Getting back into walking/running and I have questions!

[wdwmagic]

H

Now that I have bored you all with my life story, here are the questions....
-What is everyone's preferred method of hydration? Handheld water bottles? Belts?
-I've been using the MapMyWalk app on my phone as my main tracker for mileage, pace, etc. I have no issues with it. Is there something better out there that I am missing?
-Anyone know a way to combat swelling in my hands short of walking with my hands in the air? :lol:

Welcome!

- If I'm doing 5 miles or less, I don't take any water on the run. I make sure to have a good sized drink of water about 20 mins before I start, and also make sure that I am generally well hydrated all the time. On longer runs, I will stop somewhere and get some water. I HATE carrying water on an actual run. The constant sloshing sound puts me off.

Have a look into a Garmin Forerunner watch - great tools.

Sweating is part of the territory - just run a bit faster so you are soaking wet everywhere, then you won't notice your hands being wet LOL

Good luck! and keep is updated on your progress!

 

[wdwmagic]

As a relatively new runner myself (less than two years), I started with the 10 week beginners training program from Runner's World online that alternated a minute on and a minute off and than slowly as the weeks went on, progressed until I was able to run 30 minutes without passing out.

Normally I walk for about 5-10 minutes to get my muscles warmed up and than stretch gently paying special attention the quads and calfs. Women seem to have weak quads.

Welcome to the running board! My wife might be the exception to that rule, she has stronger legs than me.

 

[fmingo36]

I absolutely agree with what Jill is saying here. I think the vast majority of people are not going to immediately love running, but as Jill says, you can love all the benefits that come with it over time. Good luck!

After four 1/2 marathon and 1 full marathon I still don't love running...but I LOVE disney and that's my motivation every time I lace up my sneakers.

 

[Witchy Chick]

Hi all!!! :wave:

My DH has been running more and more over the past couple of years (5Ks to W&D half (fall 2011) to his first full (last month)). He will be running the full in WDW during Marathon weekend 2013, and we also registered our kids (DD age 3.5, and DS age 2) for the kids’ races. No WAY am I letting the three of them get medals without me getting something also!!! So I’ve registered for the 5K!! :sohappy:

I have not really been 5K training per se, but our treadmill has an iFit training program that does some run/walk alternating. I had been doing pretty well on that, but circumstances have intervened the past couple weeks and I haven’t done any treadmilling in a while.

I hope to get back into it before the week is over, and go from there.


Witchy

 

[MKCP 1985]

It wasn't that long ago I trained to run my first 5K. I didn't have the benefit of the "couch to 5K" program that's so prevalent around the country. If one is offered where you live, it will be well worth the $40-50 investment. If not, do your treadmill workouts and you will get that 5K Disney medal in January! :king:

Prior to deciding to start running, I hadn't done one bit of running in 20 years. My training started in November by going to a gym and getting on an elliptical. From there, I progressed to a treadmill and then to doing some running/walking combinations in my neighborhood. By the following March, I had my first 5K under my belt.

Good luck!

 

[Tiggerish]

Welcome and congrats for beginning a workout program. It can take a LONG time to fall in love with running. When I first began and was where you are (learning to run even 1 mile without stopping), I sure as hell didn't do it because I loved it. I continued because I was motivated by a goal. And gradually that goal increased in mileage. And then it increased in speed. And eventually I realized I had the strength to accomplish things I never even imagined, and THAT's what I love. Do I love every moment of a hard run? No. Do I love being a runner? You bet. I love feeling fit. I love being able to eat more dessert than I should. I love being alone with my thoughts and my music. I love that I'm healthier and stronger now than I was 20+ years ago when I graduated from college. Don't expect to fall in love with running overnight. The absolute hardest part of being a runner is getting over the hump of those first few miles. You'll love it later if you stick with it.

Thanks sooo much for the encouragement, Jill!! It means a lot coming from you, since I've been following your exploits while lurking in the What Did You Do? thread. I do enjoy feeling fit; like you, I am in better shape now than I was 20 years ago--"healthier and stronger"--I love the way you phrased that, it's so true. :sohappy:

I absolutely agree with what Jill is saying here. I think the vast majority of people are not going to immediately love running, but as Jill says, you can love all the benefits that come with it over time. Good luck!

After four 1/2 marathon and 1 full marathon I still don't love running...but I LOVE disney and that's my motivation every time I lace up my sneakers.

