Tonight, I upped my game somewhat significantly and in fact unexpectedly — jumping from six minutes of running without stopping (and dying) to nine minutes without stopping (and dying). I attribute this in part to the inclusion of music, which got me amped up to keep running.
So, some questions for you Humans Who Run (yes, I’m prejudiced against robots, shut up):
a) What music do you listen to when you’re running?
b) I got a pair of Nike running shoes new (though on clearance) — though some folks say it’s worth investing in a real shoe. Like, ones actually designed to fit my wide-ass shovel-feet. Anybody got any suggestions for where to go to get that? Or any advice at all, re: shoes? SHOULD I RUN IN FLIP-FLOPS? DO THE COOL KIDS RUN IN CROCS? Are roller skates considered cheating?
c) Apps. What apps do you use for running? To track, to motivate, to whatever. Also, what appetizers do you like to eat while running? I am partial to gooey mozzarella sticks!
d) Dumb flailing monkey question — I’m running with headphones on and sweet jesus the headphone cords are trying to fucking kill me when I go. At a distance I must look like I’m jogging through a spider’s web — playing cat’s cradle with my headphone cable is not exactly energizing. This time I wrapped it around the phone and just… well, held the damn thing while I played music, but it’s not ideal.
THOSE ARE MY QUESTIONS, RUNNERS OF THE PLAIN.
Please provide me succor in these hard times or the tribe will burn me at the pyre.
Guy LeCharles Gonzalez says:
Music: Galactic on shuffle; midtempo and upbeat funk keeps a steady pace with the occasional gear shift. That said, I’ve started mixing in quiet runs, too, focusing on managing pace and breathing myself.
Sneakers: A real running store is ideal for gait analysis, otherwise, research. Runner’s World has a good shoe finder on their site and a ton of reviews, which is how I narrowed down to my first real pair, the Mizuno Enigma Wave.
Apps: Endomondo is my favorite and I’ve been using it for over year. Free handles the basics well, but Pro adds nice extras when you’re ready.
Headphones: I use an armband for the phone, and simply wrap the cord around my hand once to keep it from getting caught under my umbrella.
August 23, 2013 — 8:46 AM
Guy LeCharles Gonzalez says:
Umbrella?!? I meant elbow. Also, I missed the part about snacks. Until you’re doing 45 minutes plus, I wouldn’t worry about snacks or gels, etc. A slice of wheat bread and some peanut butter 20 minutes before you run should get you through a 5k. Always have water with you, but drink it sparingly.
Have fun!
August 23, 2013 — 8:59 AM
terribleminds says:
Oh, haha, I apologize, I was kidding about snacks — but this is awesome, dang, thanks, man.
August 23, 2013 — 10:47 AM
katie says:
Get shoes that work for your feet or you will lose your toenails. Seriously. If you like your toenails, or what other people to not be extra grossed out by your feet, you need good shoes. 😀 Your feet are worth it! In fact, my husband usually gets shoes that fit tight around his ankley region but are EXTRA big in the toe box (even maybe a size or half a size bigger than his usual shoe) in order to keep from squishing the toes.
He once lost a toenail. Luckily, it grew back. It was yucky. ;D
August 23, 2013 — 8:48 AM
Lucie Witt says:
My favorite running tips that relate to your questions:
1. I listen to anything that gets me revved up when I do certain runs. Right now it’s Pitch Perfect soundtrack. Here’s the trick though – I ONLY listen to those sings when I run. They always feel fresh and new and exciting. I add a few new songs every few weeks.
2. They make cordless headphones. If you think you will keep running might be worth the money.
3. I use a Garmin watch to track my distance. Again, worth the money if you plan on ruunning a lot and maybe doing a longer race like 10k or half marathon one day where you have a training schedule. Before that I used Track My Run. It was meh but worked.
4. Chuck. Let me be honest with you as you are honest with me about writing stuff. How to say this? You and I, we are not the youngest of young. Not old, mind you, but not young. We chase toddlers. For the love of your knees and joints, please get fitted at a running store for running shoes. Yes it will cost more. No it isn’t technically necessary. I ran my first 10k in clearance shoes like you have now. But I eventually got fitted and the results are dramatic. Also, I have wide feet too and once I got up to running over 20ish minutes straight I would get pins and needles in my feet. This was because I needed shoes a whole size and a half bigger than normal because of normal feet swelling that happens when you run. Most people have a pair they try on and it just fits right. You just know.
Happy running:)
4. Listen Chuck.
August 23, 2013 — 8:49 AM
Niki Bradley (@jnbradley) says:
My fiance has the cordless headphones, but they tend to short out if you sweat too much. JUST A WORD OF CAUTION, IF YOU ARE A SWEATY BEAST.
