Gotta Go Fast - Running Thread (C25K)

[TOH]

Not sure if we have a thread for working out and/or running or whatever, but made one anyway. The past month I've picked up the Couch-to-5K running program at my local high school track, just to try to get in shape. I've been sharing progress on Facebook through an app, but since I don't have any of you on there (if you want me to add you, feel free to PM me!), I'll keep note of progress here too.

For those of you unfamiliar with the program, it's an interval-training method. You start off with short running intervals and longer walking intervals, but as you progress, you build your stamina and get longer running intervals. Eventually you find yourself running more than you walk, and while it gets tough, it's incredibly satisfying to finish a session.

This afternoon I did the first day of Week 4, which really ramps up the running. While I only did 9 minutes total running at maximum in previous sessions, this one has 16 minutes of running, quite a task. But I kept up a good pace and never stopped running, as tired as my legs got. I use an app (RunDouble) to track progress, tell me how I'm doing every minute of an interval, and play music in the background, so once it told me to cool down after the final running interval...amazing feeling. Managed 1.9 miles at a pace of 11:20/mile, not bad given the longer running intervals which I feared would shred my pace apart. I think I'll do Week 4 Day 2 on Wednesday to give myself some time to rest up and see how I improve on that. Looking forward to it!

Anyone else doing some running programs with the nicer weather? If you want to get in shape, I'd definitely recommend it. Just need to keep yourself motivated, and by using Facebook and telling others like you guys about my progress, it keeps me going because it kinda forces me to own up to staying in this thing. Even then, just by doing this, I've come to enjoy the challenge, and that helps too!

[matter11]

wall

Doing some pushups and unweighted squats will help you a lot as well. Also stretching. Don't just count to ten, keep stretching until it's fully stretched.

I'm also trying to start running as well.

[kaese]

Congrats on sticking with your running program so far!
I'm not disciplined enough to follow any programs lol. I just run when I feel like it and run as much as I want.
I've also been thinking about signing up for a 5k in August but I might not do it. I won't be doing it to prove to myself that I can run 3.1 miles since I usually run that much every other day...and I really hate the competitive time aspect of long distance running.
But it could be a good stepping stone for longer races..10ks? half marathons? marathons? ultras?

Good thread, I might start posting my weekly mileages here.

[quote author=TOH link=topic=6343.msg244616#msg244616 date=1336344875]
wall

Doing some pushups and unweighted squats will help you a lot as well. Also stretching. Don't just count to ten, keep stretching until it's fully stretched.

I'm also trying to start running as well.
[/quote]
For post-workout stretching, studies show that a one minute holds will yield the best results. I haven't stretched for years now and also haven't suffered any injuries (other than shin splints but that was not due to the lack of stretching) so I am skeptical of the benefits.

Edit: My running tumblr! It's really boring as it just tracks my daily mileage. http://runninglongdistance.tumblr.com/

[TOH]

[quote author=TOH link=topic=6343.msg244616#msg244616 date=1336344875]
wall

Doing some pushups and unweighted squats will help you a lot as well. Also stretching. Don't just count to ten, keep stretching until it's fully stretched.

I'm also trying to start running as well.
[/quote]

I do a bit of stretching before, but probably not a ton. I could look into doing that better. Also heard mixed things about stretching after and whether or not it really does anything. Doesn't sound like it'd hurt to try though. I just started some daily ab work yesterday, I'll see if that helps, and maybe I'll mix push-ups and squats. Could definitely feel something from Day 1, though. But I'll keep all this in mind, thanks for the advice.

Congrats on sticking with your running program so far!
I'm not disciplined enough to follow any programs lol. I just run when I feel like it and run as much as I want.
I've also been thinking about signing up for a 5k in August but I might not do it. I won't be doing it to prove to myself that I can run 3.1 miles since I usually run that much every other day...and I really hate the competitive time aspect of long distance running.
But it could be a good stepping stone for longer races..10ks? half marathons? marathons? ultras?

