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How to Start Running

nytimes.com

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Re: How to Start Running

#121

Post by js2 »

xiaoma wrote: post #115
js2 wrote: post #14

As someone who's already run 900 miles and four marathons year-to-date, I'll add some hard won advice: 1) Do not be in a hurry. Most runners do way too much way too soon. You will likely get injured. You gain aerobic capacity in a matter of weeks to months. But soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, bone density... those takes years to adapt. 2) If you're getting injured, something is wrong. You're doing too much too soon…

Mostly good advice. I disagree with number 3 though. Increasing volume is much safer than increasing the intensity of the "normal" workout. For me at least, I probably did the highest mileage and was the strongest runner when I had no goal at all but was just running up the mountain because I loved it. Though I didn't race any marathons, I did so many runs of greater than that distance on my own on weekends that I've…

Maybe. I think it depends on the runner. I had success with the Run Less Run Faster for a couple races, and I know a lot of other runners who've had good success with it to. And I did qualify the point with "to achieve your goal". If your goal is to BQ and you can achieve that on 40 miles a week, then why run 80 miles a week?

I can't argue with your second paragraph at all. All the mountain runners I know are beasts. :-)

Re: How to Start Running

#122

Post by dsg42 »

These plans are terrible. In particular, the marathon program recommends a 26 mile training run followed by a three week taper. No one recommends 26 mile training runs outside of the very top elite athletes (and for very, very good reasons). It just isn't actually good for you to run that long, especially when you're only running three days a week. Seriously, that marathon program, if run on cement, would likely cause a stress fracture in a new runner.

Re: How to Start Running

#123

Post by dennisgorelik »

ak217 wrote: post #33
lispm wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Don't listen to music while training. Especially not as a beginner. Relax. While running. Personally I think some form stretching is useful - just my personal experience. I'm having a break for it at around 2km.

You're entitled to your opinion, but music is what pushes me to go hard and keeps me motivated in my runs. I literally run 25%+ faster with music on. Not only that, but it's just not nearly as enjoyable without the music (and the scenery). If you listen to music, just wear good earbuds that don't block ambient noise, and don't crank it too loud. Stretching: By now most runners know not to static stretch from cold sta…

> wear good earbuds

Is there such a thing as "good earbuds"?

Earbuds, as anything else, quickly accumulate dirt.

I do not like the idea of sticking dirty things inside of my ears.

Re: How to Start Running

#124

Post by ak217 »

dennisgorelik wrote: post #123
ak217 wrote: post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're entitled to your opinion, but music is what pushes me to go hard and keeps me motivated in my runs. I literally run 25%+ faster with music on. Not only that, but it's just not nearly as enjoyable without the music (and the scenery). If you listen to music, just wear good earbuds that don't block ambient noise, and don't crank it too loud. Stretching: By now most runners know not to static stretch from cold sta…

> wear good earbuds Is there such a thing as "good earbuds"? Earbuds, as anything else, quickly accumulate dirt. I do not like the idea of sticking dirty things inside of my ears.

The earbuds that Apple ships with their newer devices are very high quality. I think they've set a new standard with those.

By the way, I'm talking about earbuds, not in-ear-canal earphones. I don't like those and I agree they get gross. They also block out far too much ambient noise to be safe when running.

Re: How to Start Running

#125

Post by xiaoma »

js2 wrote: post #121
xiaoma wrote: post #115

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Mostly good advice. I disagree with number 3 though. Increasing volume is much safer than increasing the intensity of the "normal" workout. For me at least, I probably did the highest mileage and was the strongest runner when I had no goal at all but was just running up the mountain because I loved it. Though I didn't race any marathons, I did so many runs of greater than that distance on my own on weekends that I've…

Maybe. I think it depends on the runner. I had success with the Run Less Run Faster for a couple races, and I know a lot of other runners who've had good success with it to. And I did qualify the point with "to achieve your goal". If your goal is to BQ and you can achieve that on 40 miles a week, then why run 80 miles a week? I can't argue with your second paragraph at all. All the mountain runners I know are beasts.…

What is BQ?