August 23, 2013 — 10:41 AM
Kay Camden says:
Music: Parkway Drive (any album)
That’s it for me.
August 23, 2013 — 9:15 AM
Trisha says:
1 – I listen to trance, a subgenre of electronic music when I run. It’s uplifting, has a good rhythm, and at 135 bmp, keeps me at a pretty good pace without having to think overly hard about it.. (About a ten minute mile.)
2 – It is so worth it to get a pair of good shoes. It will stave off injury. As someone working back up after a knee injury, I can tell you first hand that the right shoes for your feet are vital. Check with your local sport shops. The good ones will have a treadmill in the store to do diagnostics of your running / the shoes to make sure they’re the right ones for you. Buy your shoes from them this time. If the price tag is too hefty, buy the same brand/model online once you wear these out.
4 – Snake the headphone cord through the back of your shirt to keep it out of the way.
August 23, 2013 — 9:32 AM
Leslie says:
My husband runs (because the military demands it) and for shoes he swears by the running shoes shaped like your foot (Such as these: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm) He says his run is more comfortable and he’s cut down on his time. They did take some getting used to but now he wears them almost everywhere to reduce his leg pain.
Also, for headphones he uses wireless bluetooth to sync up to his phone. I’m not sure of the specific brand but he ordered them from Amazon.
The app he uses is CardioTrainer (there is a free and paid version) and he really likes it. Has been using it for a few years.
I hope some of this helps! Good for you for getting into the running game. I’ve been wanting to for a long time. I’m in physical therapy for fibromyalgia and I think I’m approaching a point where I’ll be able to get started on the things I really want to do.
August 23, 2013 — 9:46 AM
darkandstormyrobyn says:
Music: Gogol Bordello (described somewhat reductively as gypsy punk). It will embiggen your brain.
Shoes: NONE, CHUCK. NONE! FEEL THE PAIN!
*Mic drop.*
August 23, 2013 — 9:48 AM
anaginghipster says:
a) I second Gogol Bordello! “Start Wearing Purple” or “Wanderlust King” fo sho!
b) Don’t believe the hype! Run barefoot! Or, you could buy the line that they’re feeding you and spend all your hard earned dough on shoes made using the tiny fingers and souls of kids from a Sally Struthers commercial. In all seriousness, your local running shop should offer decent gait analysis and recommend a good shoe for your oversized stumps. Don’t knock running in crocs, though. My friend Lorainne runs 100 mile races in them and SWEARS by them.
c) Strava or MapMyRun if you want to use a smart phone, Garmin Forerunner [and its website] if you want a stand alone device with better accuracy than a smart phone. Or, you could be old school and purchase a sextant. As for snacks, fettucini alfredo. Or GU every 45 minutes if you want to be one of the cool kids. If you end up doing long stuff and your tummy gets finicky, bring some ginger-snaps along to help keep it settled.
d) Clip your device on a belt, or if it is light enough, on your waist band. Run the cord under your shirt and out the neck hole and into your ear holes. The most important thing about listening to music is to play at the loudest volume you can handle and sing along. This circumvents all the nay-sayers with their, “Don’t listen to music while running because it’s rude and you need to be aware of your surroundings and I knew this one guy who was mauled by a bear when he was running through a suburb of New Orleans because he couldn’t hear it coming” by making everyone well aware of your location and the onus is now on them to avoid you.
August 23, 2013 — 4:06 PM
SA says:
Chevelle, Bush, NIN, Metallica – run angry , it helps
August 23, 2013 — 10:09 AM
Claire Grasse says:
I have always hated running with a passion until 3 things happened. I read Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. It’s funny and compelling and will make you want to run a hundred miles at a time. No, really. Second, I got into the Couch To 5K program which helped me ease into running. Third — and this is the big one — I bought a pair of Fila Skeletoes. Toe shoes. There are other awesome brands too: Vibram 5 Fingers, Adidas Adipurs. You will never run in anything again. I don’t wear socks with them. They have completely eliminated all shin splints, sore knees, achy hips and bad heels. Life changing is not too dramatic a phrase for these shoes. Then I lost 50 pounds over the next 6 months. Can’t argue with progress.
August 23, 2013 — 10:11 AM
Gina Rinelli says:
I second the “run angry.” Try the SKOLD vs. KMFDM album (self titled album?… the cover of the girl with pigtails). It thumps so hard it beats your heart for you, but doesn’t devolve into the raspy screaming. Also DreamTheater, who are all-around awesome (try Octavarium or Scenes from a Memory).
