Runners?

[Trabby]

I am not a runner or fitness buff by any means... Back in the day I ran for a couple months and really enjoyed it... My knees however did not... Now 15 yrs...20lbs heavier.. And many cigarettes smoked later... I'm wanting to start running... I would eventually like to run a half or full marathon.. ( it's on the bucket list so hopefully I have awhile) Obviously I should quit smoking.... I like smoking :(....
So my question to our reefing runners...
How did you get started? What keeps you motivated?

[Parker]

Lastlight! Your time to shine!

[kien]

Just a warning.. Prepare yourself. You are about to learn more about lastlight than you could have possibly imagined.. :lol:

[sphelps]

I think you can run a marathon on the wii fit game, this works great cause you can pause it for smoke breaks. Maybe this could be a happy medium? :wink:

[Trabby]

Lol... That's ok... I really want to know what you guys' driving force is.... In reality maybe I can't be a runner? I do have a specific goal in mind I just don't know how to get there. I feel like there's alot of obstacles I have to get by first...

[Trabby]

I think you can run a marathon on the wii fit game, this works great cause you can pause it for smoke breaks. Maybe this could be a happy medium? :wink:

ROFLMAO!!! That's awesome!! But the wii marathon isn't on my list.. Although it sounds fun! ;)

[Aquattro]

I'd start with a learn to run clinic, which trains with a walk/run interval. One you can run more than walk, start on some longer runs, say 5k. When you can run that with relative ease, start adding 5 or 10% a week. I run on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, but eat well after the run. I trained a woman last year that was 20 or so pounds overweight, and day one she couldn't finish a k, after a month, 10k in under 60 minutes.

Make sure you get rest days in, eat well, and if you're older, don't push too hard through pain.

But I would certainly recommend a clinic at your local running store, the group atmosphere will provide motivation, and you can get all your questions answered.

[lorenz0]

Start on a bike at the gym. It will be a bit easier on you when you begin. Once your able to bike on a med-hard level for 30-40min straight move over to some running machines.

If you have alot of issues with your knees, start taking Glucosamine to help with your knees. You won't notice any effect but it will help strengthen your joints allowing your knees to take the pressure while running. I have messed up knee's and running on machines seems to be a bit easier on me. Hopefully next spring I can get outside and run but for now I find the impact on my knees to be to painful while running on concrete.

For me, I drink a thick whey protein shake before and after. I hate running on an empty stomack, makes me feel light headed and sick.

[lastlight]

There's not much to learn about me =)

I was a runner in high school about 15 years ago and was pretty good at long distance but I was only about 140lbs. I've tried over the years to get back into it but it lasts maybe 2 weeks and then nothing for months to a year. I bought a treadmill thinking it would be easier to commit to... down in a dark basement... ok there wen't 3 grand.

So I sold the treadmill in september after seeing Kien's running updates that he was posting to facebook. I learned about runkeeper which is an iphone app that logs your run with gps, gives you updates while you're out there and posts to facebook if you want. It motivates me for a number of reasons:

- you can't really lie about your run
- you see your friends' runs once they're on your runkeeper list
- i love stats and tracking trends so it becomes a bit obsessive

We just got Wii fit and no it won't even come CLOSE to what a run can do for you. Even running on a treadmill at a decent incline like I used to was only fooling myself I found out the first time I ran outside in years.

I'm not knocking the Wii, treadmills or whatever it's about doing SOMETHING. I didn't do anything. I'm about 25lbs lighter since mid september and feel great. I also have had bad knees and joints and to combat this I stretch religiously and do squats after my runs which I think builds supporting muscles around the knees. I'm certainly not very knowledgeable about running though this is just what I do.

So the key is a Kien in your life to kickstart the madness =)

Oh and I run on an empty stomach as well. I started with smaller runs and have built up from there. I love my chocolate milk after I'm home!

[cwatkins]

I had a RAPID metabolism change back in Feb 2009 (people used to call me skinny @ 150lbs), and since then have gained slowy up to about 180-185lbs.

(I guess that's what getting married does to a man!)

