I actually have two questions:
1) How do you know if you're running "right"? I mean, I run fine, but maybe I have some kind of bad habits or form problems that I don't know I have. Is there a way to learn how to run properly?
2) How do I make running on a treadmill bearably interesting? I don't have an MP3 player. After about 20 minutes of running I get too tired to be able to read or find much diversion in cheesy women's fashion magazines. Watching the monkeys in the gym strut and pose and grunt around the weight area of the gym is only mildly diverting. Today after half an hour I started doing intervals, where I ran very fast for a minute and then went back to my normal pace for three. That helped pass the time, although it tuckered me out. How do people do this?
1. I don't know if you *can* tell if you are running correctly yourself... if you're really worried, try asking another runner (who knows what to look for) to watch you!
2. I hate...HATE... the dreadmill. My Mp3 player is the only thing that gets me through it... doing intervals also DOES help... but its still awful. I avoid it at all costs... which often means running in the freezing cold/snow/dark/whatever... but anything's better than the treadmill....
Happy running :)
Posted by: jdz | February 20, 2005 at 08:42 PM
I watch TV while running on the treadmill. In fact, at one point I decided to limit my TV watching to the times when I was on the treadmill. That had the good effect of simultaneously increasing my running time and decreasing my TV time.
Posted by: boo | February 20, 2005 at 08:57 PM
You're running right. Your body knows what it wants to do, and in my experience, trying to "fix" things creates more problems than it solves - usually messy biomechanical problems with joints and connective tissue. The more you run, the more efficient (note: there is no "right," only "more efficient" and "less efficient") you will become. There are drills you can do to improve your "running economy" (we really call it that) but they only become useful once you've gone as far as you can, form-wise, just by running. (I wrote about some of them a few months ago.)
As for the gerbil machine... with no distractions, I can barely last 20 minutes. Music, sometimes TV (the dreadmill at work has a TV/VCR in front of it, so I watch old taped track meets) or conversation with someone on the next 'mill is the only way I'd make it past 20. Even with music, I have a hard time doing as much as an hour.
The only real solution to treadmill running, in my opinion, is spring (or warmer winter running gear.)
Posted by: pjm | February 20, 2005 at 09:25 PM
1) Several books out there include POSE Method of running, but I haven't read it yet. If you aren't having any pain I wouldn't worry too much. Just always remember to stretch before, that will help you avoid many injuries.
2) Treadmill running is tough, our gym has individual TV/DVD/CD combos for each treadmill. It REALLY helps.
To set up a running plan and to track your progress, I recommend Daniel's Running Formula. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0880117354/qid=1108992549/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/002-0977321-9650437
Posted by: Nicole | February 21, 2005 at 08:30 AM
Sherry, I've used the Hal Higdon training guides successfully. He has them for various race distances -- including the half marathon. I used his marathon guide and ran a 3:15 Maine Marathon several years ago.
Look here: http://www.halhigdon.com/
Al Nye
Posted by: Al Nye | February 21, 2005 at 11:45 AM
MP3 player or TV for the treadmill, I'm not sure I'd last 10 minutes on that thing without either or both.
I'm not sure which parts of your running regimine about which you are concerned, but in terms of form, a great tidbit I learned way back when from my high school track days is that your hands obviously should not be clenched. Picture yourself holding a potato chip in each hand with your index finger and thumb - just barely tight enough to hold the chips, but not too hard that they will break. And as awkward as it feels, gotta keep those elbows in at your sides.
Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. Is this still the rule?
A year or so ago I was flipping through some running magazine had was informed that the "proper" way to run distances is to have each mile be faster than the last one. In other words, mile 1 = 10 minutes, mile 2 = 9 minutes, etc. Not sure why this was considered to be the "proper" way to run, but I try to do something similar on the treadmill. If I run for an hour, every 5 minutes I increase the speed so I end up in a dead sprint for the last 2 or 3 minutes. Helps pass the time on that boring machine, too.
Posted by: Rich | February 21, 2005 at 12:35 PM
You are running right if you are not getting injured. It really, really helps to buy your shoes from a store that puts you on a treadmill and analizes your gait-- until I did this I was constantly breaking down.
Part of the problem with the treadmill is that it is so dull it is very difficult to get a proper workout. If I am reading, I'm not going hard enough, and 45 minutes represents the very outside of my capacity. You braved the elements as a walker-- you can do it as a runner.
Actually, I have found, as a runner, that longer distances make it a little easier to get into condition, and this winter I have used that to pick my spots. I don't have to go every day if I go six or ten when I do go.
Posted by: Bill Altreuter | February 21, 2005 at 01:41 PM
When I was in high school I had a lot of great friends try to teach me how to run - because they said I ran like a white girl (and being the only white girl on the track team, I'm sure I did "look" like a white girl when I ran).
My friend gave me this simple trick. Run with two pennies in your hand (or imagine that you have pennies in between your thumb and middle finger), and concentrate on moving the pennies from your hipbone to your ear as you run. After you think about it for a while, you start to run like this anyway. It helps me get into a rhythm - but I hate treadmills - I run on trails in the woods - I like to run on trails because making sure I don't fall down is a great distraction and it keeps me from getting bored.
Posted by: Charlsie | February 21, 2005 at 03:14 PM
If you're not injuring yourself then you're probably running right. So long as you're not looking horribly awkward, or flailing... if you're running hard enough you'll get tired to the point that your body will discover the most efficient way.
Also if there are unique wear patterns on your shoes you might suppinate or pronate more than average.. in which case there are special shoes that help.
As for boredom, intervals are a great way to break that, but you also might try running outside more. Tracks are great for intervals, and I think there's something to be said for running harder but for less time. Shoot for maybe 45 minutes of actual running, unless you're training for something specific and then unique concerns take precedence.
Posted by: | February 21, 2005 at 06:16 PM
i've been running for a long time and i've got to agree with the others who say, basically, you are running right--and wearing the right shoes for you--if you are not getting injured.
as to the tedium of the treadmill, there is just no getting 'round it if all you do is run flat at the same pace. interval training is good, as is setting the treadmill to do hills. both of these are exhausting, but isn't the point of this exercise to get a good workout? at least you don't have to go as long if you set it for hills.
although i am a big runner outdoors (beach, hills, trails), i hate the treadmill only slightly less than the indoor bike. if your gym has it, go for the elliptical runner. it is softer on the knees, gives an overall better leg/butt workout, and it is a fantastic way to strengthen your cardio (plus it's easier to read on this machine than the treadmill).
Posted by: dgm | February 22, 2005 at 04:49 PM
Don't pay attention to the running magazines. They're generally just trying to sell you something.
;-)
Posted by: pjm | February 22, 2005 at 09:12 PM