I have an ipod shuffle I bought specifically for running, and I clip it to the waistband of my shorts and run the headphone wire through my tshirt. My dad clips his to his hat, and he ran the headphone wire around the inside hem, tucked in all neatly around his head so the buds sticks out just long enough to reach his ears. I like his method, but hats drive me crazy when I’m active.
August 23, 2013 — 10:30 AM
Shae Connor says:
1. ’80s pop, mostly. Makes me feel young again, I guess?
2. Get fitted for good shoes. Ask locals for a place to do that near you. I got mine at Phidippides here in Atlanta. 🙂
3. I actually haven’t run in a while, so no apps yet. As for appetizers, I’m partial to potato skins.
4. Wireless headphones!
August 23, 2013 — 10:34 AM
Chris Welsh says:
Music: Anything fast. Andrew WK works surprisingly well. Or, podcasts, since I can sort of switch off and concentrate on those instead of how hurty my legs are.
Shoes: I just try to get light, flexible ones for a mid-price. Expensive ones may be better, but…poor.
Apps: Runkeeper. I’ve tried a few others but they’re fiddly. Nike Run is good, but it tries to make your Facebook/Twitter friends ‘like’ or ‘RT’ you to ‘cheer you on’ as you run, which is abysmal and terrible.
Headphones: I tuck the wire under my t shirt which keeps it down and stops it swatting my face. The wire then comes out the bottom of my shirt and into my phone, which I keep in an armband wrapped around my forearm/wrist.
August 23, 2013 — 10:36 AM
Christine d'Abo says:
I used the Nike+ app for iPod. I have a Nano which has GPS and is great for tracking your progress. You can set it up to give you updates on your time or distance ran. It will also track all your times/distances. Plus, it’s free.
Personally, I listen to a lot of hard rock when I’m running. Angry, shouty stuff because I tend to get angry, shouty when I’m running LOL! It keeps me going when I want to stop.
August 23, 2013 — 10:38 AM
Andrew Reid says:
a) Dance music, mostly. Not usually my thing but I’ve been trying to shorten my stride length a bit so high BPM music matches the tempo, and that’s where I’m coming from – a playlist that matches (roughly) my pace.
b) Running store. Most specialist shops will have a treadmill where they can do a gait analysis. They video you from the side and back to see how you run and can offer both advice on running in general, and on what to wear.
c) I don’t use any apps. I’ve tried a couple but couldn’t get into them. Just a straight playlist works for me. If I’m doing a race I have an alarm that beeps the per-mile interval so I can tell if I am ahead or behind without staring at my watch.
d) thread it up the inside of your t-shirt.
August 23, 2013 — 10:39 AM
Chia Evers (@ChiaLynn) says:
a) Mostly pop. Actually, I just added two songs to my playlist that I yoinked from your “This is My Jam” page: Problem and Black Sheep. Jog.fm has a cool feature where you can tell it how fast you run, and it will suggest songs. It also has an awesome mapping feature at jog.fm/maps.
b) I know someone’s already mentioned this, but Runner’s World has a great shoe-store locator: http://www.runnersworld.com/store-finder
(Disclaimer: I still have not gone for a proper shoe fitting. When I do, however, I will go to Marathon Sports.)
c) Zombies Run. You are probably tired of hearing this.
d) I’m using an armband and running the headphone cord up my back, but I’m not really thrilled with it. (Not the armband. I love the armband. It’s an Amphipod something something plus.)
August 23, 2013 — 10:40 AM
Niki Bradley (@jnbradley) says:
1. 80s rock is my poison, but by fiance swears by techno. Whatever gets your feet moving and your head somewhere else!
2. I tried on all the running shoes out there, and Brooks (PureProject) are hands down the best. If you check out a fancy schmancy running store near you, a lot of them will do a free gait test. What shoe you need depends on the subtle defects in your run – if your ankles roll in, etc.
3. Check out Couch to 5k. It lets you know when to run and when to walk, and pushes you a little bit further every day you do it. The schedule is 3x a week, which allows for sore-shin-nursing on off days. As for appetizers, Tums and Energy Beans will do it! I like the energy chews that taste like margaritas. Salty, salty deliciousness.
4. Get an armband! It has a place to snake your cord to keep it from flying in your face. You can also run the cord up the sleeve of your shirt and out the neck.