So I've noticed my knees not feeling as good as they used to. I did the Grouse Grind 32 times this summer, and loved it except for my knees. (didn't lose weight -- I think it's mostly strength training)

I figure I'll start doing indoor treadmill running this december/jan/feb and get back to ourdoor running in March.

Last time I did outdoor running for 6 months, I lost 10-15 lbs (that's how I initially got down to 150-ish).

I find it REALLY helps to have someone (comparable) to run with otherwise I have no motiviation. Also treadmilling and cardio does help prepare you for the outdoors. If you can do 30 minutes of running on a treadmill, then you can do a 15-20 minute outdoor run around the neighbourhood...

If you have an iPhone, iTouch or iPod, look into the Nike running thing that you put in your shoe and it tracks your run. I have one at home.

[lastlight]

For me running is nice alone time. Good music and nature. Funny I think most people would like to have a running partner but I doubt I could do it. They do say if you're running often that it should be at a pace where you *could* carry on little bits of a conversation with someone without too much trouble.

Forgot to mention that in the beginning I was about 225lbs. It was still nice out so I was in a shorts and t-shirt. This meant I shook like Santa. Maybe it's silly but all my initial running this year was done at night as I did feel a bit self-conscious.

If you're going to run in the winter (this has been a first for me) get tights, windproof pants for over the tights, running jacket, mitts, toque and balaclava. This way you can layer up and down (mostly tights or tights and pants... toque or balaclava or once i needed a toque OVER the balaclava) and not worry about freezing out there. I find while it can be slippery right now if it's -10 or colder the snow is crunchy and not slick... and the snow is easier on my knees.

Word of warning about the balaclava...I'm pretty tall and when I meet people out there (fish creek park) dressed all in black with a rapist mask on I don't always get a wave back.

For a cute spin to this thread here's a little gaffer I spotted on one run:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1126.snc4/148827_135604649828356_100001364661961_176803_2383 492_n.jpg

[toxic111]

Ok, back in HS 20+yrs ago I hated gym or running. I was not an athlete at all... loved to ride my bike with my friends, that was it, then I got a car.

Fast forward to last spring. A buddy of mine in the RCMP told me he signed up to run the Victoria marathon. some back and forth on FB he challenged me to start the couch to 5k program ( http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml ) and come out there next spring to run with him in a 5k or 10k if I can get ready.

I worked through the program through the summer, I find for me running right after work but before supper works for me, my body is all stretched out from moving around the day. In August I ran my first 5K, but pushed my self a little too much and got shin splints, it took 6 weeks for them to heal. with the cold weather & a cold & flu that knocked me out for 4 weeks out of 5 I am getting back going. I am hoping to be back running & back to 5k for the end of January.

If you start running, go to the running room & get fitted for shoes. Spend the $$ for a good pair that fit you right, it will pay in the long run.

You can also use the Nike + app for the iphone, if you don't have a iphone, they do have an app that will work for the touch, or a ipod.

The C25K also has a pod cast that has music & promts to let you know to run or walk. It is what I used.

Let us know how it goes.

Also quit smoking, its something I don't regret doing, & I liked smoking when I did quit.

[Trabby]

This is great feedback! Thank you!! I'll give you a bit more about myself....
I'm 32 years old, I am a stay at home mom of 3 great kids. Never been athletic.At age 18 I was walking home late one night and got a bit creeped out..... So I ran home. It was great, so I decided I was going to run more often. I'd run at night because I felt I didn't look so stupid in the dark lol
I ran for about 8 weeks and my knees where trashed, so I quit. Up until 2003 I did not drive, I walked or towed my kids behind me on my bike.
Then I got a car and that's the end of that :(
March of this year I went out and spent $$$ on some fancy nike shoes and a pod for my shoe. Well... I walked a fair bit.. Did a bit of running and felt rather close to dying but was enjoying it. I felt that my Nike+ pod for the shoe was lying to me :(..I was going to buy the couch to 5k app for my touch....Then the two months of wet and snowy crappy weather came... Can and will not wreck my fancy new shoes :) ahhhh Then I got sick.. Then my focus turned to planting and tending to my garden and pond.
So now that brings me to now.. I sooo need to motivate myself... My peeps
kinda thought I was nuts when I made my failed attempt in the spring.. Proved
them right didn't I, lol plus this isn't the sort of thing that any of them are interested in.
well ultimately I would like to blow all of their socks off and run a marathon.. A fundraising marathon for diabetes, my 13 yr old son is a type 1 diabetic... This in itself is great motivation... But it's not enough... That is the longterm goal... I'd probably have a heart attack running around my block :0 thank you cigarettes .... That's the big hurdle... I need to get in some freaky mindset and
quit... OMG!! I don't even know where to start!!

