Take care of yourself

[Mayfly]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

I haven't tried running outside yet (that will change in approx. 11 hours)

But, what I do like about treadmills is the fixed incline, the timer, distance, HR monitor and mileage.

Yes, I know I could buy a HR monitor, run up a hill while wearing a pedometer and wear a watch...

But I own none of those and really don't feel like shelling out the cash for them.

I think I'll just start by running down the street for 15 minutes...and then back.

There are plenty of places you can run outside, like a state park or somewhere else, that feels much better than a treadmill. Plus you don't need a HR monitor, just stop and take your pulse.

 

[G-Spot]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

My gym has a half mile outdoor track, I just haven't ventured out there yet. I will soon.

 

[Idaho]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

My gym, home of the treadmills and swimming pool I use, has a drop-off kid center. My kid weighs 35 lbs and is really hard to go for a swim or a job with.

And since I rarely have time to hit the gym at night after mom comes home, I'll stick with the treadmills for the most part.

 

[DocTalk]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

My gym, home of the treadmills and swimming pool I use, has a drop-off kid center. My kid weighs 35 lbs and is really hard to go for a swim or a job with.

And since I rarely have time to hit the gym at night after mom comes home, I'll stick with the treadmills for the most part.

Time to hit the roads and trails and try a running stroller

 

[G-Spot]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Speaking of hitting the roads...

I don't think I've ever bought running shoes specifically for the purpose of running. I had a pair of XC flats in middle school and cross training shoes in high school. Since then it's been mostly New Balance and the like.

That said, having run about 2 miles this morning already, my calves really, really hurt. I didn't push it or overdo it, it was a nice leisurely jog but probably the furthest I've run continuously in a very long time. Is the best option to hit up a running store and get them to custom fit my shoes or can someone here recommend a pair of shoes? I'm 6-3 about 210 so these kicks will have to be able to take a serious pounding.

 

[Idaho]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

I was in your situation, G.

I had what looked like decent running shoes I got at Costco. I knew they weren't what I'd want for a 5k in the tri, though. There is a running specialty store or two in my area and I stopped in. They took care of me like no other shoe store has. Had me walk/run in shoes, barefoot, on the treadmill, etc. Then tried on six different pairs of shoes before the dude finally said -- this is the one. It felt like a part of my foot. Just a great fit.

So, yes. Try a running specialty store, not costco or Foot Locker.

The store I hit also had a tri section and they set me up with a rental wetsuit after I tried a few on.

 

[21]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Speaking of hitting the roads...

I don't think I've ever bought running shoes specifically for the purpose of running. I had a pair of XC flats in middle school and cross training shoes in high school. Since then it's been mostly New Balance and the like.

That said, having run about 2 miles this morning already, my calves really, really hurt. I didn't push it or overdo it, it was a nice leisurely jog but probably the furthest I've run continuously in a very long time. Is the best option to hit up a running store and get them to custom fit my shoes or can someone here recommend a pair of shoes? I'm 6-3 about 210 so these kicks will have to be able to take a serious pounding.

Somewhere on this thread, we made the point that whatever money you save on running shoes, you'll spend 5 times that amount on orthopedists and Advil. It's your back, your legs, your hips....they're doing great things with titanium joints these days, but they still cost more than good shoes.

I'm a huge new Balance fan, but with your size/weight, Boom (and other big guys) will tell you Asics is the only way to go...I think he's turned a few other people here onto those.

But definitely, definitely, take yourself into a running store, let them look at your current shoes--they'll show if you pronate or supinate or whatever--and tell you what might be best for you.

Also, if you run regularly, you have to replace those shoes every 4-6 months. Find a brand you love, and then look for discounts....ie, holabirdsports.com

 

[DocTalk]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

I'm a big Ascis fan but appreciate that each person will find a shoe that they really like. Find the running store in your area with sales people who run and who understand shoes. Spend time with them and then take your potential new shoes out for a test run. Learn, too, about how to care for your shoes, so that the midsole has a chance to recover between runs and allow you the best support.

If you're interested in alternatives, there is a group of people who advocate shoeless running http://www.runningbarefoot.org/

As for online and mail order retailers, I've had good luck with RoadRunner Sports.

 

[The Big Ragu]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Boom put me onto the Asics shoes and I am not that big a guy. It was the best thing I ever did. My legs are really fragile and they have held up so much better since switching shoes. Getting the perfect shoe depends on whether you pronate or supinate when you run, or neither, but the Asics Gel Kayano is a somewhat neutral shoe (helps reduce pronation slightly) that I have had a great deal of luck with. Right now I am running mostly on their new shoe, the Asics Gel Kinsei. It was a bit pricey, but I love the shoe. They threw every technology they have into the thing and it does an amazing job of dispersing impact. It's comfortable beyond anything I ever could have imagined when I used to run in constant pain. Taking the price into account, I'd recommend trying the Kayanos and seeing how they feel. I can usually find them online for between $75 and $100, especially when they are introducing a new model and they are selling out the old ones. Holabird isn't always the cheapest, but they are reliable and get the shoes to you quickly. Also try Eastbay.com and famousfootwear.com, they sometimes have specials...

 

[G-Spot]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Thanks for that Ragu...

Looking at a diagram, I know I suppinate. It was bad when I first got back on the treadmill walking but it has evened out a little bit.

I noticed it on my jog this morning again though.

EDIT: Went by the most recommended store in town and picked up a set of Brooks after trying on about five pairs. Even went as high as a 14 in the Asics. Next run isn't scheduled until Wed. morning.

 

[Smallpotatoes]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Even though it is considered a major breach of gym ettiquette, how many of you take your cell phones with you on the gym floor when you work out?
I'm sure for those of you who cover a pro of major college beat, you probably can't afford to put your life on hold for the duration of your workout.
Sometimes it annoys me when I see people talking on cell phones in the gym, but what bothers me more is that from what I hear when they're on the phone, it's not usually a work or family emergency call; it's usually a "Which club are you going to tonight?" call.

 

[The Big Ragu]

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Thanks for that Ragu...

Looking at a diagram, I know I suppinate. It was bad when I first got back on the treadmill walking but it has evened out a little bit.

I noticed it on my jog this morning again though.

EDIT: Went by the most recommended store in town and picked up a set of Brooks after trying on about five pairs. Even went as high as a 14 in the Asics. Next run isn't scheduled until Wed. morning.

G, I should have included this in my post... You did it the right way. First pair of Asics I bought, I went into a specialty store and tortured the heck out of them. Tried on just about every shoe they had in the store and gave them a run. Had them analyze how I run (it isn't pretty, which is how I end up with stress fractures, but I can be surprisingly fast for a gimpy, old man; also makes the right shoe particularly important for me). After that, I owed it to them to buy the shoes from them. The shoe worked out really well for me, so with the next pair, I just started ordering online--finding the best deal. If the Brooks shoe works for you, you can just order online next time and have them delivered right to your door.

I don't know how often you plan on running now that you have the snazzy new shoes, but I am at 5 or 6 days a week, with one or two of them a recovery run. I like to alternate shoes, when I run two days in a row, so I keep at least two pairs fresh. It seems to help the shoes recover better by giving them at least a day off, but it all could be in my imagination... Even if it is, it just means I have to replace shoes less frequently than if I was running on one pair. They last longer because I am using each pair less, so I don't lose anything. It's worth considering when you find a shoe you like. I even run on two different Asics shoes now (two pairs of one; one pair of a third).