My running experience.

K

kimyenchu

Cathlete
Hello,

I would like to share my running experience with you. I started running last September and have been doing it on and off since. I'll tell you one thing that you will notice and moan about, if you take up running yourself, is the fact that you don't seem to be improving! People have told me that I am getting fitter and running for longer and faster, but it doesn't seem like it to me. It's probably a case of the more I can run the higher the goal I set myself. I have grown to LOVE running and would dearly like to share my experience with all of you and hopefully motivate you on your journey.

When I first started, I suffered incredibly painful knees the following day and found it really painful walking down stairs. And I could hardly walk let alone do another run! I was told that it was my running shoes being worn down and was advised to buy arch supports, but that didn't help. Then I bought new shoes and new insoles to go into the shoes. The shoes made a difference and the extra cushioning with the new insoles also helped, but also the fact that I persisted with running and my legs gradually got accustomed to the high impact. I am running much better now, with no problems at all the following day. In fact, I can now do consecutive runs, but I follow a hard sprint day with light jogging: no two hard days in a row. However, I do not want to incur injury so I do not do this all the time, plus the fact that I fit in weight training for the upper body and lower body.

The one thing I learnt is that if you are serious about running then be prepared to spend spend spend. They tell you it's one of the cheapest sport, like home exercise, but I am finding out neither is quite true. If you want to run long term then it's important to look after your feet and legs as much as possible and that means getting yourself fitted out properly for running shoes and possibly speciallist insoles (or orthotics) and these can cost a fortune! People have different running gaits - they call it prognation. A friend of mine has insoles specially made for her by a foot specialist (podiatrist) because she severely overprognates. This insole was £200 (US $250) and she swears they made such a difference (she has ran 3 marathons) to her running.

I am tempted to have my gait assessed and see what they have to say as I have been to 3 different specialist running shoes and they have told me different things and tried to sell me different shoes. However, I don't consider myself a runner and I am not sure (but hoping) I could become one: I would like to attempt 10Ks, 1/2 marathons, and maybe a full marathon, so maybe it will be worth it. The thing with the specialist insoles is that you only need one pair for life and they can go into any running and most sport shoes.

You also should have good running socks, not ordinary toweling socks or sport socks. Running socks will absorb moisture and prevent blisters (I tell you, they really work!). They are more expensive than ordinary socks and don't really last that much longer either. And if you want to run on different surfaces, there are shoes for that as well: for example, trail running, cross country, road running (marathon), track and field. There are races that you could enter and those can be pricey too. And of course, for the ever fashion conscious ladies, there's the clothing.

The best thing about running is the 'high' - personal achievement - you get from completing a run. When you set yourself targets, like running hills 10 times or finishing a race, it feels great! Because you've had to work really hard to achieve that, more so that with aerobics and weight training. Other advantages to running is that it's easy to learn - just one foot in front of the other, burns loads of calories (the more you run the less you have to worry about dieting), you lose weight faster and keep it off, your heart and lungs becomes stronger, you get a flatter stomach, better muscle tone and a longer more energetic life.

For me, the most important thing about running is that it's a declaration of independence: in a world where people can't work out unless they are in the gym, it's something I do by myself for myself. I don't need to be pushed and shouted at - I can do it any time, any place and any where. And I don't need hi-tech machines - just a pair of good running shoes and socks. You know the saying 'the best things in life are free' is oh so true.

Once I used to think I could NEVER run, now I can't imagine how I could ever live without it!

This just a short summary of my running experience and don't believe that I am a 'good' or even a 'runner' by any means, I still have a long way to go. But for every day that I run, I feel better for it. I still do Cathe's weights and step tapes, but I have so much more about fitness and health through running than I ever have just doing Cathe tapes.

For those you are embarking on a running program remember, progress progress progress. The difference between running and walking is isn't speed or biomechanics. It's determination.

Yen
 
Hi Yen:

it's good to hear from you, you don't seem to have been around much recently. I am thrilled by your running success story here, good for you.

I used to be a runner when I lived in the UK, but I haven't run now for 11 years and I'd love to start again. How did you first start out? What kind of program did you follow? How long did it take before you could run say 5 miles? Do you ever experience any knee pain now? What weight training do you do for the legs to counteract this?

I'd love to hear from you, I am inspired by your story to start running again!

