Runners Unite!

kcboston wrote:

I wouldn’t call myself a runner, but my friends and I signed up for the Princess 10k next year, so I figured I’d better start training now since I have never done any kind of distance running before. I started the Couch to 5k at the beginning of May, and I’ve been really pleased and surprised at my progress so far! I also signed up for the virtual 5k running shorts, knowing I have those coming up has kept me motivated!

I am not a morning person, so I run when I get home from work, I shoot for 3 days a week, but can’t always make that happen. Since it’s already hotter than Hades here, I do my running inside on the treadmill. I know a lot of people dislike treadmill running, but it’s been good for me so far, as I’m not too familiar with the running trails in my area, and time is a major issue for me.

I know I need a good pair of shoes, since I have been using an old, worn out pair of sneakers, and I can feel it in spots. What are some of your favorites brands and models of shoes?

Maybe we need our own thread to share our Couch to 5k progress, I’d love to hear how you’re doing! Some days I feel like I’m never going to improve! We could even sync one of our Virtual Running Shorts 5ks!

Part of why I run in the morning is because it’s cooler, it’s been in the low 60’s most days that I’ve been running in the past few weeks I’m not against treadmill running, I would probably do that if I had access to one, but when I’ve used a treadmill I find it much easier than running outside for some reason. Last year when training for a 5k I could only run about 1 mile outside without stopping, so then I’d walk for about a half mile and run for another mile. But for some reason on the treadmill I was able to run 2 miles without needing to slow down or stop. I have no idea why. I like to be outside in general which is why I run outside whenever I can, but in the mornings so I don’t melt to death

As for shoes, I would echo what Bex said about a running store. I went to Fleet Feet. A friend of mine got shin splints while training for a runDisney event and I didn’t want to get hurt, so I spent the extra $ not to end up seeing the doc. Fleet Feet had me run on a treadmill for a short while and they filmed me running. You had to run in shorts with no shoes or socks. They could then assess my gait and how I ran and said I pronate (I think). So then they recommended 3 different types of shoe for that. The brands were: New Balance, Mizuno and Sarcony. They allowed me to try on each shoe and run down the strip mall and back. I went with the New Balance because of the style and feel. I love them! I have done 35,000 steps a day at theme parks in them and felt fine! They also helped me find good running socks (I had no idea you shouldn’t run in certain socks) and they suggested I go a shoe size up. They were about $150, but so worth it! I don’t regret it at all and I know I’m in the right shoe

starbee wrote:

It’s funny how some people do better running in the morning, while for others it’s the evening. For me it’s the morning, I am awful in the evenings and like 10dedfish said, there’s a good chance I’ll blow it off

I can’t really call myself a runner. I’m trying to get back into it. I ran track & field in HS, didn’t run in college, but have gotten back into it over the last year and a half. It’s so hard to get back in shape! I ran a 5k last November and this year I’ve signed up to the runDisney Virtual Running Shorts series (three 5k races) to help get back into it. Having a target to shoot for helps with my motivation. I’m running 2-3 times a week and doing cardio on the days I don’t run. Trying to make that a consistent 3 times a week.

Can anyone share any tips for someone just starting to run?

I’ve been running for 5 years consistently now. I did have to take off about 6-9 months due to horrible plantar fasciatis about two years ago. I honestly follow the distance training guide from Jeff Galloway on the RunDisney site since I train for half marathons. It has you slowly increasing the mileage. I personally can’t follow a set walk/run ratio. I honestly just listen to my body each day that I run! I’ve actually regressed in how long I can run for before needing a walk break. So now I try to focus on walking for shorter times and run efficiently during my runs. I’m just starting my training for the Dopey Challenge in January (5k,10k, half marathon and full marathon in 4 consecutive days). This will be my first full marathon!!!! I just try to keep a very positive mental outlook. After having to take time off from running two years ago, I’ve really learned to appreciate running and really enjoy my long runs!!! I get in a great mental zone and can just keep running/walking for hours!! I’m not an efficient breather because of a sinus issue, so I am a full mouth breather. I’ve learned to visually keep my mouth nearly closed, but can really only draw air in and out through my mouth. When I feel that it’s difficult to catch my breath, I actually have to focus are hard full exhales. That allows my diaphragm to reset and allow me to get full breaths in again. I wear Brooks Transcend’s. They are very pricey ($160) but so perfect for me! I pronate (rotate my feet) and was collapsing my Brooks Glycerine’s even with my custom orthotics inside of them! The Transcend’s are a stability shoe and it prevents me from my collapsing my shoe. I do two shorter runs during the week (3-6 milers) then go longer on the weekends. I typically increase by a mile per week on the weekends. I’ve ran one 10k and 8 half marathons in the past 4 years.

Jloosh78 wrote:

My feet hurt just reading these!

Hence me taking the car….. way easy on the feet.

Jloosh78 wrote:

My feet hurt just reading these!

10dedfish wrote:

Hit the treadmill this evening. 1.1 miles in 28 minutes at 20 degrees incline. Bounced between 2 and 3 mph on the quarter miles

Great job!! I need to get a run in this weekend!!! I ran just 2 miles each Sunday and Monday while we were in Phoenix. It got insanely hot fast by 7am! My body is tired from the travels and heat out there so I needed a rest.

@starbee We should definitely share our progress! Having a buddy to do this with would be awesome! My friends that are doing the run with me haven’t started yet, due to various reasons. I just finished week 3 last night, and it was my first “bad run.” Don’t get me wrong, none of my other runs have been pretty, but this one was the first one where I felt like I did worse than the previous times. My legs just felt like lead, which was so disappointing because I was looking forward to it all day. Now that’s something I never thought I would say