Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Do any of you run?

I just started running about three months ago. I'm crazy. Anyway, do any of you run here as well?

I'm starting to like running and I just don't know what to do.

Couch

I only run when something's chasing me. My knees hate me.

Running is evil. :notamused:

Go back to the LF, Couch. I heard they miss you. :innocent:

I'm 6'4" 250lbs. I love running and cycling.

I started running again about 2-3 months ago (I ran a lot until 8 years ago, best shape of my life actually (225lbs). Then I stopped, gained weight (280lbs), started cycling 4 years ago and lost some weight but still struggling). I currently run 3 times a week for a distance of 2 to 3 miles. It is helpful for my weight. I believe I can burn more calories by running 3 miles in a half hour than riding 7 miles in half and hour. The runners high is real and great. I still love to bike of course. At this point my cycling days have gotten less frequent because of running, but the weather is turning bad, and I prefer running to riding if it's raining out. At this point I don't know if the cross training is helpful for cycling, but I'm hoping it is.

My knees cannot take much of the stuff. If I go for a run, its a walk around the circle, then a good stretch, and then a jog (which is not the same as running imho) as long as I can go until my knees and joints begin to hurt. Then I stop, stretch, walk home, and stretch again at home. If I do it any different I can barely walk for the next couple of days. This way I escape with only moderate pain, mostly when stairs are involved. I'm going to try a 5k this thanksgiving.

But I know that running is bad for my body in that completing a century would cause me less pain then running a 5k. Running is bad for you, no matter how good your shoes fit and how fit you are. Only certain body types can be lifetime runners without destroying their bodies.

After a good 20 years of post high school rest I started running at ~40. 6'4" 245 down from 330+. I was about 280 when started running ( was already biking so cardio was ok).

Did a couch to 5k program and then signed up for a 10k and then a Half and then three years ago a Full Marathon. Now have done 3 fulls. I use races as motivation to train. If you are looking for a program to prepare I have used Macmillan Running website with good sucess

Get good shoes. Get a goal. Run a plan.

I was doing couch to 5k until my back and knees started killing me. That is why I bought a bike.

I just started running about three months ago. I'm crazy. Anyway, do any of you run here as well?

I'm starting to like running and I just don't know what to do.

Couch

They let you out of Foo?

I started running early this year to train for a triathlon. I ran a 4K, a 5K, and mostly walked an 8-mile. I'm done running. I never did do the triathlon. I never did enjoy it and it hurt my knees.

I'm also 40 years old and overweight. You?

I just started running about three months ago. I'm crazy. Anyway, do any of you run here as well?

I'm starting to like running and I just don't know what to do.

Couch

I run a few times a week. What do you mean you don't know what to do? Run 1 mile, then 2, then 3, the 4... when you've reached your initial distance "wall," go back and work on running 3 miles, but run it as fast as you can. Then run 5, then spring 4.

Same thing as cycling.

.....the only running i do is when my wife is pissed and chasing me when i spend too much money at my LBS :)

Running like many others is hard on the knees.. I prefer walking with weighted vest for a little added resistance and gives you a decent workout.

I run because I'm a parent and father and don't have time to walk :P It's true, you get the same workout for the same distance walking or running, but the time is a big difference.

I did the couch to 5K (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) last October. My knees hurt as well, but I got fitted for actual running shoes--between the shoes and time spent running the knee pain started going away (isn't that HTFU in bikeforum.net speak? ;)). Running has been tapering off lately, but I'm picking it up again as the weather cools. I love running in the winter. I ran my first 5K in December, met my goal with my second 5K in June (29 minutes or less), and ran my first obstacle course yesterday. I don't want to set records or run a marathon, I just want to be able to run a 5K in less than 29 minutes for the rest of my life.

So, get a good training plan like a couch to 5K, get fitted for proper shoes, and sign up for a 5K! They should be easy to find around March, which gives you adequate time to train.

I always hated running, but saw the importance in it for maintaining a healthy body. So when I thru-hiked the AT I decided that that would be my springboard for starting my running (after the hike). It worked and I actually love running now along with weightlifting, which I see as a basis for keeping all the joints in good working order.