Clare
 
Hi Yen. I too am a fairly new runner. I have been running for just over 2 years now. I agree with what you said about the improving being slow. When I started running, I did see improvement fairly fast, in my distance and weight loss (I began running after the birth of my last baby). But, about 6 months ago, I have not been feeling that great during my runs and have actually started to gain weight. I thought maybe I was going at it too hard to I backed off a bit...we will see what happens. I have run several 5K's, a few 5 milers and one 10K. In my opinion, if you can finish a race without stopping to walk, I don't care how long it takes you, you are a runner. I never in a million years thought I would be a runner. I would also have sore knees the day after, but I invested in a great pair of running shoes with athletic inserts and have not had a problem since. I love the feeling I get from running. I feel like my "pipes are all cleaned out". It is so empowering to say I ran a race. Not a whole lot of people can run to their mailbox, let alone a race. Running is, in my opinion, the best cardio/heart strengthening/aerobic conditioning out there. I also do Cathe for weight trainning and I do her step videos for cross trainning...especially in the winter months. We have alot in common. Keep plugging at it. I'm glad I stuck with it.

Kim
 
Hello Clare,

I am so pleased that you are thinking of taking up running. I tell you, you won't regret it.

There is so much I can tell about my own experience. I first started running when I bought a pair of running shoes. I told myself I must use it othewise it would be 'money down the drain'. I was on-off for a year, running once or twice a week in the summer and even less in the winter. Then last summer a friend at work told me about the NIKE 10K in Hyde Park. It was started a couple of years ago and is becoming very popular as it's free entry - you just have to do 5 5K sessions to qualify. The first session I turned up to I chickened out and went home as there was no where to change and I was afraid I was too slow. I was not happy with myself about that so became determined to do this race if it the last thing I do! I qualified and did the race with 10,000 other people. I was very slow though, it took me over an hour to run it mainly because of the knee problems I told you about before.

I was already fairly fit from doing Cathe tapes, but running is something different all together. If you can do IMAX, BodyMax and Circuit Max on a regular basis then running will give you a new challegne. I think you can spend the rest of your life working out to fitness videos and the gym, but you should challenge yourself to go out and do something in public otherwise you don't feel as though you have achieved something that people will recognise. And I find exercising alone can be lonely, especially when your diary is not full with party invitiations and you already have a circle of friends. Running was a way for me to meet other people in my area: I moved to Catford last year and I looked around for somewhere where I can meet people that didn't involve joining a gym (I don't find gyms socialble as a club). This club was perfect because the running track was near my house, so now every Tuesday evenings, I have it set in my diary that I have a pre-booked appointment. Other times I just go out on my own in the local park. For me now, running is more than just exercising to lose weight, it's about building speed, endurance and becoming a sports woman of some sort. I keep myself motivated by going to running websites and reading about other runners: I particularly like reading about Paula Radcliffe. I absorb all the information on building speed and motivation. I try to incorporate the training advice when I am running, but do not follow any training programs, nor do I keep a running log - I just try to do what I can do. I try to go to races, even if it's just to watch others (the London marathon for example) and feel inspired when I am there. I reward myself after a run with food, stuffed crust pizzas are a favourite of mine - my motto is 'Every time I run I die a thousand deaths, why go on a diet to die a thousand more?'.

I think for you, the best way to sign yourself up for a race in 6 weeks to 2 months time. Then start training for the race, you will find it so much easier if you have something to aim for. There is no slacking off unless you want to face the humiliation of coming in last (you won't, but the thought is there). Then buy a good pair of shoes, find a park or somewhere safe with a bit of greenery - grass makes a softer running terrain. It is good if you know the distance that you will run in advance, like if you know running around the park is 1 mile then you know you have to do 6 times to complete a 10K. Then you can time yourself on how long it takes you to do it. Improve your speed as you become fitter. If you can find a club then join it, if not then see if you can find a more experienced runner and partner up. You learn much more about fitness through running than doing home workouts. While I think Cathe is good, I also find that it could do more to encourage women to think less about dieting and slimming this bit and that bit and focus on overall fitness and health. You should aim to become a sports woman and be a source of inspiration to others.

I hope I have encourage you to set yourself goals and aim higher.

Best of luck Clare and let me know how you do.

Yen
 
I'm glad to see you're so happy with your running Yen. It does become more of a "sport" and less of a "weight" thing. I'm letting my breakfast "wrestle up" (as my son says) and then going for a run:)

Andrea
 
>Hello,
>
> If you want to run long
>term then it's important to look after your feet and legs as
>much as possible and that means getting yourself fitted out
>properly for running shoes and possibly speciallist insoles
>(or orthotics) and these can cost a fortune! People have
>different running gaits - they call it prognation. A friend
>of mine has insoles specially made for her by a foot
>specialist (podiatrist) because she severely overprognates.
>This insole was £200 (US $250) and she swears they made such a
>difference (she has ran 3 marathons) to her running.

