The Runner's Thread

[Schenn]

Any suggestions for a running app for Android?

I don't take my phone with me on runs, so things like GPS tracking and a pedometer are useless for me. I just want an app that will track whatever information I enter into it, like speed, distance, time, etc...

https://www.runtastic.com/

Runtastic Pro is the app I use. Tracks distance, time and splits, GPS, tracks elevation, and tells you where you need to improve. Built in music player, archives all your stats online from every run ever done, and a lady will pause your music for a moment after every km to tell you your time, split, and calories burned.

Highly recommend.

 

[RayP]

https://www.runtastic.com/

Runtastic Pro is the app I use. Tracks distance, time and splits, GPS, tracks elevation, and tells you where you need to improve. Built in music player, archives all your stats online from every run ever done, and a lady will pause your music for a moment after every km to tell you your time, split, and calories burned.

Highly recommend.

Also connects with MyFitnessPal and automatically uploads your runs to MFP, if you use that app/site.

 

[drcrusher]

Age - 37
What I Run - Distance, distance, distance
How Often - 5-7 days a week
PRs - 1:34:36 (half-marathon), 3:22:45 (marathon)
Why I Run - so many reasons for so many years

I am an avid and serious runner. I went from a middle-distance teenager to running long in my 20s and I seldom do 5Ks or even 10Ks much anymore (though this summer I'd like to get back to a few shorter and faster races). Most of my PRs were set ten years ago, but around two weeks ago I ran a half-marathon as tune-up for Boston and nearly hit my PR (only ten seconds shy), setting a 10-mile PR en route (1:12:58) on a tougher course. It's definitely a confidence boost with Boston only a week and a half away, just hope everything comes together right (make it to the starting line healthy and hope the weather cooperates, i.e., that it isn't ~90 degrees out as it was in 2012.....).

 

[RayP]

Just signed up for my first official trail race, which is a half marathon this May. Suppose to be a pretty nice run, and it has one ridiculous incline in the middle of it. I'm not even going to set any goals in regards to time or anything, and all I want to do in this race is absolutely dominate that "hill." That's all I care about.

 

[Positive]

Age - 37
What I Run - Distance, distance, distance
How Often - 5-7 days a week
PRs - 1:34:36 (half-marathon), 3:22:45 (marathon)
Why I Run - so many reasons for so many years

I am an avid and serious runner. I went from a middle-distance teenager to running long in my 20s and I seldom do 5Ks or even 10Ks much anymore (though this summer I'd like to get back to a few shorter and faster races). Most of my PRs were set ten years ago, but around two weeks ago I ran a half-marathon as tune-up for Boston and nearly hit my PR (only ten seconds shy), setting a 10-mile PR en route (1:12:58) on a tougher course. It's definitely a confidence boost with Boston only a week and a half away, just hope everything comes together right (make it to the starting line healthy and hope the weather cooperates, i.e., that it isn't ~90 degrees out as it was in 2012.....).

Great times! Female? Good luck in Boston!

It'd be awesome to run Boston someday, but I'd have to knock a half-hour off my PR (would need a 3:15 in my age category for men). Don't see that happening anytime soon! Need to get serious.

 

[Jesus comma Brodin]

All my life I hated running. I hated cardio pretty much in general... I was one of those guys who assumed lifting weights was enough to stay in shape, plus I played hockey.

Anyways, back in January, I could not run more than 30 seconds MAX without being out of breath. I was really out of shape, always sweating and uncomfortable. Always out of breath.

When I'd go to the gym and try cycling or elliptical, I could go for about 30 minutes before really feeling anything, but running for a minute would make me winded. So I decided to get back in shape by running. This was January 12th.

I started with small intervals of run-walk-run-walk and slowly the runs go shorter and the runs got longer. About 5 weeks later I ran a full 30 minutes nonstop and hit 5k at around 29m15s. Two weeks after that I hit 5k after 27m6s.

Now I'm working my way up to a full 60 minutes of running (and 10k in about 57m20s). My best so far was 45 minutes, but I think I can do more. I am back to doing run-walk intervals, with long intervals of 10-20 minutes separated by 1 minute walking intervals.