You'll hear many say that running is bad because of the impact, but I disagree; of all my activities I've had sore knees, but the worst sore knees came from riding a bike, but to be fair I ride bike more than any other activity. Actually I'm spending the weekend off the bike and only running because of sore knees; the running actually feels recuperative in nature, but that may also have to do with my running style of not landing on the heels.

I know many cyclists with bad knees, personally I believe that's from overuse of those muscles/joints in one exercise, that's why I also run, hike and lift weights -- work all of them. I also NEVER take OTC drugs, i.e. "pain" meds.

Running is evil. :notamused:

Go back to the LF, Couch. I heard they miss you. :innocent:

No. Chuck Fart needs to apologize.

Couch

I started the C25K program last winter, and ran three 5Ks this season, improving each time. I have kind of a love/hate relationship with it. I can't say I enjoy it while I'm doing it, but I do like the sense of accomplishment it gives me.

I started the C25K program last winter, and ran three 5Ks this season, improving each time. I have kind of a love/hate relationship with it. I can't say I enjoy it while I'm doing it, but I do like the sense of accomplishment it gives me.


It all depends on where I am at in life but I plan on running 5Ks next season. I'm with you on the love/hate relationship. It's only been a few times I've experienced that runner's high. The rest of my time spent running has been nothing but pain.

The rewards outweigh the pain though. My resting heart rate is great now and I'm fix'in to get rid of the BP meds soon. I've also lost a few lbs in the process as well.

Couch

I'm with you on the love/hate relationship. It's only been a few times I've experienced that runner's high. The rest of my time spent running has been nothing but pain.

The rewards outweigh the pain though. My resting heart rate is great now and I'm fix'in to get rid of the BP meds soon. I've also lost a few lbs in the process as well.

Couch
I can totally relate to the love/hate, especially the hate, relationship with running. Like I said in my above post I've always hated running, it wasn't until I hiked the AT that I became a runner, that has dropped the hate part of the relationship.

To me hiking up and down mountains is much like running; whereas walking on flat land is totally different. If you look at the mechanics of walking, you're basically throwing out one foot it lands on its heel and you kind of drag your body forward, with a somewhat stiff leg.

However, when you run, as you land on your foot the knee bends some and then pushes off, sort of like a little jump, landing on the next foot (some land on the heel, but I think it's best to land on the forefoot, that's what I do).

Now if you look at hiking up a mountain it is much like running, that is you place your weight on the forefoot and lift up (not a little jump, it's more like doing lunges, which is more like running than walking). So really the only real difference is that you push up rather than jump up.

So, in a way I worked my way up to running by hiking day-after-day for 1/2 a year. When I got off the trail and started running it was the easiest transition to a new form of physical exercise that I ever made. You just gotta find what works for you, because I think it's hard for us clydesdales to go right into running.

So, in a way I worked my way up to running by hiking day-after-day for 1/2 a year. When I got off the trail and started running it was the easiest transition to a new form of physical exercise that I ever made. You just gotta find what works for you, because I think it's hard for us clydesdales to go right into running.

A good buddy of mine on another forum suggested I run for a while and then walk for awhile during my runs. I've done that and I continue to do that. I could constantly run but I think I would just get absolutely sick of it. I don't want that to happen.

So far, it's been a positive experience for me. While I would rather ride my bike it's easier for me to run on the treadmill due to the amount of free time I have.

Couch

I've been running for 20 years. About three months ago I started cycling. Now I don't know what to do because I haven't gone running since I got my bike. At least we're both out there doing something. Although I have to say I love the non-impact of cycling as I don't hurt after a workout.

I started running, had some knee pain. Went to the Dr. who sent me to the Orthopedist. Long story short, was told not to run until I am down to 150, then come back before I start. Weight and football have taken their toll, was told cycling in moderation is ok, if I feel any discomfort I am overdoing it.

I started the C25K program last winter, and ran three 5Ks this season, improving each time. I have kind of a love/hate relationship with it. I can't say I enjoy it while I'm doing it, but I do like the sense of accomplishment it gives me.

It's definitely love/hate. I love that it's healthy, I love once you finally plateau, but I hate the first and last mile every time I go out for a long run. :lol:

At least cycling let's you enjoy the scenery a bit more.

