runners | (no subject)

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I have a chronic health problem (at least one, anyway) and very variable energy. I miss running a whole lot, but it's hard to get started again. I know there's that "couch to 5k" thing, and I'm still considering it, but the jogging and walking just don't seem like much fun - though I guess the point is that it gets you up to being able to run a decent amount relatively simply and easily.

Does anyone have suggestions about how to run more or less regularly despite unreliable energy levels? Does anyone know of methods besides the "couch to 5k" thing, for easing oneself gently back into running? Recommendations of books and websites are appreciated.

Thanks in advance! :)

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I used to try to get back into running by going out and running for as long as I could, then feel defeated when I had to stop and walk. And then again when, after walking, I ran again and had to stop even sooner.

It was really hard for me to change to interval running this spring after a long winter break - to stop and walk when I was supposed to, to feel that it was ok to stop and walk. But, it got me in shape faster than ever, running was more pleasurable than ever, and much gentler on my knee than ever. Now, I'm a complete convert, and while I intellectually know what works for me doesn't work for everyone else, I really want to preach it :oD

What I've done, and what works for me, and what allows me to compensate if I have less or more energy on a given day, is short intervals on slowly increasing distances, e.g.:

1st run: run/walk x-number-of-K (whichever starting point is relevant for you, may be 1K if you haven't run in a long time) in 2/1 minute run/walk intervals.

2nd run: run/walk same-number-of-K in 4/1 minute run/walk intervals.

Repeat 1 and/or 2 as needed until you feel ready to run that same distance in one stretch.

Than add a K and start with 2/1, then 4/1 again.

As I'm getting to, for me, longer distances, say the 8K I'm currently working on, I also added a 7/1 interval run.

So, yeah, this way of progressing really works for me, because even on short distances, and even stopping to walk often, I can do especially the 2/1 intervals at fast running (for me! Not fast for someone like

ilanarama, whom I think disagrees with this methods for beginners, but I think she doesn't realize how slow my fast running is :oD !), so that I'm actually getting good exercise still.

And not feeling so defeated when I stop to walk (I'm not giving up, I'm supposed to stop and walk now!), and my knee not being so strained - it's very good (for me) :o)

It sounds like intervals are the way to go for me, at least at first. Thanks for telling me about how you do it, it seems very flexible which is what I need.

Two years ago, I transitioned from a relatively inactive lifestyle by following Runner's World 8-Week Program. I chose the program on a whim and without benefit of a running partner, coach, conditioning, etc. The program started slow, which was good for me (the novice), but as I moved toward the end of the program, I tweaked the times and distances to meet my own personal goals.

Prior to following the 8-week plan, I'd taken up running in my neighborhood at top speed without any previous training. I could run for 5 minutes at best before wanting to fall on the ground and die. I feel like the interval training not only helped me get in shape faster, but also helped me increase my endurance and manage my energy. From everything that I've read and heard, I think it's important to start slow and to be forgiving of your body. I know this is impossible advice to follow, however. I've been guilty of going waaaay beyond my endurance level and subsequently wanting to collapse into a shrub.

I'm sorry that you are suffering from a health problem that affects your energy levels. I know that must be extremely frustrating, especially when you're motivated to run. I hope you will keep us posted on your progress.

I'll take a look at the Runner's World thing, thanks for the suggestion. It seems that interval training is the way to do it.

I think posting here occasionally will help keep me motivated, so you'll be hearing from me :)

Do post about your progress :o) !

I don't know if this will work for you, but I've found that running with someone has helped me to keep at it regularly. If you can find someone at your level, or who is willing to pace him/herself to provide encouragement, I think that can be quite useful. Or if you can afford it, it might be worthwhile looking around for a good personal trainer.

Edited 2011-06-26 17:07 (UTC)

A personal trainer isn't an option, unfortunately. I do know I run better with someone, and I know I could post something to craigslist (none of my local friends are runners), but I dunno ... at least at the beginning, I want to be sure that I feel able to cut myself some slack when I need it, and I don't think I'll do that if I think I'll let someone else down. Someday, hopefully!

I agree with the advice for interval training. It's really helped me start and keep running.

I don't run with anyone else but I find the RunKeeper App invaluable for keeping me going. I have it on an iPhone but I think you can get it on Android as well. It's programmable so that you can set the intervals you wish to run and it will beep at you when it's time to go from a run to a walk (and vice versa). This means that you don't need to concentrate on where you've gotten to in the training - similar to if you were running with a friend.

Unfortunately, I don't have a smartphone and have no plans to get one in the foreseeable future.

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