The Runner's thread

#5,626
#5,626
Nerd-Vol said:
Went on a run with Samus tonight.

4.71mi in 49:13 at a 10:26 pace.

There was a lot of walking on the front end, and on the back end we were going at a nice pace. Tremendous amount of fun and I really didn't want to quit . I think I understand the joys of running.

So far: 43.4mi in December

285.2 since August 8 2013
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Once you get this feeling or figure this out it makes your running so much more enjoyable.
 
#5,628
#5,628
Nerd-Vol said:
For me it's the joy of day-dreaming, and then realizing that my legs can carry me anywhere. You feel like a machine, I feel like a racing car.
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My favorite thing is the feeling after a six mile run or so first thing in the morning. I always feel like a damn champ after runs like that. Makes me feel even better when they are at a good pace.
 
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#5,629
#5,629
Orangesmokey said:
My favorite thing is the feeling after a six mile run or so first thing in the morning. I always feel like a damn champ after runs like that. Makes me feel even better when they are at a good pace.
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I like running after work. I want to keep doing it if not for the fitness then the pleasure. As for fitness, the ability to run 5k well under 30 minutes makes for a very time efficient way to burn 400 or so calories.


Question for you experienced runners, what is the best way to get faster in my 5k?

Do I need to read books about how to run?

Do I need to focus on my form?

Do I need better shoes?

Do I need to focus on running a longer distance so the 5k seems easier?

Or do I just run the 5k but try to run each mile faster?



I know I am not a fast runner but I want to see the slow end of 24:xx by the end of winter. Right now my fastest is 26:10.
 
#5,630
#5,630
The way I got my 5k times faster (and it worked for me and may not work for you) was to run a 5k and afterwards run 4-6 sprints. I also would take a break from running a 5k distance and run 1 mile as fast as I could possibly stand and then after that run some sprints. Also make sure you are giving yourself enough time to recover and rest. If your legs get fatigued you will never be able to improve your time. Or it will make it way harder to improve your time. Like I said these are things that worked for me. Hope this helps and good luck.
 
#5,631
#5,631
Nerd-Vol said:
I like running after work. I want to keep doing it if not for the fitness the then the pleasure. As for fitness, the ability to run 5k well under 30 minutes makes for a very time efficient way to burn 400 or so calories.


Question for you experienced runners, what is the best way to get faster in my 5k?

Do I need to read books about how to run?

Do I need to focus on my form?

Do I need better shoes?

Do I need to focus on running a longer distance so the 5k seems easier?

Or do I just run the 5k but try to run each mile faster?



I know I am not a fast runner but I want to see the slow end of 24:xx by the end of winter. Right now my fastest is 26:10.
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As long as you have a decent pair of shoes you should be fine. Find a 5k race 3-4 months from now the flatter the better to get a fast time. Then find a training schedule online. Runners World or Hal Higdon would be a good place to start. To get faster at 5k will involve a lot of painful vomit inducing speed work. Just kidding... kinda. The training plan will keep you on track and prevent you from over doing it which leads to burnout or worse injury.

Reading articles about nutrition, diet and core strength can help too.
 
#5,632
#5,632
35º yesterday. Sleet and snow tomorrow but today was a perfect 50º. 7 miles during lunch.

Total 75.5
 
#5,633
#5,633
tri_vol said:
As long as you have a decent pair of shoes you should be fine. Find a 5k race 3-4 months from now the flatter the better to get a fast time. Then find a training schedule online. Runners World or Hal Higdon would be a good place to start. To get faster at 5k will involve a lot of painful vomit inducing speed work. Just kidding... kinda. The training plan will keep you on track and prevent you from over doing it which leads to burnout or worse injury.

Reading articles about nutrition, diet and core strength can help too.
Click to expand...

It's funny you mention that because I noticed that when I was working out my core my times seemed to be faster or seemed to improve more rapidly.
 
#5,634
#5,634
Orangesmokey said:
It's funny you mention that because I noticed that when I was working out my core my times seemed to be faster or seemed to improve more rapidly.
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They say that's one of the best but most overlooked ways to improve your speed. Stronger core equals better posture and improved stride.
 
#5,638
#5,638
tri_vol said:
They say that's one of the best but most overlooked ways to improve your speed. Stronger core equals better posture and improved stride.
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I can say that I could tell a difference that's for sure. I really need to get back to training. Been slacking really bad.
 
#5,640
#5,640
Nerd-Vol said:
I like running after work. I want to keep doing it if not for the fitness then the pleasure. As for fitness, the ability to run 5k well under 30 minutes makes for a very time efficient way to burn 400 or so calories.


Question for you experienced runners, what is the best way to get faster in my 5k?

Do I need to read books about how to run?

Google can do wonders

Do I need to focus on my form?

Yes, form is very important. A lot of people love to talk about striding it out. Nothing better to wear you out. My answer to question #1 is related to this.

Do I need better shoes?

Proper shoes are vital. They'll really help with your stride and how you strike and push off the ground. Fleet Feet or stores similar will video tape your run/walk and help find the best shoes for you.

