Any runners around the campfire?
I’m realizing that I’m about 40 lbs overweight and at 57 if I don’t do something to get in shape now it’s very unlikely to happen when I get older. So a few weeks ago I started running. Yesterday I g...
Forum Discussion
Wow, I resemble your remarks! I was getting to old and slow for hockey so turned to running and now at 68 I'm running half marathons.
For weight loss you will want to run in your "aerobic zone" and run longer distances. Pushing at 85% is great, once a week when used in interval training. Seriously, come up with a training program that will help you stay focused and give you more running health bang for your buck.
My wife and I both train together where we have a day for interval training, a day for our long run and put in what we call "junk miles" in the days inbetween. Note that running every day is not such a bright idea since the body requires rest between those workouts that tax the body. On our junk mile days we're running what is known as a recovery pace; slow enough and short enough distance that it gets the blood moving and allows the muscles to recover.
For such a simple sport there is a lot to it that doesn't meet the eye, or expectations. There are many books on the subject and I advise you pick up a few. They all coach the same things from varying points of view. Sadly, most authors are Olympic runners/coaches whose expectations and workouts are geared more for pro athletes - but the science still applies, just not the speeds/distance. Here are some book suggestions:
Plenty of running resources on the web. Check out Active.com and Runner's World.
We haven't even gotten into shoes yet! I'll have a lot to say when we get to that topic!
BTW, your sub 9 minute mile pace is pretty impressive and bodes well for your running future, especially if you decide to jump into a 5K or 10K race :B
For weight loss you will want to run in your "aerobic zone" and run longer distances. Pushing at 85% is great, once a week when used in interval training. Seriously, come up with a training program that will help you stay focused and give you more running health bang for your buck.
My wife and I both train together where we have a day for interval training, a day for our long run and put in what we call "junk miles" in the days inbetween. Note that running every day is not such a bright idea since the body requires rest between those workouts that tax the body. On our junk mile days we're running what is known as a recovery pace; slow enough and short enough distance that it gets the blood moving and allows the muscles to recover.
For such a simple sport there is a lot to it that doesn't meet the eye, or expectations. There are many books on the subject and I advise you pick up a few. They all coach the same things from varying points of view. Sadly, most authors are Olympic runners/coaches whose expectations and workouts are geared more for pro athletes - but the science still applies, just not the speeds/distance. Here are some book suggestions:
- 80/20 Running Stronger Training
- Heart Rate Training Paperback (easy read)
- Run Walk Run Method by Jeff Galloway
- The Ultimate Beginners Running Guide: The Key To Running Inspired
Plenty of running resources on the web. Check out Active.com and Runner's World.
We haven't even gotten into shoes yet! I'll have a lot to say when we get to that topic!
BTW, your sub 9 minute mile pace is pretty impressive and bodes well for your running future, especially if you decide to jump into a 5K or 10K race :B
