Trying to start running, have a question.

agree with most every thing everyone else has said.... I'll reiterate, and add a few things.... and my running background is off and on for more than 30 yrs ( plus a miler in HS ... sub 5 min ) 5k's, 10k's 20k's and Shut In Ridge Trail Run here in Asheville ( 19 mi straight up Mt Pisgah ... 6000 ft climb )

first ... goodshoesgooodshoesgoodshoesgoodshoes.... see a pattern there?... New Balance make some incredible good running shoes... so do many other companies... and as opposed to some things, with running shoes you pretty much get what you pay for ... I've used NB for over 30 yrs... bad knees killed my running , not because of the shoes but the yoyo weight control

I vaguely remember something from Runners World mag many yrs ago that claimed ... on avg.... you burn ~ 100 calories per mile, with almost no compensation for pace... in other words, slow or fast the milage is what counts... the way you burn more calories by going faster is that you can go farther in the same amount of time

your routine right now of run then walk the run then walk is an EXCELLENT way to get started...

as one of the earlier posters said ... it's got to reach the point where you feel depressed / deprived / cheated etc if you don't get your run in .... you have to reach the point where you realize you're a bore to others about your running LOL LOL

any time you skip a day makes it that much harder to get back out the next

doesn't have to be run every day .. as stated earlier mix it up

Just one more note on shoes. Just because a shoe works great for one person doesn't mean it will work great for you. Sounds like you have a line on a good store. If they do a gate annalysis they can help you a lot.

I run in Mizunos because I pronate a lot and they support just right for me. They also flex at the toe box in the right spot for me. Someone with shorter toes who doesn't pronate would hate my shoes. But for me they're perfect. Don't be affraid about trying on a lot of shoes. If they cater to runners, they should be used to it, and should be able to point you in the right direction. I probably tiried on, and ran in (they have a treadmill at the store I use) six or seven pairs of shoes before I got mine. And that was with them helping move me in the right direction each time. If I was just guessing what one brand is like vs. another it would have been even more. Then I kept buying the same ones. They chage the color and suff, but they're pretty much the same every time.

Thanks to everyone for all the info, I feel like I've got a little bit better idea of what I'm doing.

I talked to a fellow from the running shop today on the phone, and he was very helpful. He confirmed a lot of the information I got here, and politely told me that I may not be at the point yet where I really need dedicated running shoes. He had the same concerns that a few posters here had, like the whole running with 250 lbs. on 180 lb. knees remark. Of course, I'm still to stop by, as they'll have something that will work for me, but he said I may be just as well off going to a sporting goods store for my first running (OK, more of a walking) shoe.

I honestly appreciate that, and if I don't get something there today, I'll make a point of giving them my business in the future.

I really didn't even consider the impact of being overweight would have on my feet and shins until I went on my "little" hike a few weeks ago. I had found some info online about a 3 mile loop in a park and wanted to try it...unfortunately, I went to the wrong loop. I took on the 8 mile one instead, and didn't realize my mistake until I was about halfway done. Seeing as how it would be 4 miles either way to get done, I pushed on and finished the whole thing in about 3 hours. I felt tired when I was done, but it was the good kind of tired. I also had a pretty bad case of shin splints. It took about 2 weeks for the pain to subside, but I think that was definitely too much, too fast. Lesson learned on the shoes, as well.

To try an answer a couple of posts in the thread: My main goal is probably to be comfortable running 5k-10k at a time, as that's fairly far for PT and is a nice attainable number to shoot for.

I want to join the Guard to make me a bit more employable. I'm very interested in Intel or an IT position...I'm also interested in Aviation, but I know that's a very competitive slot if you want to fly. I'd be interested in the mechanical side of aviation as well.

Do I like running? No, I hate it. But since it's required for almost all military and law enforcement agency tests, I'm going to suck it up and get better at it. I guess the health benefits are a selling point as well.

