Any runners out there?

[james]

It's probably just a mid-life crisis, but I've started running. I got a pair a good running shoes, and I even bought the Nike+iPod and I'm logging my runs. Compared with other hobbies, running is pretty cheap. :-)

Are there any other runners out there?
James

[RTflorida]

Bad knees + bad back = recumbent bike.....but in my younger, healthier years I really enjoyed jogging through the neighborhood in the early morning hours. After a year with the bike it still doesn't seem natural to either read or watch tv while peddling...there is much to be said about getting in touch with nature. ENJOY your runs.

RT

[Jed]

Hey James,

Some where along in my early 40's, I started running. It was one of my best chapters along the way. It opened a door to a great group of people, and great fitness... Before I quit running (old body parts...) I had completed one marathon along with participating in several other running events. I was proud of completing each one, and loved the work and the process. I was always very slow, but had as much fun as anybody else who ever had played a game!

The best of it was spending time on 'training' runs with other runners; the running pre-selects the partners to folks that I was happy to spend time chatting - and running with. It was fun to set goals and participate in these running events.

For me the only down side to the running was just one more thing competing with the time spent with family, and that is always a balancing act...

And who cares if it is a mid-life crisis (a red convertible would be nice, but running has more lasting benefits!)... and no better way to express a mid-life event than with something like running... If I could still run, I certainly would. A great use of time and energy.

Good luck with the running, I hope it turns into a long term 'habit' for you!

JED

[james]

My sports therapy guy rides a bike, and keeps telling me that guys my age (himself and all his friends included) have given up running for bikes. So far, the knees and back are holding up, but I pulled a calf muscle that just won't go away. Ice, stretch, ice, Ibuprofin, etc.

I think one advantage of running over bikes is that you get tired faster. :-) You can bike for hours -- which would definitely get in the way of family time. Equally a drawback of golf.

Thanks for the encouragement. It sure beats a red sports car.
James

[david s]

I'm a dedicated runner (about 50 Km/wk) Do it as much for the mind as the body. Most starting runners get injuries in their first year running. The training you do this year pays dividends next year. You will be amazed at your improvement in performance. Try to get involved with a good club and do some competing, it does wonders for the motivation. Runners all seem to be nice people, free of bullshit.

[egalecki]

Originally Posted by james

I think one advantage of running over bikes is that you get tired faster. :-) You can bike for hours -- which would definitely get in the way of family time. Equally a drawback of golf.

Ha. Come over here to SW Va and try to bike for hours...

Seriously, my husband ran for years and now rides a bike. He says he doesn't want to risk his knees going.

[brokencookie]

Running ? Naw. I get health benefits from digging foundations, pouring concrete and building ovens

[mfiore]

Yep. I have a few marathons, and many more 1/2 marathons under my belt. I've tried switching gears to biking this summer for less joint impact. I still think I prefer running. I like the no hassle approach of putting on shoes and going.

[Karen]

I haven't run in a few years except a few miles every now and then just to see how it feels. I've made some of my very best friends through running. There's nothing like the bond you have with your running buddies. I've trained for several marathons and there's no way I would've done it without my friends. My husband and I met our best friends through running and that's who we're going to Italy with next month. They live in NC and we live in VA. My husband is the only one of us 4 that still puts in the miles. The husband of the other couple just had a knee replaced so sticks with biking and swimming now. It is tough on the knees but lots of things are tough on our bodies and we do them anyway. Things like mixing concrete with shovel and wheelbarrow for example. Enjoy the road (or better yet,trails) James.
Karen

[james]

Originally Posted by david s

... Most starting runners get injuries in their first year running. The training you do this year pays dividends next year. You will be amazed at your improvement in performance....

That's re-assuring. :-) Thanks.
James