Running!

RE: Running!

That's great! It's a lovely route too 🙂

RE: Running!

Excellent, it great to keep fit!

I used to love walking along the Thames, that's one thing I really miss not living in London anymore.
I have been running too ... but stationary ... on my rebounder in front of the television! Not quite the same is it, but it all helps to jiggle the fat off!

mrsb.

RE: Running!

You Go Girl!

Running has many benefits; particularly for women. It will help you keep those pounds off, stem osteoporosis, give you more radiant skin, tighten droopy muscles,improve your posture, andgive you more energy for other activities!

Running outside where there is more natural light andfresh airwill be more energising. At the same time your limbic/ balance system will be challenged,in comparison to endless hours on a treadmill.(In fact, any activity that really challenges the brain/ balance system, WILL be the FASTEST way of losing the pounds, whilst at the same time keeping you fully immersed (present)). Hence yoga, when regularly practised, can give you a really buff functional body, and oodles of energy. The real 'secret' to any activity is how absorbing it is... so, when running (any sport) we can look to where our focus is. If our focus is 'ex-trinsic' we will be tuning into outside stimuli e.g. the shape of Tower Bridge, the sparkles of light on the Thames, the taxi bowling over the lights... In comparison, when our focus is 'In-trinsic' we will be FEELING what is going on internally... the pace & rhythm of our breathing, the smoothness of our movement, the heaviness/ lightness of our foot plant, the heat/ energy/ hydration of our body. In reality, running will always beboth anintrinsic/ extrinsic activity (don't want to get run over!); however it is always beneficial to keep an intrinsic eye on what you are feeling, as that is the path to efficiency (more 'weight-loss'/ faster times). Performance will also improve if you can find a wide-open space, such as Richmond Park; within which to run. This is because it is more natural/ relaxing to run there, and we can become more aware of intrinsic factors. This also creates LESS injuries. On the note of injuries, I would recommend everyone take up some form of yoga. This will improve your posture, and ultimateperfromance.

Time to throw out the rebounder, absolutely not!! A very good exercise to do on a regular basis e.g. (3-4*/ week) for 15 mins. It has a great effect on your balance, which essentially means your brain; which is where ALL calorific burning starts. You could enhance your routine, with something like a yoga-lates video, some crunches, or get a swiss-ball!

Mark ~ Personal trainer, movement therapist & healer

Good luck in your pursuits [sm=dogrun.gif]

RE: Running!

Hi Mark,

Enjoyed reading your post, very true about keeping focused on the body, I find it definitely makes a difference in terms of results.

I don't only use my rebounder, although it is my favourite at the moment. If I feel run down a quick 'health bounce' and I feel amazing. It is really good for the lymphatic system, I've never felt better than I do now. I also use an eliptical trainer, lift weigths (occasionally), and I like to do sit ups and a little yoga.

And when I think no one is watching I thoroughly enjoy dancing madly around the house!

mrsb.

RE: Running!

And the best thing about jogging as exercise? - It's FREE! Just step outside and off you go 🙂

Just make sure you warm up before and after, a few stretches will do, and wear a decent pair of trainners to support your ankles and feet.

RE: Running!

Aha, mrsbeansprout!

A few thoughts for your re-boundin'!!

We can assume that calories OUT = the amount of mental stimulation.

How so! If we takethe rebounder for example, it requires quite a lot of stability (muscles), anda LOT of focus (balance system). Conversely, exercises like the elliptical place less emphasis on the need to focus!! eg much easier to do, because the pattern of movement has been imprinted on our minds since we learnt to walk. Try to do both with your eyes closed, and you will see (!) what I mean.

Herein lies one of the keys to good exercise/ activities. How much does the activity immerse you/ take up your attention. Generally movement that is outside our normal (daily repetitive) range of movement, WILL stimulate the mind, and lead to calorie output or a buff-body. One of the primary mechanisms affected, isthe hormonal system, which regulates the body; and is our reward for exercising. Hormonal stimulation, including testosterone/ oestrogen (affects sex-drive) andfeel-good hormones such as endorphins,then help to regulate on-going function... muscle tone/ repair/ growth... skin health... and more importantly our overall sense of well-being.