I started running, had some knee pain. Went to the Dr. who sent me to the Orthopedist. Long story short, was told not to run until I am down to 150, then come back before I start. Weight and football have taken their toll, was told cycling in moderation is ok, if I feel any discomfort I am overdoing it.I'm 230lbs. The weight doesn't hinder me in the least, yes I'd be faster if I weighed less, but I don't have knee issue; however, I did slowly build up to this point. That's why I'm such an advocate of weightlifting, it's not just about the muscles, need to strengthen all the ligaments/tendons -- joints are the weakest link.

Years ago when I got into cycling I experienced really bad knee pain (right knee). I went to the doc and he told me that it was simply age and eventually I'll need surgery, but then I talked to a friend who got me into weightlifting and the rest is history. I still have some problems with that knee, but not to the point where I need surgery; I don't even take OTC medication. The pain only comes and goes and actually get worse when I do either big gears on the bike or big hills, but it takes a lot to get to that point.

My recommendation would be similar to Couch's friend run a little and walk some and look at your improvement over time, because that only motivates you. Don't set out for a 5 mile run and try and use 100% will power to finish, just stop and walk a little.

Running will destroy your body. It's like taking a jackhammer to your skeleton! I so love the fact that after I ride, I am never sore. Tired leg muscles yes, it can be a challenge to stand up from sitting sometimes, but no pain. Not so with running.

(However I do play in a pick-up game of Ultimate about once a week, I love ultimate, but it always leaves me sore)

For an alternative second exercise to go with cycling, I would suggest push-ups. Cycling for the legs, push-ups for the upper body, trunk, back. (Those'll leave you sore too though!)

It's only been a few times I've experienced that runner's high.

I can't say I've ever experienced a high from running, or any athletic endeavor. The best I can say about my running is that after the first mile, I feel less tired and uncomfortable than I did before, and I know I can sustain what I'm doing for another couple of miles or so.

I can't say I've ever experienced a high from running, or any athletic endeavor. The best I can say about my running is that after the first mile, I feel less tired and uncomfortable than I did before, and I know I can sustain what I'm doing for another couple of miles or so.

I get into the "zone" or even get a high from various types of activities. It is very pleasurable when from exercise so sometimes I wonder why I tend to sedentary. After maybe 5 miles on the bike I often hit that high state as I pedal along. When I used to play in an orchestra I would feel the same way. Playing an instrument can be surprisingly physical.

It's very good for me. With recent life changes I haven't spent near enough time doing it as I should. I'm hoping to turn that around soon.

I started running about 18 months ago. I slowly built up my mileage typically running once or twice a week and got up to running 6-8 miles at a time. Then early this year I decided that I was going to try and run a marathon and put it on my Sayre kulp inspired yearly goals list. Training has been very difficult as I ran into some very painful IT band issues that only got resolved about 6 weeks ago. Well the time is finally here, this Sat I will fly up to Washington DC to run in the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday with about 40,000 other people!! My longest run so far has been 18 miles that I did last week so I'm hoping that I can manage another 8.2 :)

I don't really like running that much but it is an efficient cardio workout. After the marathon I will continue to run but only 5 and 10Ks.

I had a knee that would hurt a bit from activities. it would hurt after running, hurt after playing some BBall, hurt after a flag football. what cured it was doing heavy squats. not 135lbs or 225lbs barbell squats it wasnt till i got up to 315lbs+ and doing 405 for a 6 reps that my knee felt its best.

I hate running (really jogging) but i do it because it works and because its easier than eating "right". Now cycling has actually helped me enjoy running as my cardio is better, i can run for longer now. so the one jog i do a week i look forward to. because each week i break a new personal best. either faster or longer.

maybe if i enjoyed running more i wouldnt be on the clyde forum and would have extra spending cash in my wallet. but riding 30 miles through a forest trail in the fall is 100000000x's more beneficial to my mental health ;) than running 4 miles on urban concrete sidewalks.

Did someone say, "run"?

Running is awesome.

Truth be told, minute per minute, pound per pound there's no faster way to get into shape and drop the lbs than running. Yeah sooner or later the adaptaion phase ends and everything (weight drop-age) slows down.

For the gainsayers: I'll say this got to a Fleet Feet or real running store and get fitted. You wouldn't ride a bike that doesn't fit so how much worse to run in shoes that don't fit or are the wrong type or. . . maybe you need inserts too.

