Discussion Forum For Runners Thread #2

[Natasha]

Hi,

Thought I would start another thread because the old one was getting a bit long...if there were unanswered questions and topics on the first thread, please feel free to transfer them here. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Hope nobody minds.

Gina, I just asked you about this on the old thread, but maybe you won't check there, so I'll repeat myself:

Could you let us know more about your flying? I'm intrigued!

[Kerri]

Yea! I am glad that you started a new thread. I wanted to, but couldn't come up with an interesting subject. I guess "Runner's Thread #2" works fine. I had some bad runs last week. The first one was with my sister's dog, who runs slow and added 5 minuets onto my normal 3 mile time! However, she liked to wind sprint at the end (how did she know we were almost back?) so I did get a little bit of a work out. My other run started out okay, but I think I have an annoying cold and got real congested and tired. I finished, but haven't gone back out since. (Although I did cross train/lift weighs, maybe not a good idea) Hopefully I will get to feeling better soon. No, I take that back, for the most part I feel fine, just really tired and can't breath all that well.

My husband got me a subscription to "runner's world" for my birthday. I am hoping this helps to inspire me to run my marathon next year. I want to run the White Rock Lake marathon in Dallas in December 2001. I kind of feel lame because they haven't even run the one for this year yet! I really need to start increasing my mileage, and always intend to, but something always seems to come up so I just stick with my normal 3-4 mile path. This time last year I felt stuck running 2 miles, so at least I am getting a little better. I am planning to run a 10K in January, so hopefully this will get on my way. I know some of you mentioned that you run with others. I am not sure if I would like that. Running is something for me only, but it might help to push me. There is a club here that does group runs. Maybe I will try it.

Still dealing with my "runner's trot." I guess I have just decided that when figuring out a route, to make sure I have a bathroom break after 3 miles.

Does anyone keep a runner's log? Do you find it helps you?

[Gina O]

Christine- Good for you for getting through it! Did you have any luck finding some shoes that will work for you?

Natasha- Flying is one of my other passions in life... learning to fly was one of those things I always said I would do "later" when I had more time. But, somehow, about 3 years ago, I decided to start taking lessons. Since then, my life has changed in countless ways, and I wonder how much of it has to do with the fact that I accomplished something few even dare to try. Flying an airplane alone for me was a lot like my sister completing her first narathon. It is a tremendous accomplishment after a huge amount of hard work, few people are among those who have completed such a feat, and no one can take it away.

I have always loved to fly, and as a kid my dad had an airplane and I did a lot of flying with him. I learned in a unique type of plane, and "old style" taildragger called a Citabria. Even my SO, Brian, (does this mean I can refer to him as SOB http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ) who is a airline pilot cannot fly one!!!! So far, I have not completed my private license, but am not in a huge hurry... I always have a pilot around if I need one!

My favorite flying right now is in an open cockpit biplane that belongs to a close friend. He takes me up and we do aerobatics. That is a rush unlike anything I have ever experienced. Okay, so I could talk about flying for ever... will stop for now. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Gina

[SusieO]

Kerri,
Looks like we are on the same schedule. I want to run the Tampa Bay marathon in December 2001 (I'm assuming there will be one; the first annual is coming up). Right now I'm slowly increasing mileage. I'm thinking I will follow one of the 16-week programs on the Runners World web site starting in August. Currently, I'm up to 8 miles on my once-weekly long runs.

I keep track of mileage and time in a corner of my daily planner. I also keep a running total of mileage on my shoes so I will know when to buy new ones.

Keep up the good work, and let's keep each other motivated for those December marathons next year!

[Natasha]

Hi Kerri!

Originally posted by Kerri:
I had some bad runs last week. The first one was with my sister's dog, who runs slow and added 5 minuets onto my normal 3 mile time! However, she liked to wind sprint at the end (how did she know we were almost back?) so I did get a little bit of a work out.

I think dogs always know when they re close to home and which driveway is theirs! They also always seem to know where exactly they start a walk, even if it s a new route. It s so funny; the day after I got my dog he already knew where HOME was.

My other run started out okay, but I think I have an annoying cold and got real congested and tired. I finished, but haven't gone back out since.

At least you got out there and did it! Good for you; not every run can be a good one, right? Unfortunately ... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif Anyway, hope you feel better soon.

My husband got me a subscription to "runner's world" for my birthday. I am hoping this helps to inspire me to run my marathon next year. I want to run the White Rock Lake marathon in Dallas in December 2001. I kind of feel lame because they haven't even run the one for this year yet!

Good stuff! (both the subscription and the marathon goal. Never too early to start thinking ahead...)

I know some of you mentioned that you run with others. I am not sure if I would like that. Running is something for me only, but it might help to push me. There is a club here that does group runs. Maybe I will try it.