Wow, I feel a whole lot better now, I really, really do. You people are wonderful. Sorry if that seems gushy, but I have absolutely no support from family on this, and I don't really know anyone who runs, so I may continue to use this thread to ask some stupid n00b questions.

 

[wdwmagic]

Hi all!!! :wave:

My DH has been running more and more over the past couple of years (5Ks to W&D half (fall 2011) to his first full (last month)). He will be running the full in WDW during Marathon weekend 2013, and we also registered our kids (DD age 3.5, and DS age 2) for the kids’ races. No WAY am I letting the three of them get medals without me getting something also!!! So I’ve registered for the 5K!! :sohappy:

I have not really been 5K training per se, but our treadmill has an iFit training program that does some run/walk alternating. I had been doing pretty well on that, but circumstances have intervened the past couple weeks and I haven’t done any treadmilling in a while.

I hope to get back into it before the week is over, and go from there.


Witchy

Hi - Welcome to the running board!! A family full of runners - that sounds like it will be a great weekend or you guys - and a whole lot of medals.

Keep us up to date on your training. Good luck!

 

[wdwmagic]

Wow, I feel a whole lot better now, I really, really do. You people are wonderful. Sorry if that seems gushy, but I have absolutely no support from family on this, and I don't really know anyone who runs, so I may continue to use this thread to ask some stupid n00b questions.

Fire away with those questions. There are lots of great runners on here who can help you with everything from a couch 2 5k, to running for 24 hours straight (LOL well maybe only one of the later)

 

[Tiggerish]

Hi all!!! :wave:

My DH has been running more and more over the past couple of years (5Ks to W&D half (fall 2011) to his first full (last month)). He will be running the full in WDW during Marathon weekend 2013, and we also registered our kids (DD age 3.5, and DS age 2) for the kids’ races. No WAY am I letting the three of them get medals without me getting something also!!! So I’ve registered for the 5K!! :sohappy:

I have not really been 5K training per se, but our treadmill has an iFit training program that does some run/walk alternating. I had been doing pretty well on that, but circumstances have intervened the past couple weeks and I haven’t done any treadmilling in a while.

I hope to get back into it before the week is over, and go from there.


Witchy

Hi, Witchy!! Welcome to WDWMagic!! :wave:

I really think I'm going to sign up for the Tower of Terror "Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run", now that I see that it gets a medal, too! :lol:

It wasn't that long ago I trained to run my first 5K. I didn't have the benefit of the "couch to 5K" program that's so prevalent around the country. If one is offered where you live, it will be well worth the $40-50 investment. If not, do your treadmill workouts and you will get that 5K Disney medal in January! :king:

Prior to deciding to start running, I hadn't done one bit of running in 20 years. My training started in November by going to a gym and getting on an elliptical. From there, I progressed to a treadmill and then to doing some running/walking combinations in my neighborhood. By the following March, I had my first 5K under my belt.

Good luck!

The C25K app I got for my phone is free! It's great because it keeps track of the time and tells me when to walk and when to jog, it makes it so much easier. I will admit that my favorite part is when the "trainer" says "Halfway There"!!

Although I feel I'm in pretty good shape thanks to my 4x weekly toning workouts (just workout DVDs at home with dumbbells, I've never been a gymgoer), I knew that I wasn't really doing enough cardio. I'm still trying to figure out how to pay any attention to how I'm breathing while running, as I'm still having to pour pretty much all my focus on staying upright and moving forward :lol:

 

[wdwmagic]

The C25K app I got for my phone is free! It's great because it keeps track of the time and tells me when to walk and when to jog, it makes it so much easier. I will admit that my favorite part is when the "trainer" says "Halfway There"!!

I'll second that app - my wife and I both used that, and it really did get us over that getting started hurdle.

 

[fmingo36]

Wow, I feel a whole lot better now, I really, really do. You people are wonderful. Sorry if that seems gushy, but I have absolutely no support from family on this, and I don't really know anyone who runs, so I may continue to use this thread to ask some stupid n00b questions.

There are no stupid questions.
Just remember we all at some point decided to take the first step in running ...and the training started at that point. We all have had questions and we've all had our good training days and our bad training days.
This is a great group of people on this forum. And we want to see everyone reach their goals whether it be running a 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, full marathon or 100 mile ultra (only Nick's crazy enough for that one! :lol

So good luck with your training and keep the questions coming when you have them!

