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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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'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!)

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.