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Fun Stuff => CHATTER => Topic started by: Barmymoo on 16 Dec 2012, 13:41

Title: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 16 Dec 2012, 13:41
OK, well I never managed to finish C25k. But it was such a motivation to have people here running with me, and I'm determined to get back into running. I won't be starting the programme again, but I am setting myself a goal of running twice a week, starting as soon as I get back to Cambridge - so, Friday or Saturday morning. Anyone with me?
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Redball on 16 Dec 2012, 13:46
Starting about when? I've put on some pounds I'd like to lose before I restart, although it may not matter.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 16 Dec 2012, 13:55
Well for me it has to be once I'm home, because I don't have any sports clothes here - I'm thinking Friday morning, and if it's pouring with rain then Saturday (or I'll go to the gym). Surely you'll lose the weight faster by running?
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Pilchard123 on 16 Dec 2012, 13:56
You're running into 2013? Well, you should look where you're going then!
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Redball on 16 Dec 2012, 14:01
OK. I'm in. I think. I may restart c25k. Report on the thread or the spreadsheet?
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Patrick on 16 Dec 2012, 14:33
Sports clothes? Come on lady, I ride my bike 5 miles in under 12 minutes in my work clothes. No excuses.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 16 Dec 2012, 14:34
Patrick, I wear below-the-knee skirts and thigh boots. I have 32HH breasts and do not have a sports bra with me. The situations are not comparable. I cycle like this; I'm not going running in a skirt and normal bra!
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Patrick on 16 Dec 2012, 14:37
*facepalm* I will never understand fashion, ever
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 16 Dec 2012, 15:00
Fashion?! Bwhahahahahaha I dress like one of the Duggars, there's nothing fashionable about it.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Lines on 16 Dec 2012, 17:36
Pat, it's not fashion, it's sensibility and comfort. Having breathable, flexible/stretchy clothing is not fashion, it's being practical. Also normal bras, especially when you have a larger chest, are not comfortable for running at all.

Personally, I am not going to be running and probably won't try the C25K thing again for a while. I am awful at running and I hate it when I'm not already in shape. Buuuut one of my friends just got certified to teach Zumba, so I think I'm going to join the gym she goes to/works at and attend her classes as well as doing other work outs, like strength training and some cardio. Michael and I are also trying to put together a home gym in the basement, so I'll try to do stuff here, too. I think I might also break out my yoga mat and work on flexibility and balance again. I wanna lose weight and be healthy! I'm getting married and I wanna look hot and be fit!
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Akima on 16 Dec 2012, 18:53
Sports clothes? Come on lady, I ride my bike 5 miles in under 12 minutes in my work clothes. No excuses.
You are a cycling god Patrick, averaging over 40kph without (I assume) specialised training and equipment. That is Tour de France average speed, and the winner of the Olympic men's time-trial averaged only 52kph... :wink:
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Jace on 16 Dec 2012, 19:16
Huh, I didn't even look at the math on that. Yeah when I used to ride 10 miles I usually averaged about 50-65 minutes depending on traffic lights. Then again I usually didn't push myself to ride very hard because it was shitty to show up to work all sweaty and tired from biking 10 miles.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Carl-E on 16 Dec 2012, 21:40
Yeah, but Patrick has a considerable weight advantage over most of the rest of the human race...
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 17 Dec 2012, 04:50
My brother has an electric bike and could probably get up to speeds like that. The engine cuts out at 15mph but once you've reached that speed with assistance you're fresh and ready to cycle hard without it.

I just found out that I can run on the university athletics track without paying as long as it isn't booked for a team practice. It's not far from where I live - about a twenty minute walk, five minutes by bike. I used to run there with the ice hockey team for land training. It isn't the best track in the world, but it is lit and reasonably safe. And I'd assume it's kept in reasonable condition to stop it from being icy. I think I shall start running there. It's more boring that running around the streets and parks, but requires less thought (is this path safe? muddy? where shall I go next?) and is at least more interesting than the treadmill in the gym.