Good thread, I might start posting my weekly mileages here.

[quote author=matter11 link=topic=6343.msg244617#msg244617 date=1336345850]
[quote author=TOH link=topic=6343.msg244616#msg244616 date=1336344875]
wall

Doing some pushups and unweighted squats will help you a lot as well. Also stretching. Don't just count to ten, keep stretching until it's fully stretched.

I'm also trying to start running as well.
[/quote]
For post-workout stretching, studies show that a one minute holds will yield the best results. I haven't stretched for years now and also haven't suffered any injuries (other than shin splints but that was not due to the lack of stretching) so I am skeptical of the benefits.

Edit: My running tumblr! It's really boring as it just tracks my daily mileage. http://runninglongdistance.tumblr.com/
[/quote]

Thanks, feeling good about it so far. I'm not sure of a long-term goal like marathons or anything yet...right now I guess my goal is to reach the end of the program, and see where to go from there. Maybe train to improve pace or something, and at that point I'd start looking at marathons and the like.

[matter11]

[quote author=matter11 link=topic=6343.msg244617#msg244617 date=1336345850]
[quote author=TOH link=topic=6343.msg244616#msg244616 date=1336344875]
wall

Doing some pushups and unweighted squats will help you a lot as well. Also stretching. Don't just count to ten, keep stretching until it's fully stretched.

I'm also trying to start running as well.
[/quote]

I do a bit of stretching before, but probably not a ton. I could look into doing that better. Also heard mixed things about stretching after and whether or not it really does anything. Doesn't sound like it'd hurt to try though. I just started some daily ab work yesterday, I'll see if that helps, and maybe I'll mix push-ups and squats. Could definitely feel something from Day 1, though. But I'll keep all this in mind, thanks for the advice.



[/quote]

Proper pushup and squat form will work your abs/core well. Also if weight loss is one of your goals training muscles helps you a lot by just burning more calories during the day. Also if you're starting out a bit overweight (idk you so idk) weight training will come easy to you.

[Versus]

gotta go fast

[A. Crow]

I hate running.

I'm running tomorrow. 

[Surf314]

I need to start running again. I've found a good running shoe is a must. I love my Newtons.

[kaese]

I need to start running again. I've found a good running shoe is a must. I love my Newtons.

Have you tried barefoot running? C:

[matter11]

[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=6343.msg244641#msg244641 date=1336358490]
I need to start running again. I've found a good running shoe is a must. I love my Newtons.

Have you tried barefoot running? C:

[/quote]

[Squishy3]

[quote author=Käse link=topic=6343.msg244642#msg244642 date=1336358668]
[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=6343.msg244641#msg244641 date=1336358490]
I need to start running again. I've found a good running shoe is a must. I love my Newtons.

Have you tried barefoot running? C:

[/quote]
[/quote]not fucking cool.

[A. Crow]

barefoot running is great.  If you're still young and fit enough for your body to adapt before destroying your joints. 

[cbre88x]

[quote author=matter11 link=topic=6343.msg244644#msg244644 date=1336358827]
[quote author=Käse link=topic=6343.msg244642#msg244642 date=1336358668]
[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=6343.msg244641#msg244641 date=1336358490]
I need to start running again. I've found a good running shoe is a must. I love my Newtons.

Have you tried barefoot running? C:

[/quote]
[/quote]not fucking cool.
[/quote]

Ever heard of Vibrams 5 toes? That's what they are designed for. Early adopter here, they work pretty damn well.

[Greatbacon]

[quote author=Squishy link=topic=6343.msg244646#msg244646 date=1336359158]
[quote author=matter11 link=topic=6343.msg244644#msg244644 date=1336358827]
[quote author=Käse link=topic=6343.msg244642#msg244642 date=1336358668]
[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=6343.msg244641#msg244641 date=1336358490]
I need to start running again. I've found a good running shoe is a must. I love my Newtons.

