The racer workout

[gm2]

If you really want some good cardio, and are slightly masochistic, try spin classes. You'll love it, if you don't die.

another thing i haven't done in a good long while but i gotta agree.  they're fantastic.. after you go for a while.  at first it's hell.

[mags]

Guess who has started his nike ipod training program?!?!  Last night was day two...

[vampireduc]

www.coolrunnings.com

it is what I use.  They have a couch-to-XX (name your distance) training plan.  I am the weirdo that likes to run but has never been very fast.  The goal is health, not speed.  The best results I have ever seen have been with a heart rate monitor and this program.  No matter the day, how you feel, peer pressure etc.....stick to your heart rate goal (65-80% I think to start)

[gm2]

www.coolrunnings.com

you probably meant coolrunning, no 's'

[sqweak]

The rumors are true, the ground shaking that is presently occuring nightly around 11pm isn't aftershocks but my fatass making an attempt at "running". 

I'm doing something similar to the couch to 5k plan, doing mostly walking with intervals of jogging and running.  I average ~1.2 miles (~2k) daily, and yesterday I walked a full 5k at ~10m/k pace with a brief jog during the last 400m.  So far so good.  The geek factor of using the nike+ kit is definatley keeping me engaged, and I've been lurking around the nike+, runner+, coolrunning, runnersworld, etc forums for training plans and information.

[TiNi]

keep up the good work squeak 

[derby]

The geek factor of using the nike+ kit is definatley keeping me engaged, and I've been lurking around the nike+, runner+, coolrunning, runnersworld, etc forums for training plans and information.

has it started talking to you yet?

[darylbowden]

The rumors are true, the ground shaking that is presently occuring nightly around 11pm isn't aftershocks but my fatass making an attempt at "running". 

I'm doing something similar to the couch to 5k plan, doing mostly walking with intervals of jogging and running.  I average ~1.2 miles (~2k) daily, and yesterday I walked a full 5k at ~10m/k pace with a brief jog during the last 400m.  So far so good.  The geek factor of using the nike+ kit is definatley keeping me engaged, and I've been lurking around the nike+, runner+, coolrunning, runnersworld, etc forums for training plans and information.

Well, you live in a place that is about as conducive to running as anyplace could be, so keep it up.  When I lived in SM, I used to run for miles on the green belt on San Vicente.  It's a great workout and the grass makes it easier on your joints.

Also, make sure you have good shoes - they are VERY important.  Nike shoes have been linked to a number of joint problems and most professionals will tell you to stay as far from them as you can.  Personally, I have 3 pairs of Asics, each suited for different kinds of running. New Balance also makes great shoes as do a few others.  Best bet is to find a place (I love Run With Us in Pasadena) that is a running store NOT a shoe store and they will observe you as you run and find you shoes for your pronation that also suit the terrain you will be running on.

[gm2]

Well, you live in a place that is about as conducive to running as anyplace could be, so keep it up.  When I lived in SM, I used to run for miles on the green belt on San Vicente.  It's a great workout and the grass makes it easier on your joints.

Also, make sure you have good shoes - they are VERY important.  Nike shoes have been linked to a number of joint problems and most professionals will tell you to stay as far from them as you can.  Personally, I have 3 pairs of Asics, each suited for different kinds of running. New Balance also makes great shoes as do a few others.  Best bet is to find a place (I love Run With Us in Pasadena) that is a running store NOT a shoe store and they will observe you as you run and find you shoes for your pronation that also suit the terrain you will be running on.

big hairy +1

i go to the place around the corner from me.. on lincoln, near maxella.  forget the name.  i dig those Nikes for obvious reasons but they aren't the right shoes for my wide, flat feet.  i also have some Asics; they were carefully fitted to me by the dude at the store.  at a good store they'll look at your feet, how you stand, how you walk, what kind of running you intend to do, etc and then bring out several choices.  there's no brand relevance.

[sqweak]

has it started talking to you yet?

Yup.  I use it to time my intervals, so I am pretty used to all the auto-generated voice prompts.  And Lance Armstrong and some chick with 3 names keep congratulating me on my longest/fastest/bestest workout.

Well, you live in a place that is about as conducive to running as anyplace could be, so keep it up.  When I lived in SM, I used to run for miles on the green belt on San Vicente.  It's a great workout and the grass makes it easier on your joints.

I have been running at Palisades Park across the street from the house.  It's got dirt/grass paths in addition to paving.

Also, make sure you have good shoes - they are VERY important.  Nike shoes have been linked to a number of joint problems and most professionals will tell you to stay as far from them as you can.  Personally, I have 3 pairs of Asics, each suited for different kinds of running. New Balance also makes great shoes as do a few others.  Best bet is to find a place (I love Run With Us in Pasadena) that is a running store NOT a shoe store and they will observe you as you run and find you shoes for your pronation that also suit the terrain you will be running on.

Learned that lesson the hard way already.    My Air Max180s are the most comfortable athletic shoes I've ever owned, but when I picked up a pair of "Victory" they shredded my Achilles' on both heels after a very simple 15min/1mi walk/jog.  Promptly went to Top to Top in Santa Monica and after a gait analysis and q&a they got me sorted with some Brooks "Addiction".  I'm using a pouch on the laces for the Nike+   They are more comfortable but I'm getting a bit of shin splints in my left leg.  They seem to lessen in severity if I'm aware of my stride and be sure to land heel first and roll through instead of just clomping them down.  I'm sure some of that is related to just the increased activity level as well.

[vampireduc]

Shoes....DB is right....In the running world if you are over 150 lbs (or something close to that) you are considered a "heavy striker"  I am 190lbs.  New balance trail or all terrain shoes have had the best support for me.  I have been in the Army for 12 years have changed my shoe type twice (addidas, soucony) and have paid dearly with knee/ hip/ back pain.  I have used NB 902.  (the ugly grey 'old') and All terrain 470series, and 800 series. 

Good job!  May your lap times go down, and may you finish track days with energy to spare.

[DanTheMan]

Has anybody looked into Chi running? Basically it teaches a different running technique which puts a lot less stress on your lower body. I used to run like a sprinter, all power, but that doesn't get you very far in long distance running. I'd get shin splints that make my muscles feel like they were tearing apart in the middle. With the Chi running , i can run once every few months for about 3 miles with out pain. Ive been too lazy to dedicate myself to running, but the few times i do it really helps.

[dropstharockalot]

Has anybody looked into Chi running? Basically it teaches a different running technique which puts a lot less stress on your lower body. I used to run like a sprinter, all power, but that doesn't get you very far in long distance running. I'd get shin splints that make my muscles feel like they were tearing apart in the middle. With the Chi running , i can run once every few months for about 3 miles with out pain. Ive been too lazy to dedicate myself to running, but the few times i do it really helps.

Links? Resources?

This sounds really interesting...

[Ducatista]

  I think I just found the best workout evar.  We found that there is a Crossfit affiliate that is right down the street from the house we just bought.  We've only done a handful of workouts, but a lot of the movements will strengthen the muscles that are used on the track.

[vampireduc]

crossfit is pure evil!!  If you can stick with it though the results are amazing.