I think that's it for now, I get out of work at 7am, and want to take a quick nap before I hit Summit Point Kart at noon. I've got a Groupon there that's expiring soon, and figured this would be the perfect way to reward myself for some positive changes. Plus, I've been watching my budget for the last 18 months, I think it's time I had a mini track day.

I am a big fan of the minimalist shoes, when I switched to them for running, my legs hurt way less. A great introductory version is the NIke Free. It isn't a pair of Vibrams, but they are way better than the status quo athletic shoe for running. They are super light and extremely comfortable. My next more minimal purchase will likely be the New Balance Minimus, I need to get my ass in gear for the next Tough Mudder in Englishtown in November...

Another vote for C25k - my wife and I used it last year. I had never run for more than 2-3 minutes straight before and after going through the program ran my first 5k in about 26 minutes in windy 45-deg wet road conditions.

flountown wrote: I am a big fan of the minimalist shoes, when I switched to them for running, my legs hurt way less. A great introductory version is the NIke Free. It isn't a pair of Vibrams, but they are way better than the status quo athletic shoe for running. They are super light and extremely comfortable. My next more minimal purchase will likely be the New Balance Minimus, I need to get my ass in gear for the next Tough Mudder in Englishtown in November...

minimalist shoes are great for those who are light enough and in shape enough to run on the balls of their feet... for the other 93 % of the runners / joggers ( joggers especially ) a shoe with no padding isn't very useful ... when you're jogging with a heel-to-toe motion you're not going very far with the minimalist ....

Remember when we were all supposed to wear back supports when working? And we all hurt our backs because of those blasted supports. They'd make your back bend in weird unnatural ways that did damage to your back. All in the name of protecting your back.

A whole lot of faux running/walking shoes are that way. Padding the heck out of your heel simply encourages slamming your heel into the ground. That's bad form. If all you do is waddle across the parking lot, you'll never have any problem with it. But start walking some real distances and you will start having troubles. Start trying to jog on a shoe like that, and you're creating all kinds of problems because of the weird unnatural way ridiculous overkill faux running shoes hold your feet.

No, I'm not saying everyone should go run barefoot or in those toe shoes. I am saying I think a whole lot of foot problems come from bizarre shoes and the weird ways they make you walk and run. Be it silly expensive things with massive coil springs guaranteed to counteract gravity, or $1 flip-flops.

That 250/ 180 lb comment was me, here's why. My co-worker buddy went on a diet/ fitness routine. He was a large frame guy, 45 y/o, strong as a bull, not morbidly obese but overweight at 250 none the less. He jumped right in to running and blew his knee out within a week and required knee replacement surgery.

His surgeon's words were those 180 lb knees weren't meant for a 250 lb runner.

Hmmm...I'd go for a signal MOS. Pretty much all of the 25 series MOS's have an equivalent civilian job. You won't be flying unless you're an officer (warrant or commissioned.) If you have the credit hours/degree to do that, make sure you talk to an officer recruiter instead of a regular recruiter. You also need to realize that if you do join, you will spend time away from your family, and it may happen in a place you really hate. The bonuses are also pretty crappy right now, in most states.

In reply to wbjones:

I am a bigger guy, and run on them at 250+ lbs. That is why I am suggesting the Nike Frees as an entry level. They have enough cushion but are as minimal as a cushion shoe will get. Most hardcore minimalist runners think the Nike Free's are too padded.

flountown wrote: In reply to wbjones: I am a bigger guy, and run on them at 250+ lbs. That is why I am suggesting the Nike Frees as an entry level. They have enough cushion but are as minimal as a cushion shoe will get. Most hardcore minimalist runners think the Nike Free's are too padded.

Seems to be a good way to go. I'm hoping to try some NB Minimus, but I'll remind you all that I'm currently nursing a stress fracture in my foot. (and last year was a stress reaction when I was running with a pair of vibrams...).

Until the gait is right on, cushion is a good idea. I know structure is what fox is mainly speaking of. And try, try, try to not land on your heel. From what I read, most leg probmes can be sourced via shock loading from heel strikes.

