Running help

[Teenage Dirtbag]

That last bit of fat around the waist is really hard to burn off. Almost impossible.

I've been trying for 6 years, and it's still there.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I've been trying for 6 years, and it's still there.

This stuff is the real reason liposuction was invented in the first place.

[BigPiney]

Sure...just recognize that I know I'm in the minority here.

I posted a little while ago about the interview with this author:
http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidde.../dp/0307266303
and it got me interested in this. You can read the summary of his experience with this native tribe, but one of his points he learned from his experience was that the shoe industry has runners hoodwinked into buying expensive shoes that reinforce bad running form. He's not alone in this thought, as you probably know, but the more I read on this, the more I believe it. IIRC, around 90% of runners have some sort of injury every year, and this number hasn't changed a bit in many years, despite the "advances" of the shoe industry. He made the point that the FDA would never approve a device like this.

Anyway, it was a long interview and I've read a few more similar articles and thoughts and I think they make some good points. I've bought my last few pairs of shoes off the clearance rack of Big 5 (after never spending less than $100 before on shoes), and if anything, I've had fewer knee/foot/hip problems. Good enough for me.

My wife just read that book and it is in the bag to read for me this week. So did htis mean you are going to start eating chia seeds and the like?

Or be like my father in law and buy those stupid barefoot shoes? Apologies to anyone that has those stupid barefoot shoes.

[Donuthole]

You're not alone

Even though right now you're on your own.

[Pheidippides]

I am finally to the point that I want to start to pursue a goal of running a marathon. I have never done any distance running of any sort. I am in good enough shape that I could probably finish a 5K without walking(I'm not saying what kind of time it would take).

I need to drop about 60 lbs. Based on previous experience, it would take me about 4 months to accomplish this.

Given that I am an absolute novice, my questions are basic:

How do you pick out a quality shoe, and what should I expect to pay(I am a tight wad about clothes)?

Where are some good resources for training programs?

Should I wait to start training until I drop the weight? (I have had a knee scope for bad cartilage already)

Should I look to 2010? 2011? for a target event?

TIA

I am having a major deja vu experience right now.....

As a medical professional, you're much better equipped to undertake this than I was, so I feel awkward saying anything at all. However, based on the numbers you've just given us, it looks like you're starting from where I was in January, give or take a few pounds. So I have a lot to say.

There are spotty references to this around here (and maybe a semi-pornographic picture or two - talk to Sizzle), but I was 250 pounds on January. I started trying to lose weight on January 14.

On March 31, I started running consistently again for the first time in 12 years. My first run was on a treadmill for 3.13 miles. I averaged just over a 10 minute mile for that run. It was really hard to complete it, too - I remember wondering what I'd gotten myself into. I was around 220 then.

The next month (April) I ran just about every other day. Still exclusively treadmill work until the end of the month. Still 10 minute mile paces. Mileage got a bit longer but nothing more than 5 miles (except for one random 9 mile run after which I probably should have gone to the hospital because of extreme dehydration).

In May I started running outside. Five times a week except for the first week, when I was hiking in S. Utah. Distances are 3-5 miles, with a couple of 10 milers thrown in. Why the 10 milers? Because I felt good and I had started liking running again. It was no longer a means to the weight loss end but an enjoyable end in itself. Most miles are done around a 9:00 minute pace, so the consistent running is paying dividends.

In June I got injured for a week and swam instead of ran. Otherwise, five times a week, no treadmill work now, and 8:30 miles. Ran a training run that was slightly over a half marathon. I cannot live without my runs at this point and my rest days are my hardest.

This month I have scaled back to 4 runs a week. Long runs are 10 miles on the weekend, give or take a mile or two. Other runs are 5-6 miles. Running at an 8 minute pace on the non-long runs.

I could absolutely finish a marathon right now. It would be very ugly, and I would walk a big chunk of it, and I am nowhere near ready to handle miles 15 through 26, but I could finish one after three and a half months of running. I guess my point in writing all of this is that it doesn't take long to get into good running shape as long as you are consistent with your runs.

