Health, Good Practises, and Exercise

[iamnotme]

What kind of shoes have you been wearing? Do you log how many miles you have run in them?

Are you a heel striker, mid-foot, or forefoot runner?

I am definitely a heel striker unfortunately. I keep shoes for about 300 miles or so. I just got a pair that was professionally fitted at a running store but nothing has changed really. I haven't gone to the doctor's yet but if it doesn't go away over the winter while I won't be running a whole lot, I probably will.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I am definitely a heel striker unfortunately. I keep shoes for about 300 miles or so. I just got a pair that was professionally fitted at a running store but nothing has changed really. I haven't gone to the doctor's yet but if it doesn't go away over the winter while I won't be running a whole lot, I probably will.

I would definitely go to a sports medicine physician. And if possible, see one that deals with a lot of runners.

If you are running trails now, don't you find it more difficult to heal strike?

It might take some time but, I bet your feet would really thank you if you could transition to a mid foot strike.

If you can't tell, I really enjoy talking about running.

Here is some shoe porn. Got them in the mail today. They (Altra) are last year's model. They work well and got them for close to half off. I like to stock up on shoes when I see some on sale.

I call these zero drop shoes my clown shoes. They are really comfy, even though cushioning is moderate.

 

[iamnotme]

Yes I can tell you can talk about running and I don't mind because it had a huge impact on my life.
Ha... I have a pair of Altra Torin 2.0's as well. I will try to concentrate on the strike although I do running for both mental and physical well being so I tend to get lost in music or podcasts and just run.....

 

[Apple_Robert]

Yes I can tell you can talk about running and I'm don't mind because it had a huge impact on my life.
Ha... I have a pair of Altra Torin 2.0'as well. I will try to concentrate on the strike although I do running for both mental and physical well being so I tend to get lost in music or podcasts and just run.....

I haven't tried Altra Torin, yet. I have been looking around and have found some (2.0) on sale that I will try and get.

I run in the Altra Provision 2.0 during the week and plan on using the Altra Repetition and Altra Paradigm 2.0 for my Saturday long run. I just ordered the Paradigm from shoebuy and saved $32.00). Got them for $97.64 Will use them on the September 3rd run, as I plan on running 26.2 miles. Woohoo! Can't wait.

I hope you can find relief from your knee pain and can slowly ramp your mileage back up.

 

[iamnotme]

I haven't tried Altra Torin, yet. I have been looking around and have found some (2.0) on sale that I will try and get.

I run in the Altra Provision 2.0 during the week and plan on using the Altra Repetition and Altra Paradigm 2.0 for my Saturday long run. I just ordered the Paradigm from shoebuy and saved $32.00). Got them for $97.64 Will use them on the September 3rd run, as I plan on running 26.2 miles. Woohoo! Can't wait.

I hope you can find relief from your knee pain and can slowly ramp your mileage back up.

I can definitely not do a marathon. My cardio and muscles might do it one day but my knee would kill me half way into it. I also know that sitting at work with my legs crossed also don't help and neither does sitting in the couch with my laptop.

 

[Badagri]

Who is doing weights here? To be expected but sadly I'm putting weight on but not fat. My core/sides/back is getting thinner/tighter slowly but my arms/shoulders and back are showing muscle. Have measured myself and clothes are getting even baggier. Only got into weight training the past 6 weeks or so and have put on 9lbs. Currently 185lbs. Also doing lots of tough steep cycling daily sweating like no tomorrow.

I'm just wondering at what point my weight will drop again? I'd prefer having lots of muscle for 165lbs or so but not crazy muscle just healthy nice looking muscle for that weight, since my meals are protein but I don't have any big portions.

At this rate I'll be 190lbs in weeks to come. I don't want to end up a muscular 200lbs guy by Christmas.

 

[D.T.]

Who is doing weights here? To be expected but sadly I'm putting weight on but not fat. My core/sides/back is getting thinner/tighter slowly but my arms/shoulders and back are showing muscle. Have measured myself and clothes are getting even baggier. Only got into weight training the past 6 weeks or so and have put on 9lbs. Currently 185lbs. Also doing lots of tough steep cycling daily sweating like no tomorrow.

