Any runners out there?
 

Hey all! I am an avid runner. Started running about 11 years ago to lose weight. Quickly learned that just running wouldn't do it.I had to watch the food too. I joined weight watchers and lost 30 pounds. Now I've gained back 15 and am focused on getting into the best shape I can by my 50th birthday in May.

Any fellow runners out there?

My sister runs. Its great for the heart, lungs and metabolism. I tried it this spring and it was going well. I am heading for 50 yo, myself soon. My coaches in high school wanted me so bad for long distance runs...I last but I get bored.

Share your 'Secret' for enjoying the run.

Hi, I just got back into running about 6 months ago. Did my first 1/2 Marathon in Nov. I find running to be the good for my weight loss, however like you I need to watch what I eat. Hang in there.

I have tryed running, and I swear I'm like a fish out of water! lol I can't seem to breath correctly. I am thinking this really shouldn't be that hard. I wear myself out before I even get started. I usually walk run walk run....any helpful tips?

Question for experienced runners
 

You say you've been jogging for 11 years. Maybe you can help me?

I started jogging last fall, but my weight has increased by about nine pounds. I've read that new joggers sometimes overeat during the day as a reward for accomplishing a run completed, say, in the morning. I've also read that even experienced joggers (or marathon runners) have been guilty of a sedentary day after a lengthy workout in the morning--because they're tired. It's true that I feel hungrier after a workout, but I don't think I overeat. How should I interpret that "hungry" feeling? Is it just a change in metabolism?

What's your opinion about this?

I actually enjoy running--it puts me in a good mood. But I feel very conflicted about the weight gain. I don't eat out much and rarely touch fast food. I cook all of the meals for my family--fresh vegetables, lean meats, etc.

What am I doing wrong? How can I enjoy jogging and balance what I eat?

Nah this is normal. I remember when i started running i felt like someone was holding their hand over my mouth. It will decrease as you progress (unless you run harder to compensate). Its wierd because when i do my long runs 12+ i still having that feeling for the first few miles and then my breathing evens out and i can talk without even trying to gasp for air.

You can always try what most people recommend and slow down but i can tell you i never did this. I always push myself. Ya you thinking running would be easy was not really correct. Even when you progress and you push yourself its HARD. I used to weight lift a long time ago and its a lot harder than that. Don't let that discourage you though. I can tell after you progress it will be very enjoyable especially the first 1 minute after you stop (runners high). Just don't give up.

Ok to answer this question. Runners at first might see some weight gain due to a couple of factors. Don't worry its not bad weight gain. First of all of those muscles that a lot of us having used for years will get bigger (yes even with running) and will start to hold a lot more water. You might see a slight weight gain because of this. Yes running definitely does make me more hungry but i keep close track of my calories (ie fitday). Yes you still have to watch what you eat. Just because you run doesn't mean you can just go and eat anything/everything that you want. I sometimes splurge on the weekend and have 1-2 slices of pizza or something similar but the rest of my diet is Fruit/Veggies/ect. With just a little bit of meat. I subscribe to the micheal pollan / in the defense of food philosophy. If your worried about your weight gain is from water gain then go get one of those fancy body fat % scales (that usually have water). Yes how accurate they are is controversial but they do give you a basis to go on and tell you whether your water % or fat % is going up. Running is definitely though a healthy past time that you will reap the benefits in years to come.

Ncage

Great Feedback
 

Thanks for your perspective and feedback--very helpful. I wasn't always a healthy or active person, so it's great to have input in order to keep my bearings--and to stay fit!

Hi, I am a beginner runner...literally. Started today. Just looking for some hints on how to stay motivated and keep it going. I'm super hard on myself and just want to enjoy a helathier happier me. Thanks!

