Active Community: Message List

Re: Need mental help for running.

guest — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:59:24 GMT

My first 5K was partnered with a Marathon. If I could do it over again, I may have stuck to 5Ks which were advertised as walk/runs for mental health I don't think there was a true "walker" in the group that day. But, I got my first time, and knew I only had to work on besting that by whatever margin I could muster. Have that in mind first. You are only out there to beat you right now. Maybe your first was a fluke, because the environments I've been in for 5Ks have been very encouraging. Best of luck!

Re: So I've decided to become a runner...tips anyone?

guest — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:34:45 GMT

I'm with PaintingLady. I had to set a goal to run a 5K. Having that set ahead, it helped me to keep my commitment to myself to run and get in better shape for it. After I did that one I set a goal of beating my own time. I now have 3 more scheduled at varying intervals. Having races scheduled definitely helps me keep it up. I love race day! I was worried about not being "in the club" because I'm loosing weight, too. But people are very nice and genuinely happy to have more runners there! Best of luck to you! How was that first day?

-Ras

Re: What do you think is the best running shoes?

guest — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:27:03 GMT

I love my Mizunos. Not for any other reason than they are by far the most comfortable and just-right supportive for my feet and stride. The best shoes are the ones that make you feel as good in your shoes as I do in mine, but that's probably not the kind of conversation you were trying to spur!

Re: Why do we hate our bodies? - Women and Running

guest — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:01:34 GMT

I'm often amazed at the different body types at a 5K and I've told my husband after races "don't under estimate the 'heavier' girls!" You don't take them seriously and they'll pass you before you know what happened. I'm still in the "athena" category myself, and muse at how many of the very thin "running type" forms I pass in a race. It's all about conditioning at this length I guess.

About clothing, running has helped my self esteme. My body is growing stronger and changing shape, even if the pounds are only coming off at a crawl now. It'll be a while before I ever run in just a bra, but with how humid it gets around here, I can't blame em!

-Ras

Re: Anyone with experience? L5-S1 lateral disc bulge.

guest — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:37:48 GMT

I work in an Orthopaedic office directly with surgeons, but am not an MD/DO/PA-C, so these are just opinions.

You may be experiencing pain (and a great deal of it), however if you took 10 people and got MRIs of their backs, you'd probably be surprised that the majority may have similar findings. Unfortunately (or fortunately) everyone's body seems to react differently and have varying intensities of pain. It sounds like, despite this pain, you are still being (or trying your best) to be active. If you got into your appointment and the only option you are given is surgery, seek a second opinion (which, the way you stated it, seems like what you would do anyway). There are injections and other forms of treatment and the science is getting better monthly. More options are cropping up all the time.

You will probably want to cut down on jarring your back as much as possible. Best possible shoes... maybe consider not road running as much and doing track, treadmill or "grass" running to soften the blows as much as possible. Being active is the best thing for orthopaedic issues, just knowing how to do them safely with what you have. Best of luck as you do your research and hear from your Doctor!

-Ras

Shorts not along for the "ride"...

guest — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:12:03 GMT

In the process of loosing weight and getting run times down I've run into a short conundrum. Now that it's hot (and humid in my area) shorts are the clothing of choice. For those of us with a little thigh, I know at least for me, I find myself on a run worrying about my shorts and if they are "riding" or inching to places they should not be. I've tried a few different kinds of shorts (no way am I getting into the teeny running shorts yet) and found some that work "just okay".

Has anyone run with the spandex type shorts under looser running shorts? Those who have much more race experience would this be an odd combination (I'm just vain enough to not want to look like a complete dork! haha). As I round into summer races I don't want to 1) be wearing pants or 2) worrying about adjusting shorts during a race!

-Ras

Re: What type of socks do you wear?

guest — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:36:14 GMT

I had a problem with socks rubbing at the heel/back of the ankle. I got socks that have a "lip" at the back to keep that from happening (and keep socks from sinking into the shoe). I think overall most people go with some synthetic blend of socks from what I've seen and used. I like my socks thin, because feet swell while running and I don't want too much compression to happen in my shoes during a race or run (my feet/toes would start to go numb). Good topic, I'd like to hear what other ideas you get

-Ras

Re: What do you do with fly away hair when you run?

guest — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:26:22 GMT

I have a very layered haircut. I've been tying back what I can (about 50% of it will go in a high ponytail, leaving long bangs to deal with next). So, I just use a sweatband and between that and sunglasses I get a clear view. I am considering getting a visor, but I "glow" too much on a run and am not sure if it will be a good substitute for my band!

Re: 5k Times and first 5k

guest — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:05:03 GMT

My first 5K was a few weeks ago. I forgot my pacing watch (it was a flat course so I wanted to use it - I was worried about overpacing for my fitness level) which worried me a lot. So, I jogged for a little until the pack thinned and I "drafted" with another woman who I thought was going my usual pace or slower (ended up slower). I had a lot of "go" left at the end, but that made me feel great! I crossed the line at 39:40 and there were still those coming in after me. Now I have my own time to get PRs against, which is what will matter to me most. It was lots of fun and the other racers were great! So, just have fun and make it something that you'll want to do again!

-Ras

Re: Sunglasses for running

guest — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:19:05 GMT

Thanks for the information thus far! I checked out Nativeeyewear.com and was impressed. I like the kind of venting they do, which is a must for me - it's VERY humid here. A Gander Mountain carries them near me, so tonight I'll take a trip there and to the Sunglasshut to try on Oakleys. For the more experienced runners / sunglasses buyers and wearers : would you consider polarized a must have, or an option?

-Ras