One more question for experienced runners

Mic

Cathlete
Well, okay two more questions. First you know how some people say running just isn't for them, and for some people it's not. Too hard on the joints and so forth, anyway how long do you think people should give it before they decide it's not for them? Do you think most people pretty much know right away? Also, how long should a person be running before they add another day of running to their schedule? Right now I just run according to time, not counting miles just time and trying to stay steady for a while and then adding a little more time bit by bit. Thanks
 
Running definitely isn't for everybody. I knew the first time I ran in High School!...way back then!! A general rule when adding mileage is not to go over 10% of your weekly total. I go by miles so if I am running 25 miles a week, I don't increase more than 2.5 miles more the next week. So my total weekly mileage would then be 27.5 miles Make sense? I will say though I know Ultra runners might not neccesarily follow this rule but the have a very good running base as they do so many miles anyways!!...hope this helps...:)..Carole
 
I agree with Carole that running isn't for everyone. I too hated running in high school and the main reason for that was because I didn't know how to breathe and therefore I was miserable. As I learned how breathe I began to enjoy running. For one, because of the physical effects of running and also for the sense of accomplishment that it gave me.

If running causes extreme pain or if it is something that one dreads doing then it probably isn't for them. For that matter nobody will really benefit or enjoy any form of exercise that they don't (Cathe workouts,bike riding or whatever).

Hope this helps...



~Marietta
FITXME
http://www.picturetrail.com/fitxme
 
I am not one of the experienced runners you were calling out to but wanted to add....

My DH is in the process of trying to run on a regular basis but ankles and joints are slowing him down. If the person is not use to physical activity, it may take a while for the tendons, ligaments, joints, large and tiny muscles to adjust and strengthen to handle the impact.

Also, my DH was saying to someone recently that your cardio and pulminary systems need to strengthen as well. Once they do, running becomes so much easier. I remember years ago saying "I hate running"...now, I cannot imagine a life without it. It is the last thing I think of before going to sleep because it is such a calming, stress free activity...it's my happy place!!

I know this may not help much...it really does depend on how bad the person wants to run. If they really want it, start slow, take it easy, don't do too much at once. Possibly follow one of the beginner plans on the running sites:

www.runnersworld.com
www.halhigdon.com
www.coolrunnings.com
 
>I know this may not help much...it really does depend on how
>bad the person wants to run. If they really want it, start
>slow, take it easy, don't do too much at once. Possibly
>follow one of the beginner plans on the running sites:
>
>www.runnersworld.com
>www.halhigdon.com
>www.coolrunnings.com
>

Agreed!! :)

I am a "novice" runner. :)

I follow Hal Higdon's plans. I started running seriously in Feb. and by October, I was running in my first marathon! A lot of it is mental too...for me anyway.
:)
 
Ummmm, Sarah and Dani, you are experienced runners!

And I agree with everything above! Especially the comment about it being mental. As with any exercise, if your body can physically handle it, it takes mental fortitude to get to the next level!
 
WOW!! Great information for me guys. Thanks I'm starting to like it more, my body is adjusting quicker than it used to and I'm beginning to have that peaceful feeling you get when you are running. Not that it's easy but I do feel as though my body is adjusting and I do have some aches but they seem to be something I can handle. Your right it is a mental thing too. Thanks again, I'll remember about that increase.
 
It is very much mental. I really think that is why I enjoy it so much!

Some days, it is going to feel so good and smooth, you'll feel like you could go forever. Other days it may feel like a lot of work...that's when the mental part kicks in! I have noticed the impact my diet has on my runs, as well as allowing a rest day and a few cross training days. Also, the amount of sleep I get two nights before a long run has an impact on how the run feels.

Have fun with it! Especially now that the leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp...makes for gorgeous mornings!
 

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