Since January 12th I went from around 210 lbs to 186 lbs as of yesterday.

I'm also completely hooked on running.

THIS IS WHAT I NEED. I am 23, weigh right around 218-219 and I realized I am getting winded from the easiest of exercises. I just started running again on Monday for the first time in a long time. By run-walk-run-walk intervals, where did you start in terms of time? How long run vs how long walk?

So far this week, I have gone walk-run walk-run the last 3 nights, Mon. I went 3.3 miles total, Tues. went 2 miles and tonight 2.5. But my intervals are not consistent, I kind of just change from run to walk as I please, is there an interval schedule or something you're aware of if you don't mind sharing?

I guess in my mind, just getting up and moving in anyway is an improvement.

Any tips or suggestions for a chubby 23 year old to become a better runner are all accepted.

Thanks

 

[drcrusher]

Great times! Female? Good luck in Boston!

It'd be awesome to run Boston someday, but I'd have to knock a half-hour off my PR (would need a 3:15 in my age category for men). Don't see that happening anytime soon! Need to get serious.

Thanks! Yes, I'm female -- my BQ time is 3:40 and I was well under that qualifying for this year (a 3:22-high in Oct. 2012). This will be my second time running Boston, and I hope it goes better than the first, which was in 2012 in the awful heat. I finished (in a time I hate), but I should have dropped out and hit a medical tent around mile 22. I felt a little sick to my stomach and wasn't really sweating anymore and knew that was bad but I had already suffered for 22 miles, I couldn't bear to give up so close to the end. One of the dumbest risks I've ever taken. I was fried and off-and-on sick for a week and it took my legs more than a month to recover. Not at all worth the crappy finish time, in retrospect, so I want to make this Boston finish respectable.

How did you train for your races? Do you think there is room for cutting off time? I've tried a different training plan this spring, something with 2-3 quality workouts a week where you mix in long easier running with threshold and race-pace training to really teach the legs and heart how to run tough when it gets tough -- I feel better at long miles this training cycle than I have ever felt previously so I am hoping it translates to the race. But it's true, you have to be really serious about it, takes a lot of sacrifice of time and it's sometimes a grind (especially when the winter is as bad for running outside as this was and you have to grind out 15 marathon-pace miles on a treadmill), but I guess the whole point is you will feel good when you cross the line and meet your goal Are you going to do a marathon this year?

 

[waffledave]

THIS IS WHAT I NEED. I am 23, weigh right around 218-219 and I realized I am getting winded from the easiest of exercises. I just started running again on Monday for the first time in a long time. By run-walk-run-walk intervals, where did you start in terms of time? How long run vs how long walk?

So far this week, I have gone walk-run walk-run the last 3 nights, Mon. I went 3.3 miles total, Tues. went 2 miles and tonight 2.5. But my intervals are not consistent, I kind of just change from run to walk as I please, is there an interval schedule or something you're aware of if you don't mind sharing?

I guess in my mind, just getting up and moving in anyway is an improvement.

Any tips or suggestions for a chubby 23 year old to become a better runner are all accepted.

Thanks

I used a program called "Couch to 5k" which you can find here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Just follow the chart. Really easy, 3 times a week. The hardest week is the 4th one, after that just keep running, you'll be surprised what your body can do.

 

[Dynamic]

28 years old but running since 22-23
How far- only 4.5 kms
How much-I go for at least 4 times a week but if I play hockey I will cut my run for that day. I run all year except if it's below -30c with windchill. I actually like running in the winter better. That cold crisp air wakes you up quick in northern alberta.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

I used a program called "Couch to 5k" which you can find here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Just follow the chart. Really easy, 3 times a week. The hardest week is the 4th one, after that just keep running, you'll be surprised what your body can do.

I will attest to the success of this program. Haven't run long distance for more than 10 years, but started this program in late January, and have really taken my time.

I spent three weeks on Week 4. I'm on my second week of Week 5 now, and working up to going a full two miles straight on Day 3, as have only been able to go a slow mile so far. I'll probably repeat Week 5 again or modify Week 6 to allow me to build some stamina.