In addition to the other good shoe advice that those more knowledgeable than me have given, I would suggest that you might want to get a cushioning shoe. That really helped my joints when I was heavier (and even now, since I'm a bigger guy in any event). As did starting out on a treadmill - I made a gradual transition to road work, which I think helped prevent me from getting injured more than I did.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Another question. Now that I have established a few pathways around the neighborhood, I was wondering if it is better to try to improve time on a previous run or try to run for the same amount of time and go a longer distance.

I ask that because I run the same course tonight(2.2 miles) that I run 2 days ago and I run it 2 minutes faster,27 down to 25 minutes,(I know I suck). Is this the right approach?

[ERCougar]

Another question. Now that I have established a few pathways around the neighborhood, I was wondering if it is better to try to improve time on a previous run or try to run for the same amount of time and go a longer distance.

I ask that because I run the same course tonight(2.2 miles) that I run 2 days ago and I run it 2 minutes faster,27 down to 25 minutes,(I know I suck). Is this the right approach?

I'd stay slow until you slowly increase your mileage base. Once you're at about 15 miles a week for 6 weeks or so, you can start thinking about speed. Really, just getting into shape and losing weight will automatically increase your speed, but I wouldn't time yourself and force it. Be really careful these first few months.

You really ought to get a good book for guidance. I've recommended Galloway's book before because he's found his niche in helping newbies get into running (and is probably the best in the business at it), but there are a lot of others that could help.

[Babs]

Even though right now you're on your own.

No, I was totally serious. I agree. I know that people like Arch or whatever swear by running shops, but I find them overpriced and their service unnecessary.

[Jeff Lebowski]

No, I was totally serious. I agree. I know that people like Arch or whatever swear by running shops, but I find them overpriced and their service unnecessary.

Getting the right pair of shoes from a specialty store made a huge difference for me. Worth every penny.

[Pheidippides]

Getting the right pair of shoes from a specialty store made a huge difference for me. Worth every penny.

Me too, and it's not close.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I'd stay slow until you slowly increase your mileage base. Once you're at about 15 miles a week for 6 weeks or so, you can start thinking about speed. Really, just getting into shape and losing weight will automatically increase your speed, but I wouldn't time yourself and force it. Be really careful these first few months.

You really ought to get a good book for guidance. I've recommended Galloway's book before because he's found his niche in helping newbies get into running (and is probably the best in the business at it), but there are a lot of others that could help.

I wasn't intentionally trying to go faster. I noted it on the Garmin. I felt that I didn't push myself beyond what I could do. It was nice to see the quicker time.

[doctorcoug]

Ruuner's world is an excellent resource. Use them (plus, you can have your most recent workouts automatically pasted as a signature on here or other forums). They'll help you look at shoes and training options.

Good shoes need to be tried on and taken for a spin. If the store doesn't let you wear them for run (or have a decent return/tradein policy), then go somewhere else. I haven't lived on Utah for years, but back in the day Runner's Corner in Orem would allow this.

4 months is way too fast. I can promise you that you will get injured. If you are needing to shed 60 pounds to feel comfortable running the race, then I'd put a goal for 2011. That doesn't mean you can't run 10k and half-marathon's in 2010 (and you should).

I ran for BYU before my mission and I've been trying to get back into ever since. My problems of getting back into racing shape were always trying to do too much too fast and then getting injured.

Good luck. I don't have to explain to you that the best waybto lose weight is to reduced the input, not increase the output.

[doctorcoug]

Another question. Now that I have established a few pathways around the neighborhood, I was wondering if it is better to try to improve time on a previous run or try to run for the same amount of time and go a longer distance.

I ask that because I run the same course tonight(2.2 miles) that I run 2 days ago and I run it 2 minutes faster,27 down to 25 minutes,(I know I suck). Is this the right approach?

Until you can run 10 miles without thinking about it, turn your chronograph off.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Good shoes need to be tried on and taken for a spin. If the store doesn't let you wear them for run (or have a decent return/tradein policy), then go somewhere else. I haven't lived on Utah for years, but back in the day Runner's Corner in Orem would allow this.

Runner's Corner still allows this.

[SteelBlue]

Jared the one piece of advice I'd give was the hardest thing for me (and for all new runners I think) to finally learn. Realize that your heart and lungs will be ready for big jumps before your legs are. I've probably been hurt 5 different times because I pushed speed work or increased mileage waaaaay before my legs were ready just because I was feeling great.