[Flasken]

Are you a runner?? If so, you've got something in common with me... Running 5 miles every second day or so feels great, and the adrenaline rush you get after having finished an extra long run is the greatest rush on earth.

What's your favourite part of running?? While I enjoy the running part in itself, the finish line is by far my favourite aspect, and the rush I get from relieving myself of the enormous pain of a long run is what keeps my motivitivation strong enough to complete my runs...

I've been wondering about something, namely what to think of when running to best block out the pain. Today I developed some annoying pains in my left foot when I was only half through my route, and I had a really hard time keeping focus off the foot, which resulted in further magnification of the pain. In a scenario like that, what are you're experiences?? Do you look straight ahead and focus 100% on your breath? Do you try to think happy thoughts? Or something completely different?

- Kristian

 

[markl]

Quote:

I've been wondering about something, namely what to think of when running to best block out the pain.

Beer?

But seriously, if you are experiencing pain when you run, be cautious, you don't want to injure yourself. Repeated stress on the same place can cause long-term damage even if you are able to grin and bear it while exercising.

Experiment with different running shoes if you have foot or ankle pain. Different feet different body types need different shoes. Finding the right shoe can be arduous process, then they discontinue it (curse you Nike!). I've been using the same Nike running shoe (Air Tailwind) in various models for the last 6 years or more, now I understand they are finally discontinued. Bummer.

Anyway, I don't think you are in the US as I recall, but a good source for info on how to selecta running shoe can be found at www.roadrunnersports.com. Good luck!

Mark

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

Stationary bike, or Recumbent cycle my friend. Save your joints!

 

[Whitebread]

I sprint. So much better than long distance. And yes stationary bike++. I want to keep my joints well into my 60s.

 

[andrzejpw]

Yeah, the rush you get after running really is quite good. About pain: whenever I get any sort of cramp, etc, I find the best thing to do is simply ignore it and keep on running. It passes in due time. When running, I sorta get into a "trance" at times, where I simply take deep breaths and look straight ahead, clearing my mind. I've found that the secret to running really well is only breathing through your nose. You lose less energy that way.

 

[tbdoah]

Cross Country runner here

.

 

[miroslav]

So very nice idea for a thread, Flasken!

I am an occasional runner with nothing too spectacular to report about my results, but I really love it. So much that I even found myself giving up from playing soccer with my mates lately (we have suffered an embaressing defeat on Saturday, btw). Last time I went running I actually set my own record by completing 13 laps at our local stadium in about an hour`s time. That`s exactly 5200 meters or 3,2 miles. Not bad at all for an amateur with couple of extra kilos, IMO.

I usually fall into crisis between 5th and 7th lap, feeling shorter breath and weakness in my legs, but I learned to overcome it by concentrating either on my breath or something interesting elsewhere on the track (usually a pretty girl - this works best) or I am trying to focus on a feel of how great it would be to break the record this time...I also tried with"playing" some music in my head while running, but I could never match the rhythm of any song with my pace, so it turned out very disturbing.

As for the pain - if you feel it, IMO, you should stop immediately. It means you`re pushing above your limits, which might develop into a real muscle or any other injury that will only prevent you from running in the next couple of weeks or so.

BTW, my running partner is an absolute maniac - his record is 25 laps made in about 90 minutes. He`s not after gaining distance any more, he`s now trying to shorten the time for specific mileages. But he`s almost 20 kg lighter then me so no wonder...

 

[Flasken]

Maybe I should try to relax a bit and stop pushing myself as hard as I do, but not doing my very best gives me even greater discomfort.. Maybe running will strengthen my ancle so that I won't experience the same amount of pain in the future... However, if it still hurts in a month's time I'll stop pushing myself so hard. Or maybe I should try to shorten my runs while increasing my speed?

Stationary bikes are BORING!! boring boring broing....
How can you get yourself to ride those things?

nice link markl, I'll be reading up regularly on that site in the future. BTW, I've just brought a brand new pair of shoes which I happen to like alot... I'm beginning to think that my ancle pains don't have anything to do with my footwear, because my Nike Spiridons are just so damn light and comfortable..

andrzejpw,
So you inhale AND exhale through your nose?? I've never tried that.. I ususally inhale with one big snort and then exhale with three blows through the mouth.

*snort* *blow,blow,blow*... - Sounds strange but is really comfortable, at least to me.

 

[pank2002]

I like running, but i prefer basketball over that. But hey, i prefer bball over anything. Unfotuanltly there's to long to the nearest/desent bball club, so right now im most into distance.
I like the last part, after the 5k most, cuz then I know im half done.

I try to run like everyother day, but sometimes im just to lazy. y'all proberly know that feeling, huh

So far i have been @ two 10k runs this month, and it took like 45-46 minuttes for both of them. i mostly need to improve my time.
We also hat Cuber test in school, where one have to run for 12 minuttes as far as possible, where i got 2800m. It was okay, but i need to get futher nxt time(though i was the one from my class who ran longes.... by 5m)

--> tbdoah
Cross's an awesome sport....

-->Flasken
The shop Runners Cornor in Viborg is a pretty damn good place to get new shoes. I'll be going nxt month when i get my payment.
'bout your pain; keep running, atleast till your done/home. It wount get better when you're muscle are cold. The pain is your frind, you can stop when you get old.