-Lizz

I just started the Couch to 5k running plan last week. So far so good. I am on the second week.
I find it is easier to get through it if I have upbeat music on that I can try to keep up with and not stare at the time on the clock. It's a 9 week program so hopefully by March (if things warm up here) I will be able to start running outdoors. I've never been an active person or a very healthy eater, so I'm trying really hard to be.
I live in a beautiful place that offers many areas for hiking and biking and I'd to be able to experience that rather than sit on my butt all day doing nothing!

I started running about seven years ago while my son was at his two hour football practice. A bunch of moms met twice a week and eventually got up to three times a week. We all ran a half together about a year after starting. I have not run recently after I sustained an overuse injury back in June that completely side-tracked me for months. I have only been walking and just getting back to fitness classes. I should get back running within a month or so.

I firmly recommend the couch-to-5k program . BUT- keep it at the scheduled level despite maybe feeling you can go further. You wind up getting sore and have to take too much time off- which means you start from scratch. I had to force myself to do this after the advice from a friend.

Running is the best bang for your buck as far as convenience, equipment and calorie burn are concerned but I have to mix it up. I hate running alone and never get the "high" that others do.

Running - need to challenge your body to continue weight loss
 

I picked up running a year ago as an inexpensive way to lose weight and become healthier. It has helped me lose weight but I also added other cardio workouts and strength training. Your body always needs to be challenged because it will adapt to your current running regimen.

I've been running for nearly two years now and yep, you can gain weight this way! I actually gained 6 pounds while training for my marathon (no, it was not "muscle" it was flab). Gotta count the calories, especially if you are using supplements on your runs like the gatorade-type drinks and energy gels.

As for motivation and staving off boredom, I think the absolute best thing I ever did was take my dog with me. I have a 2 yo (ish) jack russell/pit (?) mix (65 pounds of sheer muscle) and he LOVES to run...I get the added bonus of a quiet house for the rest of the day. Also, during the run I am so focused on keeping him in line and looking out for potential distractions (e.g. bunnies) that the miles fly by without me noticing. AND my time has improved by almost a minute in just two months of dog running :)

If your going to run with your pup get a harness (safer for both of you) and put some sort of protection on their foot pads, especially if you're running on pavement (I use "Musher's Secret", a wax-based goo that gets rubbed in).

hi,

it's nice to see runners here; beginners and veterans alike!

i've been running and racing for 31 years... but only journaling my food intake in irregular spurts. i've been about the same weight for 21 years now, and have developed a knack for eating exactly what i burn... even when i'm running 85 mile weeks.

my goal is to drop a few pounds while training for my next marathon, probably san deigo in june. of course it's a balance... i need to run quality miles so i can't be too deep into caloric deficit... but with a few months of time, i think i can manage some weight loss. and according to some discussions i've seen, at my level and weight a pound dropped is a minute off my marathon time!

i'm a beginner with using this site. how accurate have you found the site? should i really expect a weight loss concurrent with the input/output calorie calculation that appears on my page? finally, do you guys share food journal information with each other? i'd love to spy on you to find out what you're eating... and if you don't mind avocado and anchovy sandwiches, you might like spying on my food journal ;)

best wishes!

Hi Ann,
I started running 11 years ago too! Well, it'll be 12 this summer. I am 50 years old and have been logging my food on fitday off and on for a couple of years. I am currently trying to take off the 5 or so pounds I gained over the holidays plus a couple more. You are so right about running by itself not being enough to get to or stay at a good weight. You really do have to watch the intake.

Hey mcsolar - so glad to hear I am not the only one who "magically" eats as much as they burn. First time I logged (during marathon training) I was shocked to see cal intake upwards of 3,000 some days!

I have suspicions that the BMR calculations are a bit high...still surfing other sites for comparison on this.

hi archyjill...

...of course there's that old problem of actually figuring out what i weigh. i run in tucson arizona, and during the summer i can drop 10lbs with one long run. fortunately in the winter it's not so bad. it'll take me two or three weeks of weighing myself at different times to come up with an average number... and after that i hope to see if the calorie deficit calculation really does measure my weight change.

the thing i do love about fitday is the nutritional breakdown. i can see that i'm a little lacking on vitamin e, so it's time to find some fish.

pattyruns: i agree with you about mixing it up. the only reason i've been running for so long has been that i find ways to keep it fun. i run with two or three groups around town, race and trash-talk with lots of friends, and recently discovered the joys of 24 hour team relay races.

the most important thing about any given day's run is to have fun so that you want to run tomorrow.

