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Discussion: never been a runner
Subject: never been a runner By: Erin Humphrey Written on: 2005-04-10 14:04:10 Message: I've been a competitive swimmer all of my life...and have completed 50mile rides BUT I can't run to save my life. 10 min. and I'm done. Any suggestions from the real land thumpers among you would be great.
Subject: RE: never been a runner By: Stephen McKee Written on: 2005-04-10 15:56:29 Message: One thing I can say that will help out tremendously is to stop thinking "can't" and start thinking "will." A positive mental attitude goes a long way in what your body can and cannot do. Once you get yourself in a "will do" mindset, set goals, that while challenging, are attainable with hard work and some plain, old fashion stubborness. 10 minutes and you're done? Make your body run twelve....then on the next run 15....then 18 or 20. Don't overextend and go too hard, but be able to discern between your mind saying you've had enough and your body saying you've had enough. There are days when after 5 minutes on the bike, I don't want to continue, but I push through...and by the end of the workout, I feel so good I barely remember not wanting to finish. One easy way to keep your mind in it is to get an exercise partner, and compete a little. These are just a few ways I keep myself going, and I hope it helped a little. Besides, a wizened little muppet once said " o. Or do not. There is no try." (Sorry, I'm also a Star Wars nerd and the quote seemed appropriate.) Train hard, and we'll see ya out there!! ~Scuba Steve
Subject: RE: never been a runner By: Justin Kingery Written on: 2005-04-10 19:59:59 Message: I agree with Scuba Steve on the partner advise. I started running about 1.5 yrs ago and through the many ups and downs I'm not sure I would have continued without a partner there from time to time helping me along. For a little encouragement, I was like you. I had done some exercise, but running more than 1-2 miles was hard for me. With dedication I completed my first half-marathon in 3-4 months. So the moral of the story is, there are issues of building muscle, etc. but much of the hinderance is more than likely mental. Just let yourself run slowly, steadily, and without a predetermined "I'm going to die if I run farther than ____" attitude. You'll amaze yourself how quickly you improve. Another quick tip is to run hills on a regular basis (1-2x/wk). After you run them for a few weeks you will see a DRAMATIC improvement in flat running.
Subject: RE: never been a runner By: Lori Poling Written on: 2005-04-11 07:01:54 Message: I hated running, so I know where you are coming from. I used to swim, box, ski, wakeboard. I was into everything. I just couldn't run to save my life. When I first started running I couldn't even complete 1 mile. Now 5 months later I can run 5 miles 5 times a week. Now i'm addicted. My body wakes me up in the morning wanting to run. Hang in there it does get easier!
Subject: RE: never been a runner By: M. Grady Written on: 2005-04-11 10:14:54 Message: I was never the "running type" either. Coolrunning.com has a Couch to 5K program that really does work miracles. It is a 9 week program and really quite easy to stick with. If you need help/inspiration, the forums on that site are amazing as well. Just copy and paste the link below for the C25K plan. Good luck! http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
Subject: RE: never been a runner By: Robert Iadanza Written on: 2005-04-12 22:30:24 Message: " o or do not. There is no try." I love it. Great quote Steve. Last week was my first week training...EVER. I ran 4 of 7 days and shaved nearlyh 6 minutes off my times. My last run was actually .2 miles longer than the first and I was quicker. Point being that I hated running and I am now beginning to love it. I'm seeing results and that alone keeps my mind from wandering, from looking at "ALL THAT ROAD" ahead of me, and from wanting to stop and walk. I'm doing, baby. Not trying! Good luck with the training, Erin!
Subject: RE: never been a runner By: Stephen McKee Written on: 2005-04-12 22:55:16 Message: This month's issue of Runner's World has some really good articles in it. In addition to looking at books and magazines on triathlons, I also look through event specific stuff to. Not that a triathlete isn't good at all the events, but I figure the seriously competitive single-sporters definately have an edge in training for their particular sports. Just thought I'd give a head up. ~Scuba Steve
Subject: RE: never been a runner By: John Dandelski Written on: 2005-04-25 09:12:00 Message: 2 words SLOW DOWN I ran 2-3 miles for years and could never get past the 30 minute barrier. A friend said, "just slow down!" Next day I went out and ran 7 miles in a little over an hour. You'll feel funny doing it because you're used to your fast pace. Easy on the gas and you'll build miles in no time.
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