Moving rapidly on foot. Questions are about proper running form, race preparation, measuring the benefits and avoiding the pitfalls of running.
45
votes
9answers
2k views
Experiences with 'barefoot' running
I have heard a lot about the 'barefoot' running idea that has seemed to gain a lot of popularity with the book "Born to Run". The main idea is that the human foot has evolved to be very effective at ...
42
votes
10answers
2k views
Is there any benefit of “real” running outdoors vs running on a treadmill in gym?
I'm a lazy person, so running while staying in the same place appeals to me.
Are there any benefits to running outside worth considering, besides aesthetics and feeling the wind in your hair?
38
votes
6answers
6k views
Is running while overweight bad for your knees?
This one has been bothering me for quite a while.
I've heard different opinions on this, ranging from
There is absolutelty nothing to worry
about, running is great for you!
to
You ...
34
votes
4answers
4k views
What should I look for in a running shoe?
I like to run outside and therefore need shoes to run. However, there's a massive market for running shoes and I get lost in all of the options. What are some guidelines in selecting a good shoe for ...
32
votes
12answers
5k views
What are the downsides of minimalist running shoes?
Over the past few years, barefoot (or close to it) running has become extremely popular. New Balance, Nike, Saucony, and I'm sure more have come out with minimal shoes, not to mention the Vibram Five ...
30
votes
8answers
2k views
How Do I Prepare For Running In Very Cold Wind, Rain, or Snow?
I'm going to be traveling to Chicago, IL in early December and I'm training for a marathon. What kind of preparation and equipment do I need to continue training while I am there? I have run several ...
30
votes
3answers
15k views
Why does running make you have to poop?
So I've always wondered what about running makes you have to go to the bathroom? Why is it that it seems to accelerate the downward progress of any ... you know ... Or maybe I'm the only one this ...
28
votes
9answers
1k views
What can I use to monitor my running workout?
After a period of inactivity I recently started running again and want know what gadgets or tools I use to monitor my workout.
Some requirements:
It should offer workout programs (based on my level ...
26
votes
8answers
947 views
What is a “Runners High”?
There have been a few times in my life, where I believe I have experienced the phenomenon called "Runners High", or the euphoric state during a run where you feel like you can keep running for ...
23
votes
5answers
5k views
How to run without damaging your feet, knees or hips.
I want to start running. However I am afraid of damaging my feet, knees or hips by running on a regular basis. So what are the most important things to have in mind to avoid any dangers for my joints ...
18
votes
6answers
1k views
Why do distance running training programs tell you to do long runs so slowly?
I'm trying to improve my times in the half marathon and the marathon, so I've been reading a lot of training plans for races at those distances. One thing I've noticed is that most of these programs ...
17
votes
7answers
8k views
Lungs on Fire When Running
I've been overweight most of my life and recently I've been slimming down (lost > 50 lbs so far, shooting for 35-40 more) and I'm wanting to start running. I have no problems walking for miles and ...
17
votes
10answers
2k views
Running with a backpack
I carpool to work in the mornings but I run home after work. I have tried running with a regular backpack and that didnt work. It bounced up and down too much and wore out my shoulders. I am now ...
16
votes
4answers
5k views
How long should you avoid eating before running a 5K?
If the race is early in the morning, is it unwise to skip breakfast beforehand? How long should you avoid eating before running a 5K?
I normally finish in twenty-one minutes, and the race is at ...
16
votes
10answers
776 views
When is it time to buy new running shoes
How do I know that it's time to buy running shoes before they start looking like this?
16
votes
2answers
2k views
Improve breathing and increase lung capacity
Whenever jogging for long distances after some time I feel my breathing is quite laboured. The only solution is to slow down my pace for a while before proceeding. I have checked with my GP and I ...
15
votes
5answers
3k views
Tips for breaking the 18 minute barrier for 5km - I'm stuck!