If the prime reason for doing exerciseisend-goal, then it WILL take you away from this ideal. That would be akin to 'making love' to your partner with Eastenders or Football on the box (heaven for some!). In that sense, greater results can be achieved when your tuned into your body rather than the tele'. Music works well, because it doesn't distract our vision (90% of information received through them), and can enhance the sensations and movement within the body.

So... it is important to vary your exercise, because it provides the challenge and stimulus the brain/ body connection wants and needs. It wants to be challenged/ stimulated.

Like you mention, dancing is a very natural thing to do when you're onhigh. It stems back to the tribal need to express and celebrate!! Yahoo. To my mind, then, all exercise has at its roots the desire to dance!

So dance your socks off ~ m

[sm=animal-smiley-085.gif]

RE: Running!

[link= http://www.healthypages.net/forum/showProfile.asp?memid=26458 ]mrsbeansprout[/link]I love you pic of the teddy with the drink cool!!

It is nice to run out doors and the routes that we do along the thames are lovely.

Saying that last weekend, I ran the hastings half marathon and since then I have been crippled. It has been over a week and the pain has moved from under my feet , to my knees, and now i have a stain on my upper left quads. So for over a week, I have been struggling walking, and all because of one run! madness!

Still love it though!

And as a trainee sports massage therapist, you would have thought I would have been able to sort myself out!!!!

Jo x

RE: Running!

Jason

And with regards to your free comment - exactly - I was a member of a new swankygym for 7 months, paying over fifty pounds a month and not going.....

Because I was running!

Cancelled now.

x

RE: Running!

JoGirl,
you sound as though you are thoroughly enjoying your running, good for you. Well done on the half marathon. As you are learning massage hopefully you will be able to soothe your aching limbs.
The glass in my picture is an old one from the Great British Beer Festival at Olympia. That's one of the things we really miss since leaving the U.K. a nice cold pint of cider!

Fester,
I know I said I like to use my rebounder in front of the television, and I do, but I don't actually watch tv. I have it on one of the MTV channels, and bounce away whilst listening to music as I watch the local wildlife through the window.

Must go ... I feel like dancing!
mrsb.

RE: Running!

When I lived on the beach I would go running twice a day. The energy you have is just amazing. I think i need to get back into the whole running experience again

I used to run a lot, almost everyday, sometimes up to 5 miles. being in to boxing, and in the TA it kept me in shape. When I started running a nursing freind of mine warned me about the risks of impact on my knees, but being me I took no notice. about 10-12 years after I started I began to get severe pains in my knees, so bad I could not have my knees bent for too long, such as sitting down. Even driving the car was painfull after half an hour or so. So I took up a non-impact cardio-excercise instead. My knees are largely fine now, just a bit of and ache now and again. Guess my freind was right, so be carefull, try to stay off hard surfaces!!!

Just read this thread and i have to comment i've been running for so long, i can't remember why i started in the first place lol.

True some runners do suffer bad knees or other injuries but not every runner
Listen to your body, if anything doesn't seem right stop.
Wear proper running shoes that give you enough support and cushioning.
If you can run off road when you can, the softer ground will be a less of a burden on your joints

Good for you for getting out running it is wonderful to be able to do.
I remember the first time i did a long race for me 15 miles i did ache but your muscles will get stronger.
Perhaps get one of your massage friends to give your legs a message sometimes easier than doing it yourself If there are any problems though get it seen to from a physio type person

Another runner here 🙂 Ive done 4 marathons and am madly about to do my 5th and last for a while.

Im loving running off road at the moment myself and cant wait for cross country season to start!:eek:

Hi,
I tend to walk quite a lot but recently, over the past couple of months, I have taken to running part of my circuit and have increased this to a couple of miles of my 3 mile walk.