I'm just wondering at what point my weight will drop again? I'd prefer having lots of muscle for 165lbs or so but not crazy muscle just healthy nice looking muscle for that weight, since my meals are protein but I don't have any big portions.

At this rate I'll be 190lbs in weeks to come. I don't want to end up a muscular 200lbs guy by Christmas.

I'm not 100% clear on what you're saying, but realistically, it's very unlikely you've put on 9lbs of [lean] muscle mass in 6 weeks. In ideal conditions you might see ~2lbs/month.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Who is doing weights here? To be expected but sadly I'm putting weight on but not fat. My core/sides/back is getting thinner/tighter slowly but my arms/shoulders and back are showing muscle. Have measured myself and clothes are getting even baggier. Only got into weight training the past 6 weeks or so and have put on 9lbs. Currently 185lbs. Also doing lots of tough steep cycling daily sweating like no tomorrow.

I'm just wondering at what point my weight will drop again? I'd prefer having lots of muscle for 165lbs or so but not crazy muscle just healthy nice looking muscle for that weight, since my meals are protein but I don't have any big portions.

At this rate I'll be 190lbs in weeks to come. I don't want to end up a muscular 200lbs guy by Christmas.

Do you know exactly how many calories you are consuming a day, and how many calories burned you are achieving with your exercising?

How often are you working out and what kind of weightlifting are you doing?

Our weight is not static. It changes throughout the day (for a variety of reasons). One of the reasons our weight can fluctuate is due to exercise. Depending on the type and length of exercise, the body will often retain fluids due to the muscles being in temporary shock. This fluid retention can last 1 to several days.

I agree with D.T. Unless you have forgotten to mention a pertinent piece of information in your post, you haven't been gaining that kind of weight in that short a time frame.

As for me, I got in 13 miles of running yesterday and 7 today (even though I had planned 13). With the high humidity and the fact that it had only been 15 hours between back to back 13 mile runs on Monday and Tuesday, I decided to have an easier day and get in a longer run first thing in the morning. With it being a cutback week, I have to keep reminding myself, that it is ok to have a shorter day run. I plan on ending up with around 61 miles or so for the week and ramp back up next week. If I had the time, I would try having several days during the week where I run twice a day. I am not sure I can manage that right now. Can make it harder at times to get up to the running mileage needed, when you are only running once a day.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Yesterday I had a 13 mile run planned after work. By the time I started my run, it is in the 80s with high humidity. I have run in such before so, I wasn't concerned. After 2 miles, I got a bad side-stitch (which is really rare for me) on the right side of my chest just below the ribcage. I walk for about 2 minutes or so and it eases up and I get back to running. Not long after I start running again, the side-stitch is back in all its painful glory. I hadn't eaten since 2am (early breakfast) so I knew it wasn't food digestion related and I was definitely hydrated. I don't know what caused it but, I decided to call it quits after 3 miles.

Today I am able to get my run started just before 6 am (temp is 70 with high humidity). Since yesterday's run didn't go well, I decided to make up as much as I could mileage wise with today's run. The run went so much better. No side-stitch problems and my pacing was pretty consistent. I was able to get in 26.3 miles with 18 of the 26 done in heart rate zone 2, which I am really pleased with. I really enjoyed the run today. I wore a new pair of Altra Paradigm 2.0 First time I have ever tried them. My feet really appreciated the extra stack height during the long run. I had 2 ladies comment on my ability to run a long time without having to stop.

This past Saturday I had just gotten done with my long run (15 miles as it was a cutback week) and was doing my post run walking when a lady came up behind me and let me know, that I inspire her with my running. It made my day to know that my exercising is inspiring someone else to try and do more. I let her know that I appreciated that she took the time to share such a warm and personal message (read: moment) with me.

I shared the aforementioned stories to let those reading the thread know, that you can, and do make a difference in other people's lives, even if it may never be expressed to you.

When you feel discouraged with your exercising, feel burned out etc., know that you aren't as alone as you might think. There are people watching you, and looking to you for inspiration to keep going.

The next time you are out and about exercising, greet the person passing you with a friendly hello, way to go, or a thumbs up. It makes a difference to people.

 

[JamesMike]

I have met so many interesting people in my running.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Finished the month of August with 284.5 miles run. I am pretty pleased with that total. Hoping to up my mileage to 320 this month, which won't be easy with the new work schedule.