Does anyone know about treadmill running, by the way? I've heard it's good to put it on 1% incline but what speed is a good one to aim for? I have only really run outside.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Redball on 17 Dec 2012, 05:58
I've never run on a rubberized track, which some high schools seem to have. My preference would be to find a path I'm comfortable with, at least in dry weather, but my knees might prefer a rubberized track if that was available. As for treadmills, do whatever's comfortable. Treadmills I'm familiar with have a heart rate monitor. That's often useful for me, but I don't see how it would be helpful for a young person. My comfortable walking speed has been 4 mph. Not sure of my running speed, but at my shuffle jog, it's not a lot faster. In my 50s, a 9-10-minute mile was my standard speed.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 17 Dec 2012, 06:40
I've discovered the track is closed from the 23rd December to the 8th January, which is a bit annoying - but actually I'm away from the 26th December - New Year's Day then again 5th-8th January so that's only a couple of runs.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Blue Kitty on 17 Dec 2012, 09:28
As part of my ongoing effort to get into better shape, something I've been pretty good at in 2012, I'm thinking about starting that C25k
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 17 Dec 2012, 10:51
I did enjoy C25k and I'd recommend getting one of the podcasts which has music and also tells you when to change from walking to running and back. You can do it with your own music and different apps or just a watch, but I found it helpful to know what I was doing when just by hearing the music's beat.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Zingoleb on 17 Dec 2012, 11:05
Sometimes when I'm on a treadmill I'll change the speed to match the beat of the song. It's pretty easy to get into it then. I wish there was a way to do that automatically, though.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Carl-E on 17 Dec 2012, 14:52
Oooh!  That sounds like an invention!
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Zingoleb on 17 Dec 2012, 18:27
That I'm not skilled enough to make. I wouldn't even know how to begin making something like that.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Zingoleb on 17 Dec 2012, 18:28
If I were lost on a primitive planet and had to use my knowledge and skills as an inventor to advance society, I'd be able to make a sandwich.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Akima on 17 Dec 2012, 20:28
Treadmills I'm familiar with have a heart rate monitor. That's often useful for me, but I don't see how it would be helpful for a young person.
Keeping a competitive cyclist's heat-rate in various "zones" during training (http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/heart-rate-monitor-training-for-cyclists-28838/) is regarded as important for improving strength and Max VO2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VO2_max), regardless of whether they're out on the road or riding rollers/static trainers indoors. I am guessing that something similar would be true for runners on a treadmill?
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Jace on 17 Dec 2012, 21:00
Yeah I gotta start running so that I can wear 30+ lbs of armor and keep up with the Usterblichen at Pennsic. This past year they ran a mile in hills in around 8 minutes in full gear just to flank part of the Western Alliance. I ain't gonna be one of the guys who falls over at the halfway point.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Carl-E on 18 Dec 2012, 07:06
I used to be one of the waterbearers with the chirurgeons at Pennsic. 


Stay hydrated before that 8 minute mile, so we don't have to revive you after the heat stroke, m'kay? 
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Jace on 18 Dec 2012, 13:01
If you aren't racing to get out of your armor and pee you haven't drank enough water.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Akima on 18 Dec 2012, 14:46
As a matter of interest, Carl and Jace, is this sort of thing strictly European Mediaeval?
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Jace on 18 Dec 2012, 15:19
There's a good section of people who do eastern personas as well as European, there's even a bunch of Roman and Greek guys. The combat is trying to recreate the Medieval European combat, but we get a wide range of personas.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Welu on 18 Dec 2012, 15:57
It'd be good for me to make another go at the C25K. I only did it once or twice because I couldn't find a track but the one around my forum has opened. I can't run on treadmills, it makes my hips hurt like hell and feel like they're gonna fall off. Although I do wish I had a treadmill at home, if I set up a TV or laptop in front of me, I'll brisk walk all day.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Bluesummers on 18 Dec 2012, 18:59
Ugh...I remember a time, long ago, when I could run a mile in seven minutes...now I'm lucky if I make it in fifteen.