I used to run regularly when younger but found that I suffered from shin splints and this made running painful. Like Tillyp I used to enjoy cross country.

I find that combining running with walking gives me a good aerobic workout without overstraining my limbs and joints. I have also found that during a walk/run my recovery time has steadily shortened so that I am out of breath for a much shorter time span while walking after a session of running. I guess I must be getting fitter.

I've just finished my first 2 mile run. 🙂 I know its not far but even though my fitness has improved, I still find it a struggle. I've been getting personal training from Jodie Prenger (winner of the biggest loser tv programme last year) and she has encouraged me to run for 15 minutes a day. It gets better but I really struggle with hills (or mountains as they seem to me, lol). My main aim is to be able to run the 'Race for Life' next year..... watch this space.

Sue xx

I love running. I started 4 years ago and have finished several half marathons, a couple of marathons and numerous other smaller races. The marathon in April was not one of my better races and it took a few months to get back into the swing of it and find the enjoyment again, but I'm back now. I am by no means fast but I do enjoy the challenge, the sense of achievement and just being outdoors. My boyfriend is a personal trainer and also loves running and he ran round a race with me last Sunday to keep me going. We've got a 10k on Sunday which I'm really looking forward to.

If anyone needs any help with training, general encouragement or just a chat with some other runners then I recommend a look at

Sue, if you can run 2 miles now, there's no question at all that you'd definitely be able to run a Race for Life now. Good luck, they're great races to do.

Sx

I would love to jog I used to quite a lot when younger but now have oesteoarthritis in my knee and am worried about trying to run and making it worse.

I've just finished my first 2 mile run. 🙂 I know its not far but even though my fitness has improved, I still find it a struggle. I've been getting personal training from Jodie Prenger (winner of the biggest loser tv programme last year) and she has encouraged me to run for 15 minutes a day. It gets better but I really struggle with hills (or mountains as they seem to me, lol). My main aim is to be able to run the 'Race for Life' next year..... watch this space.

Sue xx

If you can do 2 miles now, Race for Life next year will be like a walk in the park for you!

My mum ran the Race for Life with me for the first time 6 years ago. She'd never run before. She went on to do her first half marathon at 57 and now aged 60 is contemplating her first marathon!!

I managed to run 4.5 miles yesterday. I want to try to run a couple of miles 3 evenings a week and then do longer runs at the weekend.

I'm no spring chicken any more so I have to be mindful of damaging joints etc. However I have gradually built up to this level and have not experienced any negative side effects yet, apart from a little stiffness (in my legs that is).

I find it is best to start on the exercise bike first for about 15 minutes, do some streaching then do the run. I also try to incorporate some uphill running.

I have managed to loose a couple of stone in weight over the last year and it is this that I feel has enabled me to begin running again. Prvious attempts have resulted in shin pain etc so I have had to stop but I now find that I can run further without any problem.

I'm glad to have stumbled over (excuse the possible pun) this thread. My running has completely lapsed, and I'm going to have to start from complete scratch again. But it's not the first time, and I know it comes back real quick.

I would never have found it a problem if there was nearby countryside or a beach - what a joy that would be! But I've been living in this and that place for a few years - since leaving London, ironically - where outside running isn't great fun at all. Presently I'm in an area which, almost like the USA, nobody is ever seen on the pavements except youths too young to drive, who are sometimes yobs. It'd help if there were a running partner as frankly I also find it boring, so hard to be motivated to go out. But when I do go out, I've had threats from yobs, and adults younger than me just making comments as I pass such as "Sooner you than me!"

Then I really lost the habit for 3 months in India this year. In three months I only saw one person run once for a few seconds: it just isn't done over there, as if you were mad. So I really got used to not thinking about it.