 

[JillC LI]

Hi all!!! :wave:

My DH has been running more and more over the past couple of years (5Ks to W&D half (fall 2011) to his first full (last month)). He will be running the full in WDW during Marathon weekend 2013, and we also registered our kids (DD age 3.5, and DS age 2) for the kids’ races. No WAY am I letting the three of them get medals without me getting something also!!! So I’ve registered for the 5K!! :sohappy:

I have not really been 5K training per se, but our treadmill has an iFit training program that does some run/walk alternating. I had been doing pretty well on that, but circumstances have intervened the past couple weeks and I haven’t done any treadmilling in a while.

I hope to get back into it before the week is over, and go from there.

Witchy

Good for you! You have plenty of time to prepare to earn that medal. It'll be worth it!

Thanks sooo much for the encouragement, Jill!! It means a lot coming from you, since I've been following your exploits while lurking in the What Did You Do? thread. I do enjoy feeling fit; like you, I am in better shape now than I was 20 years ago--"healthier and stronger"--I love the way you phrased that, it's so true. :sohappy:

Wow, I feel a whole lot better now, I really, really do. You people are wonderful. Sorry if that seems gushy, but I have absolutely no support from family on this, and I don't really know anyone who runs, so I may continue to use this thread to ask some stupid n00b questions.

We are more than happy to provide tons of support and encouragement as most of us were once where you are now. Feel free to ask any questions you have - we all had them once too. And if (when) you stick with it, I think you will find that your family will come around as they notice how much running means to you. My hubby is definitely not a runner but he knows how important it is to me now and understands when I try to plan things around my longer weekend runs.

Fire away with those questions. There are lots of great runners on here who can help you with everything from a couch 2 5k, to running for 24 hours straight (LOL well maybe only one of the later)[/QUOTE]

LOL

 

[6laurac]

Welcome to the running board! My wife might be the exception to that rule, she has stronger legs than me.

Thanks! Maybe it's just me than that has the weak quads.... :wave:

The body-the real work in progress.

 

[Monorail Lime]

The C25K app I got for my phone is free! It's great because it keeps track of the time and tells me when to walk and when to jog, it makes it so much easier. I will admit that my favorite part is when the "trainer" says "Halfway There"!!

I had great success with the C25K podcasts by Robert Ullrey. In addition to prompting when to jog and walk, he also provides positive encouragement and energizing background music throughout the runs. It was like having my own private trainer!

http://www.c25k.com/podcasts.htm (free)

 

[Witchy Chick]

Hi - Welcome to the running board!! A family full of runners - that sounds like it will be a great weekend or you guys - and a whole lot of medals.

Keep us up to date on your training. Good luck!

Good for you! You have plenty of time to prepare to earn that medal. It'll be worth it!

Thanks so much!! Should be a fun trip Marathon Weekend 2013. First trip for our kiddos, plus both sets of grandparents are coming as well as my aunt/uncle. :dazzle:

I did manage to get on the treadmill tonight. Did my half-hour iFit training (alternating walking/running) and did OK considering I have not been treadmilling in 12 days.


Witchy

 

[Tiggerish]

The body-the real work in progress.

So true!!

I had great success with the C25K podcasts by Robert Ullrey. In addition to prompting when to jog and walk, he also provides positive encouragement and energizing background music throughout the runs. It was like having my own private trainer!

http://www.c25k.com/podcasts.htm (free)

I like the sound of that! I have no music in my phone, so I've been running to just the thoughts in my head (which is not a problem) and the prompts from the app. I've never listened to a podcast before, how do I download it into my iPhone?

 

[Tiggerish]

First Question!

I can do mornings on weekends, but during the week I'll be doing my running on the way home from work, and lunch just doesn't take me to the end of the day. I don't mind exercising on an empty stomach (that's how I do my morning toning workouts), but I can't run when I'm ravenous!

I need something I can snack on before I leave work that'll fuel my 30 minutes of walking/running. I bought some protein bars, but then I read on the interwebz that you shouldn't eat protein less than an hour or two before running because it takes too long to digest. Maybe they meant, "don't eat a steak", and a 190-cal protein bar is okay? Is fruit a better choice? What's a good portable, non-perishable snack?

