running forums?

[HotDamnImAPhiMu]

Anyone know of a running forum (like GC, but for runners instead?)

I was a running fiend in high school and college, but I strayed. Now I'm getting back into it, but running is not a forgiving mistress. So I could use a site with the old wives' tales, suggestions for ramping up mileage, etc. if anyone knows of one.

[Lil' Hannah]

coolrunning.com has discussion forums, but I don't know how active they are.

[HotDamnImAPhiMu]

I'm tempted not to trust a site that makes me think of the Jamacian bobsled team. But thanks I'll try it.

[sugar and spice]

I used to lurk at coolrunning a couple years ago. It was one of the better running discussion boards I could find.

In my experience, going back to running is hard -- even if you've kept in shape, because of the mileage issue. I can go back and run a few miles a day if I want to, because I've stayed in okay shape, but within two weeks my shins are just aching like crazy. Definitely take it slow in the beginning or you're just making it harder on yourself.

[HotDamnImAPhiMu]

That's what I mean.

I actually think just about anyone (barring health problems, massive obesity, etc.) could manage to struggle out 2 or 3 miles, even after an extended absence. I think something in your head changes when you start training (cross country in school, for a race in college, whatever) and you realize a mile isn't REALLY that long and it's not at all unreasonable for a person to run 2 or 3... at ONCE!

That says, it's still kicking my ass. All the typical new-runner symptoms/temp injuries... I'm even getting side stitches. I'm pretty sure if I can last a month, I'll be OK, but damned if this isn't hard as hell in the meantime.

Funny - adding mileage is never THIS hard.

Any thoughts on how long it'll take me to get to the point where I don't get my ass kicked by every run? I think two or three weeks is probably fair...

[sugar and spice]

It only took me two weeks (maybe not even that long) when I went back to it, but that was during the summer months which were a lot more conducive to easy running. I don't know what the weather's like where you're at, but obviously going back in winter would make it a little more difficult.

[KSigkid]

Originally posted by HotDamnImAPhiMu
That's what I mean.

I actually think just about anyone (barring health problems, massive obesity, etc.) could manage to struggle out 2 or 3 miles, even after an extended absence. I think something in your head changes when you start training (cross country in school, for a race in college, whatever) and you realize a mile isn't REALLY that long and it's not at all unreasonable for a person to run 2 or 3... at ONCE!

That says, it's still kicking my ass. All the typical new-runner symptoms/temp injuries... I'm even getting side stitches. I'm pretty sure if I can last a month, I'll be OK, but damned if this isn't hard as hell in the meantime.

Funny - adding mileage is never THIS hard.

Any thoughts on how long it'll take me to get to the point where I don't get my ass kicked by every run? I think two or three weeks is probably fair...

That sounds about right; I've been a runner in the past, and at my best I can usually get off about 7-10 miles. After an absence, it generally takes me about a month before I'm back near my top level, but that's also factoring in that I've had problems with my knees the past couple of years.

I've found that if I mix in some sprints with my runs, I'm able to get back to my regular level much faster.

It is hard though, both on the physical level, as well as on the "I should be better than this" level

[HotDamnImAPhiMu]

Originally posted by KSigkid
It is hard though, both on the physical level, as well as on the "I should be better than this" level

The worst part, I think. The discouragement.

[kafromTN]

Runnersworld.com has some good forums, they have them broken into various categories, beginners, training, nutrition etc. It helps keep me motivated as long as I'm not sick.

-Mark