Week 7 looks scary right now, but I keep reminding myself that when I first started, Week 4 looked scary too.

 

[Jesus comma Brodin]

i used a program called "couch to 5k" which you can find here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

just follow the chart. Really easy, 3 times a week. The hardest week is the 4th one, after that just keep running, you'll be surprised what your body can do.

thank you!!!

 

[TheOtherScott]

I've had good luck with RunKeeper, but want to give MyASICS a shot since I have a very specific goal in mind for training (sub-50 10k in the fall) and it uses an integrated training program.

 

[ClasslessGuy]

Any good advice for large/flat feet (have to put orthotics in) running shoes?

Something light but solid.

Edit: using Mizuno at the moment

 

[Positive]

Thanks! Yes, I'm female -- my BQ time is 3:40 and I was well under that qualifying for this year (a 3:22-high in Oct. 2012). This will be my second time running Boston, and I hope it goes better than the first, which was in 2012 in the awful heat. I finished (in a time I hate), but I should have dropped out and hit a medical tent around mile 22. I felt a little sick to my stomach and wasn't really sweating anymore and knew that was bad but I had already suffered for 22 miles, I couldn't bear to give up so close to the end. One of the dumbest risks I've ever taken. I was fried and off-and-on sick for a week and it took my legs more than a month to recover. Not at all worth the crappy finish time, in retrospect, so I want to make this Boston finish respectable.

How did you train for your races? Do you think there is room for cutting off time? I've tried a different training plan this spring, something with 2-3 quality workouts a week where you mix in long easier running with threshold and race-pace training to really teach the legs and heart how to run tough when it gets tough -- I feel better at long miles this training cycle than I have ever felt previously so I am hoping it translates to the race. But it's true, you have to be really serious about it, takes a lot of sacrifice of time and it's sometimes a grind (especially when the winter is as bad for running outside as this was and you have to grind out 15 marathon-pace miles on a treadmill), but I guess the whole point is you will feel good when you cross the line and meet your goal Are you going to do a marathon this year?

I definitely think I could cut off some time by yeah...just getting serious. Running is a sport where I think after a point you have to train 100% harder to get like 20% faster. I've been told I just really need to increase my mileage. 40 miles a week (though nothing to be ashamed of) isn't going to get me to Boston. And like you said, just grind out the miles on a treadmill if I have to. Winters are pretty long and harsh here in Winnipeg, so I find maintaining that discipline can be tough...and treadmill running bores the heck out of me.

Actually I was running through this winter and had signed up for the Fargo marathon (May 10th) months ago, but pulled a hamstring in February (stupid icy ruts) and had to rest and rehab for more than a month, where it hurt to even walk, much less train. Feels 'ok' now, no longer limping around and did some slower runs last week, but I've lost too much time and conditioning. Decided to defer that registration til next year and cancelled my hotel. But may do a fall marathon that's nearby (perhaps Minneapolis or Fargo).

9 days til' Boston...enjoy your taper and have a great run!

 

[No Fun Shogun]

Truth be told, I've never actually been a runner beyond the Presidential Fitness mile test way, way back in grade school, but I'd like to get into it. Live in a walkable area (just went on a ten mile walk that lasted three hours including stopping to take photos at a few places) and am actually not fat for the first time in my life (lost 70 lbs last year).

So it'd be a good way to help keep off the fat, get fit, and see the sights. Any suggestions on steps I should take to ease into running and good timetables I should set for myself for distances/times? Would love to eventually get to the point where I could handle running distances as long as I walked today and spend significantly less time doing so.

Thanks.

 

[TheOtherScott]

Any good advice for large/flat feet (have to put orthotics in) running shoes?

Something light but solid.

Edit: using Mizuno at the moment

The Brooks Dyad is designed for use with orthotics, but they're not exactly lightweight.

 

[KISSland]

any tips for preventing common injuries?

 

[Carl Carlson]

Just started running again after taking a few years off. I'm only going a couple times a week and only going about 5 km but it feels good to start up again.

