A question for runners

nancy324

nancy324

Cathlete
My gym is closed today for the holiday, and I need some cardio. I'm eyeing my Cathe Basic Step DVD but I'm so bad at choreography and so perfectionistic that I know I'll spend too much time trying to get the footwork right and not get a real workout.

I was impressed by an article I read last year, I think in the NY Times, that said that the human body was designed for running.

I've never run in my life. But I have some New Balance running shoes. I have a pretty good jogbra. Is there any reason why I can't just go outside on this beautiful day and do some running? If this sounds okay to you, any tips I should keep in mind?

Thanks guys!

-Nancy
 
Just put the shoes on and go out the door! On my very first run, I only made it about 1.5 miles, and I walked part of it. I had so much fun, though. Running just feels good on my face and I love to hear nature and watch everything around me as I run.

I run and land on my heel and then push off of my toes. I breathe in through my nose and out my mouth, but it is shallow breathing and then every so often a cleansing deeper breath. I also pump my arms a little, just naturally how then bend, though.

I don't think that there is a certain formula, but others are way more knowledgeable about running than I am!!

Enjoy your run!!
 
Hi Nancy...good advice so far. But definitely do some walking too. Run for a few minutes and then walk for a few minutes. Just take it very slow. Do you have a Heart Rate monitor? I am only asking because if your heart rate gets too high that is a great indication to walk til it goes back down...:)...Carole
 
How great Nancy! Just make sure you stretch out before and after. Peanut Butter is a great snack before running too. It gives you lots of energy.

Start slow and have fun!!!

:)
 
Thank you all for your responses. I was about to go, when my DH said he was going to go cycling. So instead of running, I joined him cycling so we could spend some time together. It was great!

I asked him if he would jog with me sometime, but he said that he used to run before we met and it did a number on his knees. He said he was told that biking is much better for his knees because there is no impact.

Is it true that running isn't so great for the knees?
 
I'm not sure about the knee thing. I think if you have the right pair of shoes while you run, it can prevent injuries.

My DH would rather bike also. I had to run 9 miles for my marathon training this past Sunday, and DH rode his bike along side me. We still got to spend time together while he biked and I ran. :)
 
Running can be quite hard on the knees - particularly if you don't have good form. I love to run! I was going to do the Marine Corps marathon a few years back, but a car accident (not even my fault!) put a halt on my training - I suffered a fractured sternum. =[ But, the only way I was able to run comfortably for any lenth of time or distance was with orthotics (sp?)(specially made shoe inserts). I pronate a bit, which causes a lot of stress on the knees.

As with anything, though, if you feel bad pain, don't do it! =]

Take care,
Liz
 
That's a great way to spend time together! I was just thinking this weekend that it would be nice if me and my bf could run together. However, I know he would run faster than me so I thought rollerblades or bicycling would be a great alternative.

Running can be rough on the knees but I agree with Danielle that the right shoes make a huge difference. Glucousamine also helps!

Nancy, I'm curious about the article that you read that says the human body is made for running. Can you share more details or a link? Most things I've read so far says that running should be avoided and walking/swimming are much better for the body.

Angie
 
Angie,
I saw it in November of last year in the NY Times. You have to pay to access the article now, but the synopsis follows:

"NATIONAL DESK | November 18, 2004, Thursday

Running Extra Mile Sets the Human Apart

By JOHN NOBLE WILFORD (NYT) 1209 words
Late Edition - Final , Section A , Page 24 , Column 3

ABSTRACT - Drs Dennis M Bramble and Daniel E Lieberman report that human physique looks much as it does because human ancestors acquired ability to run long distances over African savanna with springing step; say endurance running, unique to humans among primates and uncommon in all other mammals other than dogs, horses and hyenas, apparently evolved at least two million years ago and probably let human ancestors hunt and scavenge over great distances, acquiring high-protein food needed for development of large brains; table shows features of human body that evolved as result of long distance running (M)"

I believe that the bottom line of the article was that we were "born to run", much more than was ever previously thought. Interesting, huh?
 
>>As with anything, though, if you feel bad pain, don't do it! =]

Hmmmm....that would explain my two divorces ....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!



Angie
 
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