The Official Gym & Fitness Thread

Static stretching prior to running is a big no no. Only dynamic stretching or a warm up.

I have used the eliptical to warm up before a run at the gym. 10-15 minutes if I’m going to do a speed session.
The majority of miles run during the week should be easy so starting off slow usually suffices as a warm up.

I will stretch and foam roll after.

What type of shoes are you running in?

If you don’t run but haul off and run two miles, especially if its fast or uneven ground like sand... you’ll be hurting after.
You way want to try running there and walking back or vice versa a few times.

 

If?

If?


I mean really... if?

 

Out of context lol. Should have said “though”

but I was just saying it was cool to watch em battle no matter what.

 

Then prepare to be in pain.


You can buy relatively cheap running shoes if you get 1-2 year old models.

But you can’t complain running hurts if you won’t make the effort to get shoes.

I just got a new pair of Saucony Guides for like $40

 

It's not my feet that hurt, it's usually my knees. They do not like running. And then calves/legs are tight after. Granted, the last time I actually tried to run I was more out of shape so who knows.

Ya I figured static stretching before is bad, haven't done that in years before anything.

I have a pair of Nike frees that I usually just wear to walk the dogs, and then I have a pair of Nike Excellerates. It's all sidewalk down to the beach though. I'd just exit the house, be on the major street that runs perpendicular to PCH and then back. Not gonna be running fast really, just a mild-ish jog to get the heart rate up and get the doggo a bit of exercise

 

Yes yes yes. I have one pair of shoes I run in and it makes it so nice. They’re torn right now so I can’t run and it sucks lol

 

Doesn’t matter. Improper shoes can cause pain anywhere.

When my shoes go bad I feel it in my knees the most then ankles.

Calves/shins tightening is typical if you aren’t used to running. Ease in and stretch and foam roll.

Ease in. Two miles is a lot when you are used to zero. I think thats where a lot of beginners get caught up hurt is they start running everyday and don’t realize it may not seem like a lot but its a lot compared to nothing.

Thats why I walk so much. I’m trying to ramp up my miles but I can’t go from 10 miles a week to 40. Even walking helps get your body prepped for more miles.

 

I need new shoes... god damn they’re expensive.

I like to have a light racing shoe for speed work, a mid stability shoe for mid distance, and a long run shoe and alternate those. When you run enough shoes take about 48 hours for the cushion to puff back up so alternating helps them last longer and you get better cushion between runs.

I need to check out online and clearance at the shoe stores this weekend.
Probably can buy a pair a month for 3 months LOL

 

Its funny how people can lift 100s of pounds but experience serious pain when running. hehehe

I start with a jog that is close to 4mph, and I sit at this pace until I sweat. Good days, this takes a half mile; bad days, it just becomes my run. If I don't sweat, I don't try to do more because I said I would. Once I have a sweat going I stop regulating my speed and I allow my body and mind to move at it's natural pace. The endorphins kick in, I kinda zone out a bit, and I just go for an hour. The key to running is the prep work, which mainly consists of hydration. Hard cardio stresses your entire body, not just your muscles. You cant slam some carbs real quick, take some creatine, and just force a set like many folks do for lifting. You have to be premeditated about your runs to have a good one, otherwise you will just hurt in all possible ways after 10min with no indication of feeling better.

My advice is to run slow with a short stride and faster cadence. And do this for a couple months before starting any serious training/sprint/time/distance schedule. And just do it for 30min without any specific distance in mind. Running is not like lifting in that you cant do the same routine as everyone else, just with less weight. Your body will need time to adjust to running, particularly if you haven't ran in a bit. I like to listen to books on tape or the JRE podcast. I know I am running at the right pace if I am "with it" enough that i can process what I am hearing.

Shoes help. I like a minimalist shoe. The more "support" and "control" technology in the shoe, the more you will get blisters by fighting all the shit strapped to your feet. Stay away from the latest gimmicky technology promising you something just shy of hover boots. Get something that is neutral, light weight, and designed for forefoot striking, and a minimal "drop". I run in the Saucony Freedoms.

You will drain all your carbs in a hurry running. I do recommend working on fat based metabolism if you plan on running for more than an hour.

Stretch often post run. Otherwise you will crackle and pop a lot. Hydrating after the run is as important as hydrating before the run too, and will keep you loose rather than tightening up like most folks complain about post-run.

 

Anyone in the fitness industry with the title "pro" before their name is on PEDs, period.

 

Yep.

 

I'm going to agree with @PackCon in that you want to take your time when starting, and you should be open to new shoes. Its not to say your current shoes aren't fine, but once you adjust your stride to a short forefoot strike instead of a hard and long heal strike, you will want to revisit the shoe situation. I have arthritis in my knees, not from running, and I run pain free with the right stride and shoes. My slow shuffling jog at the begging of my run is the same as @PackCon 's silly elliptical in that its movement to loosen you up and warm you up. Take your time, walk when needed.

In full disclosure, I run a lot barefoot. I wear the five-finger shoes for my short runs during the week, or when I take my dogs out for their daily 2miler, and I firmly believe that almost all running pain comes from a shitty running stride. I never really perfected my stride until I removed all comfort and the only way to fix the pain was to fix how I ran. Since then, my longest run is 112 miles. Your body is designed to run for a very long time, and unfortunately a lot of the shoes we buy are not designed to optimize that.

 

Have you ever read Born to Run?

 

Yeah. Some of it I agree with, some of it I dont. In general, everyone can run. In general a minimalist shoe and short forefoot strike is better for most people... but everyone will adjust as needed.

 

If you’re not putting scrambled eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard on your grilled cheeses, you’re doing it wrong.

 

Nice. I just ate 2lbs of bacon cause it was about to go bad and I had to cook it... Worth it

 

That is the most amazing feat Ive heard all day.

 

I’m firing the next realtor that doesn’t give me a blender bottle

 

Damn. Impressive.

Really wanted bacon on this sammich, but I didn’t have enough fat left for bacon and mayo.

I don’t buy blender bottles, ever. Too many free ones to be had.

 

I go to beer fests to take everyone’s free koozies LOL
I have probably 200