[lastlight]

I think there is something to good shoes. Mine are over 4 years old and I do battle bad shin splints in my left leg sometimes.

I personally feel that the more you think you have to prove the easier it is. Make stuff up in your head if you have to =) I was always the skinny kid until I moved out from home and it sorta sickens me how I got equally used to being the overweight guy in just 10 or so years. So you have something to prove to yourself and everyone that knows you're running. It's not showing off it's showing people (and most importantly yourself) what you're capable of.

I should mention I never smoked but I have been a lifelong junkfoodaholic. We're talking the big bags of chips in one sitting, fast food all the time etc. Every previous comeback I attempted I never kicked that habit. Both need to happen (at least moderation I still indulge).

I recommend runkeeper because we can be steet team members. Nothing motivates like knowing your buddy was out for a run =)

[Aquattro]

I think there is something to good shoes. Mine are over 4 years old and I do battle bad shin splints in my left leg sometimes.



Absolutely!! I'll go through 3 pairs of shoes in a year. Once they get old, your legs are gonna suffer. Go to a running store and get real shoes for your foot posture. Wrong shoes and you'll just set yourself up for failure.

[lastlight]

Yeah I intend to Brad. I didn't have the money after all the other gear and didn't wanna trash new ones in the snow this winter but yeah these are ancient. I also just bought them years ago never pro fitted. I sure hope that will help with the splints when spring comes and I have the cash.

[Aquattro]

Brett, they'll really help with the shins. I spend about 130 on Mizuno brand, really light and comfy, like running in slippers. I then rotate. I get a new pair for running, recycle the recently used ones as daily drivers, and the old daily drivers go to the used shoes for african kids bin at the Running Room.
But get a pair that are specifically for running. When i started, I was heavier and the impact was tough on joints, so good shoes helps get past that a bit...

[Delphinus]

Oh man ... >4 year old shoes is a perfect recipe for more shin and knee discomfort... Get new shoes!! Small price to pay to protect your shins and knees..

[kien]

Lots of great stories and advice here! Everyone is different so we all have different methods to our maddness..
The take away theme though I think is that you need 3 key ingredients.

1. A motivating force to get you started. That could be your own personal will and desire to start, a family member, a race you've signed up for, a story, a goal or some bloke from a reefing forum.
2. Some way to measure your progress.
3. A motivating force to keep you going.

For myself I have run on and off over the past few years but have always lacked one of those ingredients so I frequently fell off the wagon. Last August I started running again because I was traveling so much for work which was very stressful. My fish tank was a zillion miles away so I needed a way to relieve that stress. One day I just decided to put on an old pair of running shoes and started running. I didn't run very far and it wasn't pretty but I wasn't training for anything so that was okay with me. I did this again a few days later and ran a little further. I took my shoes with me on my business trips and started running after work. Still not pretty, lots of huffing and puffing and I think the pedestrians were walking faster than I was running at times.

One day my wife said that I was getting faster. I was surprised because I wasn't tracking my runs so I had no idea. She just noticed that I was getting home sooner. I then decided to install a running app for my iPhone called RunKeeper. High recommend!! It is available for just about any smart phone out there. This was my ingredient number #2 that I was missing previously. I started to track every run and could easily see that I was getting faster and was running further. I still had no real goals set. I wasn't planning on running any races. It was just really cool to race against myself and pat myself on the back. You can see here that as I said, my first few runs were nothing to write home about.. http://runkeeper.com/user/Keener/activity/14376332.

