any of you, regular Joggers?

[vash]

ok, i hate running. but i think it is a good fast workout. i need to get in better shape for many reasons. high elevation elk hunt, plus i am getting older and starting to see the affects. i got lectured by my young hot female indian doctor. i dont want to disappoint her

i have never been a regular runner. i used to bike, lift weights. i hear regular runners say, "you just have to make it 7 days in a row, and it becomes habit". is this BS? it took serious will power to drag my arse out of bed this morning. i am approaching my one week mark. approx. 3 miles of hell.

i hope to scale back to mon, wed, fri, sat, sun. five days a week.

[masraum]

7 days, habit, not on your life. After 6 months it'll still be a struggle on some days.

I've run regularly before, sporadically now. And I don't and have never jogged. I run. Jogging involves bouncing up and down (high impact) and usually going really slow. Running involves longer smoother strides, less bouncing, more exercise and usually is faster.

[Gogar]

jogging/running sucks, but that's how you know it's working. If you can do it for a week it won't get easier, but you'll feel a heck of a lot better, and that will help you keep doing it.

[911Rob]

ex rugby guy and track guy too.
Use to run like a deer, I still run but it drives me nuts to now; too boring and I'm always looking at the clock to see if I'm done yet.
Riding the bike is just as good and not so hard on the knees/joints.
I used to go out and run 5 miles in a little over an hour, but that was 25 yrs ago now.

I could use the cardio right now too; water skiing is about to start
Good luck with yer hunt.

[Christien]

vash, you could sign my name to your post and it would fit. I'm in exactly the same boat. I need to get back to doing exercise, and jogging is by far the most efficient use of your time (i.e. most calories burned in least amount of time) but I hate it with a passion. But I also can "feel" myself being out of shape, and really want to do something about it. I used to go the gym regularly, but when we moved I spent more time getting there and home than I did working out, which drove me nuts. Jogging just fits - roll out of bed, put some clothes on, and you're into it within a few minutes. I'd be showering anyway, so no extra time there. I can't deny it, I gotta start doing it again, but I sure don't love it.

[IROC]

I am not a "runner" (I used to view running as punishment), but started a couple of years ago. It will take time to work up to some sort of decent fitness level. Unfortunately I am currently out of commission due to Achilles tendonitis.

For calories burned per time spent doing the activity, it's hard to beat running. Plus it builds leg strength, etc. Don't worry about joint issues - most studies have shown that contrary to popular belief, running has no negative impact on knees, etc.

I have found that running is probably more mental than physical. Making yourself keep putting one foot in front of the other when you're worn slap out takes willpower that a lot of people don't have.

[slodave]

I don't run but rollerblade. I think there is some truth to the '7 day' rule. I try and go 5 miles every day. When I do go every day, it is easy to miss a day and get right back in to the grove. Miss a few weeks ad I find lame excuses to put it off another day. I'm going through this right now. It's a nice warm day with no wind. I have to force myself to get out there in a few hours. If I can get out 4-5 days in a row, it will be easier for me brig it back up to 7 days a week and it won't seem like such a chore.

It may take more than 7 days, stick with it, it'll become routine soon enough.

[Buckterrier]

First you shouldn't run 7 days in a row if you are just starting. You more than likely will injure yourself and or burn yourself out. Go out every other day, enjoy the weather, the views, the mind freedom. Personally I don't jog I run. If you ain't walking your running!!
To tell if you are improving your conditioning try this. When you wake up, prior to getting out of bed check your resting heart rate. That is a true resting heart rate. After a month or so check it again. It should be lower, even if it's by 3-4 beats. Now, conversely if you rate does up that means you are not recovering between your workouts. Good luck and enjoy i for what it is.

[vash]

good info guys! i run at a decent clip...for me. i need to stay with it. my heart needs the work.

