How long have you been running? - Page 2 - Triathlon Week

pyschosyd · 03-07-2005, 02:06 PM

Off and on for about 4 years, Only within the last year I have really focused.

Pimm · 03-08-2005, 12:26 PM

Hi

I hope you're still motivated and in a running mood.
ASICS have a specially designed running workout that anyone can get in to.
Only thing to do is to register on their website : [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (OR [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]) --> you'll have you're own 'webspace' where you can keep up with everything --> a newsletter will keep you posted/motivated!

It was pretty basic when I first saw it, and I don't know at what level you are right now ...

I myself am running ever since I was 11-12yrs old. Whenever things are 'ordered' (in this case : additional training for other sports) I find it hard to get motivated. Now I'm 26 yrs of age, and enjoying any minute I have in sports ... My favorite distances are betweem 10-16 kms.

I'm hoping you have found the FUN in running like so much of us have done ... Enjoy!

Annie_777 · 03-10-2005, 08:02 PM

Stoney,
Have been running competitively for about 18 months now... Have recently strained my calf doing too much interval / sprint training at once so will be taking a break for about a month or so (so a lil hint; don't do too much too soon!).
I found some of the things that have helped to motivated / keep me on track to be:
1. Scheduling of weekly runs into my week; when and doing what eg "Run Mon (easy), Wed (endurance) & Fri (fartlek)
2. Set goals; even if they are fun runs or personal goals of time / distance
3. Running weekly with a group; this is particularly good for spints / interval training
4. Variation! Vary the place, time, distance speed, terrain etc
Hope this helps!

MJL · 05-11-2005, 12:06 PM

Make your runs FUN!!!

If you see something interesting, stop and look.

Leave your watch and GPS at home every so often and run for the fun of it.

Little things make running a gift, not a chore. If it's not fun, why bother?

bochertj · 08-12-2005, 06:26 AM

I have been running for 13 years now. I have noticed that the best way to stay motivated about running is to find someone to run with. It makes for good conversation and they will keep you honest with your training. And, on occassion, go on running trips with your friends and run in different parks and places that you have never run in before. This helps keep running fresh and lees boring. Also, running in weather can be a joy as well. Run with a friend in a rain storm and splashing in puddles becomes more enjoyable than you would ever expect. The theme that I stress here is to enjoy it and to have fun. Fun can be by yourself as well as with a group of people. But on those interval or tempo runs, having a training partner is always helpful.

Hope that helps

sfricks · 08-13-2005, 04:10 AM

I ran in school, stopped, ran in the military, stopped, ran in the police academy, stopped and now I run to keep in shape for triathlon, still running. If you can read between the lines here, there is a common theme; a goal. Pick a goal and motivation will come easier (not easy, just easier).

As a note to the newbies, I got a great piece of advice 20 years ago that makes running less painful. On training runs don't start at a heavy pace. Go S L O W until your heart rate comes up a little and the blood flow picks up in your legs. The urge to pick up the pace will come natually when your body is ready. It will make the entire run more enjoyable. Also, keep running. As your form improves, you begin to build endurance and the running becomes easier, you can actually enjoy the outdoor runs with all the sights and smells.

Finally and above all, THIS REALLY IS FUN. I know sometimes it doesn't feel like it, but it can be. This part is mental. Remember... "If you think you can't, you're right. But if you think you CAN, you're right." Want it. It'll come!

AFrenchTriMan · 08-24-2005, 07:41 AM

I have been running for 5 years. I have started with 10k races, then half marathons and also mountain races. I live in a big city and it is not always easy to be motivated but I agree with all of you, have an objective is the most important.

Joe K · 01-22-2006, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stoney

I was just wondering how long everyone here has been running. I just started and it is hard to get motivated.

I just quit smoking 14 months ago and started running 12 months ago. I have always lifted weights and really wanted to get back into shape, but the smokes put a damper on that. I love running because it allows me to eat what I want- that's the way it strted anyway. Now I am training for my first marathon- thinking of training for a trithlon. I guess i just started for the fun of it- everyone I know- the serious runners keep saying have fun. So start there- if you a set to do 3 miles stop at 2 if you want. or slow down. I started this way and now I have to mentally prepare myself just to take a day off- infact my biggest obstacle is slowing down. This also, I believe, comes from doing to much and having to recover from a stress fracture in my tibia (front calve bone). Setting this goal to run the Chicago marathon in Oct 06 is making things more run- I have a purpose so to say. I would love to do an iron man, but I don't know if I want to work on swimming. Have fun- set new goals each month to make it fun. Also- no more than 10% increases per week, unless you are looking to get injured of course.

Good luck

Joe

JMMarich · 01-25-2006, 07:53 PM

Ugh. I detest running. I never ran before I went into the Marine Reserves. I went to bootcamp ill prepared for the running (longest I had run prior to going was MAYBE a mile) and they kicked my ass. I went in at 200 and got out at 165. I ran the the police academy but it was easy as I had just gotten off of active duty training.

Fast Forward to now...8 years later. Last year I weighed in at 235 and it really opened my eyes. I just stared at the scale for about 10 minutes.

My wife and I moved to the gulf coast and Katrina threw off my desire to get back in shape. We joined a gym in October and now I weigh about 218.

I did my first 10k on Thanksgiving and it killed me lol. I let the holidays really get to me and have been struggling to get back on track. Reading this has really gotten me to think differenrly about running. I am going to think about it differently.

Thanks guys :)

--Josh

Carpe Diem · 01-26-2006, 01:04 PM

Hi Josh,

Stick with the running, you'll thank yourself and it does get easier. I suffered a back injury in the mid 90's, and couldn't exercise due to the pain. I gained alot of extra weight. Part of my physical therapy was to swim, stretch and walk on a stairstep machine. I eventually started riding a mountain bike for short intervals. I met some folks swimming laps that were training for triathlons, they inspired me to start jogging and riding a road bike...I'm having great fun and most of those extra pounds have fallen away. I still am looking to drop a few more. I am now beginning my 5th year of triathlon, two weeks ago I did my first marathon, I'm on target to do a Ironman at the end of the summer, and my back hasn't caused the gripping pain that it use to.

So Josh~~more power to you!

Mike 45 · 01-31-2006, 07:03 AM

I have been running on and off for a lot of years. I got serious about it last year and started training for a marathon. I did the Jacksonville Bank Marathon in December 2005. It was an awesome personal victory. Now I have my sites set on Tri's. (my true love is riding bikes)