I prefer running on concrete (the stuff road are made out, grr, i'm brain dead) and i prefer it a lot better then sand.

The ground is a lot harder and more sturdier. I also land with my whole foot on the ground, and do quick, brisk steps, hardly lifting my feet off the ground.

I've never had an injury yet, besides runner's stitch (sp?). Then again, i only limit myself to 2 times a week and about 3 miles.

edit: I forgot shin splints

Good! Yeah probably running downhill in the woods jumping over roots and rocks on uneven ground (like I do) is going to cause injury more than concrete, I realize. But I abhor shin splints and DO get them if I run in the city.

Trail Running: According to my book "Hill running helps develop leg strength, power, stamina, speed, running efficiency, and mental toughness."

But to race, I need to run on flat ground, like how it'll be. Hello Shin Splints!

I'm sorry, I love this thread!!!

Contemplations:

1. If running is so bad for my knees, joints, etc., then why have I never been injured/had trouble??? To go on, I run about 10-16 miles a week in the forest or on the beach/through the barbor/around the dirt meadow. Also, I weight train 1-2 hours a week, maybe THAT helps?!?!

2. Should I increase my mileage? I never run more than 6 miles at a time and it's about time. My book says I should be doing 10-12 miles by now and I'm worried I'll be overtraining with the kickboxing and weights.

3. Puking: some people push themsleves so hard racing they puke at the end. I am fascinated but don't think I could do that. This is silly!

OK I'm done.

just because you havnt been injured suddenly when running doesnt mean you arnt slowly wearing your joints out a fair bit over the years.

The puking thing i thought was when you are new to hard exercise or not having enough air/breathing really heavily. Sounds gross eh

Anyway i was looking at buying shoes too, its to wet to cycle nowdays, but running seems like fun

OMG I ran 10k today I am so happy I would have never thought I could go that long it was not fast it was about 1 hour but its the longest I have ever ran!

Hey, yeah, I'm going to research that! I know a lot of oldtimers that are lifelong runners and I swear, they still have less problems than a sedentary person. I certainly want my joints to be ok, though...........

Running IS fun! Come join us!

Oh hell yeah!

Good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is so cool!!!!!

Ok, so yesterday I goes to SLV High's track (1/4 mile soft turf) and warm up by running lightly, for me, probably a 8-8:30 minute mile pace for 1.5 miles. My book says to warm up before shocking your body into heavy-duty running.

I then start my sprint intervals. SO I sprint the sides, walk the curves. Heh heh, after a while to be honest, there became some forced ambiguity as to what qualified as a straight and a curve (i.e. I sprinted less and less distance). But regardless, I WAS giving it my all. My arms were Praying Mantas arms, swinging back and forth. My legs bounded off my toes and I stayed as much on the balls of my feet as possible until I was going my fastest.

On the walking the curves part I was WHEEZING. Breathing really really hard! Fortunately, I recovered quickly, and by the time I had finished the curve I was up and sprinting again!

BUT I was only able to sprint 8 times (4xs around). THAT WAS ENOUGH! I cooled down by jogging once around (where my book says I probably should have cooled down with another 1.5 miles, I was finished, darn it!)

I hope my VO2 max is going to get more efficient, and I hope I will be faster soon! These sprints supposedly rev my metabolism like crazy. Supposedly this will shock my body into an increased mode of fat burning. I hope so! I know one thing: it's different and my body will respond to that. I suspect this is one of the most intense HIIT there is, but I need to confirm that.

Wednesday I'll try to run 12 miles. I never run more than 6. It is about time to increase my mileage. Oh wait, I better just increase it by another mile or 2--otherwise I might get hurt. Ok, nevermind--10 miles!!

Shoes were gonna cost me $180 ... ouch! i think ill check out cheaper shoes online hehehe

and wow 10k is mega, well done!

Wow your doing your thing!!! What is the name and author of this book your reading? I may need to buy it on amazon hopefullyI can get an english version.
You gave it your all and I am sure you will see results soon enough.I think a 8 minute mile might be a shocker to my body-LOL

Thanks Wishes!
What kinda shoes were you looking at that cost so much?!?
I bought some nike running shoes for 30 euros last week I didnt want to go all out just incase I didnt like running but so far I love it and its the best 30 bucks I have spent in a long time.
Now 180 bucks for some sexy stilletos or pumpsnow thats where I like to spend the big money.

Rimmy, my book is from 1999. I dunno if I should be reading a more recent book, but it's "The Complete Guide to Running for Women."

Shoes, wow, expensive!!!!!!!

Good luck everyone! Today I did "cross training." I rode my bike for 2 and 1/2 hours straight. Man oh man my legs were trying hard to cramp when I got off (at the winery). But it was worth it. Darn it I hope I exercised some chub off!!!!!!!!

WHen I do interval training, I find that I could push my physical body more, but my heart would be pounding so hard, I would have an incredible burn in my chest, and I could hardly catch my breath.

Its funny, before, my body was in pain...and now my heart can't keep with my body. I have to be patient, keep pushing, and hope my v02 raises slowly but surely

haha im the opposite - i spend next to nothin on shoes at any time. But i wanted decent sneakers for running. I used to have foot problems when i was heavier.

Oh and where the heck can you get new Nikes for 30 Euro man? thats only $50 NZ!