Hitting the street - running

So, i've noticed a few facebook status updates recently "gone for a run!"

Motivational bastards!

I love running, but on a treadmill, in a gym, at night, where no one can see me. I tried running on the street once upon a time and found focusing on NOT tripping up on the curb and trying to ignore the pathetic toots and yells from people driving past to be quite off putting!

This one is mainly for the girls but what motivates you to go for runs? How can you put up with people staring at your red face and wobbly butt?

I don't own an ipod so can't block out outside noise

I hate you all! But only cos im jealous

I've never had any toots or yells (from strangers, at least), probably because I'm a guy. Maybe you should try a cunning disguise?

I don't think I could stand running on a treadmill. Utilising the exercycle through winter was bad enough. I enjoy getting out and running along the footpath. I need to be going somewhere, enjoying the changing surroundings. And I also avoid listening to music. I do some of my best thinking when running.

i've had toots, yells and whistles.

kinda funny.

would never run with an ipod. i like being able to listen to my surroundings and to what i'm doing.

running on a treadmill is yawnworthy.

wish i could run right now...damned injury.

what did you do to yourself codpiece?

Haha liking the disguise idea.

I think the intial period of training on the road - getting into the routine, and getting to a stage where you find yourself daydreaming as you are running - can be really difficult if you've got no background in running and are unsure of what to expect or what progress you should be making.

Give it four to six weeks of road running and see how you feel.

Join a running club. You can talk to other runners in the same position, and you’ll feel much less self-conscious when out on the street than by yourself. There’s always people at your level so don’t think it’s just for mad racers. In fact that’s why most people join a club – safer and more fun than running alone.

Sadly, no one ever whistles at me, except in jest at my pale legs and shorts in the chill of winter (I REFUSE to wear tights. I have some dignity, you know).

hurt my it band (band along outside of thigh), knees and hamstring.

i've been fighting those injuries since feb.

Greenie - I see from the Dancefloor thread that you are training for a marathon. Have you joined a running club here in London?

I've just started running again in the past few weeks as my aim is to do the half in Bath in March. My first step is a 10km run in Finsbury Park in 2 weeks. I'm goin to die as my stamina is severely lacking but I digress....

The reason I ask is that it is getting dark and cold and I don't feel particulary safe and I think it will be hard keeping the motivation going in the winter months which is the reason I stopped running when I moved here. I'm wondering if joining a running club might help with this.

Yes I’m sure it would - I run with the Serpentine running club. They have an excellent club programme:

http://www.serpentine.org.uk/pages/training.html

The ones to look at are the Wednesday and Saturday runs – you get people of all abilities, from utter beginners through to the elites (I’m only somewhere in the middle!) so there’s always a few people at your level to run with.

I also do the Track sessions at Willesden sports centre on a Tuesday (it’s 5 mins walk from where I live, very handy!) – again lots of people of all abilities and it’s really helpful for building speed, well coached and loads of advice for beginners or elites.

If you want to come along with me, my marathon is the weekend after this so I’m not doing any sessions this week or next, but Wed 12th Nov I’ll be back if you’d like to join after work.

Thanks Greenie....that would be awesome to head along with you in Mid-Nov.

I live in Queens Park and am looking for a new flat, still NW, so Willesden is quite close which is handy.

Good luck for NYC and we can meet up soon and pound the pavements. I will be miles behind but it just means you can have my pint ready for me at the pub

I fucking hate running! Vowed long ago to never run unless I'm being chased!

It's so freaking bad on your ankles, knees and hips...running marathons? Expect fucked joints requiring replacements by mid forties, if not sooner, and arthritis to boot!

You're so much better of cycling...zero impact while being just as beneficial for your in terms of cardio, and better for your in terms of muscle building as you can alter the resistance through gear shifting. Low gears up hills for cardio, high gears of high resistance/muscle building.

Cycling doesn't even compare to running in terms of a cardio workout.

Yep, running is hard on the body but running 10km a couple of times a week shouldn't be a problem. Running marathons probably is

problem with cycling is that it takes up so much time to get properly fit.


running is VERY efficient timewise.

I agree. I run because it's a great workout in a short period of time. I just don't go overboard with the running.

cool, locked in...I'll PM u closer to the time.

I have been contemplating getting back into road running. My gym has no air con, and a million sweaty males. It smells.

My motivation was always a pretty shallow one - fatties don't look hot in mini skirts and shorts.

When I get into a routine I am focused. You just have to incorporate the running into your daily routine. If it is an after work run, make sure you have had a snack 1 or 2 hours before, lace up the shoes and off you go.

Wave to the idiots who toot and you, and just think about the fact that they are probably off to the pub to grow their guts.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Couch to 5km program

I smoke and am up to week 2, I'm using it as motivation to stop as well, is working good so far.

Greenie - how did your Marathon go? I hope you made it over the finish line