I just signed up for my first 5k run! I'm very excited about it. It's not until June so I have plenty of time to get ready for it.

I've been able to stay on track with the Couch to 5k plan and have started doing other exercises on the days I have off from running. I'm having difficulty finding a good meal plan for two that's fresh and healthy. I don't trust myself to come up with something on my own because I know lots of bad foods will find their way into my cupboards :P

doowackie
 

I still remember my first 5K like it was yesterday ( 11 years and many races ago) What a rush! And the couch to 5K plan really works well. My daughter has used it a couple of times to get back into running and swears by it. Good Luck with your training. :)

fun, fun, fun
 

Hi all! I've been a 'runner' for about 2&1/2 years. I completed my first ultra marathon this past fall and have since been LAZY! :( I am back though. I'm running again...only 10 miles per week, but will increase as the ice and snow melt. Two suggestions: 1) If you are looking to run for many years (I enjoy it and plan to run until bedridden) then you should run trails. Roads and treadmills will shorten your running career. 2) Buy the book 'The Runners Book of Daily Inspiration', it's great with one quote and small essay for each day of the year. The book encourages people to run for enjoyment and for a lifetime, be it 1 mile a day or 100 mile races. I don't run every day, but run most days and find that the shorter runs more often make me a better/happier person. Good Luck to you all! :)

That reminds me...
 

Some of us are condemned to the concrete jungle, especially when it's 10 degrees F out and snowy roads. :( But, it made me think of some other good advice folks may not know: get 2 pairs of shoes and switch between them...gives the footbed a chance to decompress and your shoes will last way longer!

hi hitzan! glad you like running trails, and i do it occasionally too, especially when the wildflowers bloom... it's beautiful! but after 31 years of mostly road and treadmill running, i have to say that it's done fine by me! there is a lot of variety among runners, no doubt about that.

i do alternate between two pairs archy... mostly for convenience though. i keep one at my office locker room for lunch runs, and another at home. my asics seem to fail (like clockwork) at about 400 miles though, whether i'm running one or two pair. but knowing when your shoes need to be replaced is a key thing for all runners... when they feel flat and unresponsive, it's a good time to start looking for another pair of shoes. keeping your shoes fitting well may help you avoid injuries down the road.

Speaking of shoes
 

I have been running for over 20 years and added cycling about five years ago. I will train for a running event and use cycling as cross training and use running as cross training for a cycling event. That plus some weight training keeps me balanced. Of course, I run and ride just for fun and to stay in shape too.

I was wondering if anyone has read Born to Run and has tried barefoot running or at least the shoes that simulate running barefoot? I have never been able to find shoes, of any sort, that are truly comfortable for me and I have occasional bouts of plantar fascitis, sore knee and IT band issues. Barefoot running is supposed to help eliminate these problems as the foot strengthens and becomes more flexible. I would be interested in hearing about anyone's experience with running barefoot. I currently wear Asics Gel Cumulus

Cross-training
 

I read somewhere that triathletes rarely suffer from over use injuries (or most injuries) because they are constantly challenging different muscles and in different ways. Makes me think I should ride my bike more :)

hi pboumansour,

i wear asics 2150s, and have worn that series since the 2080s. when i shop for shoes, i try to find a pair that feels like slippers... and the asics work. i run about 2300 miles per year in them.

when i race i wear minimal shoes; currently the saucony fasttwitch 7. i race in them at all distances, including marathons, and run track work in them.

wearing minimal shoes puts a lot of stress on my achilles, and i definitely feel sore there afterwards. could be a sign that i need more flexibility there. but they are certainly different than regular shoes.

