The Health/Fitness thread!

[Toddy1]

hey guys,

So I decided to get back into shape , shed some pounds and just be healthier now.

I bike to school 4 times a week. It's about 15 miles give or take. The route is kind of flat with exception of the Queens boro Bridge being the biggest climb. I love biking and I push myself as much as I can to go harder and faster each day.

However, I have also started to run in the evenings as an additional exercise. But I am having near death experience every time I do so. My breathing is very heavy and through the mouth. feels like my lungs are going to explode. I run in the park with a running track. so there's usually a bit of wind in the open space. It just kills me. I breathe so heavily that it sounds like am dying with every step.

Any tips?

PS- I know this is kind of stupid but I just can't find a way to control my breathing. When I bike, I breathe properly "through my nose and out my mouth", but when i try to run I hyperventilate and it's just embarrassing.

Try walking at above average pace until you can get your breathing right, focus on it and ensure that you make it a conscious effort. Walking at pace is just as effective as running anyway if you are just looking to burn calories. It'll also provide less stress for you compared to what you are experiencing when running.

[kinney_bmx]

Try walking at above average pace until you can get your breathing right, focus on it and ensure that you make it a conscious effort. Walking at pace is just as effective as running anyway if you are just looking to burn calories. It'll also provide less stress for you compared to what you are experiencing when running.

This

Also try to relax a bit more, idk if you usually bike with an mp3 player, but I find it much easier to run when I have music.

I used to be the same way, its all about getting a rhythm

[SkyUS]

Try walking at above average pace until you can get your breathing right, focus on it and ensure that you make it a conscious effort. Walking at pace is just as effective as running anyway if you are just looking to burn calories. It'll also provide less stress for you compared to what you are experiencing when running.

Yeah I started doing that actually. it's easier for me to control breathing when I am running at faster pace. I usually divide the track of 500 meters into 2 short fast walking parts and 2 fast sprints. Seems to work better for me. But running at a constant slower pace for longer distance just kills me.

Also do you guys find that listening to music helps you "tune out" and run longer etc?

[Toddy1]

Yeah I started doing that actually. it's easier for me to control breathing when I am running at faster pace. I usually divide the track of 500 meters into 2 short fast walking parts and 2 fast sprints. Seems to work better for me. But running at a constant slower pace for longer distance just kills me.

Also do you guys find that listening to music helps you "tune out" and run longer etc?

See what Kinnney said above

[Soldat_Américain]

I haven't run to music in awhile, I was using my phone but that's when I was on the treadmill, haven't been using a treadmill for awhile, probably need to bite the bullet and get an iPod again, but I want Microsoft to put out the next gen Zune.

[kinney_bmx]

I'm to the point where without music I cut my runs/biking short as I can't focus as well.

I'm also picky about my running music. I have a few mixes for it, mostly post-rock or ambient stuff, and just loud enough for me to hear it well. Anything that helps me relax, and almost feel disconnected from everything.

I haven't been on a treadmill in awhile either. The one in our "back building" needs cleaned, and haven't gotten a chance to go back there and clean it so I usually just head into town instead of doing it at my house

[Jurinko]

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marines/l/blfitmale.htm

Did this test @ 273 pts yesterday. 21 pull-ups, 87 crunches and 21:06/3 mile run. Crunches and 23 miles I did better in the past in separate events, but anyway.

Tried running in high combat shoes and long trousers, under 23:00/3 mile run not easy. But pretty good training.

[WKD]

I bought the nike free run 2.0's. I wanted to try out this minimal/barefoot running shoe hype. I'm not that happy with them, but still think they are a decent shoe. They are light, for sure, but they have way too much cushioning. I thought that would be good for being a transition shoe, but I find myself heel striking often. I've tried slowing down and shortening strides till my body (and feet adjust) and that seems to be working well.

Oh, I tried running on a treadmill with them at my normal speed. Probably wasn't a good idea until I get the hang of having such little support in the shoe. I was slipping off the tread, lol. I see guys running with five-soles, not me... yet haha

I went straight to Five Fingers. Yeah, my calves hurt. I'd wear them all the time except they now have large holes in the soles.

I don't think running in a treadmill would help because the stride is completely different. Treadmills pretty much require jumping up and down while the tread cycles underneath you, I don't see that they'd be a lot of help personally.

[LaoSexMachine]

I bought the nike free run 2.0's. I wanted to try out this minimal/barefoot running shoe hype. I'm not that happy with them, but still think they are a decent shoe. They are light, for sure, but they have way too much cushioning. I thought that would be good for being a transition shoe, but I find myself heel striking often. I've tried slowing down and shortening strides till my body (and feet adjust) and that seems to be working well.

Oh, I tried running on a treadmill with them at my normal speed. Probably wasn't a good idea until I get the hang of having such little support in the shoe. I was slipping off the tread, lol. I see guys running with five-soles, not me... yet haha

I sometime run with the 5 fingers. I don't know how long you been running with them but from what i read and people who run with them it's going to take about 4-5 months till you legs muscles are strong and get use to them. Your legs need time to go back to the basics ie no cushion.

PS. The avatar is disturbing.

[Soldat_Américain]

I'll pass on the whole barefoot fad as I have ****ty feet...I may get some to go swimming the river though.

[Yeti2424]

So I bought myself a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves. My first pair of barefoot running shoes, So far I'm really impressed with them for running in town. Gonna try to get some trail use out of them this week.

Anybody else have barefoot shoes? Takes some getting used to but after awhile it feels really good



Also question: What app does everybody use for running? I'll be getting a new phone soon and will be looking for a good app with gps tracking preferably.

I have a pair of the Merrel Trail Gloves as well. However I lift barefoot (in socks) at the gym and use the trail gloves for my metabolic conditioning circuits. I usally wear the Merrel's when in day to day activities such as casual day at the office and training clients at the gym. Super comfortable and dont have the "hey look at me" effect of the Vibram 5 Fingers....

I really dont do any distance longer than 3 miles. I figure my knees only have so many miles in them and at 250lbs I would rather save them for various sports.

[armored_diplomacy]

Today:

- 30 min run
- 35 chin ups
- 100 push ups ! (25 + 25 + 20 + 10 + 10 + 10)
- 100 sit ups

It was a sunny and productive day at the park !

[Soldat_Américain]

Today was so far:
Two minute warmup that I got on the net from Rudy Reyes
50 PU
two 30 second planks
30 PU
two 30 second planks
30 PU
6 five yard backpedal
Bleacher Mile with 15lbs in my weight vest
4 five yard pedal and transition to run five yards

21 minutes free style in the pool...thought about going all the way to 30 minutes but I'll do that tomorrow.

[HGRazorR]

PS. The avatar is disturbing.

It's a pic of none other than Keeper. Note the EGA tattoo on his pec

[carbonrod]

wow thanks man...i used to go for 45 mins till i had a shin split and right knee started too hurt though (one day i couldnt sleep with the right knee pain.) when i workout i do my workouts first then jog..agree?

I am not sure about first second.

For shin splints, make sure your feet impact directly under you, not in front, and on the balls of your feet. For some, shin splints are a problem if they stretch before, for some it is a problem if they don't stretch first.

In your workouts, are you doing any core, or legs before you run? If so, I would do that after. Your core stabalises you

For the pain at 45min, take what you run now, and ramp up in time but about 5% per week until you are over 45min. Go real slow if you've identified a problem.