Running

[al-209]

I was just wondering whether many people here run regularly and for what purpose?

I have read mixed reports about it, i.e. not effective for fat loss, good for CV conditioning, bad for knees and ankles, great for endorphin release and well being etc etc..its as clear as mud as usual!!

Its mentioned in the Body-Flow book that Mr Sonnon has (or had at the time of writing) a running regime and obviously with the release of the powered running DVD its not advised against. It just doesnt seem to be discussed very often around here.

To my mind its one of the most natural and beneficial movements there is (especially when one is being chased by a sabre tooth tiger for instance) , but i dont want to compromise my health if unnecessary..


Any thoughts would be great.

[rtappan]

Hi Alan,

You can see my running training in my blog in the workouts section.

I used to abhor running, even though I had to do lots of it in the military. It was really uncomfortable and I had continuous nagging injuries (stress fractures especially).

After following the Rmax Powered Running DVD I have come to truly enjoy running and have been doing so safely for about 2 years now (on and off). It helps me take off weight, is important for increasing my cholesterol numbers, and really serves as a great stress releif and meditation valve.

If you are good to go according to your doctors, I highly recommend the DVD.

Good luck!

[GretaS]

I don't know if it's just me, but I try to train to run 5K's in a less embarasing time, but the more I run, the more tired I get. I can run 3 miles with only moderate fatigue if I haven't run for a week or more, but if I try to run everyother day, it kills me to make it 1 mile. The harer I try, the harder it gets.
Would that DVD help?

[rtappan]

Hi Greta,

Because of my interest in mainly running for health, my goals are also in the 5-10k region.

I'm not sure what kind of tired and fatigued you get when you increase your running frequency. The main things the DVD did for me were to help me keep my breath, structure, and movement in sync, which makes running very enjoyable for me. The warm up and cool down and emphasis on running technique also have prevented any major aches and pains. Both of those things mean I can run regularly without overtaxing or injuring myself. I've had the best results by using the running in combination with CST principles in general, particularly the "4" type of modulating intensity (check the Flow Coach blog if you need more info on that).

There are several basic running plans included. I believe one of them is a walk/run combo which might help you if you are running out of gas and need to work on your aerobic base.

[GretaS]

I would eventually like to get to a 10K or a mini TRIathlon, but we'll see.

I'm good at regulating my breath and stride to run, and the more distracted I am mentally, the more I can run. Any the psychological feeling after running, is great! But I get to a point where I feel like I physically can't run and then I do walk. I go 4 miles if I have to walk (warm-up, rest, cool down) all wlaking around 3.6mph. I try to run between 6.0 and 7.0 depending on how I feelon the day and I try to pump it up before I finnish. I'm treadmill training at the moment because it gets SO hot and humid outside (florida). Plus I can follow my funning with weights and stretching.

I'll have to check out the "4" type thing to know what you're talking about.

I definately have a more endurance/aerobic base, but it's definately slow.

[rtappan]

Greta,

If you are going to continue running, I would definitely recommend getting the Rmax DVD at some point. It'll probably help you to improve what is already working for you and show you some other good tricks. It's worth it just for the warm up/cool down joint mobility and stretches alone.

Happy trails!

[David Nicol]

I prefer hill sprints up a long steep hill - they're a killer!

Dave

[Coach Gostnell]

Hi Greta,
Yeah, that's a tough choice, between killer heat & humidity and killer boredom on the treadmill inside.

I can run 3 miles with only moderate fatigue if I haven't run for a week or more, but if I try to run everyother day, it kills me to make it 1 mile. The harder I try, the harder it gets.

I don't know what the rest of your training is(you mention weights), or what other factors might be involved, but it does sound like you're not getting the recovery you need. (Your comment, "The harder I try, the harder it gets" is telling you something. It's a treadmill all right, and not the one in the gym. )

This doesn't necessarily mean you need to take more days off (it might), but it might also help if you structure things differently. I also recommend Coach Wilson's running DVD and the plans he includes. You can pick one and start from "square one". It might be tempting - since you've been doing longer distances - to jump into the middle, but by doing what seems almost too easy to start with, you may regain the enjoyment of running as well as giving yourself a solid base to (re)start from.