There is an answer - a gym that's very near. As others mention, I can't run indefinitely without some pay-back anyway. At the time I feel there's no problem running for ever ... but actually if I exceed 20 minutes I get lower back pain for about 36 hours afterward. So a gym is ideal as I can stop after 20 minutes and then do non-impact aerobics. Thing is, I've lapsed. Reading this thread has helped motivate me again to re-start. 🙂

V

Hi Venetian,
the only good thing about running on treadmill at gym is that they usually have a flexi-deck which absorbs a great deal of impact and prevents these type of LBPain incidents, however I suspect there is something not quite right with either your running style or possibly the bodys natural shock absorbtion system .
Remember not to increase your training by more that 10% per week and you will not do too much too soon.
Wish I could start running again, but another operation to repair shoulder is needed so another 3 months or so, hopefully back in time for the Lincoln 10K in early April.
best regards
Gaz

I am indeed fortunate because where I live there is a country park nearby. The estate I live on has a circuit of footpaths that lead into an area of open space and I use these to run around 2 miles during weekday evenings.

At the weekend I run to the country park and do a 4 1/2 mile circuit around there. This is a pleasant area with woodland and lakes. The pathways are sort of compacted gravel so not too hard but firm enough to not get waterlogged. I usually run this one day and will walk it the next.

In an earlier post I announced that I had not experienced any negative side effects, however I have noticed that my knees have been aching a little and I have also had an inflamed feeling around the left side of my pelvis.

I found a number of videos on youtube under the heading 'running for fitness'. A number of these demonstrate good running techniques with do's and dont's and I must say I have found them quite useful.

One of the points made was that it is better to walk at 4 mph than to jog at 6 mph when you take into account the impact effect.

I find interval training is best, which goes under the unfortunate scandinavian name of fartlek. You walk for a bit then break into a run. Then you go back to walking and allow your heart rate to normalize, then you run again.

Apparently this is more beneficial than running at the same rate for a given period.

If anyone has any advise (like bgfl) on technique or any other aspect of running I'm sure it would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Gaz,

Some of us just seem to have some minor weakness built-in, and mine I've had since my late 20s, which is that excessive outdoor jogging can lead to a rotten back pain - actually for 2 days or more really. You're right: a treadmill isn't so bad, and you can tilt it so that you're putting in the same effort with less strides. Anyway, when I think I'd better stop, I can continue aerobics on the bikes, etc. It's - LOL - just a question of getting restarted as I've lost the habit.

You are fortunate, Dunkirk. Outdoor running is much more pleasant indeed; but I want to be able to do it straight from my front door. As I wrote, whereas it's a rotten atmosphere here (dimly lit, cars whizzing by, a bit of menace) while I was in London of all places Regents Park and Hampstead Heath were both near. I also had running companions ... I mean nice ones.

[Should I go into the fact that there was an organisation to put runners in touch, and I went to meet a member in his flat? He was a very big guy, and seemed to want to sit very near to me. In fact, he was kind enough as to drop his trousers so that I could observe how well-developed his buttock muscles were; and then he invited me to do the same. It was a bit scary and I virtually fled! Should I mention all that? Nah. 🙂 Such is life!]

Anyway, the gym'll fix it for me, and I can work a bit on other muscles too. (Maybe the buttocks in case I meet up with that fellow again!)

V

I've also just started running & absolutely LOVE it. I'm gonna do the Race for Life, which is great as it gives me a goal to work towards. I agree, I feel so energised afterwards & it's lovely being outdoors. I'm hoping to find some nicer local routes.
I'm reading Run For Life by Sam Murphy, which I'm enjoying.

i have thought about starting to go jogging soon, but where I live there's nowhere nice to go...mainly around the streets (breathing in carbon monoxide fumes!) or a muddy field - not really appealing lol (or am I making excuses for being lazy).

I used to have a treadmill at home but only place to keep it was in the living room and once we had the house re-decorated it didn't really "go" so I sold it. I have a gym in one of the bedrooms upstairs but can't really go running on a treadmill up there for fear of falling thru! I will wait until Spring.....:cool: