Running and running and running
By Cat
Last week I decided to do something 1) I didn't think I could ever do and 2) I'd soon regret:
I decided to run every day for an entire month.
There really was no reason, no purpose, no impetus to this decision. I was running around Waikiki one afternoon and thought, "Hmm. I wonder what would happen if I ran every day for 30 straight days?"
It was a challenge to myself — and I'm not sure why I thought it was such a good idea at the time.
But here I am, on Day 7 of this running streak, and I'm definitely feeling it.
My back hurts, my hips hurt, my legs are fatigued. There's even a muscle in my foot that aches now. I didn't know it existed.
I read a lot about running every day online last night — something I probably should've done last week when I committed to the concept — and there seems to be two camps duking it out: runners who say it can't hurt to run everyday and runners who say it's a waste of time — and could potentially lead to injuries.
(I, on the other hand, think it's ludicrous to run in general, so my opinion doesn't matter much.)
Interestingly enough, this running streak that I'm on isn't so original. Not only are there people documenting their daily runs — such as Chicago native Perry Romanowski (@thejoggler), who's been running and juggling (he calls himself a joggler) for more than a year and blogging about his experience — but there's even an association — the United States Running Streak Association — dedicated to the sport.
According to the USRSA, a running streak is defined as running at least one continuous mile within each calendar year under one's own body power.
I can't even fathom an entire year of running, let alone 30 straight days! Yet, here I am, complaining.
So what are my goals? Good question. I'd say I want to 1) see if my body can handle it, 2) see if I can actually do it, 3) stave off the extra pounds we inevitably gain during the holidays and 4) maybe, just maybe, I'll learn to actually like running.
Three out of four, though, wouldn't be bad.
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Check out Metromix's new series, "Out and About," and see how uneventful my life really is.
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Follow Cat on Twitter @thedailydish or send her an e-mail at cat@thecatdish.com.
The Daily Dish
November 24th, 2009 at 2:14 am
Hi Cat. u didnt mention how far u are running each day.That has alot to do with it.Are u running a marathon every day or just 4 miles? Your body aching is a sign to rest. Also are u running for distance or speed? That should be mixed up too.Doing some fartleks are beneficial.Unless you're a regular runner this goal could be harmful.But then again,if youre only running a couple of miles u should be alright. Stretching before AND afters is crucial.As is having a great pair of shoes.Your body needs time to recover.My suggestion would be to run 6 consecutive weeks with one day off each week.Start off with 3-4 miles and by week 6, 6miles.And through in some fartleks.Happy trails. Speaking of trails,if you're running off road have the proper shoe and keep your eye on the trail.May the wind be at your back.Aloha
November 24th, 2009 at 3:26 am
I used to run almost every day. I really loved it. Then as I got older it became jogging and the finally plodding. Then I switched to a bike. I miss it running/jogging. Was never a marathoner, but I felt good after doing it.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:20 am
I used to run every day, about 4-6 miles a day. On weekends I'd run 10 miles. But after a year of that my body began to deteriorate. My feet were always sore, my knees hurt constantly and I lost too much weight....around 20 lbs.
Nowdays I run once or twice a week, 2-3 miles each day. I go to the gym 3-4 times a week and I feel a lot better.
I must say that when I was running a lot my 10k times dropped drastically. I was sub 40 minutes and was almost sub 30 minutes before I stopped the madness. Running can be an addiction, at least for me it was.
Good luck on your 30 day run Cat. I know you can do it!
November 24th, 2009 at 4:39 am
That's Runner's high. Endorphins kicking in. Usually at the 6 mile mark.
November 24th, 2009 at 5:18 am
You couldn't get me to run, even if you drove in a truck next to me and whipped me like a horse. However, if you tied a beer and ribeye steak to the end of a pole, I might chase that for a few miles. I'm hungry now.
November 24th, 2009 at 5:47 am
Been running 4 times a week for about 7 years now. I enjoy it so much that I worry about the day that I won't be able to run. Hopefully body will hold up for another 20 years.
Oldshoes made some good comments...don't run too hard or far if you are not a regular runner and your goal is to run every day for a month. In spite of his name, his advice for a pair of good shoes is very important. You don't want to run in oldshoes. Go to a place like Running Room and bring your old pair in. The salespeople can tell by the wear on which shoe may be best for you. I have bought my last 10 pairs from them. I go through 2 pairs a year.
If you can, stay off the sidewalk, too hard on the feet and joints. The best would be a flat firm grassy park or blacktop path. I'm a lone wolf when it comes to running but I think a running partner can be a source of energy and help the miles go by...happy trails.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:27 am
I sit my butt down..with my luck I get chase by darn dog I fall and really hurt myself....yes I run only if a pervert dog is chasing after me.!
November 24th, 2009 at 6:27 am
I purpose of running is to run from something....yes or run to get my food before it burns to hell!