Have you tried barefoot running? C:

[/quote]
[/quote]not fucking cool.
[/quote]

Ever heard of Vibrams 5 toes? That's what they are designed for. Early adopter here, they work pretty damn well.
[/quote]I will vouch for Vibrams as well.  Although I feel like if you do your running on concrete or pavement it is a little harder on your feet than running shoes.

My goal for this week's running is 2.2 miles @ around 11mins/mile.  It's really fun to just keep track of your stats and see where you are improving.  Also if you couple some weight exercises to go with your run, you'll see all kind of Gainz™.

[kaese]

[quote author=matter11 link=topic=6343.msg244644#msg244644 date=1336358827]
[quote author=Käse link=topic=6343.msg244642#msg244642 date=1336358668]
[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=6343.msg244641#msg244641 date=1336358490]
I need to start running again. I've found a good running shoe is a must. I love my Newtons.

Have you tried barefoot running? C:

[/quote]
[/quote]not fucking cool.
[/quote]

I was under the assumption that you guys run on sidewalks/roads and not on trails where it is possible to acquire those injuries. I've been running barefoot on sidewalks for short durations and it's been really enjoyable.
And Crow, most if not all running injuries come from running too much too soon. This applies to both running barefoot and with shoes. For someone transitioning to running barefoot, I recommend only running as much as it feels comfortable-whether it be 100m or a mile.

I'm currently wearing Vivobarefoot running shoes when I go run at the gym, but I'm certainly thinking about getting a pair of Vibrams as well.

[Squishy3]

[quote author=Squishy link=topic=6343.msg244646#msg244646 date=1336359158]
[quote author=matter11 link=topic=6343.msg244644#msg244644 date=1336358827]
[quote author=Käse link=topic=6343.msg244642#msg244642 date=1336358668]
[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=6343.msg244641#msg244641 date=1336358490]
I need to start running again. I've found a good running shoe is a must. I love my Newtons.

Have you tried barefoot running? C:

[/quote]
[/quote]not fucking cool.
[/quote]

I was under the assumption that you guys run on sidewalks/roads and not on trails where it is possible to acquire those injuries. I've been running barefoot on sidewalks for short durations and it's been really enjoyable.
And Crow, most if not all running injuries come from running too much too soon. This applies to both running barefoot and with shoes. For someone transitioning to running barefoot, I recommend only running as much as it feels comfortable-whether it be 100m or a mile.

I'm currently wearing Vivobarefoot running shoes when I go run at the gym, but I'm certainly thinking about getting a pair of Vibrams as well.
[/quote]Also, the article that picture is from is about a guy stepping on his glass and that's the incision made to start repairing the tendons. So yeah.

[kaese]

[quote author=Käse link=topic=6343.msg244654#msg244654 date=1336360023]
[quote author=Squishy link=topic=6343.msg244646#msg244646 date=1336359158]
[quote author=matter11 link=topic=6343.msg244644#msg244644 date=1336358827]
[quote author=Käse link=topic=6343.msg244642#msg244642 date=1336358668]
[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=6343.msg244641#msg244641 date=1336358490]
I need to start running again. I've found a good running shoe is a must. I love my Newtons.

Have you tried barefoot running? C:

[/quote]
[/quote]not fucking cool.
[/quote]

I was under the assumption that you guys run on sidewalks/roads and not on trails where it is possible to acquire those injuries. I've been running barefoot on sidewalks for short durations and it's been really enjoyable.
And Crow, most if not all running injuries come from running too much too soon. This applies to both running barefoot and with shoes. For someone transitioning to running barefoot, I recommend only running as much as it feels comfortable-whether it be 100m or a mile.

