Runners on board?

[momof2kids]

How many of you are runners? I am thinking of running a 5k... Now, I am in the process of getting in shape... Meaning I have lost some weight, and need to start a healthy hobby (besides sowal.com surfing). We will be in Disney in Jan when they will be having a 5k (and a marathon, but don't think I'll be ready for it), and I thought it would be funn to say I ran my first 5k in WDW. Anyway - have you run a 5k before? What was your time? How long did you train? Are you still a runner?

[Hop]

if you enjoy running...for those of you that have never done it...a 5K is a great place to start...or end for that matter...at a little over three miles...some people are done in 20 minutes and some take 45 to an hour. take it easy...start training small...listen to your body...and work your way up to an easy jog pace...you'll probably surprise yourself...:D

[NoHall]

It's great for losing weight for a while, but it will also make you eat like a horse!

Be sure you incorporate two things: Stretching and weight training. You will develop problems if you don't do both. I was lazy about this, and had lots of trouble with knees and hips.

I've also learned since then that the weight training will burn fat along with the running. You won't see the results on the scale because muscle weighs more than fat, but your metabolism will speed up and your pants will fall off! (I've heard trainers in the last 6 months advocate weight training over aerobic exercise just because aerobics makes you eat more.)

Good luck! Seaside has a fun little run in the beginning of March, as well...

[Smiling JOe]

You will find many training programs for 5Ks if you search online. I used to run and loved it until my back and knees started to ache. Wouldn't dream of doing it again.

[momof2kids]

Thanks! I forgot about the Seaside one... I will also look into that. Thanks for the advice - I will let you know what happens!

[beachmouse]

If you're thinking about the Disney races, get your entry in as soon as possible. They limit field sizes because they can only handle so many people going through the parks. It takes only a couple of weeks for the marathon and half marathon to sell out every year.

For a good beginner's 5K plan, lots of people are happy with Cool Running's Couch to 5K training plan:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Proper shoes are very important when you're putting that much force on your feet and knees. Today's running shoes are engineered to correct strides in so many different ways, and the wrong shoes can force your leg alignment into giving you knee or hip pain. Unfortunately, the closest real running store is Running Wild in Pensacola, but there sometimes are one or two people at the Saucony Outlet at Silver Sands who can give you some shoe guidelines and suggestions.

[NotnKansas]

Yeah 5K's! They are the best. Rosemary is having a 5K on October 6th - and if you would like to find other races in the area check out Active.com - you are able to seach for races by zip codes. Also, if you want to do the Disney race - I would sign up soon! It fills up fast!

Are there any running groups in the area?
CHEERS

[momof2kids]

I'm not sure about running groups, but I'm sure someone on here would know - or at least has seen a pack running on the roads somewhere... (do they run in packs??). I will also check out active.com - I have heard of that but never ventured there. Thanks!

[Smiling JOe]

Unfortunately, the closest real running store is Running Wild in Pensacola, but there sometimes are one or two people at the Saucony Outlet at Silver Sands who can give you some shoe guidelines and suggestions.Though I haven't been in it, there is a running store called RUN, located next door to Big Daddy's Bicycles and For the Health of It, located in Blue Mtn Beach. Are you aware of this, or do you not think it is a "real running store?":idontno:

[TooFarTampa]

I am far from calling myself a runner :floor: but I have recently started runn-ING, and am up to about 3.5 miles of mostly running, some walking and incline training on the treadmill. However I have yet to venture OUTSIDE to run, thus I am not a runner, and have not been able to run an entire 5K without walking, thus I am not a runner. The treadmill at the gym is nice and safe, like a blankie with a TV.

Maybe we can motivate each other! I've lost about 25 pounds in the past 5 months on Weight Watchers, and found that the lighter I get, the easier it goes. I also started weight training about a month ago, and discovered right away that it made me a faster, uh, "runner". ("Faster" also being a relative term.)

My goal is to build up to running maybe 4 days a week, for about 40-50 minutes. Right now I'm doing it twice a week and some cardio on the elliptical after weights.

I've thought about doing the Rosemary 5K if we come up in October. :scratch: I do need to get better shoes.

[NotnKansas]

I am far from calling myself a runner :floor: but I have recently started runn-ING, and am up to about 3.5 miles of mostly running, some walking and incline training on the treadmill. However I have yet to venture OUTSIDE to run, thus I am not a runner, and have not been able to run an entire 5K without walking, thus I am not a runner. The treadmill at the gym is nice and safe, like a blankie with a TV.