I love running alone, but due to safety and boredom factors also enjoy running with others. It also keeps me motivated as we have some friendly competition going. It s especially good for longer runs, which are very hard for me to do alone. Why not give it a try? The groups I run with start off big and break down so you end up only running with 1-4 other people or so. You get to meet a lot of different and interesting people that way!

Does anyone keep a runner's log? Do you find it helps you?

Yes!! I have not been good about it lately, but used to use one very regularly, jotting down the mileage, time, course, and how I felt. I also jotted down cross-training and long walks. I found it really helpful.

Talk to you soon!

[Natasha]

Gina,

That is so neat!! One of the things I love about this board is the incredible people you meet. Everyone has such different lives and interests and I enjoy hearing about them.

Susie,

Good luck with your marathon next year! Sounds like you re enjoying your running these days. I didn t realize there was a marathon in Tampa in Dec.; I know there is one in Clearwater in Jan. that is supposed to be good. Fun area, isn t it?

I m back to report that I m about to head out for a short run and don t wanna go! After the crazy day I ve had, I just want to stay home and have dinner...but there, I ve said I m going, and now I m heading out the door. This tactic worked so well on Sunday...thanks for being there. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Later: Best run in two weeks! Yippee-yi, yippee-yay! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif It was one of those runs when you take a few steps and know it s gonna be a fun one. Dinnertime!]




[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 11-29-2000).]

[Laura]

As you may have read in a different thread, I really enjoyed running in San Diego last week. The down side was I think I got shin splints because I had to run on the sidewalk most of the time. The question is now, what do I do about them. Do I not run again until they stop hurting, run as long as I can before they start killing me, run through the pain? Any suggestions?

[emilycat]

You knew it was coming....visit Runner's World http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Really, I've never had bad shinsplints, so I don't have any from-experience advice; I do know that my sister, who is on cross-country in highschool(although she's "a soccer player running "just 'cause" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif )recently had bad ones, and had to take it easy because it hurt so much.
I think I've read that with shin splints, you really have to let them heal, in addition to stretching and such, so that you don't make them worse. Visit RW, though, and if you don't find any info, I'm pretty sure I could dig some out for you in my years of RW stacks.
Hope you feel better...isn't it always wonderful to run with a change of scenery!

Natasha...yea! So glad your run was great! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Natasha]

Originally posted by Laura:
The down side was I think I got shin splints because I had to run on the sidewalk most of the time. The question is now, what do I do about them. Any suggestions?

Shin splints - ouch!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif My sympathies! I had this bad in one leg once right when I started distance running, for the same reason as most people get them - too much, too fast, too soon. I did have to take it easy for a while, though I can t remember how long now. I also don t know if I stopped running altogether - I think I did for a week or so - but I definitely had to seriously back off for a short amount of time. Sorry I can't remember more details...like Emily, I recommend visiting RW and other sites; I visited them when I had this problem, and found them helpful.

I also have 2 books on various injuries that are generally quite good, though I don't remember what they say about shin splints: the Healthy Runners Handbook by Lyle Micheli and another guy (whose name I of course can t remember right now), and Running Injury-Free by Joe Ellis, who wrote for RW (and maybe still does). I ll try to remember to have a look at them today.

One interesting thing I kept reading was how the term shin splints has come to be used for so many various aches and pains that it has practically fallen out of use with doctors and trainers. When you read the info on the website and elsewhere, you will see that the term they use depends on the specific place where the pain is, and other factors. Shin splint trivia to start your morning http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif Anyway, good luck and keep us posted.


[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 11-30-2000).]

[Kerri]

I used to get shin splints all the time when I played soccer. A couple of things:

1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE REALLY GOOD SHOES!! Whenever I find I am getting shin splints a lot, it usually means it is time to buy a new pair.
2. If you can, don't run on payment. It is not really possible for me, but maybe for you.
3. Streches that people have told me are sit down with legs in front of you, point your toes and bend from your waist to touch your toes. You won't be able to touch your toes, but you will feel the strech. Another one is to stand, with your heal on the ground, raise your toe and rest on a curb or something. Now, I got these streches from people who were NOT professionals so I am not sure if they work.
4. Buy some paper cups. Add water and freeze. When frozen, peal off paper and rub on your shin. This is just a easy way to ice it and it is what the trainer had me to in high school.

I don't know what Runner's World says to do, but I have this problem a lot! Good luck.

[emilycat]

I know some of you have mentioned lately how the dreadfully chilly winters in your areas make it really difficult to motivate to get out for a run sometimes...maybe these will help (courtesy of RW Dec. 2000 http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif )


Astonish and amaze your friends-- Part I
"A group of us from work run together (morning or lunchtime) even in the harshest New England weather. The reaction from our non-running co-workers is priceless when we walk back into the building with ice and frost on our faces! -- Jason Farr, Manchester, N.H.