But, I can kayak like the wind (if the wind could kayak), and I can bike too...downhill.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Carl-E on 18 Dec 2012, 22:52
As a matter of interest, Carl and Jace, is this sort of thing strictly European Mediaeval?

Jace already answered, and my participation's 20 years in the past - but no, not strictly european.  The samurai society was popular amongst those who liked to make / wear the elaborate armour.  We also had saracens / turks / moors, cartheginians (no elephants, though) and more mongol hordesmen than you could shake a spear at.  Any feudal society was welcome! 
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 22 Dec 2012, 02:36
I need to go running now if I'm going to get this thing on the road (I set myself the goal of today or yesterday, and I didn't go yesterday) but I'm unaccountably nervous of going to the porters and asking for the key to the gym. I have no idea why this is. Perhaps it's because I'll be wearing trousers for the first time in months? Anyway I thought I'd tell you guys and that would make it seem so ridiculous that I'd just go.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 22 Dec 2012, 04:51
I went :) Ran for half an hour without stopping on the treadmill, with my speed between 6.5 and 7kmph. There's a slight blister starting to rub on my foot again; I had hoped that these trainers would wear in but they don't seem to have done.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Redball on 22 Dec 2012, 05:52
It is ridiculous. And put some moleskin on that pressure point. What would it be called in the U.K.?
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 23 Dec 2012, 03:17
I am not sure - there are such things as blister plasters which might do the same thing though. Or I could wear my walking shoes instead of my trainers, they are probably almost as good in terms of cushioning and certainly less painful otherwise.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Zingoleb on 23 Dec 2012, 13:36
I was hoping someone would pick up on that reference.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 26 Dec 2012, 02:43
I went for another treadmill run this morning, because I ate so much yesterday. I didn't manage to keep the rise on 1%, I had it on 0.5% for a bit but it hurt my ankles so I just ran flat, but I did run at 6.7kmph solidly for half an hour, which was better than last time (I kept turning the speed up and down).
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Jace on 26 Dec 2012, 20:30
I had heard from my buddy's parents (who are pyshcal therapists) said that running on an incline on treadmills is super bad for you.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 27 Dec 2012, 10:31
Thank you! That is all the permission I need to not do that any more. It certainly feels bad for me.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Redball on 27 Dec 2012, 12:31
I wonder why that's so. Long distance runners certainly don't avoid slopes, although they don't run on them continuously. Walking on an incline can get the heart rate up, in any case. I learned in mountain hiking, when I was in pretty good shape as a regular jogger, that I'd rather climb than descend.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Jace on 27 Dec 2012, 12:37
I think it is something about how when you're running on an actual incline the ground isn't moving under you, so your foot can grip the ground properly or something like that.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 27 Dec 2012, 13:26
Treadmills suck anyway.

No, I'll modify that. Treadmills suck, compared to actual running.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Akima on 28 Dec 2012, 18:15
I had heard from my buddy's parents (who are pyshcal therapists) said that running on an incline on treadmills is super bad for you.
I've never really understood the point of running on an inclined treadmill. You never actually climb, after all, so you're not working against gravity.

No, I'll modify that. Treadmills suck, compared to actual running.
In cycling, the road > rollers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_rollers) > turbo trainers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_trainer) > exercise "bikes" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stationary_bicycle), IMHO.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Bluesummers on 29 Dec 2012, 00:53
I've never really understood the point of running on an inclined treadmill. You never actually climb, after all, so you're not working against gravity.

