[flamesbball84]

Running is not a lot of fun for a lot of people.

It is actually mind numbingly boring. If I were to choose any fitness activity to get me on the road to healthiness, running would be close to dead last if not dead last because I'd quit doing it in a week or two do to the high level of boredom it entails.

Running is definitely not for everyone. It is more for people who are self-motivated and can handle all kinds of work for a small amount of improvement. Running is my time to do my thinking (I just got in from a 50 minute run where I figured out how to fix something at home that has been bugging me for a while). I know we live in a world where if we aren't connected to the internet, watching TV, or both, many people don't know what to do because they aren't being stimulated. Lynchburg is one of the best running towns I have ever been to. You can get on a trail and go for miles without seeing the same thing. If that is boring to you, that's your deal. Maybe try running with your blackberry, ipod, and a portable TV. That should keep you occupied. Or better yet, just join the millions of Americans who sit around and get fat. (I'll end up paying for your medical bills, but whatever.)

Again, I'm not saying that running is for everyone, but to use boredom as an excuse is pretty dumb, IMO.

why run and be bored when you can participate in a sport like basketball and have fun? You get a cardio workout that way and work more muscles than you do running plus it's simply more entertaining. That doesn't require the use of an ipod, cell phone, tv, or a computer.

[vastrightwinger]

I agree with 01lugrad in that running isn't for everyone. I run and in no way find it boring. I enjoy running as a time for peace and thinking. I live in an area that everyone is always moving from here to there and they very rarely stop for anything, so for me running is a way to escape all of that and have time to myself with no one to bother me. I will usually go in the morning when I wake up an watch the sun come up over the ocean and it is the most peaceful time of the day. Plus it is a great time to spend in prayer.

[Kolzilla41]

I agree with 01lugrad in that running isn't for everyone. I run and in no way find it boring. I enjoy running as a time for peace and thinking. I live in an area that everyone is always moving from here to there and they very rarely stop for anything, so for me running is a way to escape all of that and have time to myself with no one to bother me. I will usually go in the morning when I wake up an watch the sun come up over the ocean and it is the most peaceful time of the day. Plus it is a great time to spend in prayer.

If I had an ocean, I would probably run. All I have is a view of the Waffle House on Fort AVe. Just not the same.

[SuperJon]

Shins splints and heel spurs. That's why I don't run.

I prefer a bike if anything.

Strengthen you calf muscles and the shin splints will be gone in no time. (not for running, but for any kind of physical activity)

That helps but I've had them even since I was in high school playing sports and actually being in shape.

My legs, especially knees and ankles, are kinda rough even at 22. I grew so fast when I was a kid (I was 6' by the time I was 14) that my bones grew faster than everything inside could keep up with. That led me to have a ton of minor sprains, pulled muscles, and strained ligaments growing up.

[Fumblerooskies]

For me...running is great...especially around LU around 530-6 AM when the campus is quiet. I find it great alone time with God.

[01LUGrad]

If I had an ocean, I would probably run. All I have is a view of the Waffle House on Fort AVe. Just not the same.

I have an ocean. It isn't nearly as fun as the trails on the other side of 460. Park and Wingate and go straigt across Candlers Mtn. Rd. to the trail. Nothing better (especially in the fall).

why run and be bored when you can participate in a sport like basketball and have fun? You get a cardio workout that way and work more muscles than you do running plus it's simply more entertaining. That doesn't require the use of an ipod, cell phone, tv, or a computer.

Smoking people in a race is fun.
I play basketball too. I'm not that great, but after 20 minutes of playing, I'm still all over the court when other guys are dragging.

Oh, my resting heart rate is 36 bpm. I'd put that up against anyone on here as a measure of physical fitness.

[Fumblerooskies]

Oh, my resting heart rate is 36 bpm. I'd put that up against anyone on here as a measure of physical fitness.

Impressive. I thought my 44 was good.

[Cider Jim]

I've been running since October, and I love it. I'm running about 10 miles a week, or 3.3 each time out. The key is to run trails instead of pavement--much easier on the knees that way. LU's campus has trails, as does Blackwater Creek. I'm really hoping that there will be trails around Ivy Lake, too.

I also like running with a buddy, because there is a little competition that way, and you can motivate each other. Running on the LU indoor track in the winter is pretty easy on the knees, too.

Charlottesville has a 5K race that I'm considering running on January 24 (and you can even bring your dog along):

http://www.runningintheusa.com/RacesByS ... VA&Month=1

[FlamingChick]

I have an idea. How about buying a pair of running shoes and getting ACTUALLY Fit, not just Wii Fit?

I already have running shoes. I'm looking for alternatives to running and the gym all the time. The same old routine gets a little boring. I wanted to play rec basketball or kickball, but I missed the deadline to join a team

lame excuse, go to the basketball gym with friends and play. you don't need to have a rec team to play basketball - I play every Tuesday and Thursday at school without a team.

not an excuse at all, I just dont have any friends that live near me that would come out to play. I'm also not a member of a gym with a bball court. I guess I need to meet some new people and join a new gym

[cheerbren]

Running for women is different and I don't like it. I want a Wii fit for the Cheerleading game that is compatible with it.

[01LUGrad]

Oh, my resting heart rate is 36 bpm. I'd put that up against anyone on here as a measure of physical fitness.

Impressive. I thought my 44 was good.

That is pretty amazing considering the whole and everything! (I'm just now pushing 30.)

[Cider Jim]

01LUGrad, how many times a week should like Fumble and me be running? Is 3 times a week enough, or would I be safe to ramp it up to 4 or 5 times a week, without risking injury to my late 40-something knees?

[01LUGrad]

Talk about a loaded question! The answer depends on several factors.
How much you run each day.
What kind of surface you run on. (soft surfaces are best)
If there are any past medical issues you should be worried about.

It is pretty safe for the vast majority of people to increase their running gradually. 4-5 days a week is definitely attainable for 40-somethings. My father-in-law (60 years old) was intrigued by my running when I entered the family 7 years ago. He picked it up slowly and is now hooked. He doesn't burn up the road, but he has run 5 half-marathons and 4 full marathons (including the New York City Marathon). He takes care of himself by running on trails and doing a lot of stretching. I don't know the exact amount of weight he's lost, but it has to be over 20 pounds.

The key is to take it easy when increasing mileage. It is normal to be sore. It is not normal to be in pain. There is nothing wrong with altering your schedule if your body isn't ready for a jump. When increasing mileage, I use my resting heart rate as a gauge. If it is back to normal the next morning, I am fully recovered for the day's run. If it is still high, I take it easy or simply take the day off.