Shoes, much like saddles, are counter-intuitve. You want to get by with as little cushioning as possible. Too much, especially in the heel, can (and often does) lead to injury. For that, I tend to steer clear of Adidas. Anything else is probably fine. If Pearl Izumi Syncrofloat were more durable, I'd use those (mid sole broke down REALLY fast). My second pair of Vomero 5 are coming in on 600 miles and still feel pretty much the same as the brand new ones I just picked up 8 weeks ago (about 20 miles on those).

I also recommend Xtenex (unfortunately Knotty Boys are discontinued), in lieu of standard laces, to really improve the fit. Their a ***** to get on right but once on. . . I'll never use another lace.

Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday with about 40,000 other people!!MCM is just so jammed packed, unless you're at or near the front. . basically kinda like getting swept up in the tide.

Congratulations and good luck!

Try to remember around mile 21 or so look around enjoy the scenery. Gnomes ARE not moving the markers farther and farther away,

Oh I forgot. I'm doing this (http://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/tennessee) in a couple weeks. So excited it's going to be FUN FUN FUN.

Much better than a silly half marathon or some junk..

[EDIT]No no Rangar is NEXT week!

MCM is just so jammed packed, unless you're at or near the front. . basically kinda like getting swept up in the tide.

Congratulations and good luck!

Try to remember around mile 21 or so look around enjoy the scenery. Gnomes ARE not moving the markers farther and farther away,

I will be in the back I'm sure, I haven't been able to train much because of injury so my initial goal of finish in 4:30 is not going to happen. My aim is now to finish in 5:00-5:15. If I see any little Gnomes I'll give them what for :)

The route looks terrific as it passes so many monuments and I'm sure the finish at Arlington cemetery at the Iwo Jima memorial lined by marines will be inspirational. Let's hope I get that far :)

My knee that used to bother me was replaced last November, and I started running on it 6 months later. Not much and not for long, one injury after another (no no, the knee is AWESOME!!!) keep sidelining me. Now, after having my back fused, I HOPE I can run again. It will only be on soft tracks and trails, and the treadmill. No more strteet running for a while if ever. Although, I'd love to do sub 25 minute 5K again someday... Just once. Good luck!

I really want to, but I hate it.
I started couple of months ago and usually do a lame 3 - 4 miles or so.

Running will destroy your body. It's like taking a jackhammer to your skeleton! I so love the fact that after I ride, I am never sore. Tired leg muscles yes, it can be a challenge to stand up from sitting sometimes, but no pain. Not so with running.
Running will destroy your body if you do it wrong -- as will anything if you don't do it correctly, but if you work up to it, the body will become a very efficient runner without the "jackhammer" effect. Our bodies evolved to run http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=256348&page=1

You seem to be saying that if one experiences soreness that there is something wrong with what you're doing; that simply is not always true, but it really depends on what type of soreness you're talking about. Suffice it to say that the soreness one feels after a long ride or a workout in the gym or a long hike or a run is usually a sign of the body getting stronger. And the more you do those activities the more it takes to get sore.

I really want to, but I hate it.
I started couple of months ago and usually do a lame 3 - 4 miles or so.

Phunny

When I started getting into shape, I worked my way up to running. I'd heard about barefoot running, and found it was a lot easier on me joint-wise. What I didn't expect was that in building up my feet, they'd develop an arch and I'd go from a size 15 wide to a size 12-13, which makes shoe shopping a LOT easier.

I struggled with the Couch to 5k program, and ended up dropping it when I finally found a bicycle I could afford.

Last month I read Christopher McDougall's "Born to Run" about the development of barefoot running. It was a fascinating, so I looked him up on the internet and saw a video of him running. Something clicked when I saw his form, and I've been trying to mimic it - I think before I was just running normally for a heel strke, but trying to shorten my stride to land flat on my feet. Now I'm running in a way that makes more sense for a mid-foot strike. Even this early, it seems to be a lot easier joint and leg wise so I'm able to concentrate on the pacing.

I switched to NB Minimus this year, and let me tell you, it was one of the best things I did this year training/health wise. I can run faster and longer with less pain. A big part of it was making the switch from heel to flat foot striking.

The first was quitting a 12 year cigarette habit, and the other was finally switching from a mountain bike and a hybrid to a road bike. I'm in the best shape I've ever been in, even better than my JH/HS hockey/skateboarding days.

See? See?

Running is awesome.