my suggestion is that if you try minimal shoes, or barefoot, start slowly. i probably ran in them 2-3 times a week for a couple of years. my body never adjusted, so i figured i shouldn't switch to minimal shoes for all workouts. i've known two friends who did make a sudden switch -- one got a calf injury (and now a foot injury) and he's still not running well, the other seemed to take the change fine.

i have that book (xmas present) and will read it soon; i did see an interview with the author, and while it's a fun interview, he suggests that barefoot running is for everyone, and we can bring about world-peace if we ditch our running shoes. you can watch it here:
Authors Google Christopher Mcdougall - VidoEmo - Emotional Video Unity

for balance though, mark plaatjes wrote a blurb about barefoot running that seems to have a bit more common sense. check it out here:Boulder Running Company: A Commentary on Barefoot/Minimalist Running | Facebook

Mcsolar...thanks for the advice and links. I read the article from the Boulder Running Company and will stop in there when I am in Boulder next time. I have, in fact, bought several pair of shoes at that establishment. Meanwhile, I bought a pair of the Terra Plana Vivo Barefoot casual shoes and have found them to be wonderfully comfortable for day to day wear. If I decide to try running minimalist, after consulting with my ortho and my running coach, I will start very slowly and carefully. I hope you enjoy the book. Regardless, it was a very good read. Run on!

an interesting commentary on the most recent article in nature about barefoot running just came out this week. it's a lively topic of debate... and i sort of wish i had gone barefoot more as a kid now :)

The Science of Sport: Running barefoot vs shoes

I just started the C25K too. I'm in my second week now, and have used mp3's for the workouts with cues as to when to walk/run so I don't have to watch the clock. Several months ago I started running and biking, and did too much too fast and wound up with injuries. This time, I'm taking my time and hopefully doing it right! Good luck to you!

Podrunner
 

Not sure whether folks have heard of it or not, but Podrunner is a free (FREE!) mix of music to run and/or workout to. Mostly techno-ish type stuff and I thought I would hate it, but after about 5 minutes I was totally in the groove and not worrying whether the next song on my ipod would suck. They also appear to have mixes/programs for the couch to 5K program as well as 8 and 10K programs. Check them out here:
DJ Steve Boyett - Mixes

I think taking your time is a good thing!

I've been going for a month and have lost 5 pounds, so that's good. I got my new running shoes and they make a huge difference already! Usually I get pain in my calves and the arches of my feet when I run, but there was hardly any! Now I just need to work on my lungs so they can get through the running haha.

I'm hoping I get an ipod for my birthday or shortly after so when the weather is nice I can take it with me outside, along with my dogs.

New at running
 

I have never been a runner. I started running because a mom on my daughter's soccer team asked me if I wanted to go running with her. So I started to condition myself so I didn't look like a lazy person all out of breath in front of her, and you know what I haven't stopped.
When I first began I wasn't breathing right and my throat would burn, it was awful. But I have learned that if you are going for distance just take it slow, and when you start to feel out of breath, take slow deep breaths through your nose and out your mouth. I have been doing this for 7 months now and have lost 10 pounds. But I don't really watch what I eat so I am going to start.
Try the slow, deep breaths, and don't over do. I started off real short distancing. Run/ walk/ run/ walk. Now I can run about 2-3 miles non stop. I have started a 4 mile distance and had to walk some of the way but I did it. Having to walk is not a bad thing as long as you meet your goal distance. Good luck I hope what I've said works.

I am going to be honest with you. For me, I had to really push myself for the first 2 to 3 months of running. I was consistent, like 6 days a week, and then I slowed it down to 4 days a week. One time I stopped for about a week because my daughter was sick so I had to stay and take care of her, and the weird thing was, I was missing the running. I never thought I would feel that way. Because at first I dreaded it. Now I look forward to it, that feeling you get about 15 minutes in. You will start to want to run because your mind feels clearer and you feel better that you did something. It really does become addicting. Just keep pushing yourself. Don't think of the negatives, that it's hard, just think of how wonderful you are going to feel when you're done and that you are doing it for your lungs, and heart, as well as your looks. That's what my husband keeps saying to me when I complain that I am not looking the way I feel I should. He says, "Don't do it because you want to look good, do it because you want to live a healthy life." And he's right and that pushes me more than just trying to look good. I want to be healthy for myself and my family.