Maybe we can motivate each other! I've lost about 25 pounds in the past 5 months on Weight Watchers, and found that the lighter I get, the easier it goes. I also started weight training about a month ago, and discovered right away that it made me a faster, uh, "runner". ("Faster" also being a relative term.)

My goal is to build up to running maybe 4 days a week, for about 40-50 minutes. Right now I'm doing it twice a week and some cardio on the elliptical after weights.

I've thought about doing the Rosemary 5K if we come up in October. :scratch: I do need to get better shoes.

Congrats! That is awesome. I've been sticking to the treadmill as well - it's been to hot here lately to run outside unless it's 4am or so! If you run with an I-pod, go onto I-tunes. Nike has some great workouts you can put on your pod. Great music and a great coach in the background 'coaching' you from anything from speed on the treadmill to distance on the road!

[beachmouse]

SJ, sorry I forgot that Run was there. They could stand to do a bit more publicity outside of SoWal, since I've heard complaints that there isn't a running store in PC, and they could also daw from the east side of Destin/FWB/Niceville that finds Pensacola to be too much of a hike.

[cp]

Ok I have a question. I can't run but I used to walk really fast. (please don't laugh) I want to get back to walking 3miles daily. These 5ks are there any walkers??

[whiteyfunn]

5ks are funn but still require training if you aren't a consistent runner...inmo, and make sure you have on comfotable shoes!

I got fitted for running shoes and they've made all the difference. They watch how you walk/run and fit you accordingly. I bought some Brooks and they are the best running shoes I've ever had.

WDW should be fun. I am coming down to run the Rosemary 5k in October. You should come too!

[beachmouse]

There are always a good number of walkers in the local 5Ks. A number of races even have a special walking division for awards purposes.

[NoHall]

Ok I have a question. I can't run but I used to walk really fast. (please don't laugh) I want to get back to walking 3miles daily. These 5ks are there any walkers??

I've been out"ran" by walkers in every race I've run..:blush:

[Beach Runner]

I was running at least 25 miles a week until I got plantar fasciitis almost 3 years ago and was told to stop. I used to do 10Ks and still do the Peachtree Road Race (10K) every summer. I worked myself up to it by alternating walking and running. Then once I got into shape, I just ran. I started back running some this summer (despite the podiatrist's orders) until it got too hot. I get too bored running on a treadmill -- 20 minutes on a treadmill is worse than 1 hour outside. So I've been using a stationary bike inside until it cools off outside. Boring.

My best time doing a 10K was probably 4 years ago. I've never been able to get under about 47 minutes (about 8 miles per hour).

5Ks are fun. Just alternate walking and running if you can't run the entire thing. Actually I've read that metabolically that's better anyhow. I don't remember my time for the one 5K I've done. Of course, it doesn't count. I had too much red wine the night before and was way hungover.;-)

Good luck!

And good job, TFT!

[ItzKatzTime]

SJ is righr.........Check out the store "RUN" next to "For The Health of It" in Blue Mountain. Over the past three years I have bought a number of grayt running shoes for my daughter, who ran for the Cross Country team at Seaside Neighborhood School. I also bought some awsome outfits and shoes there. They have great advice and are in the know for what's going on. And love to help people.

Glad you brought this up....as I need new shoes now and will buy them from "RUN". I try to buy everything I can from locals.

My eldest daughter ran her first 5K in Wyoming at the age of 8. She trained for two weeks.....and when she came up to the table to register they asked her if she was a walker and she let them know she was definitely a runner. She made the paper as the youngest runner. Try running in the mountains.:eek:

Good Luck momof2kids:clap: :wave: Kat

[Bob]

Winter Park High women's time trial tuesday afternoon...5k winning time 19:38

[NotnKansas]

Winter Park High women's time trial tuesday afternoon...5k winning time 19:38


I love Winter Park, FL! It is almost as pretty as SOWAL. :D :D

[NoHall]

I got fitted for running shoes and they've made all the difference. They watch how you walk/run and fit you accordingly. I bought some Brooks and they are the best running shoes I've ever had.


Fleet Feet is a national chain of running shoe stores where you can be fitted for shoes. You get on a treadmill and they videotape your feet in a "neutral" shoe to see what sort of shoe you need (if you roll in or out, etc.) You try on shoes and they videotape again. Once they have narrowed you down to what you need, you pick what feels best to you.

The most pleasant surprise in this experience for me was when I realized that they weren't trying to put me in the most expensive shoe in the store. Almost all the shoes were from $85-$95, which is what you can expect to pay for a good shoe.