Got in 13 miles today.

 

[JamesMike]

Got back home today and will be able get on the road tomorrow, was tired of the treadmill.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Got back home today and will be able get on the road tomorrow, was tired of the treadmill.

I use the treadmill as a last resort (re: very bad weather). Like you, I prefer the open road / trail.

Do you have any upcoming ultra races?

 

[JamesMike]

I have not raced in a number of years because I went to Africa for about 10 years, racing was not possible nor jogging in the countries I was in, too dangerous. When got back to the states started jogging again.

 

[Badagri]

Do you know exactly how many calories you are consuming a day, and how many calories burned you are achieving with your exercising?

I've got this under control now. Since that post I have lost 7lbs. I had it narrowed down to the sausages and peanut butter. I had been going through it all examining each part for my day. Loved my sausages but replaced it with good wholesome chicken.

How often are you working out and what kind of weightlifting are you doing?

Mostly everyday giving two days off for weights. Dumbbell, barbell and fly/leg curl exercises. Using an app for it. In between rowing and cycling. I always do an hour on the weights. 45 minutes of rowing if my arms feel up to it and always an hour of cycling.

I do love how my chest is feeling tighter.

Our weight is not static. It changes throughout the day (for a variety of reasons). One of the reasons our weight can fluctuate is due to exercise. Depending on the type and length of exercise, the body will often retain fluids due to the muscles being in temporary shock. This fluid retention can last 1 to several days.

Yes, obviously though I'm weighing myself once a week.

I agree with D.T. Unless you have forgotten to mention a pertinent piece of information in your post, you haven't been gaining that kind of weight in that short a time frame.

True but I have put a good bit of muscle on my arms though compared to what I had 3 months ago which was very little.

 

[Huntn]

I'm back up to 60 laps, 3 times a week!

Finished the month of August with 284.5 miles run. I am pretty pleased with that total. Hoping to up my mileage to 320 this month, which won't be easy with the new work schedule.

Got in 13 miles today.

Exercise is wonderful, however... How old are you and maybe you all ready said it and I'm repeating myself, (but I did not go back and check) how far and how often do you run? Don't set yourself up for early knee replacements.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I'm back up to 60 laps, 3 times a week!



Exercise is wonderful, however... How old are you and maybe you all ready said it and I'm repeating myself, (but I did not go back and check) how far and how often do you run? Don't set yourself up for early knee replacements.

I am a young 51. At the moment, I am running 5 days a week. In the next two weeks, I plan on adding another running day. During the week, I try to get 13 - 15 miles in each run day. Saturday is my long run day and I like to get in at least 23 miles. Today I did 31.5 miles.

Congrats on your swimming. That is great progress, not to mention a long distance to swim.

In regards to knee problems, there is no peer reviewed evidence (at this point) that shows running a lot produces knee problems (re: arthritis etc). At the same time, if one has a family history of problems in this area, does not wear the proper shoes, does not practice good running form, and rest properly between runs, physical problems can most assuredly develop.
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I've got this under control now. Since that post I have lost 7lbs. I had it narrowed down to the sausages and peanut butter. I had been going through it all examining each part for my day. Loved my sausages but replaced it with good wholesome chicken.



Mostly everyday giving two days off for weights. Dumbbell, barbell and fly/leg curl exercises. Using an app for it. In between rowing and cycling. I always do an hour on the weights. 45 minutes of rowing if my arms feel up to it and always an hour of cycling.

I do love how my chest is feeling tighter.



Yes, obviously though I'm weighing myself once a week.



True but I have put a good bit of muscle on my arms though compared to what I had 3 months ago which was very little.

Glad to read that you got your mystery solved and are on the right track.

 

[Huntn]

I am a young 51. At the moment, I am running 5 days a week. In the next two weeks, I plan on adding another running day. During the week, I try to get 13 - 15 miles in each run day. Saturday is my long run day and I like to get in at least 23 miles. Today I did 31.5 miles.

Congrats on your swimming. That is great progress, not to mention a long distance to swim.

In regards to knee problems, there is no peer reviewed evidence (at this point) that shows running a lot produces knee problems (re: arthritis etc). At the same time, if one has a family history of problems in this area, does not wear the proper shoes, does not practice good running form, and rest properly between runs, physical problems can most assuredly develop.
[doublepost=1473531823][/doublepost]
Glad to read that you got your mystery solved and are on the right track.