I'm coming right along with the running, I'm quite pleased with myself.
On Monday I was able to jog for 20 minutes straight, something I've never been able to do in my whole life. It was quite an ego boost haha

Still very anxious for the weather to warm up so I can start going outside for my runs and exercise my dogs with me.

San Diego Marathon
 

I just joined this site in the hopes of tracking my nutrition for marathon training. I plan to run the Rock N Roll marathon in San Diego on the 6th of June. I paid my registration already so no backing out. I lost about 45 lbs 3 years ago running and have been doing it ever since. ran multiple 5 and 10 k races and one Half. So i have set my sights on the 26.2. I'm already running 20mi/week base so i will start 16 week program next week. FitDay is a great way for me to see my carb/protein/fat percentages without all the guess work. I'm also deployed to Afghanistan right from Tucson AZ!

keep'n it going
 

Hi all,
I love everyones comments about running from the nubbies to the pros, so I wanted to keep the tread alive. I am working on dropping about 30 lbs (about halfway there - yippee - thanks largely to FitDay). I know lots of folks who run to lose weight, I'm kinda the opposite. While I definitely can stand to lose the pounds anyway, my real goal is to improve my speed and endurance. I am a "middle of the packer" but I like to think I could do better 30 pound lighter. Any one else have experience with this?

Runbikeski...there is an article in this month's Outside magazine, page 84, on just that subject. It gives you tools to determine your baseline, how many calories you need on your days off and how many you need on your active days. From there you can figure what you need to do to drop those pounds and become a speedier athlete.

Yes! I only started running about 1.5 years ago. Weighed 340# so i started slow. Ran my first marathon in October, weighed 250#. I am training for another marathon in May. I love running, never dreamed I would say that! Maybe it is b/c for so many years I couldn"t. What races dy like to run?

Congrats on your marathon - that's fantastic!
I really like running on trails rather than streets. It is a little easier on my joints, and I find that because of the uneveness of the surface I get a better all body work out (not to mention those unexpected movements as you try to keep your self from tripping). I am mostly a 1/2 marathoner. 13 miles is pretty easy to train up to. 26 is daunting (I've done 1 marathon, I enjoyed it, but didn't get need to do another one), so I really admire runners who focus on marathons.

Some of my favorite races have been in the mountains in California. The San Bernardinos in SoCal and the east side of the Sierras. The scenery seems to compensate for the exhaustion and I can always use the excuse that I am "just admiring the view" when I take a walk break!. I have to admit that I don't get the thrill out of the big races most people seem to - including my running partners. But then again, it may be that with the smaller races, every once in a while a miracle occurs and I podium in my age group - that's not going to happen at the Chicago marathon!

By the way thanks pboumansour for the tip from Outside mag. I'll take a look when I get back.

I too, am a running addict!

Sure am!
 

I'm a runner as well, and started in 2005. I was in the midst of my training for the Chicago Marathon this winter in hopes of BQ'ing this fall. I ended up partially tearing the deltoid ligament in my right ankle and severly spraining the rest of my ankle :(. Due to immobilization, I developed DVT and am on Coumadin until July. Needless to say, I haven't run since the day after Christmas and can't return until mid-summer....completely bummed. However, I have a new found love of our sport and I can't wait to get back at it! My hopes are to lose 30 pounds so that I'm lighter when I do get back to it.

Runnerchi...If (or when) you can put weight on that ankle, try spinning or a stationary bike to keep your legs strong and you aerobic capacity up there. Good luck with your recovery and efforts to qualify for Boston!