The Runner's Thread

[I am the Liquor]

Hey guys!

I'm about to start some light running in the near future, but I need some shoes.

I will mostly run on grass, forest floor and stuff like that. They shouldn't be too expensive (<70-80$).

If you need more infos, let me know.

Go to a running store and get a proper gait analysis. They should be having sales coming up soon, they usually do this time of year. Look for last year's models. They will be cheaper and still new and likely just as good as the new model.

Getting the right shoe is huge for avoiding injury.

 

[OilerPensfan97]

I heard the Nike Lunarglides are good trail shoes.

 

[RayP]

What:
This is a 6.5 mile point to point trail race with 6,500 ft of elevation change!!! Pause and let that soak in...In the first 2.2 miles you have 3,100 ft of gain. You end up doing a vertical KM the first 2.5 miles of the race!
The difference between this and other vertical races is that they are on well groomed trails
or ski slopes. This is on a rugged trail that involves being on all fours at times. You'll have to climb over roots and rocks. The word switch back does not exist here. Oh yeah... you have to run back down the mountain on the other side (which is 100% runnable/wide open unlike the climb). The climb is a HIKE and will be a HIKE for 75% of the people. You have plenty of time so not to worry! As you near the top it gets steeper. As you start to feel the 5,000-6,000 ft altitude slow you down you have to push harder. Before you know it you have topped out at close to 6,200 ft on the CREST of the Black Mountains. The Black Mountains are the HIGHEST mountain chain EAST of the Rockies. They are arguably the gnaliest as well. The weather here is unpredictable at best.

When you top out on the Black Mountain Crest you have .5 miles of the most scenic view you've ever seen! You are at the Northern end of the Black Mountain Crest Trail. The Black Mountain Crest, or ridgeline, is home to some amazing 6,000 ft + peaks. Looking back you can see most of them including Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Rockies.

With this fun un obstructed view of mountains as far as you can see, you now start your decent. It's 4 miles with 3,200 ft of down. Its an old mining road bed that is the Black Mountain Crest Trail. If you are a downhill runner then you are going to love this! You can bomb down this reaching 4 minute miles if you have the legs to. Just remember those legs
are going to be a bit shakey from that devastating up hill. This section of trail is soooo much
fun to run. At the bottom you parallel Bowlens Creek for some really beautiful rock outcroppings, waterfalls, and rushing creek besides you. At the very bottom there
is a dip into Bowlens Creek itself just 20 ft before the finishline. You didn't think we'd let you finish with dry feet did you? Not to worry! You'll be all smiles then.

IF YOU LIKE MOUNTAINS... This race is for you
If you like downhill... this race is for you
If you like scenery that will take your breath away... this race is for you

http://www.runbumtours.com/#!questforthecrest10k/c20y5

 

[waffledave]

Y'all were right. Too much too soon. IT band injured again.

 

[RayP]

If I were you I'd take a minimum of 2 weeks off of running, and after a week of complete rest on the knees then add a light bike ride or elliptical.


Speaking of injuries, turned my ankle real bad at mile 6 of my 13.1 trail run yesterday. Was able to finish the run out, didn't really have a chance because it would have been near impossible for anyone to even come pick me up or whatever... but man is my ankle stiff and swollen now.

 

[Carl Carlson]

Anyone have the zombie run app? It sounds kind of fun but not sure it will track things the same way run keeper does.

 

[OilerPensfan97]

 

[hockey diva]

Great evening for a run here. 30 minutes around the neighborhood.

 

[waffledave]

I finally saw someone for my injury... IT band syndrome it is. I am pretty unbalanced in my leg strength due to weak glutes + stiff hamstrings so it puts a lot of strain on my hip flexors and IT band. I am doing some side leg raises to work on my glutes and, holy moly was it ever hard. I have almost non-existent strength there. On the plus side, I never felt better afterwards (plus the treatments to loosen up the knee). I feel great today.

 

[BoHorvat53]

Any tips for breathing through your nose when you're running? I always feel like I don't get enough air when I breathe that way

 

[McCauleyChirps]

Any tips for breathing through your nose when you're running? I always feel like I don't get enough air when I breathe that way

Run slower.

When I want to train for distance and don't want my times to get too fast, I breath through my nose and it slows me down ~1:30 per mile. I'm usually at 8 min miles, but border 9:20 - 9:30 when breathing through my nose.

 

[BoHorvat53]

Run slower.

When I want to train for distance and don't want my times to get too fast, I breath through my nose and it slows me down ~1:30 per mile. I'm usually at 8 min miles, but border 9:20 - 9:30 when breathing through my nose.

Ahhh, so it's for long distances? My friend was telling me to breathe through my nose so I wouldn't use as much energy breathing.

I'm only doing a mile and trying to get the fastest time possible (i'm just over 7 mins, trying to crack 6.xx) Guess I don't need to breathe through my nose if I'm going for time?

 

[McCauleyChirps]

Ahhh, so it's for long distances? My friend was telling me to breathe through my nose so I wouldn't use as much energy breathing.

I'm only doing a mile and trying to get the fastest time possible (i'm just over 7 mins, trying to crack 6.xx) Guess I don't need to breathe through my nose if I'm going for time?

Heh. Your friend is completely wrong and could potentially harm your body.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Did my first full mile (non-stop) run yesterday, at a lucky time of 13:13.