I know of guys in the Navy for whatever reason, wore their knees out by overdoing it. An observation, not an accusation. As I recall, they were running 10 miles or more per day.

 

[0388631]

Overdoing it would do it. Wear is dependent on general health, diet, shoes, stride length, weight, and most importantly: the surface in which you're running on. Trail running on soft-ish dirt won't give you problems. Neither will grass. Pavement will be tougher on your joints as there's no give in the medium to absorb the force your legs exert.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I know of guys in the Navy for whatever reason, wore their knees out by overdoing it. An observation, not an accusation. As I recall, they were running 10 miles or more per day.

I am doing my best to be mindful not to get any overuse injuries. I will be really disappointed if something happens and I can't run anymore.

Some days, running 13 - 15 miles a session 4 days a week does start to wear on me a little mentally. I think to myself, 'I am running a heck of a lot of miles compared to most folks I see.

I was out running just before 5am this morning and outlasted the morning run crowd. It sure would be nice to have a running partner sometimes.
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Overdoing it would do it. Wear is dependent on general health, diet, shoes, stride length, weight, and most importantly: the surface in which you're running on. Trail running on soft-ish dirt won't give you problems. Neither will grass. Pavement will be tougher on your joints as there's no give in the medium to absorb the force your legs exert.

On general health and diet I am good (as far as I know). As to stride length, being an ultra runner, I have a short stride (with a mid foot strike) compared to a lot of road runners who have longer strides and heal strike. As to weight, I am good there as well being 5'6 and 125 - 127. As to running substrate, I like to mix it up between trails, asphalt, and hill repeats on grass.

 

[Badagri]

Glad to read that you got your mystery solved and are on the right track.

What I did find odd measuring my body that I could not find out where I put the weight on as my clothes keep becoming more slack. Also bizarre how I feel no different clothes wise from those two weeks.

Though I did take it further and bought new scales to get more readings what is going on.

Body Weight 179.0lbs other scales were .2 out. 2nd target is 168lbs.
Body Water 61.6%
Body Fat 15.8%
BMI 26.5
BMR(KCAL) 2178.0kcal
Muscle Mass 126.2lbs
Bone Mass 6.0lbs
Visceral Fat 11

I need to get my visceral fat down to 9 or below. I'm in the slightly high 10 - 14 bracket.

I really want to get my body fat down to 10 or 11% but really want very little fat and show some nice muscle all over but not big. I have quite a way to go though. I have about half an inch on the sides of my chest from pinch but about 2 inches on my stomach lower which looks deflated. The sides are really coming in. Hopefully I'll see big improvements by December. The weight exercises are so addictive. An hour a day goes past so quickly.

 

[JamesMike]

Having run since the age of 13, now 66, I have learned from watching many runners, it is what your Mom and Dad's genetics give you and how you build on them.

 

[Huntn]

I'm back up to 60 laps, 3 times a week!



Exercise is wonderful, however... How old are you and maybe you all ready said it and I'm repeating myself, (but I did not go back and check) how far and how often do you run? Don't set yourself up for early knee replacements.

Ok, back down to 50 laps, shoulder bothering me today. I may be bumping up against my limit for regular exercise in a 25 meter pool.

 

[mgguy]

Ok, back down to 50 laps, shoulder bothering me today. I may be bumping up against my limit for regular exercise in a 25 meter pool.

Shoulder problems can occur when you don't have enough body rotation in your freestyle strokes. A good discussion of proper rotation is discussed in this link:

http://swimsmooth.com/rotation.html

 

[xthine]

Congrats.

I recommend trail running on a regular basis. It is an excellent workout, especially for your core. It will help with balance, as well as strengthening muscles not actively used (or used in a different manner) versus road running or standard hiking. It would also be a good idea to do hill repeats once a week, along with body squats and deadlifts.

Did the hill repeats and trail running on the weekends and it's made such a huge difference in my performace. Summited my 2nd 14er this summer. Felt stronger and more coordinated. Plan to continue trail running on the weekends, lets me cover more ground in a shorter period of time vs. hiking. Thanks for the advice