Anyone running?

[Tricky]

Like, for sports and on a regular basis? I'm just curious.

Up until 2005 I speed biked and speed skated almost every day, but now I do virtually nothing. And I'm feeling it too, I need to get back in shape. The traffic around my current neighbourhood is murder though, especially for inline skaters. And there are too many traffic lights around to make speed biking any fun. So I just thought, 'what the heck, I can still go running'.

If anyone here runs regularly, I could use some tips. I don't have any specific questions, which does kinda blow because most articles I find through Google offer little more than generalized if not slightly questionable advice. A few pointers will do. For now I need to buy clothing and shoes, and although I'm sure the salespeople can help me out just fine to their own purposes, I'd like to have made up my mind at least a little bit before I venture out into the stores.

[Lady Dragonfly]

Originally Posted by Tricky

The traffic around my current neighbourhood is murder though, especially for inline skaters.

Jogging near areas of heavy (or even medium) traffic is not a good idea. Exposure to air pollution (exaust fumes, smog etc) will undo any health benefits. A better idea is to use a treadmill or a treadclimber indoors but if that is not an option, try to run very early in the morning - to avoid the rush hour traffic.

[Brother None]

Originally Posted by Lady Dragonfly

Jogging near areas of heavy (or even medium) traffic is not a good idea. Exposure to air pollution (exaust fumes, smog etc) will undo any health benefits. A better idea is to use a treadmill or a treadclimber indoors but if that is not an option, try to run very early in the morning - to avoid the rush hour traffic.

Yes, this is true. Sad, but true. Most joggers harm their health more than they help it.

Another thing is you need good shoes, obviously. People underestimate this, buy bad shoes. Is hell on the knees.

[Xandax]

Only for my life ....

Naa seriously - I ran quite a bit back in the army and got good at it (10km on 30 min, boy I was young back then ), but because I absolutely hate running (would rather bike or do some sport where I have to run for something specific ... like a ball), I never kept up with it when I left.

But it all depends on what you want to achieve. If you are planning on specific runs you want to join in on, or certain distances, you should make a plan and stick to it. If it is just for fun, then just make sure to get out there 3 days a week and make sure to keep your pauses. Overstraining is one major issue why many start and fail, because they try to do it all at once.

[Tricky]

Thanks guys, that's some valuable feedback.

Originally Posted by Lady Dragonfly

Exposure to air pollution (exaust fumes, smog etc) will undo any health benefits.

Hm, good thinking. There is a small park nearby where the air should be a little bit cleaner. Can't skate or bike there, but running should be okay.

People underestimate this, buy bad shoes. Is hell on the knees.

I can see that. For starters I don't have much money to spend on fancy shoes. But I figure I don't really need one of those air cushioned laser guided spaceships on my feet anyway. What makes a good shoe though, good question. I suppose.. men with big feet.. need large.. shoes?

But it all depends on what you want to achieve. ... Overstraining is one major issue why many start and fail, because they try to do it all at once.

I can work out a little schedule, gradually build things up. Two of my flatmates study to become fitness instructors. I'm sure either wouldn't mind having a look at my 'program'. As for overstraining, that's the trick isn't it? Getting things right from the get go. In the ghetto. In the ghetto. People don't you uunderstand, the child needs a heelping hand. Or he'll gonna be an angry young man some daay. Take a look at you and me, are we too bliind to see! Do we simply turn our heads and look the other way..

[Maharlika]

Don't forget to do some stretchings and warm-ups before you jog then cool-down and a bit of stretchings after.

[Xandax]

Originally Posted by Maharlika

Don't forget to do some stretchings and warm-ups before you jog then cool-down and a bit of stretchings after.

Well as far as I know the jury is still out on whether it is "universal" better to stretch after/before. I've seen both pro and con arguments towards it.
I personally never had any benefits from it when I was running (a lot).

[Brother None]

I used to stretch after a long run but never really saw the use. It was more of an automatism.

Back when I was in boxing school I stretched a heck of a lot, but it's more of a custom there.

Originally Posted by Tricky

I can see that. For starters I don't have much money to spend on fancy shoes. But I figure I don't really need one of those air cushioned laser guided spaceships on my feet anyway. What makes a good shoe though, good question. I suppose.. men with big feet.. need large.. shoes?

Just decent shoes. Not Nike Air Jordan Superpumps or whatever you kids are wearing these days.

Most good shoe-stores will know what you need. The problem with really cheap shoes tends to be - other than that they fall apart quickly - that they have absolutely no absorption in the soles.

[Tricky]

A friend of mind recommended I just go to the Scapino, but I can see what you mean about those shoes falling apart quickly. Perhaps I should be a bit more willing to spend some coin on the shoes.

Summer is coming up too. I read a good tip about trying to dress 10-15 degrees colder than it really is. Have any of you ever worn one of those spandex running shorts? I thought it might be funny to wear spandex outside of the bedroom for a change.

Seriously though, I read somewhere that the right apparel will prevent skin from chafing and irritations. But I never really figured that would be much of a problem for runners. Wrestlers maybe, but not runners. I even somewhere that the men need to band-aid their nipples to prevent getting hurt there. That's like a joke, right?

[Maharlika]

Originally Posted by Brother None

Just decent shoes. Not Nike Air Jordan Superpumps or whatever you kids are wearing these days.

Not to poke fun at you, but Air Jordans are basketball shoes... which drives a main point. Buy a pair of shoes that is designed for running. If you're strapped for cash and you have other sports to do as well, cross-trainers would be the best thing.

@Xan: Never heard about the cons of stretchings before or after a work out. I've been reminded by our trainers at the gym that it is necessary to allot a few minutes of stretchings as part of the routine.

[Claudius]

I just had a thought. if you wear out some shoes...research says and exercise is a great thing...that you have saved money on your health care expense plus the anguish...

Mind you you needn't by the dope thang shoes just some ones that is good and a good value.

PS I have played casual tennis in running shoes and they work fine. If I were really trying for tennis performance I would get some k-swiss shoes but for now my running shoes tennies if not tennis work just fine (ie if you are serious about running get some running shoes and then play b-ball tennis in those rather than the opposite...cross trainers also good as said).

[Tricky]

I can't really tell if I can't read that because I'm too drunk or because you are.

[dragon wench]

I don't know if it is possible where you live Tricky, but try to run on either grass, dirt or chip trails...failing that, then asphalt. Concrete is really rough on the knees.

[Tricky]

There's grass but it's likely littered with dog poop. And there are chip trails, but not that many. I can walk in circles though, I'll be fine. I would say I wouldn't do that because it would make me look stupid, but the spandex shorts already take care of that.

I can work it out from here. Thanks guys.

[Claudius]

I can't really tell if I can't read that because I'm too drunk or because you are.

Lets hope it was both of us