horatio said:

Yeah, really. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I realized what a great ab workout jumping rope is. All you have to do is remember to stretch your calves; otherwise, just jump!

I have noticed there are a couple ways to jump. Boxers seem to "step" their feet, alternating them each jump, but I do the old two-feet-jump-together style, and I think that's the best way to hit the abs.

CarrieMpls said:

I suppose I could jump rope in my alley.

CarrieMpls said:

Yes or one of those high school tracks. I know tracks are boring though. Take care of your knees.

CarrieMpls said:

LOL, if you ran outside in Minneapolis now, wouldn't you freeze in place about 10 yards from where you started?

CarrieMpls said:

If you try, I'd be interested to know if you thought is was a beneficial ab workout.

I wish I had the slightest desire to run.

If there isn't something I want on SALE or some food at the other end, it just feels pointless.

RodeoSchro said:

They actually address the differences of running in warm or cold weather in the class.
Believe me, the paths around our lakes in Minneapolis are often plowed of snow before our streets are (I've seen it!). There are nuts who run the paths right now in well below freezing temperatures. When I checked the roster, there is a class going on right now that started in January.

I will likely be running in snow when I start in March, though it will be quite a bit warmer then.

Hey, I have other running stuff. I forgot to mention that my 12-year-old daughter is on the junior high cross country team. It's really cool!

It turns out that everyone on the team gets to run in every race, and the five-highest finishers from each school count in the point totals. That's SO much better than, say, basketball, where only a few get to play. I can tell you from personal experience that it's a bummer taking an afternoon off just to watch your child sit on the bench for an hour and a half!

Anyway, the cross country deal is awesome. My daughter started the year as the slowest girl out there, but now she's finishing in the top 5 of her school, which is easily the best team in the district.

I ran with her Saturday. I couldn't go as far as she went. I made it about a mile, and she had a 3-mile circuit. So I walked back and met her about a half-mile from our house and joined up. When we turned down our street, she started sprinting.

I couldn't catch her!

DANG! I was running as hard as I could but I couldn't catch her. for me but for her!

RodeoSchro said:

awww... that's awesome!

CarrieMpls said:

I've never run in a marathon but one year I went and watched a friend run in the Houston Marathon. It was SO cool. The crowds were HUGE, but the neat thing was all the encouraging people and things done for the runners.

Some people would put messages on their shirts, like "I'm Bill and this is my first marathon. Root for me!" I'd always scream like crazy for those people, and their smiles were the best!

I don't want to run in a marathon, but I'll go watch one any day. The stories are awesome!

MIGUELGOMEZ said:

There really aren't any that I know of around me...

Personnally, running was the best method for me to maintain my weight. I need to get back into it somehow . If you're just starting out, I reccomend the run/walk method championed by Running guru, Jeff Galloway. Hopefully, your running class can teach this as well, since I think it's the easiest way to start learning. This is how I ran two Marathons. Good luck.

CarrieMpls said:

Yeah.....for HER!

I can still benchpress more than she can!

CarrieMpls said:

Then just get really good running shoes. You should be good. I'm sooo excited for you. Remember don't get discouraged. You will eventually hit your own special stride and then you're....well....off and running. Woohoo!!!!

I Would never pay to be taught how to run. I would say consider training in numbers though. Primarily for safety.

Also, there are lots of techniques you can adopt depending on your goals. Endurance running is ok but not the most effective at burning fat. !0 mins intensive skipping burns as many calories as 30mins jogging.

Also consider a running technique called 'tabata'. This is where you run at your maximum speed for 20 seconds then jog for 10 seconds. Repeat 4 times. This is one of the greatest methods of 'road' training you could ever do. Far superior to endurance jogging.

As Mdiver mention above - Good running shoes are a must.

Whatever you choose, have fun with it. Endurance running can be great to help you clear your mind. Its all about wjat you want from your training


Good luck

Learn to run?

I love America

3121 said:

And how does one know if it's a good running shoe? There are so many out there that say they are for running

PANDURITO said:

veronikka said:

Unfortunately it's one of those expensive trial and error things. I found out that the only way I can run without getting shin splints is if I wear NIKE SHOX. I also have to add an extra insole thingamajiggies. But now, I can't run. My left knee is still shot.

PANDURITO said:

Training Program Topics Include:
• Where to start / common errors
• Sports injuries
• Hill training
• Cross training
• Assessing your fitness
• Technique / conditioning
• Equipment: apparel & choosing the correct shoe
• Nutrition
• Bio mechanics
• Heart rate monitors
• Hot and cold weather running

Your Training Program Fee Will Include:
• Run/Walk Training
• Group support
• FREE technical running T-shirt
• Training manual
• Personalized programs
• Rewards memberships
• FREE bi-monthly Running Room Magazine
• On-line training log and manuals
• On-line tech support and help pages
• Practice days every Wednesday & Sunday

So shut up!

I think running might be my least favorite thing of all time ever.




I think I'd rather be fat. No, I just looked in the mirror. I'm sure I'd rather be fat than run.

CarrieMpls said:

Put one foot in front of the other. Repeat with your other foot. Now you're walking

Now, do it faster. Be careful. Yes, you got it. You're running!!!!

Group support? Like Runners Anonymous?


Kidding

errant said:

eh, I'll still be fat no matter what. That's a given. I've accepted that part.

But I'll be fat with better lungs.

PANDURITO said:

CarrieMpls said:

That reminds me, I think smoking might be my favoritiest thing of all time ever.

And I too am going to be fat anyway. So I might as well enjoy it!

But good luck to you with your running and continued smokelessness

RodeoSchro said:

I prefer to jump rope rather than run. If you are jumping rope on a nice surface(rubber mat, carpet insulation, rubber gym floors) and have good shoes, then it is much easier on your joints then running. Your abdominals are used to stabilize your body when you are jumping rope so they get some work as well.

CarrieMpls said:

Wow. That sounds cool. I'd do it. I'm not a runner but my ex trained for a marathon. I think it is an absolute must to go and get your feet analyzed and see what type of shoe you need. Wearing the wrong shoe can make a big difference I think. I wouldn't run in your regular Nikes off the shelf.

Let us know if you do it!



Saw your post...
[Edited 1/29/09 17:05pm]

I'm always impressed with people who have the discipline to run. Good luck with it and if you ever need inspiration, think of Phoebe Buffay.

MIGUELGOMEZ said:

YES! if you can find some grass or dirt it's way better than concrete.

NDRU said:

you run?