First, I'd just like to say that this is a great site. The forums are inspiring and un-biased.

I'm 28, and trying my damnedest to get hooked on running. Its been a fleeting thought for a while...what can a tech geek do.

A few nights ago i went for a run for the first time in maybe 5 years. I ran what I felt was a good distance, and when I got back to my house I really felt like I could go much longer. I didnt time myself, or take a distance until the next day. Turned out to be 2.4 miles at about 9:30 minutes per mile.

I went again the next night (lastnight) 2.8 miles, 9:10/mile. I finished still thinking I could go much longer

Today I ache, but it feels more like my quads, and upper back between my shoulder blades just arent used to exercise.


I have a few questions about schedule, HRM, and diet.

What kind of schedule would be good for a starting runner? 2 on, 1 off, 2 on, etc?

Would it be beneficial to start out with a HRM to find out what my real target heart rate is, and see the changes over this ramp up time?

What kind of diet should I be looking at? (i drink a lot of coffee and eat a lot of sweets )


I am interested in distance/endurance. I would really like to see what I can do, and perhaps do the HTC next year. Thank you for any advice you could give

Congrats! I started running earlier this year and am now in love with it. It's weird, but one day you come back from your run and you just wish you could go out again. I often find myself looking forward to my next run.

There are a bunch of good books out there. No Need for Speed by John Bingham is a good one for beginners because he provides a lot of basic information and because his passion for the sport is infectious. Because everyone is different, I recommend taking a trip to Powell's and flipping through all the running books; find a couple that pique your interest as they'll likely help you make running a habit. Unless you have abs of steel and are already in great shape, avoid more advanced running books like ChiRunning. They're great books, but if you're just starting out, they're not going to be helpful for you.

By a nalgene bottle! It'll train you to drink more water. I love my coffee, too, so I have a nalgene bottle at work for water and after my second cup of coffee, I start drinking water. I have a goal of how much I should drink every day, and then I just count down the oz with the bottle. It's completely dorky, but a great way to make drinking water a habit.

Check out Portland Running Company, too. They can get you in a great pair of shoes and their staff is always super helpful.

Good luck and have fun!

Bwahahahaha! A newbie!!! ::rubs hands together::

First, welcome to the world of running. Don't be in a rush to "get hooked". It will just happen. There is going to be lots of great advise coming your way so sit back, try to absorb as much as you can and listen to the experts.

Congrats on taking the first step!!

Sharon

PS. I'm going to say this before Eric Lewis. "Get your AT (Anaerobic Threshhold) tested!"

How about joining Portland Fit next year. Come out and join a bunch of really great people who love to run and walk. You will make some great friends and wonderful memories and get fantastic training that will prepare you for HTC and the Portland Marathon.

I will let the experts fill you in on other things like diet, schedule, etc.

Good Luck and Congratulations

Kathi

Thank you all!

Sharon - So....where does one get their Anaerobic Threshhold tested? (now i'll go to wikipedia and check it out).

Lawgeek - After my first run, all i wanted to do was run again and again. Even today I'm soar, and stairs are not my friend, but I'm excited to get back out there again and run. Totally know how you feel there.
About how much water do you drink as a target?
I'll check out some books

Kathi - I want to see just how far I can go. I would love to be able to do a marathon, but we'll see

Thanks all again

Check out StessThenRest. HeartFit will do the testing here in Portland. I recommend getting tested now so you don't find out (like I did) that for 2 years you've been running and training anaerobically! You'll stay in the sport longer, you'll feel better and you'll lower your risk of injury.

Eric Lewis and JR are the resident HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) Evangelists. Check out their website and consider attending a seminar (see the site). I'm hosting one in September and still have a few spots open.

As far as diet, workout schedule, etc., that will depend a lot on what your current fitness level is and what your short term and long term goals are. It's good to be moving; just don't over do it. It's easy to get going the first few days/weeks of a program only to fizzle and begin to make excuses as to why you're not running. Once the newness wears off, it's just a matter of putting your shoes on and going. Dont think about it, just go!

Have fun and be safe!!

Catchy login, I must say!!

Newb, go all the way back to the General Forums and click into the Seminar Notes. You will find a wealth of information that is right up your alley, and you'll probably find it quicker too.

Glad to have you amongst us, but more so, glad to see your eagerness to do things correctly.

Doug

Newb,
Welcome. I'm 7 years into running and I'm still not hooked. Something that will come with experience and practice is some consistency and patience.

www.portlandmarathon.org find the training on you own schedule.
Click on the pre-marathon training program.
It's an on off build up to get your body ready for increased mileage.

Everyone is right about joining the group. I ran for 3 years on my own and didn't realize how miserable I was. I joined the group and it's amazing what a difference it makes. I'm not addicted to running but I'm addicted to the group of people.

They'll help you do things right and avoid so many mistakes.

We don't want to you run out and hurt yourself.

You're probably not ready for 14 miler but feel free to try to hook up with the groups to run part of a course with us.

Tuesdays are at Duniway Track and there are routes near there.

Plus we'd love to Haze you...I mean have you. Seeing new people get excited and achieve new goals every week helps keep me motivated.
Tony

Whoops, sorry Doug. Must have been unconcious plagarism, made me think of Run lola run



Thank you for all the responses. I'm keeping a runners journal, and i'll check back in a few days. I have some reading and running to do

3.85 miles lastnight though, and i feel great

Thanks
Aaron