running

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8/21/12 12:59 P

Just a comment here about not running out of doors due to knee problems, actually a treadmill is hard on your knees since it landing on a moving surface which is rigid underneath. In my experience as a track, cross country and road running coach knee problems from running out of doors are caused by poor running mechanics i.e. landing with a heel strike and not a midfoot strike, over striding and having your centre of mass behind your foot strike. Lack of muscular strength in the lower body also is contributory, stabilization of the knee joint is function of the thing muscles both anterior and posterior.

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8/21/12 10:59 A

Good Luck!!!!! You can do this!!!!

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8/21/12 10:52 A

Thank you all for these helpful messages, I do feel more confident about getting out there and having a good run. I now see what you mean about ignoring people and just thinking about what I'm doing and how I will be better than them. I am planning to go for a run this weekend away from my local town to start off with and with a friend, so hopefully I will be successful in ignoring people and will soon be able to run in my home town I front of people I know :) I'm looking forward to just going for it now :) thanks

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8/21/12 10:00 A

Wow!!!! I had this same exact experience back in February as a newbie runner. I was able to run several miles on the treadmill quite comfortably but I knew that it was going to be harder outside and was afraid to try for fear of failing and having to walk. I was also worried my butt was going to look like "two piglets fighting in some stretchy pants". So one day I just said "I am going to do this!" And so I got all my gear on including a very flattering long shirt to cover the "piglets" and away I went. It was more difficult than the treadmill, but I did it!!!! As I ran I thought about the wind in my hair, the fresh air I was breathing and the fact that all the cars passing me by and the houses I passed by contained people sitting or standing there watching me. Instead of being embarrassed I thought to myself "that's right I am our here running and what are you doing? Sitting/standing there watching me improve my health and life!" Putting it in that perspective kept me going because despite the embarrassment (that I was worried I would feel and didn't) I was doing something wonderful for myself.

Since then I fell off the wagon from April til yesterday. Yesterday I decided to try the treadmill to see how much endurance I lost and how far set back in my mileage I would have to start and to my wonderful surprise I ran 2.75 miles in 30 minutes. I am again working my confidence up to go back outside and "my piglets" are ready to go!!!!

So my advice is just go for it!!!!! It isn't as bad as we make it out to be. When you do it, you will not only have the pride of being able to run, but the pride of knowing you beat your fears and ran in front of the world!!!!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!!!!

Edited by: JEN1492 at: 8/21/2012 (10:02)

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8/21/12 9:38 A

Buy some flattering workout clothes and just get out there! Anybody that sees you is gonna think "good for her!" or wish they had the ability/ courage to do it themselves. Also, I think we can sometimes think that people are paying more attention to us than they actually are. Running outside is awesome and you should hardly deprive yourself of the experience because of what a couple of jerks might think. That being said, try to find a paved trail that's a bit more secluded or a track on off-hours if you're really concerned. It will also make it more enjoyable because you won't have to stop at intersections/ watch out for oncoming traffice, etc. Good luck!

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8/21/12 1:47 A

Running outside is miles and away better than the monotony of the dreadmill!

When I transferred from inside to outside running, I had the same fears and anxieties.

Then when I discovered the freedom of being able to go where I want, take a turn here, decide to go straight on there, tackle that hill coming up, etc.... I found out how exhilarating outdoor running is.

And I was also pleasantly surprised to see how many other like minded people there are out there!

So my advice is just forget what other people might think: that's their problem. Your main focus is to enjoy what you're doing and believe me, you will once you take that initial plunge.

But yes I agree with previous posters: it is so very different from dreadmill running, so don't be disheartened if you can't manage to run for as long as you normally would - stick at it, take it slowly to start because of the change in running surface, and have fun!

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8/21/12 1:07 A

i just wish that i could running the way i use to, but now i run on the treadmill for my knees

Posts: 52
8/20/12 9:06 P

Whenever I see anyone running, I'm very impressed and very excited for them! I never think about what they look like---the fact that they are out running is totally awesome!

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8/20/12 9:00 P

I started running outside when I was at almost my highest weight (240#), and I was really nervous, because I live in a small town and everyone knows everyone else. But I realized that everyone already knew I was overweight: There was no hiding that. Being out running showed people that I was doing something about it.

Several people around town have commented that they've seen me out running, and every single one of them expressed some variant of, "Good for you!" I've never felt like anyone was making fun of me for being an overweight woman out running. And now, I'm 65 pounds less-overweight, and still running. =)

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8/20/12 6:39 P

Just remember that your ahead of the guy on the couch!!!! Start small, start power walking then build up to running short distances...

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8/20/12 6:18 P

Tonight I will run with my brother. Yesterday I ran with a friend, who is WAY better than me. She is training for a marathon. I have yet to run a whole mile without walking part way. But that's OK! I will get there eventually. I just hafta remember these two MAGICAL words:

KEEP TRYING!!

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8/20/12 6:04 P

I think I will enjoy it once I go out, it's just lack of confidence. I think I'll go with a friend and go somewhere where I won't have much chance of seeing anybody I know, that should get me used to seeing people while I'm out then I could run closer to home when I have enough confidence, thanks :)

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8/20/12 5:57 P

you can do it!

i used to be the same way. i was afraid to run outside.

for me, whenever i tried running outside, i would get winded and not be able to go very far. then one day i took my husbands garmin watch with me. although it didn't seem like it, i was running way faster outside than on the treadmill-which was why i couldn't go far. the watch helped me pay attention to my pace.

the other "problem" is now i hate running on the treadmill. not looking forward to the michigan winter weather when it will be difficult to run outside on a regular basis.

Edited by: CLARK971 at: 8/20/2012 (19:58)

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8/20/12 5:41 P

I used to feel the same way...I had never run before other than on the treadmill in my bedroom so doing it outside was intimidating at first. Now I can't stand the treadmill and LOVE going outside. After running outside for the past 4 months I'm really nervous about the weather changing and being stuck inside and not doing it as often.

Don't be afraid to give it a try....you may really enjoy it. Good luck!!

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8/20/12 4:38 P

there's no difference between people seeing you at the gym and people seeing you run outside.

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8/20/12 4:31 P

If you go really early in the morning, there will hardly be anyone around. Just be prepared for the fact that running outside will seem really difficult compared to the treadmill. I'd worked up to being able to jogging 20 minutes straight on the treadmill, then headed outside and could hardly jog for 2 minutes straight. However, with the treadmill base, you'll be able to improve quickly. Don't be afraid to do jogging/walking intervals until you get used to it.

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8/20/12 4:18 P

Thank you, I think I will have to try running in a non-buisy place first so I only see a few people then I suppose it would build my confidence up to go in busier places :)

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8/20/12 3:54 P

My advice: dont care what others think! You are running for you and nobody else. I used to be VERY uncomfortable too. But, once I realized that this is about me.... I didnt care about "them".

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8/20/12 3:50 P

i love running on the treadmill at the gym and would love to go out for a run, like along the beach or in a park but dont have enough confidence to actually go out in public and run, anyone got any advice?