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i love running... but i didn't always

guest — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:09:03 GMT

There are quite a few times when I don't love running. Heck, I don't even like it sometimes! There are runs when the last two miles or so (typically uphill false flats of varying degrees on my way home) are so tough to get through that I have to force my mind off of the punishment in order to make it home without stopping. And then there are the times when it's 42 degrees F and raining -- there are few things I hate more than 10 miles in cold'ish rain. But, I get out and do it because I'm a runner. And being a runner allows me to have some pretty cool experiences on the road and it's times like those that make all the tough runs worthwhile.

Base pace?

guest — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:29:40 GMT

I'm thinking that the races have pretty much stopped for me for the year, minus a possible Turkey Trot, and I was wondering about the pace of my winter base mileage. I'm quite a bit faster than I was this time last year and I'm noticing that, all of a sudden I have all of these different gears at my disposal. So, I have a question for the more experieced runners out there: do you keep the bulk of your mileage at a more relaxed pace or do you typically kick it up one or two notches above comfy?

Couch to 5K knee injury woes

guest — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:16:56 GMT

You may be right that your body is still trying to cope with the new punishment that you're putting on it but it sounds like something else. Obviously, most of us here are just a bunch of hacks so take any advice, medical or otherwise, with a grain of salt. Personally, I think you should go out and run a marathon, now -- fight through the pain as, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger! Uhmmm, kidding.

By all means, take it easy and rest up if the pain is bad. As was said, going to a reputable running store and being properly fit for shoes may also be a good idea. And, sometimes doctors and/or chiropractors need to be brought into the equation. Whatever the case, I hope you heal up soon so that you can get back out there!

Just starting, should I run and play BBall the same day, or on off days?

guest — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:03:55 GMT

I think that your answer lies in what you want to do and be -- if you want to be a runner, then run. But, if it's more of a general fitness type thing and the idea of making running your thing doesn't really appeal to you, then take it slower. I don't think though that you'd be putting yourself at more of risk by continuing with C25K on shedule though -- if your body is already used to basketball then you'll be fine.

10k before 5k

guest — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:23:50 GMT

Years ago, before things like the internet and forums, the 10k was king of the recreational races and it was the race to run for first timers and experienced runners alike. Pay attention to your body as you train and don't take things too fast but I don't see any reason why you couldn't do a 10k before too long. Move forth and register.

Shin pain

guest — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:11:53 GMT

Shin pain kept me off the roads for the better part of 16 years until I finally figured my particular flavor of them out. And, after all of the research, tips, tricks and cures that I've tried, my issue seemed to be (at least) mainly related to my pushing off with my toes -- your mileage may vary. My advice: look to the obvious stuff first, which would be stride and shoes. For me, ChiRunning helped my stride by taking much of the workload off of the lower legs and Brooks Adrenalines improved the geometry of my legs as they met the ground. That was me though and your situation may be completely different -- as much as I'd love to give you a one size fits all answer, I don't believe that one exists. For starters, how did you buy your new shoes -- did you have them properly and professionally fit?

Taking a week off

guest — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:40:32 GMT

If you're following a plan, have you skipped any workouts yet to allow for extra healing time? Sometimes even an added day or two of rest can make a huge difference.

does anyone else ever just give up?

guest — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:44:03 GMT

As others have said, it sounds like you had some pretty, uhmm, lofty goals right out of the gate to say the least. The Half is an amazing goal but keep in mind that it can take a good year or more for things like your connective tissues to get used to the act and abuse of running -- slow and steady in training often wins the race (well, at least it doesn't come in last). Galloway's thrown together some pretty good programs so stick with those and remember: you're not racing against anyone else, only yourself. We runners tend to be a pretty forgiving and encouraging group so keep coming back and for God's sake, don't quit!

My last run was...how was yours?

guest — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:30:47 GMT

Dang, I feel like I haven't been here in forever! Anyway, spent the weekend in Cambria so I did a 6 and a 7 mile run along the coast -- beautiful weather and they were truely fantastic runs. What made them even better was that I'm just coming off of jaw surgery and they were the first pain-free runs that I've had in two weeks. Ahhhh, it's good to be back.

Re: Ryan Hall's mile

guest — Mon, 23 May 2011 16:03:23 GMT

I read that he pulled out of Chicago because his training schedule was taxing his body too much. Could be that he's in the middle of switching things up a bit.