The running thread

[fuzzisokiguess]

Weekend w(uss)ior these days. 10-14k if I can get out. Snow on Saturday- with the wind it looked like I was floating in a sea of exploding crystal; into the wind it felt like ice bees were stinging my face. Strikes and gutters.

[goroth]

Yeah, Fuck face bees.

I've been lazy as shit. Gotta get out. But... dem bees...

[$harkToootth]

Just checking in. How's everyone doing?
For those in the winter season, friendly reminder, that cardiovascular exercise helps alleviate symptoms of S.A.D.
Not 'running' on my end per say. Sticking to the hour walk + 30 minute stationary bike formula. Although we are in the midst of a "heat wave" (not really but it is warmer than it's been) so I may take the opportunity to get some running in.

One small life change I plan on making is starting to drink pomegranate juice everyday. I want to try 12oz/day for 60 days.

[goroth]

I got crook a week ago and have now missed two long runs.
It's definitely getting to me.

HURRY UP AND GET BETTER IDIOT BODY.

[coldbrightsunlight]

I've been running in the mornings before work again which has not been 'fun' exactly but feels productive and is a good way to get kilometres in while still having an evening to do other stuff.

[PeteeBee]

Anyone have thoughts about the techniques in this video? I've been running on and off for years, ever since high school cross county. I've always been pretty slow and regularly feel on the verge of injury. This time around I definitely want to focus more on technique than I ever have before. My fitness is higher than in previous periods of running due to swimming and biking, so I'm finding it easier to rack up miles. Somehow this makes me even more nervous about injuries...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RlvKMxPMr0[/youtube]

Unrelated. Anyone on strava? Love to see some other people's efforts on there beyond my couple local buddies. My name on there, as well as in real life, is Peter Broberg.

[coldbrightsunlight]

I am no running trainer or physio, but I've certainly heard the same tips elsewhere. I spent a while ago working to heel strike less and I definitely felt and improvement in endurance. It helped that I was doing a lot of trails because for uneven ground you have to keep your feet more under your centre of gravity for stability.

So I'd say I agree with them (as a total non expert). However one thing I have heard, and anecdotally noticed myself, is that focusing TOO much on form during every run can make you move in an unnatural way and lead to hurting yourself as well! Definitely keep it in mind but you're aiming for the movements to feel natural. Some people will feel comfortable with slightly different form and will be better off running in a way that feels better for their body than adopting the "perfect" form.

[PeteeBee]

I am no running trainer or physio, but I've certainly heard the same tips elsewhere. I spent a while ago working to heel strike less and I definitely felt and improvement in endurance. It helped that I was doing a lot of trails because for uneven ground you have to keep your feet more under your centre of gravity for stability.

So I'd say I agree with them (as a total non expert). However one thing I have heard, and anecdotally noticed myself, is that focusing TOO much on form during every run can make you move in an unnatural way and lead to hurting yourself as well! Definitely keep it in mind but you're aiming for the movements to feel natural. Some people will feel comfortable with slightly different form and will be better off running in a way that feels better for their body than adopting the "perfect" form.

That bit about not getting into something too unnatural makes a lot of sense. Yeah, I think the heel strike, not extending my leg too far forward, and upping my cadence will make a huge difference.

I did my first trail run in years yesterday and was pretty shocked how much of a difference the variation in terrain made. I got so tired so fast, as compared to my normal plodding along on streets.

[popvulture]

That video definitely covers all of the common stuff I usually hear / see.

On that same topic, something specifically that's helped me a lot recently was recommended by a friend who's a much more experienced runner: angle yourself more forward/push out your chest and keep your chin up. Both of these things were briefly touched on in that video, but yep—they will make you run faster. It's kinda uncanny.

[coldbrightsunlight]

Yeah. Good posture is a super easy and effective thing. I find myself slouching when I'm tired on a run and picking my chest and head up instantly improves breathing and running form and speed.

[fuzzisokiguess]

That bit about not getting into something too unnatural makes a lot of sense. Yeah, I think the heel strike, not extending my leg too far forward, and upping my cadence will make a huge difference.

I did my first trail run in years yesterday and was pretty shocked how much of a difference the variation in terrain made. I got so tired so fast, as compared to my normal plodding along on streets.

^all this. (And to see this thread bumped)

Being conscious of cadence will result in turnover which will improve posture, mid-foot strike, speed. (Speed kills tho, injury-wise, I’m sure you’ve read this, but build speed and distance gradually).

And trail running does the opposite- having to constantly worry about twisted ankles and dodgy footing requires your chest/head down and flat-footed strides. Nice for the scenery, but def not the same as the asphalt.

[PeteeBee]

Okay, so today I did my longest run in many years, darn close to 7 miles. I was really trying to get home at 6.66 but it ended up being longer. I know that's not a lot, but I'm trying to add distance slowly. It was crazy how much difference the minor form tweaks improved my speed as well as reduced a little ache in one of my knees that waxes and wanes throughout runs (actually just all the time).

I'm pretty certain I need new shoes. I have a toenail that is almost black and quite painful. The internet says that means my shoes are a little too small. Probably for the best as they are trail running shoes and the majority of my running is on the road.

[hbombgraphics]

Okay, so today I did my longest run in many years, darn close to 7 miles. I was really trying to get home at 6.66 but it ended up being longer. I know that's not a lot, but I'm trying to add distance slowly. It was crazy how much difference the minor form tweaks improved my speed as well as reduced a little ache in one of my knees that waxes and wanes throughout runs (actually just all the time).

I'm pretty certain I need new shoes. I have a toenail that is almost black and quite painful. The internet says that means my shoes are a little too small. Probably for the best as they are trail running shoes and the majority of my running is on the road.

Good job on the 7 miles, I am lucky to get 2 miles in lately.
What type of shoes are you using now?
Do you tend to splay your toes when you stride? If you get good heal lockdown it may be worth going up 1/2 size

[Sonaboy]

I started running and eliminated bread and high sodium foods from my diet and plunged 30 lbs in 12 weeks. 225 - 194, but I seem to have plateaued now, because the cooler wetter weather is keeping me from my routine. I only have to do about 3 miles a day to keep this weight, which is nice, buuuuuuut...

Really starting to think about selling some gear in order to fund a good quality treadmill, but FUCK those things are so huge.

Anyone do exercise equipment in their homes? Is it worth it, or should I just get over myself?

[hbombgraphics]

I started running and eliminated bread and high sodium foods from my diet and plunged 30 lbs in 12 weeks. 225 - 194, but I seem to have plateaued now, because the cooler wetter weather is keeping me from my routine. I only have to do about 3 miles a day to keep this weight, which is nice, buuuuuuut...

Really starting to think about selling some gear in order to fund a good quality treadmill, but FUCK those things are so huge.

Anyone do exercise equipment in their homes? Is it worth it, or should I just get over myself?

I bought a treadmill for the same reasons and it rarely gets used.
I suggest you buy good winter running gear instead, just personal opinion.