After a while running became a chore and I was starting to lose motivation. Lucky for me that ingredient #3 came at the right time. Some fool on canreef was stalking me and watching my runs and started to run as well. They too tracked their runs with runkeeper and posted them. At first i was like, "okay, cool, he's running too." Then, the next thing I know the bastard goes and runs a half a marathon! That's a heck of a lot further than I have ever run. That motivated me to push my runs a little further.

So now I am stuck in an endless cycle. I go out for a run, feel good about myself only to see that my virtual running buddy has gone and run another half a marthon. Or, I'll be lazy and not run for a week only to see that he's run two half marathonds in that week! WTF?? So, I'll go out and crank out a 10K run in 50 minutes to show him who's BOSS! :D

To this day I still have no particular goals. I don't plan to race any marathons or half marathons. I just put on my shoes and run against myself, try to better my stats or chase my virtual running buddies. I never pictured myself as a winter runner because I absolutely hate the cold, but hey, if Brett can do it so can I :P

[Delphinus]

Yeah, good for you two guys for finding the magic to push yourself into running in the winter. I could not do it.

[Aquattro]

Get dogs. Lots of them. Then you have to run the dogs :) I have 4 dogs that get a rotation, each dog gets a 8k run at least once a week. If I get lazy, I have to pay for it with the dogs bouncing off the walls. Easy peasy :)

[lastlight]

if Brett can do it so can I :P

I think everything said can be covered with that one!

And yes my shoes are crap I'm just trying to be honest lol. I've been choosing corals over shoes for a while it seems.

[Trabby]

Get dogs. Lots of them. Then you have to run the dogs :) I have 4 dogs that get a rotation, each dog gets a 8k run at least once a week. If I get lazy, I have to pay for it with the dogs bouncing off the walls. Easy peasy :)

LOL we have a dog... I took the pug out once and found it very counter productive..

[Trabby]

I have decent shoes I think... The sportcheck guy helped me out... Something or other about pronation? Tried on a few pairs , and ended up with a really comfortable light shoe. Nike Air max motto+ 7.... I just need to use them more!!

[Aquattro]

LOL we have a dog... I took the pug out once and found it very counter productive..

lol, ya, probably not a good choice for a running companion :)

[toxic111]

I'm lucky here for winter running, our multiplex has a running track in it, though it gets boring doing a bunch or circles.

[Ian]

I just decided to start running a bit in September. Not sure how this happened as I have always hated running before this. I guess having lost ovet 100 pounds in the last 14 months had something to do with it, but anyhow I have used the C25K program to get started and have found these podcasts very helpful. It is a 9 week program (or however long you want it to be) that takes you up to 5k runs...I know a 5k-10k follow up is available as well but I am not there yet.

[Moby da Goby]

Hi Trabby,

I only started running Jan 2010. I'm 39 and I always said that when I turn 40 (2011), I will do a full marathon in that year. Well, guess I had better get started!

I started on my own running for a month but because I need some extra motivation to keep me going, I joined a Running Room 5K clinic. Something about paying for something helps me get out the door, even in crappy weather. The run/walk system works very well for me because I was a non runner for the longest time.

Since that first 5K clinic and various clinics, I've ran a 5K race, two 10K race and two half marathons (taking 15 mins off my first half time too!!). The group of people I run with are not only involved with the Running Room clinics but also run and cross train outside of those clinics, who I now run with. They keep me accountable and running with a group is always much nicer.

Shoes are very important, don't skimp on these and please don't go to the big box type store to buy them. Get fitted properly this will make all the difference in your comfort level. With the amount of running I've been doing, I've been fortunate enough to be relatively injury free.

Good luck with that first step!
Deanna

[muck]

Hey Trabby hows the running going?

[lastlight]

The Trabster is on my street-team dude. She's got 2 activities already this month. Look the FRAG out!

