjoy running. I would jog at least two miles a day. That was a while back, though. My neighborhood isn't that good for running now-a-days, and I don't like driving to the park just to jog, so...

[leroybrown]

I run about a mile a few times a week. Sometimes I'll run 2 but I generally keep it short. My joints are funky, they take a lot of maintenance (specific stretches & exercises) or else they'll pop from time to time and running exacerbates said popping. I'm trying to make it a point to run on the beach more and more.

I'd love to run sprints but I feel kinda silly sprinting in the middle of the street.

[DarkEastwood]

I believe that people should only run if they are being chased.

However, I have been walking recently to help with weight loss, with the end goal being to jog/run a mile without feeling like I'm going to die. I don't necessarily care about being fast, but I would like to be in decent enough shape to not need a 20 minute break after running up the stairs or something.

Running definitely has it's pros and cons. This is going to sound wierd, but one of my favorite things about it is that for some reason it makes sleep feel way better. I'm not sure why!

I used to enjoy running. I would jog at least two miles a day. That was a while back, though. My neighborhood isn't that good for running now-a-days, and I don't like driving to the park just to jog, so...

I love doing two mile jogs! They're relaxing, and I personally try make my longer jogs at different courses to mix things up and add excitement. I can understand the neighborhood issue... My neighborhood has no sidewalk or anything, so I kinda have to carefully jog a mile or so until I get to a manageable street to really run on.

I run about a mile a few times a week. Sometimes I'll run 2 but I generally keep it short. My joints are funky, they take a lot of maintenance (specific stretches & exercises) or else they'll pop from time to time and running exacerbates said popping. I'm trying to make it a point to run on the beach more and more.

I'd love to run sprints but I feel kinda silly sprinting in the middle of the street.

Yeah I can understand how sprints can feel wierd in a non-competitive setting. I really only train my sprint on the track, or during fartlek workouts. Having bad joints really stinks My mom has a similar problem and wishes she could run more. Good for you for keeping at it!

[AKB]

I don't run, for fear of the possible knee problems that the every runner in my family has gone through. I do go on several mile long walks most days to balance it out, though.

[DarkEastwood]

I don't run, for fear of the possible knee problems that the every runner in my family has gone through. I do go on several mile long walks most days to balance it out, though.

Knee problems are always a problem wih runners Walking is a great alternative however! I've had a lot of ankle problems in the past and really hope they don't persist or mix with a knee problem of some kind...

[leroybrown]

Naturally, see a doctor if you are seeking medical advice but for what it's worth hindu squats stopped my knees from popping in under a week and the popping hasn't come back. They'll pop a bit after heavy squats but not from running. I first learned about them years ago and I do them all the time now. My hips are really funky though (bad kicking form when I was younger), I'm trying to get into a pattern of morning & evening stretching.

This is going to sound wierd, but one of my favorite things about it is that for some reason it makes sleep feel way better. I'm not sure why!

You know what I like, is waking up slightly sore but feeling strong, if that makes sense. Ya know, you wake up and do that full body flex/stretch/yawn thing. That feels awesome. I like the runners high too, though it's not really a high. It's just kinda like drinking high quality coffee that lasts longer (or something).

You ever see that documentary of that one guy who's like 100 (maybe 90s), drinks dark beer, smokes cigs and is training for a marathon? Crazy.

[Dohva.]

Ages ago in my much younger years, I played soccer. Which is a lot of running. And then somehow, I ended up racing in my 20s. I did one half-marathon, a lot of smaller races like 5k/10ks, but my favorite one was Lost Lake, which at the time was 17.5 miles through a glacial valley on the southern peninsula. Its a scenic and brutal race with a trail that barely provided enough room for your feet. It was awesome. I ran 4x times per week about 3-5 miles when I wasn't training, and when I was, it was a completely different gig: sprints, longer miles, running in the mountain trails, etc. I was crazy about it.

Needless to say, the wear and tear on my knees progressed with the years, and at one point I had to eventually stop running because it brought on too much pain. I do miss it. There's nothing better than a runner's high combined with a carb-tastic diet. Ah, the good 'ole days.

[DarkEastwood]

@leroybrown
I know that feeling! I like that feeling because you know you worked hard the day before, and your body is kinda like "yeah bring it on. I can take it". Runners high is great too! Although (for me at least), talking to people afterward is difficult - not because I'm winded, but little what I say comes out sounding like real words

@Dohva
Yeah I've only done one half-marathon, which I didn't par very well. My first 15k of the race I ran a bit too quick and realized at that point the last 4 or so miles I would have to take at like an 8 minute mile pace. I'll probably try not to make that mistake again next time Training for those big ones always feel really rewarding however

[AKB]

After looking at this thread, I decided to go for a proper run. In what I shall count as the first proper run in my life, I ran a mile in 13:43. That's not that impressive, but I'm proud of it.

[DarkEastwood]

After looking at this thread, I decided to go for a proper run. In what I shall count as the first proper run in my life, I ran a mile in 13:43. That's not that impressive, but I'm proud of it.

Hey a start is a start! If you keep at it, that time will definitely go down and I can guarantee the run will feel easier (I know the first few runs will feel like death...) Congrats man!

[Unionhack]

I don't run, but I walk a lot. Being in college and all, I gotta walk everywhere. Plus I'm in marching band and that's tiring enough! My rule of thumb is 'if you see me running, start running too because something's chasing me'.

[umadbro?]