I'm struggling to break the 18 minute - 5km barrier. The weekly Tuesday race I enter finishes in a few weeks for the season, and I really want to crack it this season.
My training runs are all ...
15
votes
2answers
255 views
Refuelling during a run?
I've reached a point where my training runs are long enough (2 - 3 hours) and far enough (15+ miles) that I need to take on board some additional energy in the form of gels and/or sports drinks in ...
14
votes
6answers
402 views
Best warm up for running
Trying to figure out the best warmup routine for running. I see a few articles that say you shouldn't do any stretching before warming up given cold muscles. This article for example, just states ...
14
votes
5answers
318 views
How to comfortably carry equipment when running?
I am a distance runner, and sometimes go running on trails where there aren't likely to be many people. Since I have type-1 diabetes, I must carry a blood glucose tester and a source of quick sugar ...
14
votes
4answers
1k views
Should you run with a cold?
I am six weeks away form my first marathon and the last two and half weeks of training have been badly affected as i have been suffering with a bad winter cold.
I am still coughing fairly regularly ...
14
votes
4answers
649 views
How can I improve my running form?
I know my form isn't terrible, but it certainly isn't perfect either. How do you work on improving it? Are there certain exercises that will strengthen the right muscles and force better form? Do you ...
13
votes
3answers
693 views
Should I eat before my run?
I have heard conflicting advice about whether to eat before running.
Some have advised that it's better to do the cardio in a fasted state. This usually involves running in the morning without ...
13
votes
3answers
764 views
Why is it so hard to restart running if you stop?
When I run, after I have run enough to feel tired, if I stop, for even a bit, it becomes incredibly painful to restart. The pain is muscle pain, in all the muscles that I use to run.
I am often able ...
12
votes
3answers
337 views
Is there a rule of thumb for setting running goals?
I'm pretty new to running and can only run for 2-3 minutes at a time. Is there any rule of thumb I should know of for setting goals? For example, each week run two minutes more or something like that? ...
12
votes
3answers
2k views
What heart rate can a beginner runner expect?
I've started running a couple of months ago. I'm 27, average height and normal weight. However it seems that no matter how slowly I run, my heart rate quickly climbs into the Max Effort zone of ...
12
votes
4answers
525 views
What causes side stitches?
From time to time during aerobic workouts such as running or heavy cycling, I get side stitches that force me to slow down my effort.
What causes side stitches?
I know that reducing your effort ...
12
votes
4answers
4k views
What are the best ways to deal with headphone cords while exercising?
I'm looking to buy a new set of headphones; I don't care much about audio quality, so I use the same pair of headphones for running and normal use, and prefer the kind of earbuds that slip over the ...
11
votes
6answers
2k views
What are the pros and cons of running versus walking?
I enjoy going for long -- I mean, ten mile -- walks. Part of this is because I was training for the Susan B. Komen 3-Day Walk about a year ago, and I got into the habit of taking very long walks ...
11
votes
3answers
294 views
What are the best ways for a beginner to ease into running?
I have never been able to run even a quarter of a mile straight. Even now, at 23 years old, I have to stop and catch my breath. I'd like to take up running. What are the best ways to ease into it?
11
votes
4answers
745 views
Reduce sweat rate?
Does anyone know how to reduce one's sweat rate? Currently I lose about 3lbs of sweat an hour when I run, even on mild days where the temp. is around 60-70 degrees. As I'm training for ultras, I'd ...
11
votes
1answer
12k views
Should I run before or after the workout
I've been going to some different gyms in the past few years and at every new place I would ask for a new training plan. One radical difference I observed was that some suggested me to run on the ...
11
votes
2answers
2k views
What is the proper way to run?
What is the proper form for running? I find that whenever I run, even for a short distance, I end up hurting my legs. Sometimes my shins hurt, but most of the time after a little running the bottom of ...
11
votes
2answers
820 views
Can I get sugar and electrolytes from natural sources, as opposed to goo, during a race?
I'm a long distance runner thats not really a fan of all the goo type products.
I'm curious if there are any natural sources of concentrated sugars with the right balance of electrolytes for long ...
11
votes
1answer
2k views
What kind of exercises can I do to strengthen my ankle?
I've been running for about 5 years now and almost every year I get problems on the medial side of my shins. If I keep running, eventually the soft tissue even swells up enough to be palpable and ...
11
votes
5answers
8k views
Is it bad that my feet turn outward when I run?
I recently started going to a personal trainer and he noticed that my feet turn out to the sides when I run. He said that I should try to correct this, but I'm not sure how to do it. Is it bad that I ...
11
votes
3answers
5k views
How can I train to run a sub-45 minute 10k?
I have joined a charity race in 1 and a half month's time. (I have 7 weeks before the race)
My PB for 10k is 48:45.
I have been running on and off since then but I can still run a 26 min 5k if I ...
11
votes
3answers
488 views
Dumbbell weight training for distance running
What weight training exercises can I do with dumbbells that will benefit me most for running 5-10ks? Are stomach crunches/sit ups worth doing too?
10
votes
2answers
126 views
What are the main types of running shoes and which should I select?
I have heard there are really three main classes of running shoe types:
Neutral
Motion Control
Stability
How would I decide which kind I should purchase?
10
votes
3answers
233 views
What precautions to take when running in wintertime?
What are the precautions one should take when running in wintertime (-2 to -10 Celsius, 28 to 14 F)? I want to know in terms of clothing: what is the most appropriate? Should I end a run close to home ...
10
votes
1answer
519 views
Why do my legs begin to itch during my running warm up?
For as long as I can remember, my legs will start to itch when I begin jogging. Sometimes the itching is unbearable and I have to stop. I noticed that it doesn't happen during sprinting / high ...
10
votes
2answers
211 views
Will squats/running/etc cause knee injury when we age?
I had been told that doing exercise like squats, running, jumping, etc will cause knee injury when we age.
As we do those exercise we are rubbing the soft bone together and as time passes the soft ...
10
votes
4answers
356 views
Is running barefoot on pavement beneficial or detrimental to flat feet?
I have been told by the doctor that barefoot walking is good as long as it is on a rugged surface (grass, gravel, sand, ...) but I should not walk barefoot on a pavement or home.
Simultaneously, ...
10
votes
3answers
969 views
How To: Avoid damaging my knee when training for and running a marathon
I am shortly to begin training to run in my first marathon.
Speaking with several other people regarding their similar experiences I am now quite concerned that I could end up doing some permanent ...
10
votes
1answer
2k views
My knee is clicking when I do squats - should I worry?
I remember that I have always, even back in primary school, avoided anything similar to squats as my knees would do an audible 'click' every time I got low enough. It's not painful, or even ...
9
votes
6answers
2k views
Alternatives to Vibram Five Fingers
I'd like to wear VFFs for running, but unfortunately I have odd shaped/length toes and feet that make these almost impossible to wear. Are there any reasonably priced alternatives that I could look ...
9
votes
8answers
6k views
Exercises to improve speed and running ability
My eight-year old daughter is playing soccer. She's not terrible but she is just slow compared to all the other girls. Any ideas on exercises or drills that can help her run faster? Never been much ...
9
votes
11answers
44k views
What is the best Vibram Five Fingers shoes for running long distances?
I've got the Vibram KSO currently and it works great, especially for trail running. However, running on cement starts to hurt after a while.
I'm thinking of getting a different kind, but there are ...
9
votes
3answers
3k views
How can I strengthen my lower back
I was diagnosed for "Muscle Spasm" a while ago for my lower back pain. The pain went away for about a year and then came back again. I had a blood test taken and found out that I am deficient in ...
9
votes
3answers
360 views
Running first thing in the morning
I am currently training for a marathon. Due to a change in my schedule starting Dec 1, mornings will be the only time I can run. I heard that it takes about an hour for the body to absorb water, so ...
