Generic thread to talk about fitness/training

Bitterwhiteguy · #1 06-28-2010, 10:40 AM

I get questions from some of the board members about training & people ask about the Ironman training in random threads, so I thought I'd start a thread dedicated to people sharing ideas/experiences for working out. I'm not a certified trainer or anything, just a guy who works out a lot & likes to read up on nerdy things like power meters & VO2 max, so take any advice as just suggestions. Everybody's body/lifestyle is different.

I'll start with an interesting 5-part series of blog posts written about muscle cramps & the correlation(or lack thereof) to sodium levels. If you drink a lot of Gatorade-type drinks while working out, this is probably a good read:
http://www.sportsscientists.com/2007...ories-and.html

SAhornfan · #2 06-28-2010, 01:57 PM

It's funny that folks will post about fitness within other threads but you dedicate a thread solely to it they head for the hills. Likely in a car but possibly running and, as we know, Gamma would be on his bike.

Bitterwhiteguy · #3 06-28-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAhornfan

It's funny that folks will post about fitness within other threads but you dedicate a thread solely to it they head for the hills. Likely in a car but possibly running and, as we know, Gamma would be on his bike.

If only we could get them to push the car up those hills...

T-Horn · #4 06-28-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitterwhiteguy

If only we could get them to push the car up those hills...

I'm paying somebody to carry me to the car if I can.

Seriously, I've been thinking about picking up running again. I have knee and ankle issues so I need to find a good shoe that will help with that, if there even is one.

Bitterwhiteguy · #5 06-29-2010, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Horn

I'm paying somebody to carry me to the car if I can.

Seriously, I've been thinking about picking up running again. I have knee and ankle issues so I need to find a good shoe that will help with that, if there even is one.

I'm sure there is, go hit up a local running store(aka NOT Foot Locker) and have them watch you run. They'll be able to fit you with a shoe that fits your running style.

TENHORN · #6 06-29-2010, 03:59 PM

Some runners are now running barefoot or with special socks shaped like barefeet.

The cramps article was interesting. I get leg cramps at night and usually it is because of dehydration. My cocktail of choice is scotch and soda. Not a good choice in the summer. The small amount of quinine in tonic water seems to help the cramps. Best is to drink lots of water and eat bananas. That works for me, but my cramps are different than what a runner would have.

UTBear · #7 06-30-2010, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TENHORN

Some runners are now running barefoot or with special socks shaped like barefeet.

The cramps article was interesting. I get leg cramps at night and usually it is because of dehydration. My cocktail of choice is scotch and soda. Not a good choice in the summer. The small amount of quinine in tonic water seems to help the cramps. Best is to drink lots of water and eat bananas. That works for me, but my cramps are different than what a runner would have.

I used to get cramps back when I was fencing regularly. Someone told me to take Vitamin E. I did and they mostly went away.

T-Horn · #8 06-30-2010, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitterwhiteguy

I'm sure there is, go hit up a local running store(aka NOT Foot Locker) and have them watch you run. They'll be able to fit you with a shoe that fits your running style.

Wait, are you telling me the high school kid working at Foot Locker does NOT know what's best for my running needs?

We have a place up here called Fleet Feet, pretty sure it's a chain, that I'm going to hit this weekend and have them set me up with some shoes. They also have some running clubs that you can join to train for 1/2 and full marathons so I'm going to try and get in one of those.

Bitterwhiteguy · #9 06-30-2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TENHORN

Some runners are now running barefoot or with special socks shaped like barefeet.

Yep, I have a pair of the Vibrams as well. They have their uses, but when you start running in them it's like you're starting all over again. Running in them uses a lot of secondary stabilizer muscles that you don't use in normal running shoes, and it's easy to injure yourself running too far in these kinds of shoes. If you want to go that route, I'd suggest being *very* careful about how many miles you're putting in at first & try to run on dirt trails/soft tracks as much as possible to help acclimate you to running without the padding you have in normal shoes.

Bitterwhiteguy · #10 06-30-2010, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Horn

Wait, are you telling me the high school kid working at Foot Locker does NOT know what's best for my running needs?

