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Discussion: Will I ever love running?
Subject: Will I ever love running? By: Teresa S. Written on: 2006-04-21 01:08:35 Message: I came to triathlon as a cyclist, it is my true love. I learned to swim 2 years ago, and am still struggling with strokes and distance. But what I really struggle with is the run. I also didn't run much and started about 2 years ago to loose weight. I did loose weight and can now run a very slow but steady half marathon. I want to be faster in the sprint distance run, yet I still clock 30 min 5k's. Anyone have any suggestions about speed work? Can a non runner get faster? Or should I simply be happy with my speedy bike and just survive the run?
Subject: RE: Will I ever love running? By: Roland G. Written on: 2006-04-21 09:05:08 Message: I feel your pain sister! I too come from a strong bike background, and cannot run well. I used to run in high school, but that was 25 lbs ago! I hate running, plain and simple! I'm not a coach, so I am speaking from my experience. The only advice I can give is simple: 1) Run for fun, not for time...don't watch you time, but monitor your HR...keep it as low as possible. If you run for time, you become discouraged and mentally defeated! 2) Run with friends, they make it go by quicker...if they are faster than you, run with them when they are tapering or just out to move the leg. Did I mention it is a mental thing? 3) Build up slowly....too much volume will only injure you...start off by running a little, then walking a little, then back to running. 4) Build to running everyday, even if just for a 2 mile jog! The important thing is getting your body acclimated to the impact shock of running. 5) Try to run your longer distances on softer surfaces...to avoid impact shock as much as possible. 6) Speed work can easily be monitored on a track...one of my favorite workouts is doing "windsprints". You basically jog (and I mean jog/walk) the turns and sprint (as fast as you can go) the straights. Try to keep leg turnover quick and focus on lightly touching the pad of your foot to the track surface as you sprint the straights. 7) Find the joy in running, some how....I haven't as of yet, but if you can get your mind to "enjoy" running, then you are going to get faster! You need to convince yourself that running is fun...I'm still working on that part. Good Luck! And train smarter, not harder! Roland
Subject: RE: Will I ever love running? By: Paul B. Written on: 2006-04-21 10:44:21 Message: I think if you really want to get faster, speedwork is the way to do it. I would think you could find a run training program out there that specifically emphasizes speed increase. That would be my recommendation. Good luck.
Subject: RE: Will I ever love running? By: alison m. Written on: 2006-04-22 23:19:34 Message: A year ago I was running 10/11 minute miles and was 25lbs heavier. I dropped the weight and focused on speed work on the treadmill. I was amazed when I finally went out for a road race. I clocked in at around 9 min/mile. It would have been faster but I had lined up w/the 10 minute milers. The next race I decided to go all out and see what I could do. Because of all the incline treadmill work I had done I was passing people on the hills left and right. I came in w/a PR of 4 miles at 8:15. I was shocked - amazed - nearly dumbfounded. YES there is hope. YES speed does happen. I like Paul's suggestion of finding a training program. For me personally the treadmill was the best tool for me and my speed work.
Subject: RE: Will I ever love running? By: Glen N. Written on: 2006-04-24 14:35:52 Message: I'm the same with alison. I crank up my treadmill incline and go for it. I hate those longer runs and its taking time for me to get use to them again. I use to play pro basketball and run all the time but long distance runs takes a whole different mind frame. I suggest plug in a mp3 or ipod and just listen to your music and check your HR. If I look at the time I want to stop so bad, but if I run to the music I run for ever and enjoy it. Good luck getting into that mind frame.
Subject: RE: Will I ever love running? By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-04-25 01:15:51 Message: Yes you can learn to love running. Even though I have been doing tri's so many years I never liked running and running didn't like me. That changed when I learned what good running form is and spent a couple of years practicing it and developing the new muscles ( old dogs don't learn any too fast). I actually look forward to running now. I learned from a book " running fast and injury free" written by Gordon Pirie. There were some early posts with links to information on good running form that was most likely very good.
Subject: RE: Will I ever love running? By: Lauren M. Written on: 2006-04-25 15:58:26 Message: I am the same way. And now I love running. The key is track work and speed intervals. Once youi can run 10 miles at a comfortable slow pace. Get your butt out and do sprints. It tires you out quick, but it's a great workout and you'll gain speed within 3-4 weeks if you work hard enough.
Subject: RE: Will I ever love running? By: Sherri F. Written on: 2006-04-26 12:12:32 Message: I am a newbee and I started running recently. I have not been a runner in the past. I had to totally change my "mind set" about running. I have to view it as a treat for myself and an escape from some of my "have to" jobs. By changing how I view running (from torture to a fun escape outside) then I have focused on the positive aspects of how I feel and how I am getting faster. I focus on my favorite music and on positive solutions to my every day problems. For me personally just leaving my teenager in charge on the other kids gives me a fun chance to run out the front door and see if I can run a 15 second faster pace than the day before. So my advice to you is find some positive focus in running so that you can meet your tri goals. It's worth it! You will excel in other areas of your life as you succeed in running. I know this first hand!
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