I'm currently wearing Vivobarefoot running shoes when I go run at the gym, but I'm certainly thinking about getting a pair of Vibrams as well.
[/quote]Also, the article that picture is from is about a guy stepping on his glass and that's the incision made to start repairing the tendons. So yeah.
[/quote]
The photo shows the man wearing jeans and after going to the site where the image is linked (something about combat), I find it difficult to believe that he is a barefoot runner. Also, linking images to randomly sustained foot injuries doesn't really prove anything; the person could have been an idiot and went dancing on broken glass for all I know. My mom dropped and broke a glass cup years ago and accidentally stepped on some glass shards, but that didn't cause me to start wearing shoes in the house for the rest of my life.

A big part of barefoot running is having an awareness for your surroundings, including the terrain that you are about to step on. If you see something dangerous like sharp rocks or glass, then do not step on them. It's a fairly simple concept.

[matter11]

[quote author=Squishy link=topic=6343.msg244667#msg244667 date=1336361893]
[quote author=Käse link=topic=6343.msg244654#msg244654 date=1336360023]
[quote author=Squishy link=topic=6343.msg244646#msg244646 date=1336359158]
[quote author=matter11 link=topic=6343.msg244644#msg244644 date=1336358827]
[quote author=Käse link=topic=6343.msg244642#msg244642 date=1336358668]
[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=6343.msg244641#msg244641 date=1336358490]
I need to start running again. I've found a good running shoe is a must. I love my Newtons.

Have you tried barefoot running? C:

[/quote]
[/quote]not fucking cool.
[/quote]

I was under the assumption that you guys run on sidewalks/roads and not on trails where it is possible to acquire those injuries. I've been running barefoot on sidewalks for short durations and it's been really enjoyable.
And Crow, most if not all running injuries come from running too much too soon. This applies to both running barefoot and with shoes. For someone transitioning to running barefoot, I recommend only running as much as it feels comfortable-whether it be 100m or a mile.

I'm currently wearing Vivobarefoot running shoes when I go run at the gym, but I'm certainly thinking about getting a pair of Vibrams as well.
[/quote]Also, the article that picture is from is about a guy stepping on his glass and that's the incision made to start repairing the tendons. So yeah.
[/quote]
The photo shows the man wearing jeans and after going to the site where the image is linked (something about combat), I find it difficult to believe that he is a barefoot runner. Also, linking images to randomly sustained foot injuries doesn't really prove anything; the person could have been an idiot and went dancing on broken glass for all I know. My mom dropped and broke a glass cup years ago and accidentally stepped on some glass shards, but that didn't cause me to start wearing shoes in the house for the rest of my life.

A big part of barefoot running is having an awareness for your surroundings, including the terrain that you are about to step on. If you see something dangerous like sharp rocks or glass, then do not step on them. It's a fairly simple concept.

[/quote]
I just wanted to post a picture exemplifying my attitude toward running barefoot and this one got the job done. Sharp rocks and glass suck man.

[Saxxy]

Apparently my stress fractures that I picked up during cross country in high school are still with me, so I've had to stop running

I figure I'll see some sort of sports doctor and figure out how long I have to lay off the running (hopefully I can still do it eventually...), and stick with cycling and weights for now.

I guess I'm not missing out on too much though, since TX is a couple weeks away from entering "holy christ almighty we are in an oven" mode.

On the plus side: my friend that made me realize I should start working out (he basically said I looked like garbage) told me a few days ago that I was looking a lot better

[CaffeinePowered]

Apparently my stress fractures that I picked up during cross country in high school are still with me, so I've had to stop running

I figure I'll see some sort of sports doctor and figure out how long I have to lay off the running (hopefully I can still do it eventually...), and stick with cycling and weights for now.

I guess I'm not missing out on too much though, since TX is a couple weeks away from entering "holy christ almighty we are in an oven" mode.

On the plus side: my friend that made me realize I should start working out (he basically said I looked like garbage) told me a few days ago that I was looking a lot better

Id go with biking instead if you want to get out, I have terribly flat feet so I never run, either bike or if Im at the gym, an elliptical.