I have been running for the past couple years. It feels great to run and beat times set earlier. I have done tons of 5k's and my longest is and 8 miler. I am working on getting to a 18:00 5k. (my goal by the end of the summer)

[DarkEastwood]

I have been running for the past couple years. It feels great to run and beat times set earlier. I have done tons of 5k's and my longest is and 8 miler. I am working on getting to a 18:00 5k. (my goal by the end of the summer)

Excellent goal! What's your current personal record? What's your training consist of?

[leroybrown]

What's your training consist of?

I'd be interested in hearing how you guys train. Also I think my form is sub-par. Any advice? I've been trying to use my calves more to propel me and also stop the 'feet slapping the street' affect.

[Derp53]

What's your training consist of?

I'd be interested in hearing how you guys train. Also I think my form is sub-par. Any advice? I've been trying to use my calves more to propel me and also stop the 'feet slapping the street' affect.

When I used to run for my high school's cross country team, we raised our heels off the ground and leaned forward thereby reducing stress on the ankles and feet and increasing speed while not using up as much energy.

[DarkEastwood]

I'd be interested in hearing how you guys train. Also I think my form is sub-par. Any advice? I've been trying to use my calves more to propel me and also stop the 'feet slapping the street' affect.

Well it may depend on the distance you're training for. Hearing that you run a few miles a week, I'll guess 5k or mile race. Most 5k runners will have 2-4 workout days (depending on level of ability) that would be really hard running, like mile repeats (run a mile relatively hard, then rest for X amount of time, again depends of level of ability, then does another mile. Repeats for 2-8 repetitions.) or tempos (really running hard for 1 mile, 2 mile, 5k, or sometimes longer. This also helps develop pacing). The days between the workout days should be easy runs, consisting of just jogging for .5-8 miles at a very manageable pace. Treat race days as workouts. Mile runners typically are similar, however they involve more speed workouts, like 400 or 800 repeats wih less recovery between reps. Stretch often; it's more important than you think!

In terms of form, I recommend running what feel comfortable for now. It is very important, but if you focus too much on it during your runs, it could really hurt your performance. What I recommend is to watch some training videos of pros or just professional long distance races, then do short distance strides (50-200 meters) at a comfortable pace while focusing completely on form. Do this on all running days, and it should come more naturally. Good luck on your goals! PM me or post here if you have any more questions

[leroybrown]

Well it may depend on the distance you're training for.

Well frankly my running isn't very structured in this sense because I'm not training for any long distance or any particular race.

Most 5k runners will have 2-4 workout days (depending on level of ability) that would be really hard running, like mile repeats (run a mile relatively hard, then rest for X amount of time, again depends of level of ability, then does another mile. Repeats for 2-8 repetitions.) or tempos (really running hard for 1 mile, 2 mile, 5k, or sometimes longer. This also helps develop pacing). The days between the workout days should be easy runs, consisting of just jogging for .5-8 miles at a very manageable pace. Treat race days as workouts. Mile runners typically are similar, however they involve more speed workouts, like 400 or 800 repeats wih less recovery between reps.

Really great info! However, I don't train so hard in running because I use it as a warm up for the rest of whatever daily workouts I'm doing. Since my cardio is currently in the gutter (I have some weird seasonal allergy and just now have been able to run again) I can only really manage to do my whole workouts after 1 mile.

What I recommend is to watch some training videos of pros or just professional long distance races, then do short distance strides (50-200 meters) at a comfortable pace while focusing completely on form.

Why didn't I think of this? Great tip, thanks!

[DarkEastwood]

No problem! If you aren't working for any particular race, hen just continue doing what you're doing and just run consistently and you'll soon get better. Definitely remember the strides if you want your form to get better!

[the Savage Hippie]

I never run, but I have replaced my car with a bike.

[umadbro?]

Remember to try to keep yourself straight in order to allow yourself to take in a lot of oxygen!

My training isn't very structured. I try to run at least three times a week. I set a run length and pace goal and I go. I go anywhere from 3-6 miles typically. Another important thing is to keep it from being boring by changing your route or running with a friend.

I am not too sure of my current 5k record. I am running a 5k Monday and I will update. A sub 21 minute run would be great!

[leroybrown]

Another important thing is to keep it from being boring by changing your route or running with a friend.

It's amazing how much of a difference this can make. It's physically more difficult for me to run on the beach but the run is always less painful if that makes sense. It's just cause my focus isn't on 'how difficult the run is and how much I want to stop.' Instead I'm just kinda taking in my surroundings and enjoying scenery (or something).

[DarkEastwood]

Another important thing is to keep it from being boring by changing your route or running with a friend.

It's amazing how much of a difference this can make. It's physically more difficult for me to run on the beach but the run is always less painful if that makes sense. It's just cause my focus isn't on 'how difficult the run is and how much I want to stop.' Instead I'm just kinda taking in my surroundings and enjoying scenery (or something).

Absolutely! I love to visit state parks to run, since they have some really breathtaking views that make a run really enjoyable, even after a few visits.

[SM-Dreamer]

I've never been a runner. Well, as a child I think I was, but once I hit puberty, well, running went out the window. Asthma doesn't help, either.

I do like going for walks, though, and have been doing that a few times a week. Also trying short (very short) bursts of running interspersed with my walking in an effort to help lose weight and build stamina. I hate myself while I'm doing it, but in the past two weeks that I've been trying it, I feel like I have more energy.