August 23, 2013 — 10:40 AM
Paula Lanier says:
a) If I’m running outdoors, I usually don’t listen to music. I like to know my surroundings and what I’m running into, whether it’s an oncoming car, a grizzly bear, or an axe murderer jumping out from the woods. If I’m on a treadmill, which is so boring after a mile, I listen to anything that gets me amped from the Theme from Rocky to anything from Prodigy’s album Fat of the Land.
b) Some people run barefoot, like Zola Budd from South Africa who trained and competed barefoot. If you’re like my brother who is a triple E, try online sites. Also, New Balance sneakers are good for people with wide feet, although I think their wide sneakers are available only online.
c) Unless you’re running a marathon, there’s no need to eat while running. With that said, there’s this energy goo for runners called GU Energy Gel.
d) Read my answer “a”
August 23, 2013 — 10:45 AM
Rob B says:
a) What music do you listen to when you’re running?
Heavy Metal and a smidgen of epic soundtrack cuts
b) Go to a local running store, not your big box store like Modell’s or Dicks. Have them fit you properly and most good running stores will have a treadmill for you to do a small test run. If you don’t want to interact with actual humans, spend an hour or two trawling through runnersworld.com and their forums. Great shoe reviews (http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes-gear) which can help you determine exactly what kind of runner you are (size, how your foot hits the ground, etc). Generally speaking, I tend to go with running shoes made by companies who focus on primarily running sneakers (Asics, Saucony) rather than a Reebok or adidas who make all sorts of sneakers.
c) Apps. If want to get an idea of how far I plan on running, I’ll map out a route on dailymile.com. When I’m actually running, I use Cardiotrainer, which uses gps to tell you how far you’ve run, your pace, and how many calories you may have burned.
d) Dumb flailing monkey question – I tuck my headphones under my shirt. The headphones that come with the iPod are terrible and don’t stay in my ears so I go with the ones with the little rubber nodules on them.
August 23, 2013 — 10:50 AM
CMHampton (@writefully_so) says:
Shoes: look for a Fleet Feet near you. They watch you run on a treadmill and make shoe suggestions based on your stride. Totally free. I love their recs. Really made running more enjoyable.
Cord: on long runs I wear the cord under my shirt. I pull it out the back of the neck hole and then loop over my ears. Keeps it from bouncing around in front if me. I hate that. For a bit more money, you can buy Bluetooth headphones. No cords. M y husband loves em. Won’t run without ’em.
August 23, 2013 — 10:51 AM
Elizabeth says:
Trail runners from Colorado advise if you must listen to music, run with one ear-bud in and one free for listening for off-the-leash dogs, bears, runners calling out that they’re passing you. Device of choice? Garmin products to track heart-rate, distance, and velocity—track your stats for self-competition, or find someone else slightly better than you and commence with the motivational trash talk. Oh, and enter a race, because nothing motivates like a deadline… (I prefer working my PRs—personal records—out in the gym, but I have one of these trail-runner husbands…)
Keep going.
Don’t beat yourself up, there’s plenty of people to do that for you.
And keep telling yourself “I can do this”.
Getting in better shape isn’t just for you, it’s a gift for the wife and the kid, and the rest of us who are your fans and also penmonkies…
You can do this!
August 23, 2013 — 10:55 AM
Peter Hentges says:
As a word-monkey, you may be motivated to run by story. Check out the Zombies, Run! app for you iDevice (https://www.zombiesrungame.com/). During my brief foray into running last year, it kept me interested and wanting to run again. (And this reminds me that I should get back to it before it gets butt-freezing cold in these parts….)
August 23, 2013 — 11:07 AM
Matthew says:
Music: Bagpipes (for real)
Headphones: I clip my iPod to my shorts and wear the cord under my shirt. Also, I need an actual headset that wraps around my head because earbuds won’t fit in my mutant earlobes, and ear clips just fall off with all the motion.
August 23, 2013 — 11:59 AM
C J Eggett (@CjEggett) says:
I used to run 6 miles a day for 3-4 years, but I’m now devoted to two-wheeled transport so all my suggestions come with a sepia tint:
1. Sounds, two answers:
A) Podcasts – You might not be there yet, but running with a podcast is great, like, really great for slightly longer distances. This is what I would listen to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/kermode amongst other things.
B) Someone Else – You’ll find that one psychological wall (the physical walls go away at a suprising rate, as you’ve already noticed) is that it can be a bit dull. Find a buddy to run with and talk to them – you might not think you can talk now, but you’ll find you can have some of the best conversations while running. I reckon it’s because you’re side by side, so there’s no confrontation in any opinion thrown out there.
2. I don’t know where you can get fitted, but do – go somewhere where they’ll check your running style on a treadmill and recommend something to you. It’s an investment that will last you a long while.
3. Apps – Strava, you can see what other crazy people do on their bike/feet/cat-chariot. While it might seem disheartening that they’re running faster/longer than you (there’s rankings and stuff) you can use it to steal their well researched running routes.