[Markus33]

Just a word of caution based on personal experience. If you're starting out, or re-starting and at all overweight, you may want to consider going on a walking program first and get the diet in order. Excess weight and/or lack of recent experience can result in shin splints, knee, back, foot and ankle pain. Also, avoid running on sidewalks and such. I used to wonder why people ran on the street until figuring out that asphalt is softer than concrete and easier on the body. Better yet, find a composite track if you can or run on dirt trails.

Just my 2 cents...

Markus

[ikarcuaso]

Originally Posted by IROC

Don't worry about joint issues - most studies have shown that contrary to popular belief, running has no negative impact on knees, etc.

My knees say B.S. However, part of it is how you run. There is this technique:

http://www.chirunning.com

We bought an elliptical trainer, but I do mostly resistance training now.

Bottom line, you gotta want it. Suck it up on the days you "don't feel like it", and eat right. My once 38" waist is now 32". Good luck!

[Burnin' oil]

Is this a short-term or long-term plan? If you're into "hellweek" conditioning (do they still have those?) then do whatever. If you plan on becoming a regular runner, I would suggest slowly building up your mileage base, like running three times a week, 2 or three miles a day. Keep it comfortable and pleasant.

[Burnin' oil]

Cliff, here's a run for you:

http://www.pctrailruns.com/Diablo.htm

[vash]

you're right, burn. i suspect this is going to be long term...i am 42, and feeling every bit of it.

[Zef]

Run...bike....swim...You have to make it a way of life...At 45, I'm a accomplished triathlete....set goals....you have to get pleasure doing it, if not, you'll quite.

[Steve Viegas]

I find that running with someone is much more fun than running alone. Find someone you do not spend enough time with and tell them they need to get in shape, you'll help.

[the]

I was involved in some sports which were very physical for most of my late 30s. In my 40s I can't do them anymore (the reward isn't worth the risk anymore), so I've taken up jogging.

You say "3 miles of hell" I sure hope to god you aren't doing 3 miles at a time . . . in your first week. That's overdoing it big time, and you'll burn out quickly.

Anyways, I've been solid for around 4 months now. Here's my thoughts:

1. 7 days per week is unnecessary and you'll burn out, esp. to start. I do 5 days per week, IMO that's plenty.

2. Start out slow and short. Running/jogging is pretty much useless if you only do it for a week or two, it will have been a waste of time. Start out at a VERY easy pace and distance, do that for a full week, then slowly start increasing. Take it easy, look at the long run (pun intended).

3. Get a good pair of running shoes. I used to run earlier in life, and it was always hard on my knees, etc. I've been very surprised, in my 40s, I feel much better running than I did 20 years ago. I think modern running shoes have a lot to do with it.

4. This is probably a personal thing, but I can't run without music. It's bizarre, but drowning out the sound of my breathing helps me immensely.

[billwagnon]

Read "Younger Next Year". Lots of good advice about how to get a fun body for the third half of your life.

I'm doing Nordic Trak / rowing machine about 45 minutes a day at 65% heart rate, and Sundays I have a 5.6 mile loop around the park. When I started a couple months ago I couldn't run all the way around the park. Yesterday I looped it in 55:45 (best ever).

My past history was to bike ride as hard as possible a couple times a week, but the gentler workouts are helping me get in good shape without beating my body down.

Next I need to add strength training.

My goals are next year to beat my older brother and my daughter in the 5k at Mardi Gras in Mobile, and to drop 30 pounds in the next couple months. I'm 40.

Read the book. It's really good, optimistic and fun.

[waters]

I said that 34 years ago,still running bout four miles a day in the hills. Hope the old heart doesnt RED LINE !!!!!!!! Hang in there

[Zeke]

I used to run all the time. Early in the morning when I first got up. I'd run only a few minutes (couple miles) and finish up with a good sprint. This always gave me a nice "runner's high." I'm sure it did me a lot of good because my heart and circulatory system seem to be younger than I am.

But, my knees are trash. Oh, and I did a lot of biking as a youngster up thru the late 20's. I'm not sure what I'd do different.