Runners Club

Gifts to pamper a runner??

smozark — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:20:38 -0800

My sil is a runner/triathlete and I want to put together a gift basket/box/whatever with some post-race pampering stuff. Not being as avid a runner as she is, I don't know what kinds of things might be most appreciated. Any suggestions? Thanks, everyone!

Really running - training for a half

syako — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:56:16 -0700

On New Year's day this year, I had a snowboarding 'incident.,' which included a trip to the E.R. and wearing a splint for a couple of weeks. During that time I took my exercising very easy. I did not run for I feared falling and using my splinted wrist to cushion the fall. I slowly eased cardio back into my routine first by doing the bike at the gym, then walking hills on the treadmill, and then to the elliptical. I got used to this very quickly. Not running became just a habit, and while I pretended to love it, I actually hated that I was not running anymore.

So by February I was having major cabin running fever. I thought back to previous times where I had slacked on running and noticed one fool-proof thing that always got me back in the habit --- training for a race. In the past I've done tons of 5ks and two 10Ks. The 10Ks were exhilarating for me because, for the first time, I actually had to train for them. I had a printed out training schedule, increased my mileage slowly but weekly and crossed off the runs on the calendar. While I probably could have gone out on the 10K race day and hacked out 6 miles without training (when not training for a race I usually eek out 3 miles per workout), by training for the race I was able to up my speed as well, finishing both races well under an hour, and having a sense of accomplishment that comes after weeks of hard work.

I looked at the race schedule in my town and the one thing I saw glaring back at me was the city's Marathon. Dismissing it immediately, I was shocked to find that my interest sparked when I saw there was also a half marathon. My first thought was, 'well it's like two 10Ks. Plus a little extra.' I started scouring the Internet for a good half marathon training program and found this one which was specifically designed for half marathon (and long distance in general) virgins, like me!

Two things struck me about this plan:
1. You don't run every day. Heck, you don't even run 5 times a week. I liked this balance because I hate getting into running running running and completely sacrificing my Pilates and strength training that I love.

2. The long runs started at 4 miles. I'm always turned off by plans that expect me to start my long runs at 6+ miles, so this was great.

I'm a little more than a month into training and to be honest, when I started training I could barely finish 2 miles. Those months off really took a toll on me. Now I'm easily doing 3.5 miles during my weekday runs, and I got to 5 miles on my long run so far. I still have a ways to go before I can even begin to think about the half marathon, but even if I get to the end of the program and realize my body is not ready for 13.1, I still will have the satisfaction of knowing that I increased my mileage and increased my confidence.

What about yall? Anyone training for a race? Set new PRs? Need encouragement to start training?

Running Stories!

jenniferjane — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 08:43:50 -0800

Hey guys, let's all share some funny/scary/interesting stories about things that have happened while running! They do this on Runner'sworld.com but their discussion boards are kind of messy. I'll start:

One time I was running on this wide, beautiful trail through some woods near my house. It was a warm, sunny autumn day and I was taking it slow and enjoying the scenery. I started to hear this strange grunting noise and thought maybe it was a nearby animal. I got scared, but kept running at the same pace so as not to stop and startle anything. I really didn't know what to do! But the grunting got louder and I realized I was approaching it! I could have turned around and run back the way I came at that point, but frankly, I was curious. Then I saw what it was: this guy and this girl going at it in the woods! They saw me too. We all froze for a split second and then I just kept running!! : )

Run with water?

TrickyChic — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:36:01 -0700

ENDORPHINS!!
Just got back from the best run ever! I ran along the Charles (in Boston) and it was PERFECT weather. I just started bringing water on my runs that are longer then 5 mi and I found it makes ALL the difference. Does anyone else bring water or anything else with them when they run? I was thinking about starting to bring gu or something like it but I'm not running far enough to need it yet. Any suggestions?

Fitness Mind Body Spirit Games

Morenasobuena — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 09:55:05 -0700

I just did the 4M Fitness run in Central Park today. It was really humid (94%) and my times were WAY lower than my last NYRR race. It was a little depressing but it was my first time running in a couple of months. It got me excited for the upcoming races however. Did anyone else run it?

Just started running ..

BooWhoo — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:19:16 -0700

So i JUST started running (i have gone all of four times now lol) and i was looking for any advice for new runners you may have? (and wondering when the -omg-ive-never-run-before-and-think-i-may-die feeling will pass)

thanks!!! have a great one

Motivation

fashionhore — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:27:25 -0700

I have been really struggling to stay motivated and keep on my running track this time around. Anyone have any tips that helps keep them motivated for their run?

Running Outside...UPDATE

AIMEESUGAR — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:14:52 -0800

I am going running outside tonight for the first time in- ummm let's see... 3.5 months! I can WAIT!! I knew you fellows runners would understand my enthusiasm

UPDATE: It is now POURING out. So I suppose I must wait for another day. Talk about a buzz kill

Massive site for runners and other athletes

chickensroost — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 02:46:48 -0800

www.pponline.co.uk - it's a huge site with hundreds of articles about sport and fitness, with loads of stuff for runners. There's a really good Answers section - www.pponline.co.uk/answer - where you can get help and advice. Loads of people use the site with a lot of knowledge about sport. It can be really useful if you've got an injury and want to know what to do about it.

What does everyone think?

Which Half Marathon do you recommend?

jchrans — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:11:17 -0800

I am planning to run 3-4 half marathons each year. Yesterday I found a couple web sites that list where half marathons are held and when. However how do you know if they are good races to run or not? I want to make sure they are fun, the course isn't too hard, and the races are stocked well with beverage stations.

Has anyone run any half marathons you recommend doing or can you give me some advice of the ones I should steer clear of?

I appreciate the help!