https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:26:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706931 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:39:34 +0000 cjh 706931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even though I check in and read the forum every day, some topics just slip by and I missed this when Una started it. But as another runner, I can also report running 3x week, and occasionally 4x if weather or friends are irresistible. Try to get 3.5 or 4.5 miles twice (Tues. And Thurs.) and 5 or more on Saturday, working up to 7.5 in the fall when it's cooler. For the same reason Runnergirl gave, I enjoy running longer rather then shorter more often- takes a couple miles to get into the run and relax, and another couple to bring on the best results- a good mood, that super well being that lasts all day.</p> <p>I also lift weights 2x week. So along with some bouts of energetic housework, I get activity almost every day.</p> <p>I use a Garmin to time and measure my runs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706915 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:27:25 +0000 Jonesy 706915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Incredible to imagine running that fast! And the training that it involves! I'm also fascinated by the ultra marathoners. What an intense bunch.</p> <p>Sarah, that is too bad! Have you tried all sorts of different stretches? I had some lower back stuff for several months and this one exercise worked really great: Stand with your feet about shoulders' width apart. Put your arms straight out in front of you, palms up. Tuck in your pelvis so your lower back is nice and straight. Then slowly crouch down until you are squatting. Once you are there, sort of roll your hips, lower back, and pelvis around, then come back up really slowly. Do that a bunch of reps every day, and see if it helps! Another thing that really worked for me was sleeping with a small pillow between my knees at night. I am a side sleeper and I guess I was torquing my lower back in some weird way at night a lot. The pillow has really worked miracles.</p> <p>LOL, okay I will shut up now! Maybe you've already tried everything but I thought I would throw these out there :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706903 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:15:14 +0000 sarah 706903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, I read that article, too, Jonesy, and my running partner and I felt so gratified that our 10-min miles 3x/week were going to help us live long and healthy lives. Now, if I could just get rid of this lower back injury that the PT thinks is caused by my running : ( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706878 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:54:56 +0000 Mo 706878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny story, at my Rock n Roll half in New Orleans in '11 the BF saw a gal who he said looked like she was sprinting, not running a marathon. Ends up, that morning she set the record for the fastest ladies half in the US ever. He just happened to be on the sidelines watching it live. Yes, it is amazing to watch, and no, it will never be me!</p> <p><a href="http://www.nola.com/running/index.ssf/2011/02/kim_smith_sets_us_record_for_w.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.nola.com/running/in.....for_w.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706854 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:40:47 +0000 Jonesy 706854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, I totally agree! Very reassuring. I watched the distance runners at the Olympics and *marveled* at their pace (under 5 minute miles after running 20+ miles--insane!! can't even fathom how they DO it!), but I am okay with knowing I will never be anything other than a mediocre runner, or jogger really :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706850 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:37:44 +0000 Mo 706850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oops double post </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706849 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:37:02 +0000 Mo 706849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the article link. Makes me feel better about my 10 min/mi pace lol. Seriously, it's good to get confirmation on my feeling that ultra marathoning isn't necessarily a healthy pursuit, but could be pushing it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706733 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:53:43 +0000 Jonesy 706733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the info. about your schedules! I run mainly because it's a stress reliever and it helps me with my insomnia. I enjoy the feeling I get after I run (sort of mellow and relaxed). I have a treadmill at home, so it's very convenient for me and requires no planning, etc. I also walk 1.5-3 miles/day with the dog rain or shine or snow, do yoga almost daily, and have started doing weights now that my rotator cuff injury is almost all better. </p> <p>In terms of health benefits, this article in the NY Times from June was really informative to me. Essentially, researchers found that moderate running (1-20 miles/week at a pace of 10-11 minutes/mile) prolonged life by an average of 5-6 years. Investigators didn't look at how often per week, but instead focused on the overall mileage per week. So maybe, at least in terms of longevity and general health, whether one does it daily or every other day or whatever isn't as important. To reduce the risk of injury, I can see the merits of taking days off, for sure. And I like the idea of doing some interval running in a more planful way (right now I just sort of do that once in a while, whenever the mood strikes me).</p> <p>Anyway, thanks for your thoughts! Here's the article, in case anyone is interested:</p> <p><a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/06/moderation-as-the-sweet-spot-for-exercise/" rel="nofollow">http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/.....-exercise/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706346 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:12:22 +0000 catgirl 706346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy, I run three times a week because I'm lucky if I get the time to do that, and then I try fo get a full hour in even if some of it is walking. My son is still little, so I can't run till DH is home, and by that time everyone wants dinner. I need to run before dinner or I'll never leave the house. I wish I was a morning person because I envy all those people who get up and run (or do ANYTHING!) first thing, but I can barely make myself a cup of tea when I first get out of bed.</p> <p>Right now I'm not really tracking anything, just trying to get out there and do as much as I can for as long as I can! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706341 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:08:54 +0000 Kim 706341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I run more than 3x a week I wind up with overtraining injuries that prevent me from running at all for quite some time. I started running when I was older (47) but my body just won't put up with what my mind wants to do! (Run every day! Yeah!) It fights back now when I abuse it! LOL</p> <p>The rest day in between is to rebuild muscle that's been torn down by exercise. It helps me to stay strong. </p> <p>That being said I trained for a half marathon on only 3x a week and did just fine! Finished with a smile and upright, and even went shopping with my buds after we did lunch! LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706246 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:48:00 +0000 Lisa 706246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My goal is 3 miles, 3 days a week. I also try to lift weights for 2 days. In recent months I've fallen off the wagon and only do 1 day a week of each. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706109 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:07:12 +0000 Suz 706109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Makrame is correct that interval training is somewhat different than steady state cardio. </p> <p>As another fitness professional -- but NOT a running expert --- I can tell you what works best for overall fitness is a varied program that includes: </p> <p>Some interval training (say 2 to 3 times per week)<br /> Some steady state cardio<br /> Some stretching/mobility work<br /> Some weight training or other resistance work<br /> Some REST and recovery. </p> <p>How you set up your program will vary, but you need all these components to improve or maintain cardio, build strength and maintain muscle, rev the metabolism, and prevent injury. </p> <p>If you want to lose weight, tons of steady state cardio is actually contraindicated. You'll be more successful with a mixed program and enough calories. Eating too little is also a bad idea. Poor sleep can also interfere with weight loss, as can stress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-706107 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:32:37 +0000 RunnerChick 706107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy - sometimes I think about streaking (no, no, not like that - running everyday for a period of time) for a month or so, and then I think I'd switch to running 1-2 miles. </p> <p>BUt for now, the reason I opt for more distance across fewer runs/ week is because of the fact that I don't start *enjoying* my run 'til I am about a mile into it (the first mile is usually my warm up), so stopping too soon after makes me feel like I didn't really get a workout. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705985 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:17:37 +0000 Makrame 705985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scarlet, that is a good point, although I think interval training is slightly different from running 1-2 miles at a constant pace. I remember looking into peer-reviewed papers on interval training recently - the results were quite impressive, with intervals working well for cardiac rehabilitation, weight loss, training for athletes etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705979 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:13:00 +0000 Scarlet 705979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy, I don't think longer less often would be better. I assume you run for fun and health. There was an article in the NYT awhile ago (two years?) that said going all out for for short periods of time had just as much cardiovascular benefit as going much longer distances for much longer periods of time. This isn't the article I was thinking of, but similar message<br /> <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/how-1-minute-intervals-can-improve-our-health/" rel="nofollow">http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/.....ur-health/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705978 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:11:13 +0000 Isis 705978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I run 3 times per week. Two 4K runs (2.5 miles) and one 6K (4 mile) run.</p> <p>Jonesy I only run 3 times per week because I like to mix it up. I think this helps me avoid injuries. So I do other things on the other days. </p> <p>On non running days I do pure weights once a week, weights + cardio once ( a mixed class) and a cardio once a week. I take a day off.</p> <p>I also commute about 5 miles a day on a bike, but that doesn't feel like exercise!</p> <p>ETA: I'm very inflexible so I'm thinking of swapping out some running for yoga! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705977 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:10:01 +0000 Makrame 705977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My half-marathon training program calls for 4 runs per week (for example, this week it is supposed to be 5, 6, 4, 10 miles). This program worked well for me for the last 3 years (no major injuries etc.) so I definitely don't want to do any more than 4 runs/week (and it is hard to find time for more than that). After year 1 I discovered that I had a spine problem that led to back pain with running - cutting out one (shortest) run per week and adding core training on the days I don't run took care of that. So now my rule is 3 days of running, 3 days of weights/core.</p> <p>My impression was also that to get full benefit of cardio workout you are supposed to do at least 30 minutes of continuous activity, which means at least 3 - 3.5 miles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705976 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:08:11 +0000 christy 705976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep mine to 3-4 times a week mostly due to time (and willpower!) constraints. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705967 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:51:54 +0000 Mo 705967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did it to avoid overuse injuries. Even training for a half I did not run more than 3X. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705964 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:49:51 +0000 Jonesy 705964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, the overwhelming majority of you guys run 3x/week. Is that because you just can't squeeze any more runs in each week, or about letting your body rest between runs? I run 5-6 days/week, but shorter distances (1-2 miles), but I am wondering if I should run less/run longer like you gals? Thoughts, wise running fabbers? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705941 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:23:24 +0000 RunningSue 705941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although I am/was a competitive runner, I still run 8-10 miles 3 times/week. What Suz does is a great way to rev up the metabolism if you are trying to lose weight or run faster. After a 5-10 minute warmup, run fast for a minute than normal pace for a minute, then do the same for 2 minutes then 3 minutes then 2 then 1. The intervals get your heart rate up and keep you burning calories long after you have finished your run. Plus, you will get faster!</p> <p>Weight training is also important to keep our bones strong and make everyday activities easier. I just completed my Bodypump certification and cannot wait to start teaching. I have been a fitness enthusiast for close to 30 years and still going strong.</p> <p>I love the idea of tracking my distance because I forget to buy new shoes until my feet start to hurt. I will check out those apps on my iphone, thanks for the info. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705925 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:04:49 +0000 Suz 705925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, - I'm glad I checked out this thread for all the apps!</p> <p>And Una, glad to know your mystery is solved and you are doing better. </p> <p>I'm in awe of all you power runners! I manage about 5 km twice or three times a week. With groaning difficulty. Actually, I often do intervals for 10 to 15 minutes of the run. I don't know if that makes it harder or easier. </p> <p>I weight train as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705818 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:44:37 +0000 christy 705818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vicki, another great iPhone app is called Runmeter. I love it. It tracks everything and even calls out my distance and pace to me while I'm running. So if I'm training for a race and a certain goal pace, I know if I'm on track or not. I haven't checked out any of the others, but I know there are quite a few. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners/page/2#post-705582 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:20:33 +0000 Vicki 705582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent answers and clever solutions from each of you! Thank you!!</p> <p>We have a nature preserve in the neighborhood and I vary my run-walk-run (more like interval training) either on the streets or sometimes on the Back Bay path, but I've never measured it. Running on a treadmill is a different thing, because it's right there!</p> <p>Your responses really help and it's nice to hear about these apps, too. ETA: I just uploaded the app, MapMyRUN, to my iPhone. Now, I just have to figure out how to use it; I think I just start recording the run and it's there.</p> <p>So glad I'm connected to great minds like you (and healthy, too!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners#post-705580 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:19:30 +0000 Makrame 705580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to always use gmaps (link above in Jem's post) to map out my routes since I need to have a variety of distances for training. Now I use runkeeper online (free) - it allows you to plot a route, similar to gmaps (just make sure to select "snap to roads" option) but you can also save routes. Then you plug in your route and time after each run, and it calculates your pace for you and saves the info.</p> <p>One advantage of using runkeeper is that it allows me to figure out my total mileage over a few months' period, which can be useful for figuring out when running shoes need to be replaced. It is also a good motivational tool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners#post-705565 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:11:51 +0000 catgirl 705565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I drive it beforehand, since I run in my 'hood. I need to vary it a bit because I feel I'm in a rut with my mental process - need an unexpected hill now and then to keep me motivated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners#post-705559 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:07:43 +0000 RunnerChick 705559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vicki - I used a Nike+ running app with my iPod to track my running. There's a little do-hickey that you lace onto your shoe and another do-hickey you plug into the bottom of your iPod shuffle or nano; if you turn it on when you run, it tracks all kinds of stats (time, distance, speed, splits, calories burned, etc.). At the end of my run, I plug my iPod into my computer and all the stats get uploaded into my personal Nike+ website, making it easy to track my progress (or the lack of it) over time. It's a little OTT, but I love me some data :)</p> <p>Sometimes, I map my run before I head out (especially if I am in an unfamiliar place). If I am running in my usual neck of the woods, I usually know what's approximately 3 miles and how I can add an extra spur to kick it up to 4. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners#post-705513 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:10:13 +0000 Jem 705513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i have used <a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/</a> to plot out distances, but I have a Garmin watch that will tell me the distance and pace real time (and heart rate, if I want) I was using my DH's Garmin 205, but he just got me this one: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-GPS-Enabled-Unisex-Sport/dp/B003JNYULA/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1346180955&#038;sr=1-4&#038;keywords=garmin" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-F.....rds=garmin</a>, which is smaller and cuter (grey and pink) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners#post-705500 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 18:34:52 +0000 Queen Mum 705500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vicki-<br /> Many of the trails I run are marked so it's easy peasy to keep track. Otherwise, I check my mileage on mapmyrun.com. If I were wanting to map out a new route, I'd go to mapmyrun before to check the mileage. If I'm running a route I'm familiar with and push further than normal, then I come home and check my mileage so that I can give myself credit for every tenth of a mile ;-)<br /> I have a friend who has a GPS watch thingy. It is a really cool toy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-a-question-for-runners#post-705496 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 18:26:53 +0000 Scarlet 705496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Measured with the car. </p>