Also, when your knees get tired, get a nice race bike and haul a toddler. I’ve heard that’s a good workout.
August 23, 2013 — 12:00 PM
willeditor says:
SOCKS! Good socks are as important as good running shoes. You want a sock made for running, usually just ankle high, wicking, with maybe a little cushion in the heel and no big seams to cause blisters. The Sock Guy socks are great. So are InGenius socks. Plain cotton socks will give you blisters quicker than sand in your KY gel.
Speaking of which, when you finally run far enough that chafing becomes an issue (it will), buy a product called Glide. It comes in a dispenser like stick-deodorant. Works especially well to reduce friction between your shorts liner (or underwear) and your inner legs. Also helps on feet and wherever else you chafe.
As some others have said, listening to music while running outdoors leaves you vulnerable to attack from behind by predatory squirrels, rabid cyclists, and NSA eavesdroppers. In fact, anyone moving faster than you in the same direction will be enraged by your blissful, decibel-induced insouciance as they repeatedly scream “ON YOUR LEFT” while you veer randomly down the path.
The more you run, the more important it is to hydrate. Drink more water than you think you need, and stay hydrated throughout the day. Plain water is best, at least 2 liters a day, more in hot weather. You can run up to about 45 minutes without carrying water with you, but drink 20 minutes before and anytime after the run.
August 23, 2013 — 12:02 PM
Gammelor Goodenow says:
b) roller skates are not cheating–a Segway is even better
August 23, 2013 — 12:10 PM
rebeccabettler says:
a) I have all different kinds of mixes for running. Of course the hardcore, fast beat stuff helps you run fast. Sometimes it can be nice to have classical music playing as you run through nature, becoming part of it. I’d encourage you to try different types of music to help you into different types of moods and mindsets when you’re running. Of course, no music can be great sometimes too.
b) get to the Bucks County Running Company (West State Street, Dtown), North Wales Running Company (Main Street, North Wales), or somewhere similar. It will make a huge difference in how you feel. Ask John about that today when you see him.
c) I just use runkeeper. It’s simple, easy, and does what I need it to. John has a Nike GPS watch with a chip that ties to his shoe. That does even more stuff. It depends on what you’re looking for your app to do.
d) like the others said, run it under your shirt. Get either an armband for your phone or a running belt.
August 23, 2013 — 12:23 PM
John S. says:
Music: I tend not to listen to music when I run. I like to work out problems in my head without the distraction. I can also pay attention to what my body is telling me more easily.
Shoes: go to a real running store and have your gait analyzed.
Apps: there are more than you can shake a stick at. I like RunKeeper and Couch to 5k.
Headphones: (see above) when I do listen to music, I use an armband. Carrying your device in your hand sucks. You can try the earbuds that hook over your ears if your regular earbuds pop out.
Keep going! Don’t worry about time or distance, just get out there consistently. Same as your advice about writing, really.
August 23, 2013 — 12:39 PM
Rhonda Rakes says:
About Running Music…I listen to fast beat stuff and aggressive stuff. Think any kind of music that you can tolerate that goes Thump, Thump, Thump in time with your heartbeat. Branch out and try music that isn’t necc your favorites. I am not the biggest fan of Lady Gaga, Nikki Minage, or dirty South rap but it’s all very good when jogging. You rather learn to discern the difference between music that you enjoy during leisure time versus music that you enjoy during exercise time. If you’d like of comprehensive stuff that really works for me (I prefer a mash up of genres and styles) just shoot me a message at LorelaiWilde@gmail.com. I’d be glad to shoot you some faves.
Also, you’re an amazing writer and blogger! I am a HUGE fan.
August 23, 2013 — 12:41 PM
Courtney Cantrell says:
Back when I was still running (pre-pregnancy), my favorite running music was — strangely enough — Def Leppard. I don’t know why, but something about their rhythms worked for me.
The shoes that worked best for me were Vibram FiveFingers. They look weird and feel weird a first. But once I started running in them regularly, I had no joint pain and worked muscles in my lower calves that never got worked before.
Sadly, I never stopped flailing. Some of us just don’t look pretty when we run. But it’s worth it anyway. ; )
August 23, 2013 — 1:27 PM
Kerry M says:
I actually listen to Podcasts and audiobooks when I run instead of music, but that’s just personal preference. For the headphone thing, investing in a cheap armband was one of the greatest decisions I ever made — that and I put the V of the headphones behind my neck instead of in front. It also helps to tuck the headphone cord under your sports bra strap, but I’m thinking maybe that advice does not apply in this particular situation…
AND IT IS TOTALLY WORTH IT TO INVEST IN GOOD SHOES! Not sure of a local-to-you place but I got mine from Charm City Run and they looked at my feet and my stride and gave me shoes and VIDEOTAPED me running on a treadmill and watched the video frame by frame to make sure the shoes were right. And they let me run in them for 2 weeks with the promise of exchange if they didn’t work.
