How to Stay Motivated/Stick With It? (Read 1609 times)

I wouldn't say its that I hate running. When I run I do enjoy it, I feel much better and happier after I've gone for a run. And of all physical activities/exercises that i've done in my life running is my favorite. Well aside from maybe rock climbing, but that isn't quite practical in my area of the country. 

As for races as far as I know there aren't any in my area. After my trip this week I'm going to try this C25k thing and may even look at a $25 watch gizmo if they really are that cheap. I think seeing some sort of number may help me keep my pace under control.

This is another sort of off topic question but several people have told me recently that its bad to run on pavement/asphalt or to run every day to every other day. They say the constant impact can damage your legs over the years or even cause shin splints. My mom use to run a lot before and after I was born, I ran a lot as a kid (for fun not races or exercise), my whole family use to be very active. None of us have ever had problems with our legs or shin splints. Is their any truth to this or are they just spitting out nonsense they heard on 'the internet'? Unless you hit the ground flat-footed, no shoes on and straight legs all the time I can't imagine the impact being that bad to where it messes your legs up.

Basically - Your gonna ruin your knees with all that silly running

If given a choice I run on pavement (Blacktop) versus Concrete - Concrete is 2x as hard.

If I had a nice trail (Dirt) close to me I would run on it a few times a week - I do not, so I get a trail run in once a week or every other week.

I do run on TM a fair amount - Maybe 40% of my yearly mileage - Mostly because I do not love running in WI winters, but even in summer I will run occassionally on the TM.

> 42,000 miles in 9 years weighing an average of 215-220# and my knees feel pretty good 

This is another sort of off topic question but several people have told me recently that its bad to run on pavement/asphalt or to run every day to every other day. They say the constant impact can damage your legs over the years or even cause shin splints. My mom use to run a lot before and after I was born, I ran a lot as a kid (for fun not races or exercise), my whole family use to be very active. None of us have ever had problems with our legs or shin splints. Is their any truth to this or are they just spitting out nonsense they heard on 'the internet'? Unless you hit the ground flat-footed, no shoes on and straight legs all the time I can't imagine the impact being that bad to where it messes your legs up.

I wouldn't say its that I hate running. When I run I do enjoy it, I feel much better and happier after I've gone for a run. And of all physical activities/exercises that i've done in my life running is my favorite. Well aside from maybe rock climbing, but that isn't quite practical in my area of the country. 

 

As for races as far as I know there aren't any in my area. After my trip this week I'm going to try this C25k thing and may even look at a $25 watch gizmo if they really are that cheap. I think seeing some sort of number may help me keep my pace under control.

 

This is another sort of off topic question but several people have told me recently that its bad to run on pavement/asphalt or to run every day to every other day. They say the constant impact can damage your legs over the years or even cause shin splints. My mom use to run a lot before and after I was born, I ran a lot as a kid (for fun not races or exercise), my whole family use to be very active. None of us have ever had problems with our legs or shin splints. Is their any truth to this or are they just spitting out nonsense they heard on 'the internet'? Unless you hit the ground flat-footed, no shoes on and straight legs all the time I can't imagine the impact being that bad to where it messes your legs up.

It's not bad to run every day or every day. In fact, most top runners are running 2x every day. Running is known to be good for bones, and while I haven't read them closely I have seen a recent article or referencing studies that indicate running may even be good for joint health at times. 

As far as running on pavement all the time...I wouldn't want to have to do it. Maybe it's cause I'm used to running frequently on dirt but pavement running consistently really starts to make my legs feel beat up. I imagine though, that like most things in running, this various significantly from runner to runner. 

Several people are idiots.  I hear running can make your uterus fall out too.  Even if you are male.  

 

 

I lost my brain...

Well I wasn't saying I do listen to them, I know not to listen to these people. Especially considering the fact that everyone I can think of that has told me this is over weight.

And there is a trail about a block from my house thats half dirt half asphault (I think) and a bit of gravel. Being that its half and half its I wonder if trail shoes are worth it?

 

And there is a trail about a block from my house thats half dirt half asphault (I think) and a bit of gravel. Being that its half and half its I wonder if trail shoes are worth it?

Unless footing is an issue I don't think you'll need trail shoes. I run single track in Kinvaras and other light weight shoes.  If it's rocky gravel, maybe consider a more cushioned shoe, for crushed gravel/dirt, your normal running shoe should be fine.

i oce tried to stick with it ad stay motivated by putting a series of tacks on my couch. 

how many "n's" are missing?

Keep entering races. As long as you know you have races to perform in (and you care somewhat about your performance) then you'll have something to motivate you.