Exactly. All it does is mis-align your feet. It offers no help with the actual running uphill training. XD
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 29 Dec 2012, 02:38
Uphill running absolutely rules.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Redball on 29 Dec 2012, 02:51
I've never really understood the point of running on an inclined treadmill. You never actually climb, after all, so you're not working against gravity.
I don't care that much for treadmills, but my heart and lungs would disagree with your observation about an inclined treadmill. If it's set on an incline, every stride lifts me a fraction of an inch, an inch or more. Compare it to a greater extreme: Walking up a descending escalator in a department store.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Carl-E on 29 Dec 2012, 06:51
In climbing a descending escalator, keeping position, the lift you get is much less than actual stairs.  The force you put out to raise yourself against gravity is (almost) completely negated by the escalator's lowering of your mass as you raise it with your legs.  You're not perfectly still, so there's some work done, but it can be as hard on your knees as climbing real stairs is.  It's similar with using an inclined treadmill - the damage of misalignment isn't worth the negligible extra work involved. 

In running up real hills, there's a downhill to make up for the misalignments of climbing.  And it's almost as hard on you as the climbing is...
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Redball on 29 Dec 2012, 08:20
I'm still puzzled. I'm comparing the work done, not whether it's good for me and my joints. If I'm lifting my 190 (dammit!) pounds six inches against gravity several times a minute, my body and I don't care if the system comprised of Bob and a stair or treadmill is in motion or  not, i.e., aboard an escalator or a Dreamliner flying between 0-36k feet. What am I missing? Aren't I expending 95 foot pounds with each lift?
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Bluesummers on 29 Dec 2012, 09:58
What am I missing? Aren't I expending 95 foot pounds with each lift?

Yay, physics! My turn!

Your work done while walking/running up the down escalator (assuming you actually make it to the top) is actually more than just walking up stairs of the same height, but not because of a transfer of kinetic to potential energy. It's because you're moving your limbs at a faster rate to compensate against the escalator's direction.

Similarly, using a Stairmaster expends energy, but not in the same way as actually walking/running up stationary stairs. You're lifting your body against gravity by a few inches, then lowered in between steps as the stairmaster moves. Most energy expended is due to the rotating motion of your limbs, not working against gravity.

Inclined treadmills as compared to walking uphill is also the same theory. It's the movement of your limbs that burns the majority of the calories. The caloric burn rate can't even be compared to running on flat ground, since the only calories burned doing that are due to your body accelerating its mass to a certain speed, and rotating limb movement.

Think of any exercise where your body doesn't change its position in a room, as similar to running in place. Your body is expending energy by moving, but your overall position doesn't change. You're not moving the whole system, just certain parts with the system.

Combine that with the unusual design of an inclined treadmill, fooling your body into putting extra force in order to walk up a hill that isn't really there, is quite detrimental to your body. It puts unneeded strain on your ankles and metatarsals.

TL;DR (Here's the conclusion): putting aside the energy expended by basically "moving in place", you're not burning any calories unless you're changing your vertical position relative to the earth, because it's earth's gravitational forces you're working against. And if you're on that dreamliner at 36,000 feet, and it's assumed to be traveling at a constant velocity, with no acceleration, it's no different that exercising on solid ground.