[muck]

You needed some normal teamsters anyhow.. I hear the others are a little nutty. :der:

[SeanPrest]

i also have had knee trouble in the past with road running so i took up trail running. make sure you get a very good pair of shoes, they make a huge difference. trails are alot easier on your knees as the ground has give unlike paved roads. not sure what options you may have in lethbridge but on mountain trail/ road mixed race i was able to do 30km which i would not want too do on road alone.

[Trabby]

Mwahahaha!!!! Well.... Walking :redface: is going great. The pug has been my partner.... But tonight I strapped on the nike's.... Got half a block and had to go faster. Not for long mind you but it was a half arsed jog... I alternated between walking and what probably looked like a zombie run lmao. But under the cover of darkness it probably didn't look half as stupid.:neutral:....I don't remember the last time I sweat soo much :onfire: I feel pretty good though.

[lastlight]

Yeah it's a strange thing to get addicted to isn't it? Ditch the pug you know he'll only slow you down. Tough love.

[kien]

Mwahahaha!!!! Well.... Walking :redface: is going great. The pug has been my partner.... But tonight I strapped on the nike's.... Got half a block and had to go faster. Not for long mind you but it was a half arsed jog... I alternated between walking and what probably looked like a zombie run lmao. But under the cover of darkness it probably didn't look half as stupid.:neutral:....I don't remember the last time I sweat soo much :onfire: I feel pretty good though.

Woohoo!! Welcome to the madness, we have cookies. :D

[lastlight]

After December I felt like tossing my cookies. Still got'em tho. I suppose I can share.

[Aquattro]

I'm just training for my first half marathon, should be fun!

[kien]

I'm just training for my first half marathon, should be fun!

Good on ya! Half marathons are a lot of fun if you are into that sort of thing... And when I say "that sort of thing" I mean pain and agony, of course. :D

[Aquattro]

Of course!! :)

[Aquattro]

Actually, a lot of fun would be the Death Race, about 125km over 23 hours

http://www.canadiandeathrace.com/

I might consider it in the next year or three

[Trabby]

Cookies??

[kien]

Actually, a lot of fun would be the Death Race, about 125km over 23 hours

http://www.canadiandeathrace.com/

I might consider it in the next year or three

Umm.. Ya.. I think I'll pass.. Have fun with that! :lol:

Heck I enjoy running but don't even have any aspirations to race a half-marathon.

[lastlight]

Actually, a lot of fun would be the Death Race, about 125km over 23 hours

http://www.canadiandeathrace.com/

I might consider it in the next year or three

Whooaaaaa....

[Trabby]

I'm just training for my first half marathon, should be fun!

Kewl!!!! When is it?? My plan is to stroll the pug until spring is on the horizon. Then I'm going to work to run 5k hell or highwater....Then maybe even sign up for a 5k run once I know I can do it. I wish you an injury free time in your mission for the half marathon.. What's your motivation?

[lastlight]

Heck I enjoy running but don't even have any aspirations to race a half-marathon.

Little too late last time I checked.

[kien]

Little too late last time I checked.

Eh? I have never raced a half marathon and don't plan to. Jogging 21k, well that's another story ;)

[Aquattro]

Kewl!!!! When is it?? My plan is to stroll the pug until spring is on the horizon. Then I'm going to work to run 5k hell or highwater....Then maybe even sign up for a 5k run once I know I can do it. I wish you an injury free time in your mission for the half marathon.. What's your motivation?

The race is May 15, lots of time. Motivation is just to do it. Then maybe a marathon, or a triathalon, although my swimming needs some work :)

[Aquattro]

Eh? I have never raced a half marathon and don't plan to. Jogging 21k, well that's another story ;)

Ya, I guess to qualify this, racing involves some thought you could win. I'm just going to run 21k and try not to die -lol

[cwatkins]

i also have had knee trouble in the past with road running so i took up trail running. make sure you get a very good pair of shoes, they make a huge difference. trails are alot easier on your knees as the ground has give unlike paved roads. not sure what options you may have in lethbridge but on mountain trail/ road mixed race i was able to do 30km which i would not want too do on road alone.