November 24th, 2009 at 6:29 am
so technically I run everyday up the stairs to check my food and run get my laundry before it get too wrinkled..I run run run to get my drink so I don't miss my show..so DO I NEED TO RUN OUTSIDE AND just MY LUCK GET HIT BY A TRUCK and falling meteor!
November 24th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Cat,
Good for you! Trying something new and getting some exercise!
Suggest you find a running buddy or buddies. Makes running much more fun. And ssstttrreeetttccchhhh after runs. You will recover much much faster.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:08 am
Even anthropologists are divided on whether or not humans are designed to run. One group says yes, that's why we stood up and another says no, we stood up to see over the grass. I hope the 'nos' are right.
I've always looked for excuses not to. Finally, I seized upon recent reports that, general, exercise does not help you lose weight, per se, and that running was no help in that department. What exercise does do relative to weight control, is, oddly enough, curtail your appetite; esp. for sugar.
Of all the types of exercise only swimming is more inefficient in physical conditioning than running. You have to put in long hours of both to get big payoffs.
I used to run in Houston. I gave it up years ago when I hit my mid 30's and started noticing that small injuries were becoming more frequent and taking longer to heal.
Shorter, more intense, more strenuous bursts of exercise, esp. weight training are more salutary than extended running.
The 'nos' have it. We are a species better suited to relaxing than running.
"Honey, would you get me a beer, please? The game's about to start."
November 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I'm afraid to ask Rosette what constitutes a 'pervert' dog. And I really don't want to know why said dog is chasing her.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I go to the gym 4 times a week, but running? No, that is way too taxing for me at my age. In fact, it was too taxing for me when I was in my 20s.
Exercise of some sort is the key, and getting your pulse rate up in the zone for 10 minutes is supposed to be at least a decent workout.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Good morning Cat!
You need to start off slow, not jump right into it. A few miles a day for a week or so and build up slowly every week.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:35 am
many great points brought up. as for your pains, are you wearing the proper shoes? and how old are they? not all shoes are made the same. depending on how your foot strikes the ground (pronation), there are different shoe types that are out there. i would suggest going to a specialty running store where they can analyze your gait (i also like to go to the running room on kapahulu). And always remember to stretch!
November 24th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Turk, I like the way you think!
Wow, thanks for all the great points. I've been running — maybe a few times a week — for years now, but nothing major. I think the longest I'll run is about six miles. I tend to run between three and four. (And I do stretch! Best part of the workout, actually!)
I'm concerned about my body parts hurting, though. Not young anymore! Not as resilient! So we'll see. I'll post more about my progress next week. If I'm still alive...
November 24th, 2009 at 9:55 am
I always marveled at a Marathon race. The one person winning. I also imagine him or her being chased by a mob, running for their lives. I see no other reason to run. I can walk and enjoy what I see. I get to the stop sign just as fast as one running. Another reason, unless one's name is Forrest Gump, and he was running away from someone and he just kept running. No reason at all.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Used to run/jog pretty regular. But at a routine physical my doctor suggested walking. According to him, the toll on knees and back creep up with age and the constant pounding. If you travel the same distance, you burn the same calories. Run and you'll do it quicker, it'll take longer walking but easier on your body.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Cat, you forgot the most famous streak runner of all time. You can be just like him: Forrest.. Forrest Gump. Run Forrest Run.
You gotta keep running until you only wear sweatpants and grow the long beard.
You'll be like the Pied Piper, and people will follow you everywhere. Running, of course. Then, one day, you'll just stop. For no reason at all.
Run Forrest Run.
November 24th, 2009 at 11:29 am
how do you have all that time and energy???
November 24th, 2009 at 11:56 am
yeah, running not for everyone. I think our blog host does it because running will burn a lot of calories in a relatively short amount of time...she too busy to walk for an hour or so where running for half the time will burn same amount of calories and get your heart rate up. It takes discipline to do something you really don't enjoy but desire the fitness level.
Not sure why I enjoy running, it's a solitary activity, tiring but also liberating for some reason...runners are a different animal. It can be a struggle but once you reach a certain level there is a good feeling even if you are breathing heavily and fatigued.
November 24th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Hey! I totally support your running. All good reasons to run. You seem to like to challenge yourself, running will definitely do that. More lessons will appear during and after your running journey. I started off the same way. One week before the Big Island Marathon, I decided to run. I haven't stopped.
I agree with some of the other posters. Definitely invest in a good pair of running shoes. Get fitted at RunnersHI in Aiea or The Running Room in Kapahulu. Stretch after a one or two mile warm-up. Studies have shown stretching before warming up can lead to injury. Always get in a good stretch after every run. Since you already surf, I don't even need to mention the benefits of cross-training. Also, consider joining a running group. Running in groups can be more fun. There's a group that runs out of RunnersHI in Aiea. Every Tuesday they meet at the store and run various routes. I hear their post run gatherings are even more fun.