Yen is that the same diagnosis and over pronation in the USA?

Edith
 
Edith...
I think you mean "pronates", or overpronates. Correct me if I am wrong..
Yen, I am glad you are into running now. I enjoyed reading these posts. I have taken a break for a while from running but am getting back to it soon. I am like you, I read everything for motivation. I cancelled my Runners World subscription and now I wish I hadn't. You never really realize how certain things motivate!! Good luck to you all in your running endeavors!!

Janice
 
Thanks a lot guys..... I was just telling my husband the other day that I really don't think running is the wisest thing to do what with all the knee injuries and it's just too much pounding and there are other ways to workout that are so much better.

Then I read your post. And once again, I want to go running. So now I'm going to have to find some good shoes. I really enjoyed this post and yes there is something about completing a nice long run and feeling like the "pipes are all cleaned out". That's a great way to put it. I'd personally like to throw in one run day per week, is this not enough to see any major "running gains" and will my knees actually adjust to the pounding if I'm only doing this once per week? Any thoughts? Yen, why did you have to bring this up....I was doing just fine without it. :p :p :p Now with the good weather, these country roads are calling me!!!!!

Briee
 
Hi Briee. I'm not so sure that you will see any great results with running once a week. When I say results, I mean in your distance, time, etc. Adding a run once a week would be a great cross trainning exercise, but if you have any racing in mind, you would have to do it more than that in my opinion. The secret to running is being consistent.

I'm not sure how it would effect your knees as well. In one way, only running once a week could mean that your knees never get used to you running and they would bother you, but in another way, running more than once a week could mean that your knees would get over worked and could ultimately bother you. You would have to do some trial and error in this category...I would guess that everyone would be different.

Kim
 
Hi, Yen,

Firstly, let me say that I am an avid runner and have been running consistently (25-30 mpw) for about 3 years now. I completed my first marathon this March and plan on another one in June 2004.

I am posting because I respectfully disagree with some of your points while heartily agreeing with others.

>The one thing I learnt is that if you are serious about
>running then be prepared to spend spend spend. They tell you
>it's one of the cheapest sport, like home exercise, but I am
>finding out neither is quite true. If you want to run long
>term then it's important to look after your feet and legs as
>much as possible and that means getting yourself fitted out

The only thing you need is a good pair of running shoes, not even top-of-the-line. I buy mid-price and always on clearance, so have only spent more than $50 US ONCE for a pair of shoes (for my marathon, but didn't feel much difference).

About 25% of runners have neutral gaits, meaning they don't require special shoes. I am fortunate to be one of them. I can wear just about any shoe without problems. Runners with flat feet or fallen arches will have the toughest time finding proper shoes, but, it is not impossible. Shoe manufacturers are increasingly making specialty shoes for runners with specific problems.

>
>You also should have good running socks, not ordinary toweling
>socks or sport socks. Running socks will absorb moisture and
>prevent blisters (I tell you, they really work!). They are
>more expensive than ordinary socks and don't really last that
>much longer either.

I still wear my Thorlos which I bought 3 years ago. A friend of mine just wears normal cotton blend socks and has no problems with blisters, even during a marathon. Some people have very sweaty feet which require wicking socks while others do not.

>And if you want to run on different
>surfaces, there are shoes for that as well: for example, trail
>running, cross country, road running (marathon), track and
>field. There are races that you could enter and those can be
>pricey too. And of course, for the ever fashion conscious
>ladies, there's the clothing.

Most people will find one type of running surface to use consistently, so you don't need multiple pair of shoes. The only main difference is for trail (more stability for uneven surface) and regular (road, pavement). Only elite runners would probably invest in separate racing shoes (which are lighter with less cushioning).

Pricey clothing is definitely optional, not a necessity.

You don't ever have to enter a race to be a runner. I've run a 10-K and a marathon in the 3 years I've been running and paid $30 and $55 respectively for registration.

>
>The best thing about running is the 'high' - personal
>achievement - you get from completing a run. When you set
>yourself targets, like running hills 10 times or finishing a
>race, it feels great! Because you've had to work really hard
>to achieve that, more so that with aerobics and weight
>training.

I definitely agree with this paragraph. For me, no other workout feels as satisfying as a run.