Re: How to Start Running

#126

Post by ak217 »

jeffwass wrote: post #53
ak217 wrote: post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're entitled to your opinion, but music is what pushes me to go hard and keeps me motivated in my runs. I literally run 25%+ faster with music on. Not only that, but it's just not nearly as enjoyable without the music (and the scenery). If you listen to music, just wear good earbuds that don't block ambient noise, and don't crank it too loud. Stretching: By now most runners know not to static stretch from cold sta…

What do you listen to? Do you choose specific songs to match your target cadence?

That's obviously a personal preference, I listen to a mix of stuff that you might hear on A State of Trance, as well as Hans Zimmer and Two Steps From Hell, among other things.

I don't do cadence matching, I just fast forward through the playlist :)

One other thing that has made a big difference for me recently is a latest generation Garmin GPS running watch hooked up to Strava. The end effect is that you have your running log pushed effortlessly to Strava over bluetooth once you're done with the run, and there your friends can see it and vice versa. The motivation of seeing your friends' training logs is more awesome than I ever expected.

Re: How to Start Running

#127

Post by peter303 »

Just choose a running method which is fun for you. You wont keep it up for 50-some years if it is not fun. Some people like social running, while others hate it. Some like outdoors, even in difficult weather, while other prefer indoor treadmills. Some like frequent formal races, while other dont.

Re: How to Start Running

#128

Post by weisser »

js2 wrote: post #84
notacoward wrote: post #11

So much bad advice. (1) Actually it does matter how and where (relative to your body) you land your foot. Contrary to the article, many people do need to fix their "natural" form and/or get shoes that help them avoid pronation, both to avoid injury and to increase the enjoyment that will help them stick with it. (2) Similarly, the article's advice about stretching is way out of date. It's now consensus that static st…

a responsible author would at least have mentioned that it's a safety issue as well as an aesthetic one. Not only will I second this, I'll add that it's also an athletic issue. I used to run with headphones. But I don't anymore, because I realized I wanted all my senses, not just to be aware of my surroundings, but to be aware of myself. I literally listen to my body when I run, because it's a cue for me that I'm run…

I used to always have earbuds in but then I ran an official 5k where earbuds were not allowed and I've never looked back. If you had told me I'd enjoy running without anything to distract me from the exercise I would have thought you were crazy but it turns out I now completely agree about wanting all of my senses.

Re: How to Start Running

#129

Post by weisser »

In the last month, I've gone from running in stops and starts to doing 5k with ease and recently completing my first 10k run.

Here are some bulleted observations (more details at the link below)

- When I got started I was almost always overdressed.

- Couch to 5K works — but perhaps it’s not for everyone.

- Transitioning from beach to pavement was helpful.

- Heart rate is super important.

http://daily.weisser.io/post/anecdotes-from-a-reformed-fanbo...

EDIT: if you're in the bay area and average 9.5-10 minute miles on 3-5 mile runs I'd love to run with you (I'm new here). Add me on Strava https://www.strava.com/athletes/7583883 or email me.

Re: How to Start Running

#130

Post by thrownaway2424 »

megablast wrote: post #117
thrownaway2424 wrote: post #91

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"but if you're running in crowded times or places it's irresponsible to deafen yourself" Odd that every car sold today is marketed on the basis of being quiet inside and having a deafening sound system. Why is it so important for runners to have their senses of hearing? So that they don't inadvertently get murdered by the functionally deaf in cars?

You just explained why. Drivers aren't going to hear or see you, so you have to pay more attention to avoid them.

Yeah but victim blaming isn't helping the situation. Drivers create a dangerous streetscape. They need to own responsibility for that. Harping on headphones, cyclists without helmets, or "distracted walking" is not a positive response.
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