I hate running, but this was awesome.

[sweetcell]

So anyway. In all seriousness, I'd actually like to take this to the next level.

easy: install a tap (beer line) in your shower so you can pour - and refill - while you suds. done and done.

 

[jmendez29]

Jacob, those are some great images. I live about three quarters of a mile from a lake. The Heinz factory built a walkway along the waters edge. It's pretty much a bridge that goes around the factory about ten feet offshore. It makes for some great views, and when I was doing my intervals, I would run down there for the distraction. Total distance for the loop that I would take was about two and a half miles. My goal for the next month is to make that in a continuous run and from there start making the path a little longer to get to the 5k mark.

 

[mattd2]

easy: install a tap (beer line) in your shower so you can pour - and refill - while you suds. done and done.

Exactly what I thought when he said that

 

[Darwin18]

OP - Good for you!

I started training for a half marathon last month and last week's "long run" was 5.5 miles. This weekend is 6 miles, which is the longest I've ever walked or ran. I'm 5'11" and 255 with a definite brewer's body, so it's not impossible to do. Honestly, it's all psychological. I really think almost any healthy person could get up and run/walk a 5K - easily. I've been dealing with the usual running pains and it's not always easy to get through. My best recommendation is to get yourself properly fitted for running shoes and to continue to keep a positive outlook. I hate every minute of running but that feeling when you get past the half-way point and turn around for home is great. Getting home, taking a shower, and being able to eat/drink whatever you like without guilt is great too. I really recommend the Map My Run app on the i-Phone - It works great. Keep track of your runs and your paces as they're great motivators to build upon. Oh, and make sure you get a pair of running/workout underwear - trust me you'll thank me.

 

[iowabrew]

+1 to the map my run app. Android has the same thing and it is wonderful. Keeps track of pace, mileage, and calories burned (which it's fairly accurate against a heart rate monitor). This isn't really the place for a full on proper running discussion, proper running form far outweighs proper shoes. BUT if you're just recreationally running not too big a deal.

If you want to get serious about running, there are tons of books on the subject!

 

[pumpkinman2012]

i'm not sure even beer would get me to like running. I'm not sure a pack of crazed, starving, wolves would get me to like running.

lmfao!!!!!!!!!
I use to go to the gym 2 hrs everyday (I run my own business), it sucked at first, but after a few months I felt like a junkie, I had to go to the gym!
Unfortunately, my back injuries flared up and I haven't been back to a gym in a few yrs.

 

[jmendez29]

Alright, everyone. The support here has been nothing short of fantastic. And with some of your recommendations, I signed up for a 5k. I kept a positive attitude toward training, and did it. This morning! The results are already posted. I had a finishing time of 30:52 and was #197 out of 450. I had a couple of buddies that I told I was doing this and the two of them, along with one of their wives, signed up with me. Not a blazing speed, but it's where I'm starting and can easily improve from here.

It was a Halloween run for a school in the Grand Rapids area. While I didn't get particularly excited about the run, it was pretty fun watching the different costumes. I'm sure a few people saw I was kind of struggling because I had several people on the sidelines and in the run telling me to keep it up and don't quit. It really was a great experience. Afterward, the four of us got breakfast, and I went home for a long, hot shower. Complete with a nice cold pint. Spectacular finish.

Thanks again for everyone who contributed to this thread. You really are an amazing group.

 

[TNGabe]

Alright, everyone. The support here has been nothing short of fantastic. And with some of your recommendations, I signed up for a 5k. I kept a positive attitude toward training, and did it. This morning! The results are already posted. I had a finishing time of 30:52 and was #197 out of 450. I had a couple of buddies that I told I was doing this and the two of them, along with one of their wives, signed up with me. Not a blazing speed, but it's where I'm starting and can easily improve from here.

It was a Halloween run for a school in the Grand Rapids area. While I didn't get particularly excited about the run, it was pretty fun watching the different costumes. I'm sure a few people saw I was kind of struggling because I had several people on the sidelines and in the run telling me to keep it up and don't quit. It really was a great experience. Afterward, the four of us got breakfast, and I went home for a long, hot shower. Complete with a nice cold pint. Spectacular finish.

Thanks again for everyone who contributed to this thread. You really are an amazing group.

Way to go! Hope you stick with it. Fall is the best running weather. Had talked about doing a super hero 5k today, but decided to save the entry fee and other costs for beer trip in a few weeks.

