**Official Running Thread**
 

I couldn't find a running thread on here, and if there is one, I apologize. However, I'm sure there are some of you out there who are either on track, or cross country, or just like to run. This thread I hope can help beginner, intermediate, and expert runners in whatever help they need. So, I'll start:

I've ran off and on in my life, starting I guess four years ago for rowing. However, I stopped rowing after freshman year in high school, and only ran off and on. I have only been in one race, in which I finished in my division at the very least 3rd. (I forget which place exactly). Last year, I wanted to do cross country, yet decided to just focus on my studies since it was my first year in college. Now, I decided to go out this year, in hopes to continue the family tradition and become, at the very least, a decent runner.

Re: **Official Running Thread**
 

I used to run 12-15 miles a week for about 4 years. Then I got all lazy. I need to get back into that.

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I think that's what I'm doing right now. I run just about three every day. But once you get out of the swing of things, you're screwed. It's very tough to come back into it after a long hiatus.

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I've become a much better runner now that I lift as much as I run. I only run about 3 days per week instead of 5, but I run faster, stronger, and with much less pain than ever before.

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I was in cross country 4 years in high school and 1 year in middle school. I was never very good, as i have the body of a linebacker, but considering i was running 20+ miles every week for 9 months out of the year, i was never in any sort of bad shape. Im back to running now and just this last week lost 5 pounds. Amazing what running can do to the body

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I just started running in March of this year. I ran my first 5K on July 4th. A friend of mine that weighed 245, who now runs sub 3:20 marathons, got me into it. I use running as a great cross training exercise to go along with the biking and ice hockey that I do. My wife and I also recently joined a gym. So I am adding weights to my routine. Can you say mid-life crisis?:lol

Not really, just trying to keep myself in good shape. I have a 2 1/2 year old son that keeps me on my toes. So I figure any work I can do to keep myself in shape will only help me with him. Hopefully it will set a good example for him too.

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Does anyone out there have a good training program to build from 5K to a 10K?

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I know Runner's World's website did have them for free, but I'm not sure anymore.

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I hate running. Mainly because my shins hurt like heck during it.

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The right pair of shoes would fix that.

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My wife just subscribed to that magazine. I will check it out. Thanks.

Wait for it....

Whoomp, there it is. I had the same issues and concerns when I started running in March. Prior to that, my knees and shins always hurt during and after a run.

After I got a new, fitted pair of shoes from a reputable running I have no issues with either my knees or shins.

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I am mainly into running 5k's right now... but my new 'goal' is to build up to a half-marathon by the end of the year... I enjoy running but I really want to get my distance up so that I can run about an hour without really being in any pain.... I travel every week though and this makes it difficult for me to get out... gotta get a routine I guess...

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Running sucks.

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I seriously don't see how people enjoy it. I do it so that I don't get fat, but I don't do it because I like it.

I love the feeling 15 minutes after I finish though. Accomplishment and satisfaction of knowing you did it.

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it clears my head... gives me time to think... and i agree of the personal satisfaction thing...

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I see the OP is a PA guy, so you might understand some of my refrences...

Well, I'm going to be a sophmore, so this will be my second season on my high school's Cross Country team. (Gateway is the school.) I'm pretty focused on qualifying for states, either as a team or individually. I like to think I'm better at track though. I qualified for WPIAL Championships in the mile as a freshmen, so that was cool. But all in all, I love running. I think it tells you a lot about yourself, and it gives me a good sense of accomplishment.

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:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

If I could fit anymore on here I would. :lol

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That's awesome man. Keep it up.

Shut it, fatass.

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Running is my #1 pursuit in life. I started running when I was 14, (I'm 25 now.) I did 12 seasons of cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track in high school. In college I ran cross country 4 years. I got into marathoning in the year 2000, and have done 13 of them. Once when I was living in New Zealand for 6 months I decided to run the Kepler Track in one day. It's this 44 mile long trail that goes up from sealevel to 7,000 feet through rainforests to snowcapped peaks. Then down again. Normally it takes 4 days to hike it, I ran it in one, even though I was caught up in a snowstorm above the treeline for a couple hours. Definently took my life in my hands, I was wearing shorts, plowing through snowdrifts up to my knees while the ground fell away on all sides of me. It was the most hardcore thing I've done.

Anyway this year I won my state's most prestigious 10K, and am considered top 10 in distances of 10K and up, (probably like #6 or #7.) With that said, I know that I've still not even come close to reaching my potential as a runner, but I'm trying to- I just ran 23 miles last evening and was too sore to sleep. Sometimes the only fun thing about running is when you're done with it, and sometimes even then it hurts. I'm just endorphin junky though. I like going into roadraces being one of the favorites and dueling it out with maybe one other person for the lead..... I never forget though how it was when I first started, eating everyone's dust, but I kept at it-- and the improvements were steady, which in turn helped me to keep going, till at last I am where I am now: At the pinnacle, first place, #1. When you win a roadrace with several hundred people in it- everyone looks at you like you are a god amoung mortals and that's how you feel. It's the most amazing thing. You can probably imagine what it's like, but unless you've been to the top of that mountain you can't know this level that I'm smiling at.

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Or get started at all, which is the boat I'm in. Any suggestion on how to get into running?

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Run 1 mile, take a day off, run 1 mile, take a day off, run 1 mile, take a day off, until you feel you are ready to go up 2 miles.

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And don't worry about speed, at first. Just find a nice, good pace that you can run and keep it.

Finally, don't start out really fast, if anything, go slow for a few minutes, and build your pace up. You're going to regret it if you go out fast as lightning and then within 7 mintues, you're huffing and puffing. You don't want to do that when you first begin.

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This is something I've never been able to do, I've tried on many occasions but I can never get to the point where it becomes beneficial. It's tough being a bigger guy and going running (6'2, 245), my legs are built for short bursts and not longevity.

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:thumbsup That's what I did to get back into it. I did that for about a month, and now I'm in my 4th week of running 2 miles, 3 times a week.

And I'm thinking that might be it, b/c as much as I'm getting back into a groove, running is one of those things with me where I either LOVE it and can't wait to go, or I cringe at the sight of the treadmill.

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Thanks for the advice everyone. So speed doesn't matter as long as I can finish the mile without needing to stop? Also, is it better to run in the morning before I go to work, or wait and run in the evening after dinner?

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Some of my favorite training plans:

www.halhigdon.com

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Not anymore. :)

All I have to say is God bless Villanova and their INSANELY hilly campus and the Total Gym. I started off running (no matter how funny that may sound :rolleyes) but found out that my matobolism is triggered more by working out (lifting weights, or in my case, the Total Gym).

Dude, I basically live of fruit and vegetables and haven't eaten a burger in who knows how long.

I should be an inspiration to RCS and Tull...:lol

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That was also my problem being a big guy at 6'0 225. I just found myself starting out fine but within 20 minutes, my endurance would go down the drain and I would be in dire need of oxygen. :lol

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I could just see you spread eagle on the ground in the middle of Villanova's campus begging for water while hot girls walk by you giggling. You then murmur, "At least I'm not a smelly pirate hooker."

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:lol:lol:lol:lol

That was a good one.