Ok, getting off my running bandwagon now. Good luck! Have fun!
August 23, 2013 — 1:34 PM
Katja says:
a) Your running list is personal. It should motivate you to move your ass, but not make you so angry you need to punch anything. I run to everything from Israel Kamakawiwo’ole to Linkin Park. See here … http://www.jackstrawlane.com/this-is-me/running-songs/
b) Invest in proper shoes suited to your gait. Your knees, back, ankles and everything in between will thank you.
c) Runmeter is a great app for tracking distance, location, time splits, and more. It also tells you if you’re sucking out compared to your last run.
d) I run my headphone cord up the inside of my shirt, but that’s not ideal. Basically, they’re the devil and *are* trying to kill you.
Welcome to the club. You’re a runner now.
August 23, 2013 — 2:09 PM
W. L. Bolm says:
So, I’m not going to read through all 143 comments to make sure I’m not repeating anything, but:
New Balance shoes have worked for me because they have crazy shoes for people with high arches and wide feet. I have both. I am, however, starting to seriously look into real running shoes from a running store, too. Find a running store where they will tell you what shoes you need for your specific foot type and for how you plan on using the shoes.
I have been running with Couch25K and Zombie5K on my phone. I track my steps and miles with both the Nike App and the UP Band. They do different things. The Nike App is a motivational tool now that I’ve logged in 80+ miles of tracked runs. The UP Band helps keep me moving through the day. I think that these 5k programs will help you from getting hurt in the long run, especially if you’re super competitive and want to keep upping your times and durations.
Macklemore’s Heist keeps me motivated to jog. It’s almost all I listen to know when I’m jogging. Also, take your dog out with you. My dog is my workout buddy now.
If you can, get an armband holder for your listening device. It will keep you from tangling yourself up in your headphones.
August 23, 2013 — 2:37 PM
lostcosmonauts says:
a) None. Just focus on your running and how you are feeling and you’ll run better and easier. Do you really need distracting? If so change your sport
b) Worth going to a running store to try out several types but just go with what feels good on your feet (even barefoot is an option) – the only right answer is yours.
c) Apps. Strava but only because lots of friends use it. Leave your phone at home and get a heartrate watch. Snacks – you’re not running lon enough to need snacks. an hour fast = a few jelly sweets. an hour slow = a dab of peanut butter or a bite of jerky.
d) Leave the headphones at home – you’re safer being able to hear traffic and people around you and you’ll be able to actually live in the moment without soundtracking a training montage.
August 23, 2013 — 2:53 PM
terribleminds says:
Music isn’t for distracting, but it pumps me up. More to the point, if it works for me, I don’t see the problem.
August 23, 2013 — 3:16 PM
pcmoffatt says:
Re Methodology: I walk, do some mild interval running (was told running fast is easier on the joints than the pounding of jogging). There is something called Chi Running, which I haven’t done, and is supposed to teach you how not to pound your joints.
Re Music: I use walking/running as time off from electronic devices. I like to clear my head and get into a zen zone. Sometimes I sing (along busy roads for white noise when no one is around). Sometimes I get ideas when I’m exercising, so my challenge is to find a way to bring a little notepad to write things down. Or to train my brain to remember.
Happy trails.
August 23, 2013 — 3:08 PM
Laura says:
a) A lot of pop music that I would not listening to under other circumstances. But damn it, if Katy Perry doesn’t make me run faster.
b) Like so many others have said — get thee to a proper running store and have them take a look at your feet/gait. The right shoes are REALLY important.
c) I LOVE RUNKEEPER. Sorry for the enthusiasm but I am a wee bit obsessed. It gets me SO motivated, and I love seeing my progress.
d) I’m super cool and have one of those tiny running fanny packs for carrying my phone/key/ID. I just kind of tuck the earphone cords under the fanny pack belt…I’m sure it’s SUPER attractive, but eh, at least it’s effective.