Astonish and amaze your friends -- Part II
"Last year I ran through the winter months for the first time. I ran at noon from work, so everyone soon knew my routine. On stormy, wind-whipped days they'd marvel and ask: "You're not going running today, are you?" Their incredulity inspired me all the more. Cuddled in my face toque and mitts, running against the cold actually warmed me. I was soothed by my stride's rhythmic "crunch, crunch, crunch" and returned to my workplace completely energized. -- D. John McLean, Lincoln, Nebraska

Picture This.
"I visualize the icy winter air clearing out all the stress and tension I've accumulated in my body during the day. I always return from my runs refreshed, with a new sense of purpose. -- Thomas Davis, Baltimore, Md.

Run away from the competition.
"When I need some motivation to get out the door on a cold, snowy, windy day, I imagine my competitors sitting al comfy and cozy in their houses, eating bags of chips. That means I have one day up on them by getting out the door. If your competition is a hometown rival, it's even better to run by his or her house with this image in you mind." -- Kim Gasper, Hazleton, Pa.

Get Flaky.
"Surrounded by snowflakes, I'm awestruck by the realization that I'm such a tiny part of this great big world. I'm no bigger, really, than each of the snowflakes. But more importantly, I realize I'm no smaller than any of the world's marathon winners or Olympic medalists. Evan though I can't run as fast or as far as they can, I smile when I think that the snow can't tell us apart.
--Susan Suter, Brighton, Mass.

I hope this will inspire you at least a little! I think these quotes are great, and even though I don't really have to worry about brutal winters (like, ever) they still help with motivation.
Happy running!

Em


[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 11-30-2000).]

[Natasha]

Love those quotes!

I just got my January RW today (not to start an RW riot like the CL ones; anyway, maybe you already have your copies by now!). If you haven t yet seen it, it is jam-packed with good stuff like always, including the 10 best running cities in America (I have a feeling that a couple of you are going to be really pleased with the results) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif, helpful tips of all kinds, and an amazing column by the Penguin (I m going to pin it up by my desk at work). I love the Penguin! Any other fans? I always enjoy Joe Henderson s columns too. Okay, plug over. Enjoy!!

[SusieO]

Thanks for the Runners World endorsement. I enjoy their web site although I've never read the magazine. I'm planning to pick one up this weekend, and will probably subscribe (it's on the short wish list I gave my husband for holiday gifts.)

I get the best ideas from this board. What a great place to be! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Laura]

Hi guys! Just got back from a great run. The weather is beautiful in Colorado Springs right now. Crisp, but blue, blue skies and snow capped Pikes Peak wherever you look. Anyway, I don't know how far I ran but I ran/walked for about 75 minutes. I would run 10 and walk 2. My question is... is that an effective way to build up endurance or should my walk periods be shorter, like only 45 seconds. I know I ran pretty darn slow, but I wanted to try and go for a while. Let me know what you think.

[Natasha]

Laura,

Good stuff! Glad your run went so well. BTW, do you moonlight as a travel agent, by any chance? You ve got me ready to board the next plane to Colorado Springs http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I guess this means your shin splints weren t acting up too much, right? I hope the RW info was helpful. Sorry I didn t write another response about it. I did have a chance to look at Injury-Free Running s chapter about shin pain, and it didn t add that much to what the website says, except a few anecdotes. I haven t yet seen the other book.

I think your method sounds fine. I have seen many, many runners do 10-and-1 s (10 minutes running, followed by 1 minute walking) but I see no reason why 10-and-2 s wouldn t be very effective. You can always gradually reduce the walk breaks, right? It also sounds like you re well on your way to your half-marathon goal!!!

[Laura]

Originally posted by Natasha:
[B]Laura,
I guess this means your shin splints weren t acting up too much, right?
B]

Actually, I decided they must not have been shin splints because from what I understand they would not have gone away that quickly. The only way I can describe it is pain down my shins even when I was walking. But by Thursday of this week, they were effectively gone. Plus running on a natural trail was great. BTW, anytime you want to come to Colorado Springs I'll be your tour guide (although you would likely have to slow down a lot on your run! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif)

[Natasha]

Yes, that does sound like it would be a quick recovery from shin splints. I m really happy to hear that it might have been only very temporary shin pain as what I had was no fun at all! I love trail running, too, and it is so much easier on those joints.

BTW, you may live to regret your tour guide offer because I LOVE Colorado (though I have never been down to Colorado Springs) and a visit there is long, long overdue... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[Natasha]

Don t forget to try the foot massage tips from January s RW, either! Toes up ... er, I mean, thumbs up!