One suggestion for anyone with knee issues is to look into a supplement such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Being < 30 with my knees bothering me from running on pavement and doing the grouse grind too much, I've decided to try this for a few months and see if it helps with joint healing.

[Trabby]

One suggestion for anyone with knee issues is to look into a supplement such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Being < 30 with my knees bothering me from running on pavement and doing the grouse grind too much, I've decided to try this for a few months and see if it helps with joint healing.

I was actally discussing the glucosamine with my pharmacist... He also mentioned that it takes a couple months for it's full benefit. The turn off however is that it needs to be taken 3 times a day, and I am not a good medicine taker. This chondroitin you speak of... Is it along the same lines?

[muck]

Good to hear you haven't dropped out Trabbs.. I took my boxer out with me the other night but had to make a pitstop after 3.5k to drop her off at home as she was starting to lag behind. I need to take her out more often i guess. :lol:

Brad... awesome you are doing the half marathon. Might consider something like that next year. Im already signed up for the MS bike tour this spring though.

[Palmer]

I was actally discussing the glucosamine with my pharmacist... He also mentioned that it takes a couple months for it's full benefit. The turn off however is that it needs to be taken 3 times a day, and I am not a good medicine taker. This chondroitin you speak of... Is it along the same lines?

In a former life I was a pharmacist and yes it is along the same lines. They are of course two totally different molecules/substances but often are combined together in the same dosage form. In my experience many people have had good results but in my opinion its not a miracle cure. Probably at best its a good supplement to combine with other forms of rehabilitation/treatments.

BTW I like running too! I think there is something about having the patience of watching corals grow and putting one foot in front of the other that just gels.

Palmer

[Skimmerking]

I run PT which is Physical Training in the Army where we do from 07:30-0815 as a unit. I'm 41 and when I go to take some of the young soldiers for a run like 5 kms they are almost dead. can't keep up its funny. the newer generation. so I usually run 5 -8 km's evey day and on the weekends I run 8-12kms ,but now where I don't have the time or just getting back from Christmas holidays. Hmmmmmmmm i will be focusing on Hockey for the big tourney that is coming up and then the Regional's and off to the Nationals in Borden.

[lastlight]

That's great Mike but your sig is still too freakin' big.

Brad how do you plan on training? As in...as a streat team member... will I be seeing some runs show up under your profile or WHAT? :biggrin:

[DiverDude]

I own a gym. I deal with exactly your situation daily. As has been pointed out, motivation is key and everybody motivates themselves differently.

Perhaps the most important thing is discipline. If you don't have a lot of that, then fear is a good substitute. Fear that you won't be able to be there for your kids because you didn't take care of yourself properly !

The best thing you can do for yourself right now -even if you do nothing else- is quit smoking. That in itself is a HUGE factor. Do nothing else and you'll improve your health. Quit smoking AND start some kind of regular physical activity and you're really on your way to some noticeable improvements.

If running is going to be your activity then I'd suggest you start off easy. Get a pair of decent shoes and stop there -don't go nuts on fancy running clothes and Nike+ systems just yet. Try and run some distance 3 times a week for a month or so. Run outside if you can make yourself do it. Consider joining a gym if that's just too much for you. When you can run a kilometer without feeling like you're going to die (your time to complete is not important) then go join a running clinic at the Running Room or similar. This will teach you technique and give you like-minded people to share you runs with. There is a social/comraderie component here that is very powerful and should not be underestimated.

Most important, congratulate yourself for taking the initiative to take this on. It's not easy and you should pat yourself on the back for taking the first step, so to speak !

Reward yourself too. If you improve your running time, take some of the $ you're saving on smokes and buy something that makes you happy -reef stuff might be a good one !

If you want a goal to shoot for, I sponsor the Melissa Run in Banff and we try and take a bunch of people up for that. It's a 10K and half Marathon (go for the 10K first !!!):mrgreen:

You're more than welcome to come run with us. We have a good time and it's a beautiful run.

Good luck !!!