Do I need to focus on running a longer distance so the 5k seems easier?

Or do I just run the 5k but try to run each mile faster?


Short, sprints can do wonders. 400m sprints with rests between, or 30/60s into 60/120s (30 seconds sprint, 60 second walk/jog bumping it up to 60 second sprint/120 second walk/jog) really help. Do this once or twice a week mixed with short runs and at least one long run (5+ miles) a week

I know I am not a fast runner but I want to see the slow end of 24:xx by the end of winter. Right now my fastest is 26:10.

I would recommend getting one of the GPS watches or the like that can help you set your pace. A lot of runners come out too fast and burn out towards the end. Find a good pace with a regular stride that can help you exhort less energy and last longer. This is what will increase your time.
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my two cents
 
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#5,648
#5,648
So, I've been running a bit for fun the past few months. I did my first 5k in october at the susan G komen race for the cure (it was ~30 degrees that morning) and I did it in 27.19

I didn't get special shoes other than what I normally work out in or really do anything other than run 3-4 times a week, and I've not changed my diet up at all.

I have a few questions if you smarter people don't mind answering.

Is 27.19 a good first time? I'm 23 years old if that helps. I really think the cold added a lot to my time, but I have no way of proving it.

Do you guys recommend running roads/trails/parks more than a treadmill? and do you have some pattern that you do? What I've been doing is run 4 miles or so and then do some light weights and body weight stuff after the run, and I do this 3 or 4 times a week, usually M/W/F, but a lot of times I still run a mile or two on my off days or do some other cardio.

Would you guys recommend doing more 5k's and short races before moving up? or does it even matter really?

Sorry if some of these questions seem stupid, but nobody where I live really does anything like this, and the hundreds of articles you can find online seem to assume you're changing diet or things like that, so really any advice would be much appreciated.
 
#5,649
#5,649
Daloth said:
So, I've been running a bit for fun the past few months. I did my first 5k in october at the susan G komen race for the cure (it was ~30 degrees that morning) and I did it in 27.19

I didn't get special shoes other than what I normally work out in or really do anything other than run 3-4 times a week, and I've not changed my diet up at all.

I have a few questions if you smarter people don't mind answering.

Is 27.19 a good first time? I'm 23 years old if that helps. I really think the cold added a lot to my time, but I have no way of proving it.

Do you guys recommend running roads/trails/parks more than a treadmill? and do you have some pattern that you do? What I've been doing is run 4 miles or so and then do some light weights and body weight stuff after the run, and I do this 3 or 4 times a week, usually M/W/F, but a lot of times I still run a mile or two on my off days or do some other cardio.

Would you guys recommend doing more 5k's and short races before moving up? or does it even matter really?

Sorry if some of these questions seem stupid, but nobody where I live really does anything like this, and the hundreds of articles you can find online seem to assume you're changing diet or things like that, so really any advice would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...

1. Go to a specialty running store and have your feet checked, then find a nice pair of shoes. They matter. A lot. Don't be afraid to shop online (Zappos, etc)

2. 27 is very respectable for your first 5k (especially in that weather). You're a young guy and should be able to crack the 8 minute mark with a little persistence. Of course, I don't know your frame/fitness.

3. I like to run about 3 times a week. Everyone is different, but what works for me is: one long run -- trying to increase my distance by maybe 5-10% a week, one fast/pace run -- where I really gun it but go shorter distance, and one recovery/maintenance run -- usually scheduled after my leg workout day. I try to lift 3 other days a week.
 
#5,650
#5,650
kiddiedoc said:
1. Go to a specialty running store and have your feet checked, then find a nice pair of shoes. They matter. A lot. Don't be afraid to shop online (Zappos, etc)

2. 27 is very respectable for your first 5k (especially in that weather). You're a young guy and should be able to crack the 8 minute mark with a little persistence. Of course, I don't know your frame/fitness.

3. I like to run about 3 times a week. Everyone is different, but what works for me is: one long run -- trying to increase my distance by maybe 5-10% a week, one fast/pace run -- where I really gun it but go shorter distance, and one recovery/maintenance run -- usually scheduled after my leg workout day. I try to lift 3 other days a week.
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1. Any clue on prices for something like that? I know I should get them if I'm gonna be serious about it, which I do fully intend to, but I know I've had days in high school/college where we ran for hours as punishment in basketball/football and it never bothered me, so I've been putting it off as long as I can.

2. I'm 6ft and anywhere from 178-182, its never consistent really. Id say I'm athletic build, but not 8 pack ripped.

3. I worry that I'm gonna run too much honestly. I started at 3 days a week and nothing else, then once I got to where I could do 3 miles it almost felt too easy. I live in a pretty hilly area to run, so going for speed isn't always too easy, but I nearly always lift some stuff after I run if I can. I just didn't know if 5-6 workouts is too much for long distance like this.

I appreciate the help and such fast replies. I can certainly say, the 5k in frost was not fun in action, and there were like 10,000 people there. But I did feel great after.
 
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