So, what was the correct diagnosis after all? I'd focus on mobility. If you have mobility, then stretching doesn't even feel like stretching, but simply movement. The problem with stretching is that too many people lack mobility for proper range of motion, so their muscles are locked into a smaller range. Stretching becomes more about forcing the muscle to stretch and that's not good for performance or injury prevention. The cause of injuries usually fall under lack of mobility, fatigue/over training, wear and tear, or an outside factor coming into play (like slipping or getting hit). With long distance running its really only the first three. Or mainly the first two, unless youre older or simply put in a crazy amount of miles.
Any tips for a guy who's looking to be able to run 5 miles in 45-60 minutes? Always have been bad at running for a wide variety of reasons and all I sims want to do is be able to manage a 5 mile jog/run in an hour. Besides that I wouldn't mind a 7 min mile when I'm running just a mile
I simply hate running and have never enjoyed it. My wife loves it though, so I really wish it was something that I could get into. When I run outside I get tired really quick and end up quitting way earlier than I should. I find running on a treadmill easier, but it's still not something that I enjoy. Did all of you enjoy it from the beginning, or is something that had to be developed? I'm sure being in better shape helps.
I run about 15 miles per week, and haver run one marathon and two halfs. When I fel energetic, I will do a long run on weekends (~ 8 - 10 miles), but mostly just stick in the the 3 - 5 mile range, as schedule permits. I usually run abou 8.10 - 8.20 mile. My tips for building to ling distance:- * Obviously get get good shoes, and get them fitted at a store. You will pay a little more but it will be worth it. * Build up slowly. Too far too soon and you will get tendonitis and plantar fasciitis * Wherever possible, run on gravel/dirt (like memorial park) or, if you have to, asphalt. Avoid concrete at all costs. * Buy a Garmin Foreunner GPS watch. They start at $150 or less and are essential if you are looking to run for time/pace. Some people wil say to use an iphone, but they are not as reliable, and I find unwieldy to use when running God luck and have fun!
Ran cross country and track in college, we were putting in over 100 miles a week. I enjoyed the competition and challenge. However, cannot say I miss it and haven't ran a lick in 10 years.... best health of my life.
Don't forget about actually working out your legs because it is not all about mileage. Twice a week do lunges, russian lunges, and squats because those muscles help prevent injuries. As does your core, so make sure you are working on that as well. A good recovery drink after a long run is chocolate milk and try to drink a lot of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
It's not so much I love running, but rather I love being outdoors in nature. If I ran just for the physical training of it I would not like it. But that is like most things in life. Like I don't like going to the gym to lift weights, but there are nice looking gals around so that helps me get to the gym 3x a week. Make a nice motivating indie rock playlist and the time goes by faster. I have a lot of Wolf Parade, Bloc Party and Arctic Monkeys on mine. LCD Soundsystem actually created a track for Nike in 2007 called 45:33. That is the length of the one track and basically it is meant for jogging. I used to listen to it a lot a few years back. Try to find a reason other than physical exercise to run and it will be more enjoyable. I personally can't stand running on a treadmill. I get dizzy often times and other than that it is quite boring. I started running .5 miles (30% body fat) at a time in 2005 or so. Now I'm up to 16 miles non stop (12% body fat). It takes time and effort, but it is a great hobby to have.
I recently bought the Motoactv watch. It does GPS tracking, has a built in MP3 player, a heart monitor, a golf course GPS and many other features. You can upload your data to their web site and track your run mile by mile. You see various metrics such as steps, calories burned, elevation, time as well as how you performed while each song was playing.
I recently started running again and am starting slow. Heart rate gets high too quick and I ain't gettin no younger bro!