Enjoy. ^_^
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 29 Dec 2012, 10:30
So you can basically burn just as many calories, it's just a different movement (which may or may not be unnatural and in the end harmful for your body).
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Bluesummers on 29 Dec 2012, 12:53
I suppose...it's just harder to quantify caloric usage that doesn't involve actual weights and measures. Of course, most walkers calculate their calorie burn with a pedometer, values for their footstride and weight, and a mathematical formula that might not be all that accurate. Exercise is never an exact science, there's way too many variables involved. But it might be a little bit easier with more accurately measurable fitness techniques...like climbing ladders.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 29 Dec 2012, 13:52
Yeah. Also, using calorie counting to "quantify" what an exercise can do for you is ridiculous. Not saying you are wrong or anything, just want to add that.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Akima on 30 Dec 2012, 00:43
Exercise is different things to different people, and the metric you use should reflect your goals. If your primary aim is to increase your body's energy consumption to facilitate weight loss, calorie or joule counting could be very appropriate. If your goal is to improve power output or VO2Max for cycling, for example, then you would want to measure those instead, either directly, using a powertap hub, or through a proxy such as heart-rate monitoring. But there is nothing wrong with quantifying your exercise, provided it doesn't reduce your enjoyment.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 30 Dec 2012, 03:07
Fair enough. However, calorie burning is often used indiscriminately as the primary goal of an exercise, which is, well, silly. An exercise will likely do many things for you, even if it has a primary goal in your mind. If you forget that, say, running strengthens your calves or improve your everyday well-being, you will not quite realize how good it can be for you. If you instead focus on the fact that it burns calories, you're only getting a very small picture.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 30 Dec 2012, 03:16
But that won't stop your muscles from being strengthened or whatever. I focused on calories when I kept track because I wanted to lose weight and I was using MyFitnessPal which tracks calories in and out. My legs still changed shape even though I wasn't concentrating. It's like magic.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Lupercal on 30 Dec 2012, 03:41
I went :) Ran for half an hour without stopping on the treadmill, with my speed between 6.5 and 7kmph. There's a slight blister starting to rub on my foot again; I had hoped that these trainers would wear in but they don't seem to have done.

How tight do you have them? I've found with running that a good quality pair of sports socks and loose trainers seem to do the trick to avoid blisters etc. They're just about tight enough so they won't fall off my foot really. But if you have to wear them in, it could be that.

I had heard from my buddy's parents (who are pyshcal therapists) said that running on an incline on treadmills is super bad for you.

Going to throw my hat into the ring here and suggest that treadmill running is pretty unnatural. Running on an incline is actually making you physically work, whereas running on a flat treadmill is just like running on moving ground, meaning you're not having to work so hard to push yourself from one step to the next. Not that I'm going to disagree with physical therapists, I'm just saying that I think its best to go on an incline when running on a treadmill. I actually think treadmills are shit and that the only way you'll get to be good at running is actually running outside on the pavement, road, track etc.

I went for a run this morning in my new super tight running trousers that make me look like I've been running since 1986. Didn't time myself yet but its the first sunny morning we've had since before Christmas so it was good to get out and think about how much I've eaten and the small dent this will make in my greediness.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 30 Dec 2012, 06:00
But that won't stop your muscles from being strengthened or whatever. I focused on calories when I kept track because I wanted to lose weight and I was using MyFitnessPal which tracks calories in and out. My legs still changed shape even though I wasn't concentrating. It's like magic.

Not sure if you're being sarcastic now but yes, it is like magic. I just mean that "burning calories" is just one aspect of exercising, which in my opinion gets way too much attention.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Carl-E on 30 Dec 2012, 07:25
Especially since, as you point out, it's a measure that's nearly guaranteed to be inaccurate regardless of how it's done. 
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 30 Dec 2012, 10:40
Probably I do wear my shoes too tight, but I hate loose shoes. I think the trainers are just not very good; they were ten pounds from TK Maxx. I have some walking shoes which might be a good alternative to wearing trainers.

I guess it depends what your goal is. I hate running. I hate it. I have never, ever enjoyed it at all. I would rather go food shopping, or even clothes shopping, than running, and I don't enjoy shopping either. The reason I run is that I want to change the shape of my body, by both losing weight and also developing some muscles, and because I don't want to have a heart attack in my forties. I don't want to be good at running. I don't really care about my fitness level as long as it is better than "blobby fatty".
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 30 Dec 2012, 12:32
I understand that and good on you for working on it, if that's what you want. But... I really believe that if you knew what it's like to be able to sprint up a 100 m hill at full throttle 6 times in a row or complete a marathon or win a boxing match, you would never, ever, want to go back to feeling out of shape again. It's an indescribable feeling. Enough to keep me motivated, probably for the rest of my life.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 30 Dec 2012, 12:56
I used to play ice hockey for the university, so I was incredibly fit for a while. Not as fit as you are talking about, perhaps, but the fittest I have ever been by miles. But I would rather get enough sleep and do other things than give the time commitment I had to do for ice hockey.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 30 Dec 2012, 15:14
You can achieve the level of fitness I described by training half an hour a day, assuming you are ehm... fully functional and healthy. I think a lot of people who trained when they were younger fall into the trap of thinking that fitness and health are inseparable from youth. Feeling good is simply something you do when you're 15 and haven't ever been sleep deprived or got through some kind of sickness or depression etc..... but that's false. You can feel better than you ever have, right now.