[SusieO]

Laura:
What a beautiful description. I'm going to close my eyes and borrow the image while I run my boring track later. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

On Friday I tried a hill-training workout on the treadmill that I found on the RW web site. Having always lived in flat places, I've never run on hills, and was scared to raise the elevation on the treadmill. Basically, you raise the elevation for two minutes at a time. It was really fun, and a great workout.

Today is long run day. I'm going for nine miles instead of my previous eight. Wish me luck!

[emilycat]

Susie,

I love hill workouts too, on the treadmill, on a "real" hill, whatever...they are a lot of fun!

Good luck on your long run this morning...that's great that you're upping the mileage. Let us know how it goes! I'm sure with Laura's image in mind, it'll be a piece of cake!

Emily

[Natasha]

Hi Susie,
Yes, hill training can be lots of fun! I usually find it one of my most fun training sessions of the week. Hope your long run went well, too. Let us know! Sounds to me like you re doing very well en route to your marathon next December. Are you considering doing a half-marathon in the spring, or maybe a mid-distance race between the half-marathon and the marathon?

[SusieO]

Hi All,
Thanks for all the warm wishes.
I did it! Nine miles. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif
It's a yucky, dreary day, and I didn't want to go. Then I was glad I did. (I know I shouldn't complain since cold in Florida means below 70 degrees.)
I'm thinking I'll be ready for a half marathon around February. Just need to find one.

[emilycat]

Susie,
Congrats on your run! I can tell by your http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif that you feel great about it. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
Check out this site: www.runningnetwork.com/RunningJournal (http://www.runningnetwork.com/RunningJournal)
The calendars there are wonderful; you'll find so many races, you won't be able to run them all! (well, you could, but that would be a little excessive, now, wouldn't it http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif )

[Natasha]

Hi Susie,
Good for you!! I just came back from my long run too. It was way better than last week. I wish more races were in the late afternoon and evening because I seem to run fastest then...
If you want to find a half marathon in February, you can try the RW site (I think they have listings) or the very comprehensive http://www.marathonguide.com . While it is obviously primarily designed for marathons, many marathon events naturally have concurrent half marathon events, so this is a good way to find out about them. Good luck http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Natasha]

Emily,
We seem to be on the same wavelength - posting at the same time!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I think it happened this morning too, earlier on this thread!

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 12-03-2000).]

[emilycat]

Natasha,

Thanks for the marathon site you listed! I've searched high and low for good marathon sites, but never happened upon that one before...I'll definitely be visiting it a lot!

Em

[Natasha]

Emily,
Glad you liked the site! It s pretty awesome, isn t it, what with more than 700 marathons listed, plus runner reviews of so many of them, plus results from lots of races (and searchable, too!), plus bulletin boards...one of my favorites, for sure.

Everyone,
Who has a good water pack to recommend? I have a waist one that I don t like because the bottle hits me in the small of the back no matter how tightly I wear it. It s also hard to get the belt small enough; I have to really cinch it and sometimes even attach pins, etc. I ve heard about wrist packs but am not sure how good that would be. Any ideas or recommendations would be appreciated!

[SusieO]

Natasha and Emily:
Thanks for the links to those sites. I've found three half-marathons that look interesting, within a couple of hours' driving distance.

[jennyo]

HI Laura, That is an effective way to run. When I train for marathons I run for 1/2 an hour and walk 2-3 minutes (long enough to eat and drink) The last marathon I ran, I finished in 3:30. So keep up the good work and don't forget to drink!

Originally posted by Laura:
Hi guys! Just got back from a great run. The weather is beautiful in Colorado Springs right now. Crisp, but blue, blue skies and snow capped Pikes Peak wherever you look. Anyway, I don't know how far I ran but I ran/walked for about 75 minutes. I would run 10 and walk 2. My question is... is that an effective way to build up endurance or should my walk periods be shorter, like only 45 seconds. I know I ran pretty darn slow, but I wanted to try and go for a while. Let me know what you think.

[jennyo]

The camel pack types are by far the best. Especially if your going for long distances. The come in various sizes to. The are pretty comfortable to run with.


Originally posted by Natasha:
Emily,
Glad you liked the site! It s pretty awesome, isn t it, what with more than 700 marathons listed, plus runner reviews of so many of them, plus results from lots of races (and searchable, too!), plus bulletin boards...one of my favorites, for sure.

Everyone,
Who has a good water pack to recommend? I have a waist one that I don t like because the bottle hits me in the small of the back no matter how tightly I wear it. It s also hard to get the belt small enough; I have to really cinch it and sometimes even attach pins, etc. I ve heard about wrist packs but am not sure how good that would be. Any ideas or recommendations would be appreciated!

[Natasha]

Thanks, Jenny, and welcome!
Just curious - how many marathons have you run? And congratulations on that 3:30! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

And how are the rest of my fellow runners doing these days?

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 12-07-2000).]