We have a place up here called Fleet Feet, pretty sure it's a chain, that I'm going to hit this weekend and have them set me up with some shoes. They also have some running clubs that you can join to train for 1/2 and full marathons so I'm going to try and get in one of those.

Good plan, those running clubs can do wonders for getting you ready to hit your distances.

Duke Silver · #11 06-30-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitterwhiteguy

Yep, I have a pair of the Vibrams as well. They have their uses, but when you start running in them it's like you're starting all over again. Running in them uses a lot of secondary stabilizer muscles that you don't use in normal running shoes, and it's easy to injure yourself running too far in these kinds of shoes. If you want to go that route, I'd suggest being *very* careful about how many miles you're putting in at first & try to run on dirt trails/soft tracks as much as possible to help acclimate you to running without the padding you have in normal shoes.

I still haven't bought vibrams because the idea of running without socks grosses me out. I bought these new shoes, Feelmax Osamas, that are so thin and light it feels like barefoot running. BWG, is definitely right. You have to ease into this kind of running. Right now I can do about 3-3.5 miles in them. Anything more than that and I have to wear my nike free.

I don't have a lot of time right now to workout with all the stuff I have to do on the new house. So my workout, when I have time, is running or riding 3 miles to a park and doing this program http://hundredpushups.com/ but using olympic rings rather than standard pushups. Then I either run, ride, or walk back depending on how tired my legs are. I really need to get back to boxing though.

Bitterwhiteguy · #12 06-30-2010, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke Silver

I still haven't bought vibrams because the idea of running without socks grosses me out.

They have socks you can wear. http://www.injinji.com/

Duke Silver · #13 06-30-2010, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitterwhiteguy

They have socks you can wear. http://www.injinji.com/

Then I have to buy a ton of expensive socks, too. I just don't think I'll ever get the vibrams.

Bitterwhiteguy · #14 06-30-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke Silver

Then I have to buy a ton of expensive socks, too. I just don't think I'll ever get the vibrams.

Meh, they're no more expensive than the socks I use on my normal run shoes.

editionshield · #15 06-30-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke Silver

I bought these new shoes, Feelmax Osamas, that are so thin and light it feels like barefoot running.

somehow i expect there are better celebrity marketing opportunities for Air Jordans than there are for Feelmax Osamas.

Bitterwhiteguy · #16 06-30-2010, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by editionshield

somehow i expect there are better celebrity marketing opportunities for Air Jordans than there are for Feelmax Osamas.

Not in Qatar.

scout3dave · #17 06-30-2010, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Horn

Wait, are you telling me the high school kid working at Foot Locker does NOT know what's best for my running needs?

We have a place up here called Fleet Feet, pretty sure it's a chain, that I'm going to hit this weekend and have them set me up with some shoes. They also have some running clubs that you can join to train for 1/2 and full marathons so I'm going to try and get in one of those.

Fleet Feet is a good store, it is highly recommended to get fitted properly, then once you find a good shoe that is comfortable to run in, you can shop for them on the internet. I stick with the same model until they are out of production and inventory, usually 2-3 years and then go back and get fitted again. Right now i am running in Brooks Defyance, a wide cushioned shoe to carry my lard ass around.

Get with a training program if you haven't run distances before, it is fun and the leader can help you with good form and scheduling.

My wife and I train for Houston and Austin every year. We are runnig 3 miles, 3-4 times a week now but will start ramping up in July. We have a good group that raises money for a local charitable organization so it gives us a focal point to train for. Running in July - Sept you need all the motivation you can get!

Bitterwhiteguy · #18 06-30-2010, 05:48 PM

Scout, you still need to sign up for El Scorcho next year. How many 25k runs have you ever done in the dark?

scout3dave · #19 07-01-2010, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitterwhiteguy

Scout, you still need to sign up for El Scorcho next year. How many 25k runs have you ever done in the dark?

I'll leave that to you thanks, I have enough trouble running during daylight!

Bitterwhiteguy · #20 07-01-2010, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scout3dave

I'll leave that to you thanks, I have enough trouble running during daylight!

Wuss!