I sound like a tv-shop guy. Shoot me.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Thrillho on 30 Dec 2012, 16:33
I am going to start running before I quit smoking, I'm hoping it might help me with quitting and also help me feel better physically before I have quit. When I was still doing both I felt a shit-ton better than I do right now.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Lupercal on 31 Dec 2012, 03:46
May, if you're going to be serious about running, and running regularly, then seriously, spring for some decent trainers. I got mine for about £30 from a Reebok shop, and four or five years later, I still have them. That's £6 a year and they haven't fallen apart yet! Usually the thickness of the sports socks makes it so that the trainers fit snugly then you can just lace them up as normal.

Is there any way you think you'll ever enjoy running?
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 01 Jan 2013, 13:21
I don't know, I think it would get easier with fitness but it's a mental thing not a physical thing - it's just boring. I spend the whole time wishing I could stop. I have a very short attention span and generally do best when I'm doing two or three things at once (unless what I'm doing is very attention-demanding and interesting, in which case I can hyper-focus). Listening to music doesn't quite cut it. Reading does help. Audiobooks would be even better but I haven't got any decent headphones at the moment. In terms of trainers, I thought you were meant to replace them every six months or so? I couldn't afford to do that anyway, but I certainly couldn't with £30 ones!

I think the ones I've got actually are reasonably good. They're Fila (Oslo UF00388 if that means anything at all) and I got them at TK Maxx, hence the low price. The only issue is the rubbing on one side of my foot.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 01 Jan 2013, 14:09
There's a running shoe called Oslo?
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 01 Jan 2013, 15:15
That is what the inside label says, although I cannot find evidence of its existence on the interwebs.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Carl-E on 01 Jan 2013, 16:04
...which is probably why you found them at TK Maxx (I'm guessing that's the UK version of TJ Maxx here in the states, a discount chain that resells cast offs from major department stores cheap). 
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 02 Jan 2013, 01:02
Start boxing Barmymoo.  :-) It's hard to get bored and lose attention when someone tries to punch you in the face.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Zingoleb on 02 Jan 2013, 02:25
it's hard to stick with now that your motivation has shifted from 'don't be bored' to 'don't get punched in the face' though
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 02 Jan 2013, 02:28
Nope I don't want to do boxing. I would hate it. I didn't enjoy self-defence either. Tomorrow Jens and I are going on a walk (40 minutes each way with delicious lunch in the middle!) and I decided that would do instead of running this morning.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Bluesummers on 02 Jan 2013, 03:59
Ooh, try whitewater kayaking! It's hard to become bored and lose attention when a raging river is trying to flip your vessel and drown you!

Okay, maybe that wasn't much of a motivator...but it really is fun, and a great workout for your arms, abdominal muscles, hips, and thighs.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Lupercal on 02 Jan 2013, 15:20
Not too much white-water around in England though. I may be able to find a fairly deep, long puddle though.

Are you supposed to swap trainers that often? My thoughts when it comes to clothes are usually keep wearing it until it breaks/rips/makes me look 16 again.

Okay, so maybe you could try short distances instead of longer ones. Almost like circuit training, I suppose. Pick a distance (lets say, 50m?) and sprint. Rest, repeat. You won't be doing it very long and you can work up a real sweat with it. Plus you'll be awesome at running away from stuff. (Or towards things if you're that way inclined)
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Jace on 02 Jan 2013, 20:17
Start boxing Barmymoo.  :-) It's hard to get bored and lose attention when someone tries to punch you in the face.