Another tip — get thee a foam roller. All the runners I know have at some point had troubles with their IT Band, which is this really annoying thing in your hip that can cause serious knee problems. But rolling your hip on a hard piece of foam helps a lot.
http://www.fitsugar.com/How-Roll-Stretch-Your-Band-69008
August 23, 2013 — 3:33 PM
Todd Moody says:
The shoes can affect your pronation, which will determine the angle your foot strikes the ground, and so it can make your knee use different muscles. So shoes need to fit your foot properly and supprot your arch. It’s important if you plan to run a lot. If you wonder why your knees are hurting it might simply be that they are developing new muscle. If you keep switching shoes it might mess with your knee. I had to run with a brace until I broke the code on this.
I run with my iPod in a armband, and earbuds, that I snake up my sleeve and up through the back of my shirt. I have several playlists but usally go with My Top-Rated.
I don’t run with water unless I’m going to run more than 5k.
Good luck!
August 23, 2013 — 3:49 PM
Michele says:
My husband and I went to a running specialty store called Run-On. Our shoe guy had us walk and run and based his shoe recs on things we didn’t even know our feet did! Best pair of running shoes I’ve ever had.
August 23, 2013 — 4:20 PM
Kathleen Magner says:
a. Depending on the hour and location: NPR or classic rock, something with a story or a hard beat.
b. Various brands of shoes have worked for me, although if you’ve got funky feet I’d agree with the rest in getting them fit with something proper. What I find most helpful (and comfort inducing) are solid socks.
c. I’ve only used tech to pick a route and see how long it is. It helps from disappearing for too long and getting your family to come find you, although then you get a ride back. (Thanks guys!)
d. The headphones I use hook around my ears like John S. mentioned. I wrap the cord around my hand as Guy LeCharles Gonzalez suggested and hold the excess with the other, keeping it taunt with enough slack not to yank them off. Not really savvy but it works.
Enjoy pounding pavement!
August 23, 2013 — 8:40 PM
Maggie Gilbert (@maggie_gilbert_) says:
Go to Runners World: http://www.runnersworld.com/ or follow @runnersworld – answers to everything running-like.
August 23, 2013 — 9:41 PM
Tim Whitcher says:
Music:
Rob Zombie
My “running shoes”:
2012 Dodge Challenger
August 24, 2013 — 12:15 AM
Ash says:
Seriously for the music, the violin piece from The Last of the Mohicans. It blends together smoothly on repeat, therefore allowing your mind to enter a disassociated state that’s perfect for running.. Oh, and it always makes me feel as though I’m the only warrior who is on his way to slaughter all the goblins…..Crazy, I dunno but it works.
August 24, 2013 — 3:43 AM
Liz Onstead says:
1. Cirque du Soleil, some electronica, Doctor Who and Sherlock soundtracks. Because who doesn’t feel like running when the Weeping Angels are after you?
2. I just got a pair of shoes from a local shoe store called When the Show Fits. It was $120 AND WAS SO COMPLETELY WORTH IT. They measured my feet, diagnosed some issues (wobbly ankles) and then brought out four pairs of shoes. I tried out all four pairs on the in store treadmill and walked away happy with a pair of Brooks Dryad 7.
3. I’m training with the Zombies, Run! 5k app in preparation for the Zombies, Run! app
4. I use a pair of wireless/Bluetooth earbuds. $100 but also completely worth it.
August 24, 2013 — 12:06 PM
Dawn Pier says:
Wow, 156 comment so far. YOU are the king of the blogosphere, so why not have your jester do the running for you? But if you insist on running, then you must get the bible thereof – Jeff Galloway’s “Galloway’s Book on Running.” http://www.jeffgalloway.com/store/books/galloways-book-on-running.html If you are the king of the blogosphere, Jeff G is the King of kings of the running world. You’re welcome.
August 24, 2013 — 2:16 PM
Simon Townley says:
For (d) get yourself Bluetooth headphones. When it comes to footwear, the healthiest way to run is barefoot – certainly as far as posture is concerned. Though barefoot running alone won’t fix your bad posture. Nothing personal Chuck. Everyone has bad posture, well virtually everyone in the western world, and as you write for a living, I’m pretty certain you’ll one of those that does. Running will get a lot easier if you can improve your posture, though that takes time. These days you can get barefoot running shoes that don’t screw up your posture but do protect the skin on your feet. Merrell makes some, and there’s those Vibram Five Fingers things as well.
As for motivation, take a dog with you. They love it.
August 25, 2013 — 4:25 AM
22pamela says:
Everybody is new at something at one point in their lives…God bless your heart. <3
a) music? Random mix on my I-pod mini that clips onto my shirt…Pink, ZZ Top, Kid Rock, Navy Seals Running Cadences (a personal favorite to help your aerobic O2 exchange…try to keep up!) and AC/DC.
b) shoes? Only one shoe. Ever. Newton's…designed by an Ortho doc. Easy to find them about half price on Ebay if you have an odd size.
c) apps? NO! They annoy the hell out of me. Too much testosterone induced competitiveness. Like breaking out a stick to measure. Whatever. I do my 45 min a day. 45 minutes is the barometer for me. Like did I do it yet? Yes? Good. No? Get your shoes and go.
d) Dumb flailing monkey question? See intro/lead-in.