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I have no idea what the pre-run recommended snacks are. I've read about things like "carb loading" the night before a running event and the morning of it seems that bagels or English muffins are popular. I always eat a banana with a second little something 1/2 hr to 45 minutes before going out. If its a morning run I'll have a cup of Greek yogurt with it. Evenings I may slop some peanut butter on the banana. Gots to have my banana. It's my thing.

Oh! About the breathing. I focus mostly on my breathing or I'll huff-n-puff until my insides feel like they're imploding. I start out breathing in for a count of 4 then back out for a count of four. It moves to a 3 count at some point. I generally don't get down to 2s unless it's riiiight at the very end. Counting is my key to survival. I try to inhale thru my nose as much as possible, too. Never lasts long but it's another way to keep controlling the breathing rather than letting it control me.


I've not been on the running boards in a while. I dunno, been getting back to the running but just feel kinda weird knowing how I'm on & off the pavement lacking consistency. I'm kinda proud this go around. I started the 'Ease into 5k" app in February with the mindset I would follow the schedule as far as I could until I hit a wall. Then I would repeat schedule days & work from there. I've been amazed at how I've adjusted along with the program. From about halfway thru I'd look at the next day with increasingly challenging intervals and think "Oh yeah, that's going to be the wall". But it never was. I'd finish the impossible and feel just fine with it. Craziness! So I'm currently down to the first day of the final week (wk 8, day 1) staring down a 28 minute run with 5 minutes warm-up/cool-down on either end. Do I still think "That's going to be the wall"? Yeah, it's the first thought that comes to mind. Do I believe that? Not really. 27 minutes 2 days ago felt impossible but I did it. This evening will be 28 minutes that I'll look back at with a lot of pride tomorrow. I'm proud to say this is the longest I've ever been able to run without stopping in my whole life. Seriously. Even when I was in high school I couldn't do this. In college I lifted weights and was a tight little muscle but I couldn't do this. 4 years ago when I dropped below my ideal weight & was working out like mad I couldn't have done this. Yet here I am poking along at my slow pace (11:30/mile average). I'm far from my ideal weight but, you know, at least I can say I'm running, I'm healthy, and it feels dang good on the inside.

Who knows, maybe someday I'll feel like I'm really a "runner". That's such a huge name/label to me. It's what I strive for. Maybe someday..

 

[Donald Duck]

Hello all. I am new to this part of the forum. I've been lurking for a while (and admiring all the hard work that goes on around here) and now I have questions. First, I should probably provide a little back story. I am 27 and I used to be a dancer and along with that a runner. I was never particularly fast but I could at least do it and not feel like I was going to die.

Fast forward 10ish years and a lot of weight here I am. I've had a few failed attempts at weight loss in the past but 9 weeks ago I rejoined Weight Watchers ( I am a repeat offender :lookaroun) and have lost nearly 20 pounds since then. I want to ramp up my efforts a bit and get back into running. I've started with walking (have to learn to walk before you can run, right? ) and so far so good. I have done a few 1.5 and 2.0 mile laps around the neighborhood and I am around a 18:00 pace. Obviously this isn't fantastic but not a terrible start considering 7 days ago I was walking 0 miles laps around the neighborhood at a 0:00 pace. :lol: I want to eventually get to the point where I can run (or at least get below a 16 min pace) so I can sign up for a runDisney event. I am trying to track down a few local 5k events as a short term goal.

Now that I have bored you all with my life story, here are the questions....
-What is everyone's preferred method of hydration? Handheld water bottles? Belts?
-I've been using the MapMyWalk app on my phone as my main tracker for mileage, pace, etc. I have no issues with it. Is there something better out there that I am missing?
-Anyone know a way to combat swelling in my hands short of walking with my hands in the air? :lol:

My experience won't help ya kid, I'm just saying welcome to the boards. Listen to Joel, Coryna (fmingo), Jill, and all of the other veterens, except me...listening to me will only get you hurt and you might end up lost on a trail with a broken leg... welcome!

 

[Donald Duck]

There are no stupid questions.
Just remember we all at some point decided to take the first step in running ...and the training started at that point. We all have had questions and we've all had our good training days and our bad training days.
This is a great group of people on this forum. And we want to see everyone reach their goals whether it be running a 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, full marathon or 100 mile ultra (only Nick's crazy enough for that one! :lol

So good luck with your training and keep the questions coming when you have them!

Thanks Coryna, I'll make sure she avoids the ultra sub culture :lookaroun