 

[TxBrew]

I don't like running either. Why are you being chased? Did you take something that wasn't yours?

 

[jmendez29]

Lulz. Silly guy...

 

[Coff]

I used to hate running to, but 6 years ago my wife got me into it (she ran X-country in HS and college). Now I am addicted and absolutely love running, with a 1 1/2 year old kid I can't put in as much time as I would like but I get at least 40 miles in a month.

I run a few races a year, mostly 10k's and a 10 miler. Its really a great way to keep you motivated to run, setting goals, training etc, is much better then mindless miles on the treadmill.

I post decent times in my races, usually avg 7:45/mi in a 10k.

As for the post run beer, here is my local running club.

http://fishtownbeerrunners.com/

I'm sure most of you can get behind something like this.

 

[axmdr40]

I fractured my L1 vertebrae in August '11. Running was the hardest thing to get back after 6 months on a deadman profile. I never was great at running anyways. I was able to get back into it by training with a friend for the Army Ten Miler, and making that my goal. The last 9 months I've spent living up around 5,000 ft in really rancid air, which is a real shocker to the body if you're not used too it, but I've started running 1/2 marathons and other shorter runs. I still suck at running, and hate it, but I've found that I can't forgo running a 1/2 when the chance arrises...its addicting now.

When I was living in Germany, a buddy and I used to run up the the Altenburg overlooking Bamberg, have a beer and a glass of water at the little cafe in the castle, then continue on a seven mile loop...a beer was a wonderful little kick in the middle, and a nice rest after quite an awful uphill.

 

[Evan_L]

I hate running, even after getting back into it, still hate it. A leftover from USMC days, I do still like to punish my body though. Best advice I could give, invest in great sneaks, replace them when you should. Always go farther than your last run, be it one step, one lap, one mile...around your house who cares, just make it longer. Know the difference between sore/tired and sore/hurt, don't run hurt, do recognize tired as the beginnings of lazy thoughts punish yourself for lazy thoughts. On days you don't want to run or are bored or whatever, try fartlek (google is your friend) to mix it up.

 

[lionnusmb]

I too used to hate running but found myself not having as much time to devote towards the gym. At the time I thought the 45 minute run would use up more calories than the 1.5 hour gym workout, and in less time; win.

At first it was really tough as I used to wrestle in college and still had the upper body build imbalance. After a couple years, 3 miles turned into 5, and 5 turned into a 10k, which then turned into 20k. 20k turned into a marathon, which then turned into a second marathon, and next year will be my third.

In all, my attempt to save time by running instead of working out in the gym turned into more than me or my wife ever bargained for.

I now find myself turning my nose to any run less than an hour in duration. A sort of running snob. I almost live for the opportunity to just listen to my audiobook, lube up the friction prone areas, gear up and run for a couple hours, much to my wife's dismay.

Have fun on your running hobby and hopefully it doesn't turn into the obsession it has for me.

Now I have two hobbies my wife loathes, but oh well, at least I'm not letting myself go... and she likes the beer I make.

 

[bioguy]

If running doesn't work for you, try a bike. It's easier in the back and knees. My club regularly does a rail-trail ride to a brewpub (30 mi. round trip). The beer tastes especially good. Now, if only they'd install showers or even a hot tub.

 

[TNGabe]

I fractured my L1 vertebrae in August '11. Running was the hardest thing to get back after 6 months on a deadman profile. I never was great at running anyways. I was able to get back into it by training with a friend for the Army Ten Miler, and making that my goal. The last 9 months I've spent living up around 5,000 ft in really rancid air, which is a real shocker to the body if you're not used too it, but I've started running 1/2 marathons and other shorter runs. I still suck at running, and hate it, but I've found that I can't forgo running a 1/2 when the chance arrises...its addicting now.

When I was living in Germany, a buddy and I used to run up the the Altenburg overlooking Bamberg, have a beer and a glass of water at the little cafe in the castle, then continue on a seven mile loop...a beer was a wonderful little kick in the middle, and a nice rest after quite an awful uphill.

Where do you live at 5000' in TN?

 

[TallDan]

I feel obligated to post this here for anyone who hasn't seen it:

"The terrible and wonderful reasons why I run long distances" from The Oatmeal
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running

(Sometimes **** cartoons)

 

[axmdr40]

Where do you live at 5000' in TN?

TN is home right now...but I'm not there.

 

[Darwin18]

I judged a competition on Saturday and ran my first half marathon today.