You'd be surprised at how easy it is to get distracted when someone is trying to hit you in the head. Trust me, I've gotten hit in the head many times at SCA practice because I got lost in thought.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: BeoPuppy on 03 Jan 2013, 00:18
Maybe you got lost in thought because you were hit in the head so often?
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Jace on 03 Jan 2013, 00:29
Nah, the padded 12g steel helmet mostly keeps me safe.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: idontunderstand on 03 Jan 2013, 10:36
Well, you're a gorilla in sunglasses so I'm not surprised.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: kaeawc on 04 Jan 2013, 10:15
To everyone here who is seeking encouragement... I give you ENERGY
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Carl-E on 04 Jan 2013, 14:58
In a bottle? 
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Bluesummers on 04 Jan 2013, 19:13
Indeed...what kind of energy? I'd prefer something in nuclear form, but if all you can get me is electrical potential, I'll take what I can get.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Carl-E on 05 Jan 2013, 09:05
zzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZAAAAAAPPP!!!!
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Spriteling on 05 Jan 2013, 10:32
I'm new but I thought I'd join this thread. :) I'm planning to run a half marathon in April, and it always helps to have to be accountable to others. I go to the gym pretty frequently, but I find it hard to motivate myself to run on my own in the dark.  I am going to do it though!
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: kaeawc on 06 Jan 2013, 16:15
It is of the magically invisible black hole type.  Not recommended for anyone of any age, yet I claim it still is a toy and is quite fun to play with.

More seriously: My energy is directly in proportion to how happy I am, and I'm happiest when I run.

I started running because I was annoyed at having asthma (silly body, not breathing when it really ought to).  Ended up defeating it and just kept running as a habit, and then as something I really enjoyed.  I have always found that running where there are others (around a lake, on a well-used path, etc) tends to help motivation a lot, as well as having supportive friends and making it something you look forward to.  I used to listen to music anytime I went running, but found that as I increased distance my pace would get really messed up by the tempo of various songs... so now I just run.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Jace on 06 Jan 2013, 21:10
On Saturday I jogged 2 miles in 30 minutes and my legs hurt still.
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: Barmymoo on 09 Sep 2013, 14:21
I wasn't sure what thread to put this in, but this seemed like the best one. I'm running a half marathon you guys! That's 13.1 miles of hard slog round this ridiculously hilly city of mine, in a terrifying six weeks from now.

I'm not a total masochist and the reason I'm doing this mad thing is to raise money for the Birmingham Women's Hospital, who have the most amazing birth centre (for natural, midwife-supported birth without epidurals or interventions: it's pretty cool and really important that women can access these places) and also care for premature and sick babies from all over the region.

If anyone feels moved to donate to the cause, that would be wonderful. My JustGiving page is here (http://www.justgiving.com/May-Harrison), which tells you a bit more about the charity as well. But I'd also appreciate any advice from more seasoned runners, and some support in my last six weeks of training! The biggest thing that's keeping me going is running with a local club, and doing long runs at the weekends with a group who are doing the half marathon. Last Sunday I did ten miles (and then was exhausted and aching for the next four days) so I know I'll manage the distance. Just got to get the pace up a bit!
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: GarandMarine on 10 Sep 2013, 04:21
I'll support you all from my comfy chair!
Title: Re: Running into 2013
Post by: ev4n on 10 Sep 2013, 06:37
\o/

Yay for half marathons.  A very fun distance.  Congrats and good luck!

I'm about halfway talked into doing a half iron next September.  I'm not running at all at the moment, which is bad, but I've started swimming again, to go along with bike commuting (at least while the weather holds).

Let me know how justgiving works out for you.  If my neighbour does talk me into doing a half iron with her, I'd likely want to fundraise, since I have a close family member with lupus.