 

[waffledave]

I ran 8k last night, woke up today and both my knees are so sore I'm walking like Frankenstein. Brutal! I have to run again tomorrow too!

 

[The Imp]

I began working on my fitness in late August last year, after watching the Copenhagen Iron Man. I'm fairly good/fast on my race bike, but I always hated running. I figured I could swim, but it turns out I couldn't crawl AND breathe.

I ran my first half-marathon at the IAAF world champs here in Copenhagen, will run another in two weeks, and I have a 70.3 in early August.

I threw a lot of spinning and core work in, over the winter.

It's time consuming, and a lot of early morning swims to work on stamina and technique, but it's fun. AND it tones the body like no tomorrow.

 

[waffledave]

I am supposed to run 3 x 17 minutes with 1 minute walking intervals between today, but my knee is still so sore from my last run I can barely put any weight on it. It feels like my MCL and LCL.

 

[waffledave]

Do any of you guys take anything pre/post run?

For a while I was running in the mornings on an empty stomach...Now I tend to run at around 6 pm when I get home from work, right before dinner.

I don't take anything pre or post run (except maybe Advil). Lately as I've been upping my distances and times I have been having a difficult recovery the next day... Major soreness in my hips and knees. This happened before and went away as I built up endurance but lately it's been tough.

I'm wondering if I should be taking anything pre/post run, like a protein supplement, to help with recovery. According to my food diary I don't have enough protein. Right now, I'll have dinner right after my runs and I eat a lot of chicken, but it doesn't appear to be enough.

 

[RayP]

I began working on my fitness in late August last year, after watching the Copenhagen Iron Man. I'm fairly good/fast on my race bike, but I always hated running. I figured I could swim, but it turns out I couldn't crawl AND breathe.

I ran my first half-marathon at the IAAF world champs here in Copenhagen, will run another in two weeks, and I have a 70.3 in early August.

I threw a lot of spinning and core work in, over the winter.

It's time consuming, and a lot of early morning swims to work on stamina and technique, but it's fun. AND it tones the body like no tomorrow.

Good luck man. What kind of bike did you get?


I just recently added swimming to my routine, and am also shooting for an August 70.3, with the full thing in 2015 and hiring a coach for it. I've been hitting the bikes a lot in the gym lately, but need to get more outdoor biking done, especially on the streets. I just don't trust riding around all the drivers that I see text and drive out here, and I work super early so early mornings are out of the question.

 

[Positive]

Do any of you guys take anything pre/post run?

For a while I was running in the mornings on an empty stomach...Now I tend to run at around 6 pm when I get home from work, right before dinner.

I don't take anything pre or post run (except maybe Advil). Lately as I've been upping my distances and times I have been having a difficult recovery the next day... Major soreness in my hips and knees. This happened before and went away as I built up endurance but lately it's been tough.

I'm wondering if I should be taking anything pre/post run, like a protein supplement, to help with recovery. According to my food diary I don't have enough protein. Right now, I'll have dinner right after my runs and I eat a lot of chicken, but it doesn't appear to be enough.

Yes, I take a protein supplement: a whey isolate protein shake with skim milk. You ARE building muscle in your legs while you're doing this - but you have to FEED them; a bit of extra protein will help with recovery, boost your immune system, and help build and repair muscle. I wouldn't go crazy and do 4 shakes a day or anything. Start with one a day and see how it goes.

I'd sort of avoid taking pain killers because they can mask what might be injuries. My theory is - if you're really sore, rest a day. You don't want pain or injury to detract from the enjoyment of running. If anything, you should actually try to have a bit of fun out there. Well not too much fun because then you are supposed to be working out

Before my runs I just eat tiny bit. I chug a few glasses of water and have some peanut butter or jam on a piece of toast. Not much more than that. Actually my pre-marathon snack is usually a peanut butter and nutella sandwich.

 

[RayP]

Dave, are you in any form of a stretching routine whether it be before/after your run, or on a day you aren't running? Do you do any other form of strength training?

The solution to being able to run faster or further, isn't simply to just run more often, which a lot of people might not realize.