The Official Running thread!

[He Man]

I've been running more lately to build up my cardio. I was wondering what you guys have as far as tips go in being a healthy faster runner.

Ive got shit experience for running, basically, back in my freshmen year of college, i ran 5-9 miles before breakfast 5x a day. Ive been running on the treadmill since its too damn cold outside. Im doing a 6:33 pace pretty consistently right now for 3-5 miles depending if had my pre run evac break, which has always been my average pace running on the streets. When I was running at 6min/mile pace my left knee gave up ( was running on pavement down and up steep hills) and i havent ran much since.  Another issue ive always had was my lower back. It doenst hurt as much as it gets more sore than my legs do. Ive treid all types of shoes and what not, none of it really helps. I have not however, tried Vibram Five fingers.

So any tips on keeping my knees safe? special stretches? equipment? Treadmill safer than running on pavement?
My goal is to run a half marathon over the summer.

[YellowDuck]

Try the Vibrams. I did a year ago and it totally changed my running. Of course, it changed my stride and footfall also but for the better. For the problems you describe, your stride and footfall could be part of your issues.

If those times you describe are accurate, you're clipping along pretty well. Most people would love to turn miles like that.

And running 5-9 miles five times before breakfast is impressive.

[mookieo2]

I always enjoyed running in the woods on trails a lot better. I may be wrong but for me it was a lot easier on my knees being the ground is softer. Your ankles over logs and rocks are another story.

[ryandalling]

I have run a few marathons and half marathons. I used to be able to run 5:15 for the mile and hold sub sixes for a 10k. Now I am coming back from knee surgeries. Best advice, run trails when you can. Lowest impact on the knees and great ankle / calve muscle workout. Nothing is as good a training as the open road, to prepare you for the hammering of the race, but too much and boom go the knees. Keeping the weight off your gut always helps, but your not running at your speed if you are overweight. get a foam roller and stretch the IT band daily. Cross train a couple times a week on something a bit lower impact.

A bit of a rambling train of thought, but it is five am here.

[dolci]

get a foam roller and stretch the IT band daily. Cross train a couple times a week on something a bit lower impact.

The foam roller has helped tremendously; I just finished a round of physical therapy for my knee and my PT really pushed to make certain that I do this (along with other stretching) on a regular basis.

[YellowDuck]

The foam roller has helped tremendously; I just finished a round of physical therapy for my knee and my PT really pushed to make certain that I do this (along with other stretching) on a regular basis.

I'll third this. Myofascial release is great, hurts like a pregnant dog though. I hit my quads a lot when I put in serious leg training or running to break up the knots.

[DesmoLu]

I've always wanted to enjoy running more but feel like my body is just not made for it. I'm more of a hiker, but now I live in Houston ::dammit::

are the Vibrams really that great? I've been thinking about a pair?

I love the endorphins and pure exhaustion of a good run, but it sucks that my feet/shins/hips are pregnant doging through half of it!

[iRam]

Try cycling to lose the extra lbs. Less impact on the knees. Then go back to running.

[Le Pirate]

Let me start this by saying: I am a BIG guy.

I seem to stay around 240 no matter how much I work out or diet. So I don't. Or atleast I used to not. But the last 6 months I've really gotten into running. I do around 4-5 miles a day, 4-5 days a week. I am by no means an elite athelete

It took a while for me to get into it, because my feet and my knees would hurt alot (I started out with 1 mile a day and then 2, 3, etc). I ended up talking to some runners and they all suggested I try some different style shoes. I ended up with these:

http://www.amateurendurance.com/running/running-equipment/saucony-progrid-kinvara/

I love them.

oh...and I still weigh around 240 


but I can run all day long at about 9:30 a mile (I know, I know...not that great a number...but it's my number dammit!!!!)

[dolci]

I've always wanted to enjoy running more but feel like my body is just not made for it.

Start out slowly and work your way into it rather than just trying to go out and run for a couple miles.  I did a program called "No Boundaries"  last year with my local running store having only run sporadically for previous 40+ years.  It's basically the couch to 5K program but with a group and with mentors as well.  It made a huge difference and I've kept it up now.  This spring, I'm mentoring and my daughter and Zooom are both going do the program.  (I'm also running a 10K and my first 1/2 marathon this spring)

[DesmoLu]

Try cycling to lose the extra lbs. Less impact on the knees. Then go back to running.

I used to have a bicycle but Houston likes to steal bicycles 

but if you mean stationary bike? I die of boredom 5 min into it.

I've run plenty. I did CX in HS and I was doing 4-5 mi a day about 5 days a week when I needed to lose some extra pounds. I'm just not particularly good at it and I effing HATE things that I'm not naturally good at 

[Monster Dave]

These should help you run faster (or at least like your feet are on fire!!)



$200.00

[akmnstr]

I too am a fan of Saucony shoes, but talking running shoes is like talking moto tires.  I'd say it is worth taking time to find shoes that fit you well and work with your stride.  I've run my whole life but always in support of something else - kayaking and wrestling.  I think that because it was never my main interest and I never pushed it real hard, I have never had a running injury.  I hate running on a treadmill.  Outdoors is where it is at.  I purposely allow myself to be distracted, checking out birds and running with my dogs.  When I get home I'll talk about what I saw and heard.