Running....

[WI Crippler]

Not necessarily.

New shoes don't mean that they agree with your old feet. For example, I've read, talked with other runners, and experienced first hand that even the same model of shoe that worked last year may not work the next. May have changed slightly the next year and I've heard it depends what Asian plant they come out of (not sure about that).

Right now I'm on my second pair of Asics, same model, and it doesn't feel as good as the previous pair. Not saying for sure that's it the shoes, but since not much else has changed it's a good possibility.

Getting the right show for some people can be a real science. Inserts and orthotics can help.

If you run on an indoor track or treadmill, some good shoe places will let you try them out for a week as long as you don't wear them outdoors.

Good points there. I had a foot analysis done by a personal trainer a few years back, and I was able to take what I knew about my feet, and get into some running shoes that really work well for my foot type, as well as some good inserts. New Balance shoes seem to really work well for me, as I do alot of running. I find Nike's are the most comfortable to start with, but then they tended to wear out rather quickly. You are right Skinny, just because shoes are new, doesn't necessarily mean they are the right ones for your feet.

[Loot]

For whatever reason, I have never liked elliptical machines. My wife (when she wasn't pregnant) loved them to death. Now I don't know about your situation, but I usually see in the gym, people that are in really good shape are running on treadmills, and out of shape people are usually on the bikes or ellipticals. I think they are great for people with serious weight/joint issues, but if I had a person who was in average shape I would always recommend running over an elliptical.
I don't know maybe there isn't a huge difference, but I enjoy running because it sucks the wind right out of you. Ellipticals work my legs hard, and can get a sweat, but I am hardly ever out of breath afterwards.

I didn't like it at first, but once I adjusted the stride length a bit and got accustomed to it, it worked great. Depending on what resistance program I use, I can get one helluva workout on that thing, both in breaking a sweat and in wanting to pass out. I have heard so many bad things about treadmills that apply to people of all shapes and sizes, I'm sure most people should not be concerned. Surprisingly to me, I have come to like the elliptical. I'd never even been on one before we bought it.

I prefer running outdoors, but in all honesty the clothing I dirty up running during the winter triples my laundry bill and becomes a big hassle. That and I tend to get bored with the same trail and have to waste time driving to a different one. As for the gym, I really never gave much thought to who uses what type of machine, and my membership expired in September so I now use the home gym and free weights.

[WI Crippler]

I prefer running outdoors, but in all honesty the clothing I dirty up running during the winter triples my laundry bill and becomes a big hassle. That and I tend to get bored with the same trail and have to waste time driving to a different one. As for the gym, I really never gave much thought to who uses what type of machine, and my membership expired in September so I now use the home gym and free weights.

I prefer outdoor running myself, over anything else. but in Wisconsin it gets a bit cold to run in the morning or evening, and its too icy and dark as well.

I am slowly building up my own gym in our unfinished basement. I got the bench set, built my own pull up bar. And i have a curl station on my bench set as well. All i need is some dumbells ( thinking about getting the Bowflex Select tech dumbells for the smaller weights, saves room) and a treadmill.

[Maoz2Glory]

I'v had that same problem a while ago.. after i started runnin again, and after new shoes and alot pain it stopped hurtin after a month or so.. whenever i ran and it started hurtin i would walk untill it stopped hurtin and start runnin again untill i couldnt take the pain anymore.. but now feels like it healed and i can run as much as i want with no more pain.. but u should find ur self a good pair of runnin shoes, I dont know if its healthy or not to do what I did .. it did work for me though

[charlie4144]

From my experience i would stay of a treadmill.TO much impact on a treadmill. Run outside or at your gym. Also it might help if you stay on the ball of your foot instead of letting the whole foot hit the ground(if you are not doin that already. Instead of runnig at the same pace vary your speed. run at intervals.

[Skinnyboy]

From my experience i would stay of a treadmill.TO much impact on a treadmill. Run outside or at your gym. Also it might help if you stay on the ball of your foot instead of letting the whole foot hit the ground(if you are not doin that already. Instead of runnig at the same pace vary your speed. run at intervals.

Disagree about the treadmill.

If anything the treadmill might have too much spring (maybe that's what you meant?).

I run on a tread everyday, except weekends (I use the gym at work Mon-Fri).

The best part of a treadmill is the ability to focus entirely on your form since it is easier to fall into a consist stride, unlike outdoors.

One thing I would be cautious about is using the elevation feature. I never use it because of the possibility of excessive strain being placed on the legs. If I want to increase my heart rate/effort I just speed up. If I want to build strength for hills, then I wait until my outdoor weekend run.

[Vanno]

Running (distance running) pretty much sucks

Pros:
Burn a lot of calories
Good for cardio

Cons:
Hard on the knees, and body in general
Doesn't make you any more agile or fast
Boring

I've switched over to doing aerobics classes, as well as speed and agility training, and will never go back to distance running

[charlie4144]

Disagree about the treadmill.

If anything the treadmill might have too much spring (maybe that's what you meant?).

I run on a tread everyday, except weekends (I use the gym at work Mon-Fri).

The best part of a treadmill is the ability to focus entirely on your form since it is easier to fall into a consist stride, unlike outdoors.

One thing I would be cautious about is using the elevation feature. I never use it because of the possibility of excessive strain being placed on the legs. If I want to increase my heart rate/effort I just speed up. If I want to build strength for hills, then I wait until my outdoor weekend run.

Its exactly the oppostie for me. I dont like the constant stride anyway. I like to switch my speeds up so the treadmill makes that harder for me. I quess differnt strokes for different folks.

[Skinnyboy]

Its exactly the oppostie for me. I dont like the constant stride anyway. I like to switch my speeds up so the treadmill makes that harder for me. I quess differnt strokes for different folks.

I agree. The treadmill has it's limitations.

Once the weather permits, I move my training outdoors even when I'm at work.

Right now, I'd have to throw on too much clothing (we're experiencing minus 30 Celcius weather in Saskatchewan!). Can't afford the time.

By late March I should be outside consistently and that's when I add my speedwork. There's 2 grass park areas about a 3 minute run away from my work. Great place for speedwork.

Charlie do you do any competitive running? I run about 4 local races each year myself.

[charlie4144]

I agree. The treadmill has it's limitations.

Once the weather permits, I move my training outdoors even when I'm at work.

Right now, I'd have to throw on too much clothing (we're experiencing minus 30 Celcius weather in Saskatchewan!). Can't afford the time.

By late March I should be outside consistently and that's when I add my speedwork. There's 2 grass park areas about a 3 minute run away from my work. Great place for speedwork.

Charlie do you do any competitive running? I run about 4 local races each year myself.

If it got that cold here i might run on a treadmill to. Thats just cold! I can run outside here year round with just a sweater at the most. There is a lake by my house with a track around it where i do most of my work.

I run in a marathon or two every year for st. jude but that is about it. Some of my friends i work out with little competions though It helps to make it more fun and keep it consistant. I did run track back when i was in high school though.