Just Started Running after 5 years, and back surgery 4 months ago! (Read 1443 times)

If you can, try to convince yourself that running in the rain is fun or desirable in some way. Maybe that it takes a REALLY dedicated runner to be out there in the rain? Maybe you liked splashing in puddles when you were a kid? Maybe you enjoy thumbing your nose at the world who says you "shouldn't" be out there running when it's raining? I don't know about you, but I find I get wet on the outside anyway when I run (I sweat) and so I convinced myself that this is much the same except not as hot and uncomfortable. Then last week I decided that rain was just a cloud's way of patting me on the back for getting out there and doing something I know is good for me. It's all in the head. ::taps head:: Certainly not everybody likes it. Check out the "running in the rain" thread under General Running. BTW, you're still doing awesome!

As you can see by my log this week I have run out of steam!!! The week started off good, but my legs were dead. I took Wed off to rest some, but when I ran today my legs were stiff and heavy. So I just put in a 2.2 run and walked another 3 miles. I guess the huge increase in miles caught up with my legs! ( Im just not as young as I used to be!)

FMR, are you getting enough sleep and/or hydration? I just had a really crappy run, but my mom and nephew are visiting, so I haven't been eating well, getting enough non-bloody mary hydration (:snort, or enough sleep. But at least I can see the effects of lifestyle on my running output. k

Oh, I'm not using my Camelbak for all runs, just the longer ones. I may start bringing it on more runs, though--particularly if I feel like I need more fluids (or if it's on the hot/humid side)...like today. k

WOW! That's an amazing amount of progress! Running 5.5 miles and still feeling strong is a great sign! (Knowing when to NOT over-do it is important too!) Keep up the good work!

Dear Fat Man Running, Been watching your posts. I don't want to take the wind out of your sails, but my only comment is that you are beating yourself up! You are definitely doing too much, too soon without adequate rest. I notice that your posts and your log have gone silent so I hope everything is okay. Push, push, push in the early days and you will beat your legs into the ground, lose momentum, and the motivation to continue will dwindle. To start, a solid running program depends on slow, aerobic conditioning, especially until you get the weight down. Only use the stopwatch to see your improvement over time, i.e. the increased distance you cover in the same amount of time with the same effort. Don't use it to PUSH yourself at this point. You shouldn't even be toying with 6 mile runs right now except only very occasionally and very slowly. Every week must have a rest day or two to allow the muscles and other tissues to recover and heal. To do otherwise is to invite injury. It is great that you are (were) enthusiastic about the sport but be careful. Do some reading on training schedules. John

Hey, glad to see you're still at it. Got to ease into this stuff easily or else. I've been down injury lane and it is not fun when you're all enthused about running. Did my arches in years ago (increased my mileage too quickly) and it stopped me in my tracks (pun intended) for almost 2 months. Every time I would think things were fine I would go out and give it a wherl only to re-injure one or both of them. Anyway, just take it easy. Eat a good healthy diet and reduce the calories gradually. Drink a lot. It makes you feel fuller and you need the water anyway. Let the weight melt off slowly and consistently. That alone will increase your ability to run farther and faster. Do a little dumb bell work with your arms, it will help you run. But like you are finding out, you need to build in the rest. Fast walk on your rest days. If you go the same distance you will burn the same number of calories believe it or not; and your legs will enjoy the rest while you're doing it. John Best to you. Keep me posted on your progress. Been doing this stuff for a very long time and I really enjoy conversing with others just starting out in the game. John