As horrifying as it sounds to some runners, Nike still works best for me. Once I found a good pair of Nikes at Fleet Feet, I could order new ones online when they wore out.

Good luck!

[drsvelte]

A nice run is the Mid-Bay Bridge Run in November. Its longer than a 5K, about 4.5 miles. The run starts at the south end, across from Legendary, and ends on the north side in the state park. The cool thing - you're running downhill for the second half of the race. :D The bridge is not closed to traffic during the race - which concerned me a bit - but there is a wide shoulder for runners and plenty of sheriffs to keep the traffic orderly.

The race is open to walkers as well.

[beachmouse]

It's been announced that 2007 is going to be the last year of the Mid-Bay Bridge Run until they put a second span on the bridge. Insurance costs and the problems and concerns about too much traffic, even during the lightest traffic time of the year are making the organizers put it on hold until they're at a point where they can actually close down lanes for the event to be safely completed.

[drsvelte]

That's too bad, but understandable. We've lost a number of good races in red stick because of these same issues.

[Bob]

I love Winter Park, FL! It is almost as pretty as SOWAL. :D :Dthe key word is almost...

[Beach Runner]

Fleet Feet ...
I used to buy all of my shoes at Fleet Feet. The one in Sandy Springs doesn't have a treadmill, so you go outside on the sidewalk and run while they watch your pronation, etc. I really liked that they went to the trouble to do that. But when I first started having problems with plantar fasciitis, they sold me the wrong insoles according to my podiatrist. I kept asking them for something with arch support, and they kept selling me these hard insoles with absolutely no arch support. Now I wear custom insoles that my podiatrist made for me. BTW New Balance shoes fit me the best because I have narrow feet.

[jdarg]

I want to run this race but only if someone will run with me and run reeeallllly slow. I don't/can't run very fast, and I will want to chit chat along the way. I'd like to say I will be able to run the whole thing, but I'm not making any promises about that either. My goal is to finish and not fall down, throw up, or otherwise humiliate myself.

Man, I don't sound like a very appealing running partner!:blush: Any takers?:lol:

[momof2kids]

I want to run this race but only if someone will run with me and run reeeallllly slow. I don't/can't run very fast, and I will want to chit chat along the way. I'd like to say I will be able to run the whole thing, but I'm not making any promises about that either. My goal is to finish and not fall down, throw up, or otherwise humiliate myself.

Man, I don't sound like a very appealing running partner!:blush: Any takers?:lol:

Do you wear one of those hats with can holders on each side & a straw to your mouth, so when you're thirsty - as you are chit chatting along - you can have a cold one too? :D

I've never met you in person, but the thought of someone going reeeallllly slow and chit chatting along brought that image to my mind...

I did sign up for the 5k in Jan at WDW, and talked my sister into going with me!! It should be a lot of funn!!

[NoHall]

I used to buy all of my shoes at Fleet Feet. The one in Sandy Springs doesn't have a treadmill, so you go outside on the sidewalk and run while they watch your pronation, etc. I really liked that they went to the trouble to do that. But when I first started having problems with plantar fasciitis, they sold me the wrong insoles according to my podiatrist. I kept asking them for something with arch support, and they kept selling me these hard insoles with absolutely no arch support. Now I wear custom insoles that my podiatrist made for me. BTW New Balance shoes fit me the best because I have narrow feet.

I want to run this race but only if someone will run with me and run reeeallllly slow. I don't/can't run very fast, and I will want to chit chat along the way. I'd like to say I will be able to run the whole thing, but I'm not making any promises about that either. My goal is to finish and not fall down, throw up, or otherwise humiliate myself.

Man, I don't sound like a very appealing running partner!:blush: Any takers?:lol:

I can do that with you, reeeallllly slow. I haven't run lately because of the mystery virus, but need to get back on it. I'm supposed to do a half marathon at the end of October.

Do you wear one of those hats with can holders on each side & a straw to your mouth, so when you're thirsty - as you are chit chatting along - you can have a cold one too? :D

I've never met you in person, but the thought of someone going reeeallllly slow and chit chatting along brought that image to my mind...

I did sign up for the 5k in Jan at WDW, and talked my sister into going with me!! It should be a lot of funn!!

It IS a lot of fun--I did the marathon last January. (My first, my last, my only marathon!)

