Health and Fitness (Page 10 of 11)

Now that's a slim figure - and I don't just refer to the glass of beer

Barefoot/forefoot running sure makes difference when it comes to form.

In my case, I still haven't adapted my "new" technique well enough to run faster than I did in the summer of 2009 (as a heel striker) when I did my fastest runs in several distances.

It takes time to develop a good technique and it's about so much more than just land on different parts of your foot.
But I'm convinced that, from a biomechanical point of view, landing on your heel with a straight knee will always be less efficiant than landing on your forefoot under your body.

Studying the POSE Method of Running has helped me identify many different parameters to think about.

I'm sure you will enjoy the Born to Run book, it's very good!

I have some virus trying to break out, otherwise I would be out running every second day.
Perhaps I feel better tomorrow...

I've been really been getting into tennis lately. Last week I played 3 times and I have a 2 hour semi-private lesson tomorrow to strengthen my groundstrokes. The lessons have really helped my game. Cloud9, come up and play sometime!

I also bought a vintage Peugeot 10 speed, it needed some work but I am planning on riding around on Sunday for the first time.

I just wish I had started all this back in spring, but can't wait to get back in shape. Not buying any more clothes until I am officially down a size.

For those of you interested in forefoot running:

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/29284706[/vimeo]

This video is made by some guy calling his system "Evolution Running" but it's based on the same theories as POSE, Chi running, Newton and whatever thay are called, all trying to present the components of good running technique as a whole.

The video is great in explaining what good running technique is all about.

Spent the last month getting back into lifting weights, drinking creatine & protine shakes and using the cross trainer while listening to Hi Nrg and J Pop.... lifting a lot heavier again and feeling great!!

I'm focussing a lot on this one lately, it's a pain-in-the-knee but it works:

I like to run. I spent several years completely sedentary, but now I'm back.
What I wanted to know from the fellow runner robots that live in the cold regions of the Globe is their experience in running in a very cold climate. Do you completely move indoors during winter and just run on the treadmill or you face the harsh climate?
And when it's snowing?
I just found this website: http://www.runningincoldweather.com/
It seems interesting. I'll take a closer look.
You see, I'll move to a cold place and I was curious to hear about your experiences in training in cold weather.
Cheers

Running once a week for an hour or so. Outside. Tredmill sound boring to me: always the same view, track etc, no weatherinfluence etc.

Interesting, where are you moving?

I live in Stockholm, Sweden and we have had two very cold/snowy/long winters in a row.

I understand the advantages of moving inside and run on a treadmill but I try to stay outside as much as possible.

The worst problem with the snow is when it's new and the streets aren't plowed yet.
Trying to run in one or more feet deep snow is perhaps good to build your strength but it's hard to keep a good speed and you feet will get wet.
Another problem is when the snow is melting.

Running on plowed streets with packed snow is no problem, IMO.

Ice could also be a problem, mostly when the snow is melting.
There are running shoes with metal spikes to eliminate the risk of slipping.

The cold itself could also be a problem.
Some people are more sensitive and get problem breathing when it's too cold.
Fortunately, I have no such problem.
A couple of years ago I ran a 21km/2 hour long run in -15C but that was perhaps a bit too advanced since one of my hands got numb afterwards.
No problems, I thought, it will be OK again when I get inside, being able to warm my hands.
But the numbness stayed for several weeks which was a bit scary.

Another issue is the darkness.
Where I live (outside of Stockholm) not all of the streets have lights and in winter it gets dark at 3 PM.
When running in winter I try to select routes where I think the streets are plowed and where there are streetlights.
The rest of the year I prefer to run mostly on trails in the forest but in wintertime I am OK with whatever is available.

Good clothes are essential, of course.
Being able to run all around the year with no winter problem would of course be nice but in Sweden there will be winter and I have to accept it or move elsewhere.

The limitations are mostly in one's attitude.

Thanks Galliano, for all the info.

I'm moving to Macedonia. There, during the winter is very cold and during the summer is very very hot. I never lived outside Rio de Janeiro, where the temperature is pretty much the same all year long, but I'm sure it's gonna be great.

And about the clothes, I have to buy everything.

havent been at this thread for some time, but im pleased to see that everybody is running all over the place

@Galliano: i have the Convict Conditioning book for quite some time and its great...it builds up your body strength really fast and u can see the results after couple of weeks.

Also got my hands on some great cardio exercise videos. The guys name is Shaun T and the program is called Insanity...and its insane

hit 95 k's today.. i think last time that was on the docket was mid nineties