But, as with diet, YMMV.

rotard wrote: Hmmm...I'd go for a signal MOS. Pretty much all of the 25 series MOS's have an equivalent civilian job. You won't be flying unless you're an officer (warrant or commissioned.) If you have the credit hours/degree to do that, make sure you talk to an officer recruiter instead of a regular recruiter. You also need to realize that if you do join, you will spend time away from your family, and it may happen in a place you really hate. The bonuses are also pretty crappy right now, in most states.

I was told since I already have my associate's degree I would most likely be able to enter the Army national guard as a warrant officer, but I'm not really counting on flying. However, I'm going to try.

flountown wrote: In reply to wbjones: I am a bigger guy, and run on them at 250+ lbs. That is why I am suggesting the Nike Frees as an entry level. They have enough cushion but are as minimal as a cushion shoe will get. Most hardcore minimalist runners think the Nike Free's are too padded.

I didn't mention, since it wasn't really part of the OP's thread .... but I have a size 13 B foot... NB is pretty much it for me... and when I was running there really weren't any/many minimalist shoes available

Didn't think of that either to be honest with you, I've also got the size 13 clown feet.

The girlfriend and I are just getting ready to ride out to Summit Point, so maybe I'll hit up the running store tomorrow.

Once again, this board is awesome. You guys prompted me to go to a real shoe store to get properly sized shoes. The ones I had were bugging me, especially when I ran. Turned out my shoe size was all wrong. I got fitted with a longer, narrower shoe and an insert to fill up space (my feet aren't very tall). WORLD of difference.

canoe

Racer1ab wrote: Do I like running? No, I hate it.

Mixing in bike riding with running is probably a good idea, then. :) I never cared for running much either so I'd rather do other things, like biking or even swimming. The variety will help keep you enthused anyway.

I need to thank this board. This thread prompted me to go out and actually get properly fitted for shoes. World of difference. Turned out my feet are too narrow for most shops to carry shoes in my proper size.

iadr wrote: a little off topic maybe but not a canoe, no. Paranoid much?

Not one relevant word in your post to the OP or following posts plus two links... hmm

.... not paranoia in my book

I started running in April, shortly after I quit smoking.

At first i couldnt run more than a minute or two, and I was walking much more than running, 20 minute mile. now i'm averaging a ten minute mile without "breaks." My pulse rate is down about 10 beats per minute at full steam (from low 150's to low 140s) since i started, and my recovery time (catch my breath, lower heart rate) has gone from over 5 minutes to under a minute. you just have to keep at it.

I also started cycling (because honestly, i hate running ) with the little lady and we average 18 mile rides on her days off (i'm an unemployed bum). Shes lost three dress sizes and looks phenomenal, I'm feeling much better, mentally and physically, down about 8 pounds, but mostly "rearranged" the weight, putting it back to where it supposed to be, mostly. Ive still got some spare tire im working off, but ill get there.

A light workout for me now is cycling to the nature preserve, running 2-3 miles there (dodging snakes, tree roots, wild hogs and mosquitoes keeps the pace quick), riding home (6-8 miles round trip depending on the route) and some light weight training and some heavy bag work.

I alternate this workout with kayaking 2-3 days a week 2-5 miles dodging gators or sharks, depending on if im in the river or inter coastal...

Things I wish someone would have told me:

Shoes: i found out about the shoes the hard way, with pain, a return of shin splints, etc. Then found a set of asics for $2 at a yard sale and omg, wow what a difference! Ill still never run long distance again, but im good for about five miles now. Stretch! : before, after ... stretch allot..i can actually touch my toes again! Push, but dont abuse yourself: do just a little more (ie: run for three minutes instead of two ) its okay not to make the goal the first time, just keep at over several days, weeks, months and chip away it, until you do. alternate your workout and do other things to keep it interesting. We've seen more in past few months on the bikes than we had in the past five years. we found nature preserves, parks, rivers, tons of cool, free stuff to do that's just a bike ride away. adds some fun to the mix and makes it more an adventure rather than a chore. * people in cars are completely oblivious, be careful!