Forums >General Running>Does use of this site actually help you run more?
Does use of this site actually help you run more? For me, I have found that it does. (Specifically the bar graphs and charting). Several reasons:
---The weekly totals in the graph. I don't want any 'short bars' in there, so I push out more miles on some of the longer runs to boost that bar up each week! Same for the Monthly run stats. Trying to have each month's bar taller than the one before :-)
---The "Streak" club. I am going for 365 days and I find that this prevents me from gaffing off and getting no miles for 2, sometimes 3 days. I mentally know that each day I will run at least 2 miles, and it works for me. If I am tired on occasion, I know I only have to do an "easy 2" and that only takes less than 20 mins, so I get it done no problem.
---Just added the pace Bunny and a 2013 mile in 2013 goal. I find that I want to run more miles than I otherwise would in order to push out ahead of that guy and put a cushion of miles between me and him. :-) (Or is the pace rabbit a she? :-) )
Anyone else have some of these same opinions about how RunningAhead with its' documentation of your runs has actually resulted in your running MORE than you otherwise would have? Or if you think I am nuts after reading this, feel completely free to say so as well
Maybe a more general question might be: What do you like best about this site?
The Plan '15 → /// "Run Hard, Live Easy." ∞
The bar graph, having the mini calendar and trying not to see too many "blanks" there is somewhat a motivator.
But way more significant is the fact that so many runners that I know in real life use this site that the peer pressure effect is big. I know that even when I'm not running with them, my running friends/competitors/running club members are "watching" my training and so I feel more accountable.
It's a similar kind of motivation as setting a time to meet for a long run (knowing your friends will be there ready to go at 8am on a Sunday) for the days when you are running alone.
Runners run
rectumdamnnearkilledem
Definitely...for all the aforementioned reasons, but also all the great advice I've received over the years. I had started and stopped running several times between HS and starting C25k nearly 7 years ago. I found RA right before doing my first 5k and also found a lot of great support and guidance in how to progress beyond that and keep running healthily for the long-term. Before the internet and RA those things were missing and I learned that my prior attempts towards becoming a lifelong runner had been approached pretty much ALL wrong. In the past I never stuck with it for more than a few weeks and always went out too fast and for too long a distance on untrained legs.
Now I stick around because this place is like a safe haven on the 'net. Even during times (like now) when I'm barely running enough to call myself a runner, this place keeps me from throwing in the towel.
AND RA is just plain the best log for cycling, too, and any other cross training. One-stop-shopping....
Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to
remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.
~ Sarah Kay
never runs the tangents
Well I ran 7 miles this morning instead of the 5 I had planned to because we're going hiking tomorrow and I was going to be 2 miles short of my 20 mpw goal. So yea I'd say it is getting me to run more.
“Do what I do. Hold tight and pretend it’s a plan!” Doctor Who
For me it isn't about running more, I've made a plan of not running any junk miles this year, which will hopefully over the space of the year increase my mileage by keeping me focused and interested.
I do find the website very useful though in keeping track of my training and comparing similar sessions with each other to help me run better - longer and faster.
yes!
A Saucy Wench
yep. partly the log, partly the community
I have become Death, the destroyer of electronic gadgets
"When I got too tired to run anymore I just pretended I wasnt tired and kept running anyway" - dd, age 7
Good Bad & The Monkey
What do you like best about this site?
The Donate button.
I'm running somewhere tomorrow. It's going to be beautiful. I can't wait.
Poor baby
No peer-reviewed research, all anectodal evidence makes me skeptical.
levitation specialist
Talking about running to other runners and reading about running seems to keep me excited about getting out there and putting some miles in & training for the next great adventure.
So yes? In a way it does but I tend to work that way when I get into something, I want to read about it, talk about it, let it consume my thoughts and free time so it makes me want to do it more.
Graphs and charts and mileage games affect my running in zero ways though. Perhaps it is the planning nature of the way I work, but I run what is on my schedule. But I am not a competitive person with others in general(I lack the eye of the tiger to chase someone down or not get passed), I am only competitive with myself.
maybe.more.....but for sure better,smarter and possibly more motivated
old woman w/hobby
More and better. Community and Log. Yea! Eric!
steph
Oops.
Does use of this site actually help you run more? For me, I have found that it does. (Specifically the bar graphs and charting). Several reasons: ---The weekly totals in the graph. I don't want any 'short bars' in there, so I push out more miles on some of the longer runs to boost that bar up each week! Same for the Monthly run stats. Trying to have each month's bar taller than the one before :-) ---The "Streak" club. I am going for 365 days and I find that this prevents me from gaffing off and getting no miles for 2, sometimes 3 days. I mentally know that each day I will run at least 2 miles, and it works for me. If I am tired on occasion, I know I only have to do an "easy 2" and that only takes less than 20 mins, so I get it done no problem. ---Just added the pace Bunny and a 2013 mile in 2013 goal. I find that I want to run more miles than I otherwise would in order to push out ahead of that guy and put a cushion of miles between me and him. :-) (Or is the pace rabbit a she? :-) ) Anyone else have some of these same opinions about how RunningAhead with its' documentation of your runs has actually resulted in your running MORE than you otherwise would have? Or if you think I am nuts after reading this, feel completely free to say so as well Maybe a more general question might be: What do you like best about this site?
YES!!! I ran maybe 400-600 the first year I ran (it was in the middle of the year but still. Found RA in sometime in 2006 and ran 1302.6 mi. 2007 I ran close to 2400 miles. So YES this sight has had a SIGNIFICANT impact on my running
Your toughness is made up of equal parts persistence and experience. You don't so much outrun your opponents as outlast and outsmart them, and the toughest opponent of all is the one inside your head." - Joe Henderson
Dave
Yes. Without a doubt. Although when I'm not running I tend to avoid the place.
I've logged more than 5000 miles here.
I ran a mile and I liked it, liked it, liked it. dgb2n@yahoo.com