Long Distance Running
 

I'm trying so hard to become a runner. So hard. But geez, guys, running is not an easy pastime to get into!

I'd ideally love to complete a half-marathon by this time next year and a full marathon within the next 3 years. This means that I'm gradually getting used to running longer distances and not dying afterwards. Right now I'm lucky if I can make it through a 10k without stopping (that's about 6.2 miles).

Does anyone else run? Have you guys competed in any long races? Got some words of wisdom?

Edit: Wtf when did you become assistant admin? :o

Practice, practice, practice.

Conditioning yourself for an actual run is really crucial and it takes about a month to build up the stamina to be a 'marathon' runner.

Some very key things I have learned over the years:

• GOOD SHOES. This is the killer. Any sort of marathon training, or even recreational running, you need good shoes. Having the right footwear will make the difference between injuries (both short term and chronic) and success. Good shoes will also wear out in about 6 months so keep that in mind!

• Hydration is huge - keeping hydrated the night before a practice or otherwise run (16 oz of water) and the morning of a run, (16 oz of water) is essential. That and keeping 6-8 oz of water in you every 20 minutes of running is also very important.

Beyond that, the four steps will help keep you in tip top running shape before actually committing to your run. Practicing these will get you in a good habit before attempting a marathon.

• General warm up -
  The general warm up should consist of a light physical activity. Both the intensity and duration of the general warm up (or how hard and how long), should be dictated by how fit you are. Generally you're aiming for 5-10 minutes.
  
  The whole idea is to get your heart beating, this will allow more blood to flow and wake your muscles up. This gets them ready to actually stretch.
  
  
• Static stretching -
  Static stretching is your safe and basic stretch. Pretty much the risk of injury is nonexistent and the benefits are huge. Try to hit all the major muscle groups.
  
  
• Sport specific warm up -
  If you're doing a certain sport that puts more pressure on a certain part of the body, make sure you give extra love to that area.
  
  
• Dynamic stretching -
  Dynamic stretching involves a controlled, soft bounce or swinging motion to force a particular body part past its usual range of movement. You gradually will increase the movement, but never let it get out of control or you risk seriously injuring yourself.

There are a million other things that I can get into as well, but for now that's all I have time to write.

How to train for a marathon or half marathon

Will help you immensely in getting started!

More questions? Ask! Goodluck!

I run, but I hate it. lol My goal was to run the Boston Marathon this next year but, due to surgeries and recovery from them I have to postpone it until 2015. That is my plan though ^^;

I don't think I've ever met someone who actually likes running. Even the most avid runners seem to curse it under their breath. [lol]

Thanks for all the advice, Kylie! Lots of that is stuff I've heard before, but it's always a great reminder. It's easy to forget about the basics.

So now that the weather is cooling off, I'm finally starting to tackle some longer runs! It's so much easier to get outside and actually keep it up for longer than a few minutes. I only did short runs during the summer, because I'd get frustrated from overheating and feeling dehydrated. But today, I did a 5 mile run without any problem. The cool weather makes such a huge difference.

I began running 3 days ago, after I haven't moved my body for a whole year. Even after the third day I began noticing changes in the way my body is handling the running - it's getting a tiny bit easier each time.

It's still VERY hard for me, but i'm not giving up! Even if all my body is itching to stop running and take my breath, i'm not stopping until I reach my goal.

I do 3 intervals in a row of 10 mins each - 1:30 min quick pacing 6km/h, 6:30 min running 8km/h, and the last 2 mins are 10km/h, and after the 10 min I start all over again.

That way I reach 4km in 30 mins.

I hope I could be able to run 40 minutes soon. I can't yet, my body is too exhausted after 30 min so i'm taking it easy for now.

I love running, i'm so happy my treadmill is fixed! I love seeing my progress.

i actually want to start running, as i noticed whenever i play football or do something strenuous i'm out of breath in 2-3 minutes. [XP] its probably a good idea to quit smoking first. xD
are there any workouts or stuff like that for people with shitty conditions? like a prelude to running? or should i just start running and see where that gets me?

^ Listen to your body - if you feel you wanna slow down, so slow down. If you feel you can run quicker, so run quicker. It is actually very healthy to run at different speeds. And of course, before you start running, perhaps try quick pacing first, depends on what you say by "shitty conditions.." also, it is very important to do 5 minute stretching before and after the running.

My second week - I felt I could run more, so I stretched the running to 5.5km in 40 mins (: next week it's gonna be even more.
Did I mention that I love seeing my progress in running?

Have you ever heard of Couch-to-5k? It's a pretty basic program for new runners, sticking to their plan can help you make a lot of progress within only a few weeks. [yes]

progressed to a 6k in 43 mins (: feeling great!

6.5km in 43 mins. (: I want to try and run 7km in less than 40 mins ^__^ then i'll know i've progressed ALOT.

And...I started running only around 1.5 months ago.

Also, I was running 5 days a week, but it's too much for me. I get blisters on my feet and it feels too much for me. So I reduced it to 3 days a week. That way I can have a day off between runs, and i'll have more strength to progress with my running.

That's awesome, Mogwai! ~7k in 40-45 minutes is a pretty good time, you're at least hitting the 10 min/mile mark.

Right now I'm getting frustrated because New York weather never cooperates. It was blazing hot all summer, so I couldn't run outside, and now everything is icy! I feel like I've only had 2-3 good months this year where it was comfortable to run outside. Treadmills get boring after a while, I just want sunshine and a light breeze! [lol]

^ thank you very much! I'm motivated because I love how my body feels after the workout. I feel strong, free, in a way.
Although treadmill is really boring after a while, I still love to run. True, there are days that I feel I dont want to run, but I know that when I finish it i'll be glad that I did it.

I feel much better when I move my body. It has been too long that I didn't move my body AT ALL for more than a yeah and I felt so bad about myself... Physical workout IS the best therapy XD

A little bit of progress (: 6.4 km in 40 mins. wasn't easy, i'll tell ya.

So I want to run outdoors more often and actually have an accurate measure of my times, so I've been thinking about buying one of these nifty things:

https://static.garmincdn.com/en/prod...g/sc-01-lg.jpg

A Garmin Forerunner 10

It's a GPS watch that measures the distance you've run, the total time, split times, and allows you to map out your route online afterwards. Only problem is that it costs money. [cry]

Has anyone else used a GPS watch? Most of them are crazy expensive and have all sorts of functions that are only useful if you're a hardcore runner, so I'm finding it tough to justify buying one of them.

The weather is sloooooowly warming up - Anyone else getting the itch to run more often? [poke]

That stinks! You've got a pretty good excuse for taking it easy, then. Wouldn't want you to make it any worse by running on an ankle that's already injured.