Check out some of these sites.
http://frayedlaces.blogspot.com/ I think she runs in town
http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/
Lastly. With all this running, you might as well be training for something. Why not get involved in a 16 week running program to run any of the following:
Big Island Marathon
Kona Marathon
Kauai Marathon
Maui Marathon
Honolulu Marathon
Run strong and with purpose.
November 24th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
yes you wanna have high heart rate..THE WORD IS SEX no need to run..omg funny..yes it even clears your sinus! my friend she runs ....she can run and catch a tiger...yes ..I BE THE LAZY ONE I sit catch a fish!
November 24th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
the reason why you run is to catch your prey of food...so the lazy guy eats vegetables instead....see no running!
November 24th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
yes if you hurt your knees, ankles and legs no one cares so I SIT RELAX at least my butt is sore still I RELAX FULL OF SORE LEGS !...if you run you get hurt if you sit you get hurt so..I PICK SITTING!
November 24th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
yes if you run in bad part of of city they think you are after a mugger ...they don't do the running as exercise ..running is to catch a thief...
November 24th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
yes picture a lazy thief that can't run..oh dear!
November 24th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
you run only to chase after a crazy toddler running in the mall....!
November 24th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
what I mean by lazy guy who eats his vegetables you know he waits for the tomatoe to grow that somebody accidentally left to grow...he just walk around look for his food ...well I suppose he got to run if he has to compete with a bear for his food....omg
November 24th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I'm a pervert dog.
November 24th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
leg <--- ( ( ( ( (
November 24th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Rosette's Leg <--- ( ( ( ( ( (
November 24th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Good luck with the 30 days. For me running 3 days straight would be tough. Is this your Forrest Gump moment?
November 24th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
YES CATCH MY HAIRY LEGS ....wax that while you are busy catching my legs!..!!!!
"Run, run, as fast as you can.
You can't catch me!
I'm the Gingerbread Man!"
And they couldn't catch him.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
yes you got a piece of my hairy legs now braid that !
November 24th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
I run if I get paid to do it....omg....yes run for a million dollars slowly slowwww motion!
November 24th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
You could change things up day to day, e.g., sprint intervals, running on sand, hills or stairs (find a building with an elevator where you can run up the stairs and catch the elevator down to limit stress on your knees).
If you have access to a treadmill, you might want to use that at least once or twice a week. My body feels less pounded after running on a treadmill than after running on sidewalks or asphalt. Running downhill on cement is especially bad.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:24 am
Actually,i dont think u should do fartleks then.The goal of yours u say is to run 30 consequtive days.So philosophy of "kiss"(keep it simple stupid) should be adhered to. Nothing fancy or strenuous.That should get u to your goal.Moderation.Its not a race or a marathon you're training for.Take an advil or ibuprofen for the pain and inflamtion.Roll your foot on a tennis ball for a foot stretch. Have your cheering section put up a "tape" and finish line u can run through and across on the completion of your run on day 30. Next goal:Fun run with Sunny? Daily Dishers Run? French Fry relay run? The ideas are endless on this long and winding road.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:27 am
The aches and pains are normal, good idea to check your shoes. As a former trainer, the aching knees are a warning sign, be sure you alow a cool down period after your run, walk and light stretching will do. The cool down period for a 4 to 6 mile run should be about 15 min. change the surfaces you run on every other day. Concrete has zero give, asphlat is not much better, a high school track has the most give. Alos if you are running daily change the sistance every other day make it a shorter run. Give those legs a chance to heal. a good after run stretch is to put your hand on a wall, post or someting else and lean forward stretching your calf and leg muscles.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Manoa Mist: Hah, Forrest! I think about that part in the movie when he ran across the country — oh, a few times — and it makes me hungry.
@choybacor: Hey, thanks for all the helpful tips and Web sites!
Day 8, people, and I ran at the gym. I'm still alive.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Braided leg hair....That is a very disturbing image in my mind.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I just started running into store after store looking for zhu zhu pets. Seriously my legs hurt too.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
My running days are over. Running is for young, energetic people. Instead, I go walking every day for exercise. To me, walking is the best exercise. It is easy on the body and the results are no pain, no strain. My feet were sore all the time I was running and I used to get tired afterwards. Nothing like that when you walk.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Cat,
Did you weight yourself at the start, so you could compare after 30 days? If your like me, the more you run, the more you'd eat, and you wouldn't even lose weight.
Now what I would find interesting if you did is to try and do a different activity each day for 30 days. For example- circuit weight training, surfing, SUP, hiking, kayaking, ultimate, basketball, tennis, swimming, biking, rollerblading, volleyball, etc, etc.
December 14th, 2009 at 3:29 am
I think one of the hardest things for me is becoming too caught up in reps and sets. Lets say I plan on doing 4 sets of 12 reps sometimes I make it so I have to hit those exactly when maybe 3 sets was enough and on my last set I only got 10 reps but I quickly lower the weight and bust out 2 more reps.