Currently a fat bugger training for a 5k - would like some advice please. Should I try and better my mile time (increase speed), or is building endurance (same speed, add distance) more important? I'm sure both will come with time, but would like to hear from others.

 

[Carl Carlson]

Did my first full mile (non-stop) run yesterday, at a lucky time of 13:13.

Currently a fat bugger training for a 5k - would like some advice please. Should I try and better my mile time (increase speed), or is building endurance (same speed, add distance) more important? I'm sure both will come with time, but would like to hear from others.

Congrats on the first full non stop mile. There are some really good 5k run plans out there. Try an app like run keeper. It has beginner 5k plans spread out over a number of weeks and will help you stay on target.

 

[I am the Liquor]

Did my first full mile (non-stop) run yesterday, at a lucky time of 13:13.

Currently a fat bugger training for a 5k - would like some advice please. Should I try and better my mile time (increase speed), or is building endurance (same speed, add distance) more important? I'm sure both will come with time, but would like to hear from others.

I would increase distance before speed. But do it gradually. Worst thing is to increase too much too soon, get injured then not be able to run at all.

 

[RayP]

Did my first full mile (non-stop) run yesterday, at a lucky time of 13:13.

Currently a fat bugger training for a 5k - would like some advice please. Should I try and better my mile time (increase speed), or is building endurance (same speed, add distance) more important? I'm sure both will come with time, but would like to hear from others.

Really depends what you are more interested in, whether it be running faster or further... but you can still work on both at the same time. What I would suggest you do, is to print off a calendar or something to put on the fridge, and write down every run you put in. When you do that, put the distance and the pace down there. Track your pace from start to finish of the month, and always see what it was the last time that you did run... It's what I do, anyway, and it has always helped me in improving my pace.

Another big key is it takes more than just running, to be a better runner. Cross training will go a long way, whether it be on a bike, elliptical, stairs, etc. That, and a good strong core. Get those hip flexors and that lower back as strong as possible and that will help you out in your longer runs more than one might think.

 

[waffledave]

I finally saw someone for my injury... IT band syndrome it is. I am pretty unbalanced in my leg strength due to weak glutes + stiff hamstrings so it puts a lot of strain on my hip flexors and IT band. I am doing some side leg raises to work on my glutes and, holy moly was it ever hard. I have almost non-existent strength there. On the plus side, I never felt better afterwards (plus the treatments to loosen up the knee). I feel great today.

I'm healed!

I just ran outside for the first time ever... Finished a 5k and kept a 9 minute/mile pace the entire way through. I was nervous about running on concrete due to my injury but I managed and it was way more enjoyable... No more clock watching! It was all about getting to my destination.

 

[RayP]

I'm healed!

I just ran outside for the first time ever... Finished a 5k and kept a 9 minute/mile pace the entire way through. I was nervous about running on concrete due to my injury but I managed and it was way more enjoyable... No more clock watching! It was all about getting to my destination.

Dude, that's awesome!!!


Meanwhile, it will be 3 weeks as of tomorrow since I've sprained my ankle and I haven't been able to run on it since. It's still visible swollen, too. It doesn't hurt to walk north/south, but any lateral movement is still out of the question. Ugh..

 

[Positive]

I'm healed!

I just ran outside for the first time ever... Finished a 5k and kept a 9 minute/mile pace the entire way through. I was nervous about running on concrete due to my injury but I managed and it was way more enjoyable... No more clock watching! It was all about getting to my destination.

Welcome to the great outdoors. That is when it really becomes something you enjoy as a hobby, and not as a 'gotta do this to burn calories' kind of thing. Beautiful days, feeling your muscles working, enjoying getting from A to B...

 

[Positive]

Did my first full mile (non-stop) run yesterday, at a lucky time of 13:13.

Currently a fat bugger training for a 5k - would like some advice please. Should I try and better my mile time (increase speed), or is building endurance (same speed, add distance) more important? I'm sure both will come with time, but would like to hear from others.

I would say just gradually (safely) increase the distances and the time you put in, and don't worry about speed for now. Most of your speed will come along later by itself.

If you really want to tune up and shave off a second here or a minute there, then you will want switch up your routine. But IMHO, for now just relax, get into a routine you're comfortable with and enjoy yourself.

 

[RayP]

Ran for the first time in almost 4 weeks after spraining my ankle, and the damn thing still is a good bit away from 100%. Sucks so much.

 

[Jtown]

one of these days i want to create a post about the inefficiencies of running as an exercise modality.

The only reason why i would run or would recommend running to someone is if

1. they are a long distance runner and are paid professionally to do so
2. Needed to increase their aerobic capacity for a sport such as soccer or alpine skiing.

 

[RayP]

one of these days i want to create a post about the inefficiencies of running as an exercise modality.

The only reason why i would run or would recommend running to someone is if

1. they are a long distance runner and are paid professionally to do so
2. Needed to increase their aerobic capacity for a sport such as soccer or alpine skiing.

Why would you come into a runners thread just to be a condescending dick?

 

[BPR*]

one of these days i want to create a post about the inefficiencies of running as an exercise modality.

The only reason why i would run or would recommend running to someone is if

1. they are a long distance runner and are paid professionally to do so
2. Needed to increase their aerobic capacity for a sport such as soccer or alpine skiing.

What if someone enjoys running more than other exercises and are therefore more likely to stick to a good running routine than any other workout routine? Is that a good enough reason for you?