RUNNERS....your guidance

[olexa17]

Hi Everyone,

2007 is going to be my year to get into running. I've done Taebo/kickboxing for my cardio for like 10 years and am TIRED OF IT.

So I'd like your advice. I tend to get cramps VERY easy even on an empty stomach; do you or did you get them early on? Do you run through them? Or stop and walk? I just started on the treadmill and am working in 3 minute spurts of running; up to like 10-12 minutes of running in 1 week.

Also what about running shoes vs. cross trainers?
And how often do you all run, if this is your only cardio?
Did it help in thinning out your legs (if you had THIGHS like I do??)
I hope!!

;-) Thanks!!!
Kelly G
www.kellyg.myarbonne.com

 

[Mckmain]

Hi Kelly...are they cramps or side stitches? Stitches have alot to do with taking deep breathes while running. Might be better to run for only a minute at a time at first. There are some good beginning running programs at www.runnersworld.com and www.coolrunning.com

For running only use "Running" shoes.

I run 3-4 days a week and use an Elliptical the other days, with some kickboxing too.

Most likely it will help thin out your thighs along with clean eating.

Also there is a runners check-in called the Cheetah check-in in the Check-in and Challenge forum. All runners of any level are very welcome and we have alot of fun...

 

[seeking_guns]

Kelly,
When I first started running, I did get side stitches the first few times out. I ran through them when I could, but sometimes I did have to walk. If they are side stitches, it doesn't have anything to do with what you eat - it's related to your breathing. It helped me, in the beginning, to count on the inhale and the exhale so that I was breathing evenly.

Definitely run in running shoes only to avoid injury!

I run 3-4x a week (18-24 miles total). It is my primary cardio, but I also k'box.

Yes, it will help in thinning out your legs. I think the combo of TaeBo and running will help you see even better results.

Good luck! And please do join us at the Cheetah check-in. I'm one of the slowpokes, so don't let the name fool ya.

Cathy

 

[ejostling]

Hi, I read an article in a runners magazine that really helped me out. If you feel a stitch in your side, slow down and exhale forcefully when you are stepping with the opposite foot. For example, the stich is on your right side, breath out hard when your left foot touches down. Don't hyperventilate. The theory is your diaphram may be weak and this will strenthen it, so no more stitches. It works for me!

Sally

 

[olexa17]

Ok, on the cramps/stitches issues I would guess I would say that I get stitches....it seems to be only on my right side, right up under the boob by my ribs. How do you all breathe when you run ~ do you try to do slow steady breathing or just breathe naturally or fast or what? My other friend told me today that her trainer told her to run through the cramps/stitches and it worked for her...ugh!

;-) Thanks for the input! I'm going to work up to a marathon this year.

>Hi, I read an article in a runners magazine that really
>helped me out. If you feel a stitch in your side, slow down
>and exhale forcefully when you are stepping with the opposite
>foot. For example, the stich is on your right side, breath
>out hard when your left foot touches down. Don't
>hyperventilate. The theory is your diaphram may be weak and
>this will strenthen it, so no more stitches. It works for
>me!
>
>Sally


Kelly G
www.kellyg.myarbonne.com

 

[seeking_guns]

Kelly,
I stand corrected...eating *can* affect whether or not you get sidestitches. Here's what I found on Runner's World. (For more good articles from their beginner section, go to: http://runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,s6-238-261-0-0,00.html)

Cathy

Sideaches

The best way to cure a sideache while running--is to try something else for awhile.

Many beginners suffer sideaches, or stomach cramps, when they run. This can be because of a number of reasons.

DIET: One cause of sideaches is eating too soon, or too much, before you run. It takes three to four hours to digest a large meal. If you have undigested food--or too much fluid--in your stomach, your stomach muscles may cramp. Some people may be allergic to certain foods, which may cause problems. Adjusting your diet may help.

MUSCLE WEAKNESS: When you begin running, you quickly discover the weakest part of your body. That body part begins to hurt. It may be your legs, your arms or your stomach muscles--causing a sideache. Your body is telling you to slow down. Pay attention, gradually strengthen your stomach muscles, and the sideaches eventually should go away.

MEDICAL CONDITION: A sideache could signal appendicitis, a kidney infection, even a heart problem. We're not trying to be alarmist, but if you continually experience sideaches while running, you may want to get a medical evaluation.

Once you experience a sideache, regardless of its cause, how do you alleviate it? The best way to cure a sideache, while running, is to do something different. Here are some common remedies:

BREATHING: Changing breathing pattern is often the best strategy for curing a sideache. Shift from 2/2 to 3/3 or some other pattern. Try belly breathing: using your stomach muscles instead of your lung muscles. (Pregnant women learn belly breathing by lying on the ground and moving a book placed on their bellies up and down.)

CHANGE OF PACE: Slow down. Speed up. Slowing down may work best, since one of the reasons for the sideache may be that you are pushing too hard. The sideache is a message from the body telling you to slow down. Any change in your rhythm may help relieve the problem.

MASSAGE: Act as your own massage therapist. While continuing to run, massage the aching area. Pinching may help. Swing your arms forward, backwards and in circles. If runners around you think you're crazy, that's all right. Tell them you have a sideache. Everybody gets sideaches.