Other advantages to running is that it's easy to
>learn - just one foot in front of the other, burns loads of
>calories (the more you run the less you have to worry about
>dieting), you lose weight faster and keep it off, your heart
>and lungs becomes stronger, you get a flatter stomach, better
>muscle tone and a longer more energetic life.

Yes, learning to run is easy, but not worrying about dieting is not true. If you eat more calories than your body burns, you WILL gain weight, no matter how many miles you are running.

I actually GAINED weight during my marathon training because I was constantly hungry. I also had to limit strength work due to training and I lost muscle tone.

>
>For me, the most important thing about running is that it's a
>declaration of independence: in a world where people can't
>work out unless they are in the gym, it's something I do by
>myself for myself. I don't need to be pushed and shouted at -
>I can do it any time, any place and any where. And I don't
>need hi-tech machines - just a pair of good running shoes and
>socks. You know the saying 'the best things in life are free'
>is oh so true.

Exactly. You just need good running shoes and (maybe) socks.


>
>Once I used to think I could NEVER run, now I can't imagine
>how I could ever live without it!


Me, too!

>
>This just a short summary of my running experience and don't
>believe that I am a 'good' or even a 'runner' by any means, I
>still have a long way to go.

I totally and absolutely disagree. You ARE a runner because you are out there RUNNING! I don't believe there are such categories as "good" and "bad" runners. There certainly are "fast" and "slow" runners, but they are in all respects RUNNERS. As soon as I was able to run 3 miles non-stop, I considered myself a runner and have never looked back.

I think you are being very hard on yourself. As far as I'm concerned, you are a runner. And, a very determined one, at that.
 
Briee

Reading the post from MadnNatsmom will show that all runners are different. Running helped Yen's knees, but that doesn't mean it will help yours. Everyone is different.

If you do decide to run I'd suggest giving 3 days a week to it. If you can't run, there are many other wonderful fitness activities that you can do!

Andrea
 
> Edith...
> I think you mean "pronates", or overpronates.
>Correct me if I am wrong..
> Yen, I am glad you are into running now. I enjoyed
>reading these posts. I have taken a break for a while from
>running but am getting back to it soon. I am like you, I read
>everything for motivation. I cancelled my Runners World
>subscription and now I wish I hadn't. You never really realize
>how certain things motivate!! Good luck to you all in your
>running endeavors!!
>

I was wondering if "prognation" and pronation are the same. I know Yen is not in the USA so I wasn't sure.

Edith
> Janice
 
Wow what a wonderful thread!!!! I am usually a lurker on this site and Ya Ya's and videofitness but this made me post!!!
I just ran this morning and it felt great to get out on those country roads west of my house. I live in the country!! I have done a 5k and also a 10k this past spring. I really do love the feel of running. My dog goes with me and we have a good time. Though I enjoyed entering those runs I do really enjoy getting out there by myself and not worrying about coming in last. ( I didn't on my two runs ) but was scared I would. Nothing feels better than bringing lots of fresh air into the lungs and thats for sure!!! I also do Cathe strength and step tapes but there is nothing like going for a run and feeling like you have really worked out. I do wear good running shoes and also thorlos and have never had a problem except sore toes!!! My toe next to my big toes are always sore after a run and my nails are black and blue. Is this because I have to small a shoe on? I picked out my shoes for the cushioning and if I went bigger they slid on my heel. I have high arches and narrow feet. Just wondered if anyone else had sore toes? and what to do about them. I usually try to run 7 or so miles. I like to run 2 or 3 days a week in If I can and then crosstrain with The Firm or Cathe.
 
Hi,

You should have a thumb's width between your LONGEST toe and the tip of the shoe. I know it sounds like a lot (I wear a 7 1/2 and my running shoes are a 9 1/2!!), but it made a tremendous difference for my feet's ailments.

Practice landing heel-toe, to keep your foot at the back of your shoe and to take advantage of the cushioning. A lot of people land mid-foot or on the balls of their feet. I didn't even realize I was doing this until someone pointed this out to me.

Also, some shoes run narrower/wider than others so you may have to experiment. Try roadrunnersports.com's Shoe Dog. (It's on the column to the left under "Shopping Tools.")

Good luck and keep up the running! It is SO great and this city girl envies your country roads!
 
Thank you MadNnatsMom,
I appreciate your advice and I will check out how I land on my feet. Also I think my shoes are too little. I just bought them about a month ago. Will make sure the next time I will get bigger shoes. Thanks so much for answering my questions. Rebecca
 
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