August 25, 2013 — 1:48 PM
Will Belacqua says:
Let’s see.
1) I don’t listen to music. I listen to a podcast. It’s harder to tell how much time has passed that way.
2) Vibrams Fivefingers are the way to go, always and forever. They’re the “toe shoes” and they are so fabulous for running you wouldn’t believe it.
3) Nothing. Those sorts of things tend to make me NOT want to run. “Oh, this app wants me to keep running? YOU DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO, APP.”
4) I clip my iPod to the back of my shorts, which usually keeps the cord close to my body.
August 25, 2013 — 6:58 PM
brian says:
B. Shoes. As others have said, get fitted at a shop that specializes in running. Nike makes shit, but there are a number of companies that make a shoe that will properly stabilize your foot. If you are serious about running then avoiding injury is the name of the game and your first line of defense is a shoe that won’t hurt you. My preference is Brooks shoes but you’ll find something that works for you.
A. Music. Tool is my, uh, tool of choice for longer runs. On days I go for a new personal best, I try to structure my playlist so that Roy Jones Jr’s Can’t Be Touched plays just before I get to uncharted territory.
C. No recs from me on apps. I always lose interest in the ones I try.
D. Try running the headphone cord from your ears, down your back and inside your shirt. You can thread it straight to your waistband if you clip your iphone there or, if you’re like me and use an armband, thread it through your sleeve. The key is to keep the excess cord trapped between your back and your shirt.
August 26, 2013 — 3:24 AM
Laura Quirola says:
I ran a half-marathon this year and learned some cool tips and tricks along the way:
1. Music. I tend to run without music these days, mostly because I try to run with other people and they do a better job keeping me occupied, but when I DO blast my ears with the God’s “Forget you’re running” mantra, I tend to go for things that are violently high with energy. Pendulum works. Rise Against. Although I normally loathe things like Dubstep (that weird dial-up modem junk the kids listen to these days), the milder stuff helps with the distraction.
2. Shoes. For a long time I was really resistant about buying a ‘proper’ pair of running shoes. They can get pretty fucking pricey. But I finally sucked it up and went to The Runner’s High. This is a store just for runners and it’s wonderful. Not sure if they have one up in your neck of the woods, but if they do, they will give you a free (FREE!) assessment to see how you run, where you place stress on your feet, and recommend the best support for you. Then, go buy your shoes elsewhere (Because holy hairy monkey gnads, money!). I finally settled for the latest ASICS running shoe. It’s brilliantly colores and makes my feet feel much better (in other words, not dying) after a run.
3. Mapmyrun is what I’ve been using. It’s pretty basic stuff, tracking your distance, speed, time… Nothing extraordinary, and I KNOW there are better ones out there, but this one’s free, so…
4. I wear my ipod in the backpocket of my water belt when I have a long run. I thread the headphones through the back of my shirt before plugging them into my ears. Keeps them from trying to strangle me.
Hope this helps! I sort of quit running for a while after the half-marathon because AH THIS HURT I DONT EVER WANT TO HURT LIKE THIS AGAIN, YARGH! But now I think I’ll try to practice what I preach 😀
August 26, 2013 — 6:17 AM
Josh Loomis says:
Music: I have a good mix. Everything from VNV Nation to Caro Emerald, from “Get Lucky” to “Eye of the Tiger”.
Shoes: I swear by the Saucony shoes I got from Zappos. Great arch support and easy on the feet.
Apps: Runkeeper keeps me on track and helps me work on my pace. Zombies, Run! is good if I have the time for a longer run. Runkeeper also syncs with Fitocracy which helps me log all of my workouts from running to lifting to “other cardio” (*eyebrow waggle*).
Headphones: Two words: Bluetooth. Headphones. Man, I love those things.
August 26, 2013 — 12:29 PM
dearest scooter (@dearestscooter) says:
Congrats on a good move.
I hate running but listening to podcasts or TED talks makes it tolerable.
Shoes…since you are just starting out why not try three different types of shoe? A barefoot style, a one with lots of cushion and something in between. Alternate every run and let your feet decide.
I use runtastic pro since it syncs with My Fitness Pal, that way I can obsess about running and eating.
Read “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” by Murakami.
August 26, 2013 — 4:23 PM