[RiverOtter]

If you want to get in shape with as little pain as possible, get a heart monitor watch (Polar is the one I use). Google heart monitor training. In short you walk / jog which ever it takes to keep your heart rate in the low 140's. I did it. Some days I would be burning up the road at 13 to 15 minute miles (we do live on a mountain). BUT after a couple of weeks I improved dramatically. At first I couldn't run 3 miles, after a couple of weeks I was up to 5.5 miles.

The speed of my improvement may be faster than normal because I do lots of cycling. But running is much harder on your body. I can control my heart rate much easier on my bike. Also, running uses different muscles than cycling or maybe it's the same muscles but different parts in a different way.

Give it a try.

[tistheseason]

Congrats! That is awesome. I've been sticking to the treadmill as well - it's been to hot here lately to run outside unless it's 4am or so! If you run with an I-pod, go onto I-tunes. Nike has some great workouts you can put on your pod. Great music and a great coach in the background 'coaching' you from anything from speed on the treadmill to distance on the road!

I want these. How do I find them on I-tunes?

I've just started running to try to get rid of my "baby weight". (Please don't ask me how old my baby is!!;-) ) My personal trainer is my babysitter. If I get her up, out of bed, and too my house by 8:00 -- I better have my running shoes on. I feel too guilty to NOT go. So far it's been a good plan. Now that I'm in the habit of going, I need to increase my mileage. Not too much. But I'd like to do 3 miles 4-5 times a week. Maybe less times during tennis season or when I'm busy with other sports.

[NotnKansas]

I want these. How do I find them on I-tunes?



If you seach under 'Nike' you should be able to find them. They come in 'book' i think that is what they are called. It's a group of of songs (depending on how long the workout is). They are typically $10 or so because it's multi songs. But it's saved as a group on your pod - all you have to do it press play and go. :) They are great!

Something that has also really helped me with running is yoga. It helps me focus more on my breathing making runs much more enjoyable!

[tistheseason]

If you seach under 'Nike' you should be able to find them. They come in 'book' i think that is what they are called. It's a group of of songs (depending on how long the workout is). They are typically $10 or so because it's multi songs. But it's saved as a group on your pod - all you have to do it press play and go. :) They are great!

Something that has also really helped me with running is yoga. It helps me focus more on my breathing making runs much more enjoyable!

I was just thinking this morning that adding in a yoga class might help me with stretching -- something I'm notoriously bad at doing. Do you think just one class a week would help? That's really all the time I would have.

Heading to I-tunes right now . . .

Thanks!

[TooFarTampa]

I want to run this race but only if someone will run with me and run reeeallllly slow. I don't/can't run very fast, and I will want to chit chat along the way. I'd like to say I will be able to run the whole thing, but I'm not making any promises about that either. My goal is to finish and not fall down, throw up, or otherwise humiliate myself.

Man, I don't sound like a very appealing running partner!:blush: Any takers?:lol:

I'm slow. :wave: I'm a good listener. I like your goals. :biggrin: Do I have to chat too though? That's might be the deal killer. Running is too hard, how can I be expected to do more than grunt "uh huh"?

[TooFarTampa]

I can do that with you, reeeallllly slow. I haven't run lately because of the mystery virus, but need to get back on it. I'm supposed to do a half marathon at the end of October.

It IS a lot of fun--I did the marathon last January. (My first, my last, my only marathon!)

I'm guessing your slow is very different from my slow. If you can imagine the slowest possible speed while still running, that is me. :wave:


If you want to get in shape with as little pain as possible, get a heart monitor watch (Polar is the one I use). Google heart monitor training. In short you walk / jog which ever it takes to keep your heart rate in the low 140's. I did it. Some days I would be burning up the road at 13 to 15 minute miles (we do live on a mountain). BUT after a couple of weeks I improved dramatically. At first I couldn't run 3 miles, after a couple of weeks I was up to 5.5 miles.

The speed of my improvement may be faster than normal because I do lots of cycling. But running is much harder on your body. I can control my heart rate much easier on my bike. Also, running uses different muscles than cycling or maybe it's the same muscles but different parts in a different way.

Give it a try.

I keep hearing this. My next $100 is going to an HR monitor. My husband has a Polar and loves it. He is training for Ironman Florida though in November so he absolutely needs it. But I think it would be helpful for my pokey self also. :roll:

[NoHall]

I'm guessing your slow is very different from my slow. If you can imagine the slowest possible speed while still running, that is me. :wave:


Um. Go back to the post where I mention the walkers that zip past me when I'm running--I can even walk faster than I run! :blush: I run at a mosey, and talk between wheezes!