Getting High on Running

[RoaringMad Mac]

I am typing this up now before I head to work so I don't forget what is in my head right now.

I think I know where Fed is really coming from. I think we are both on the same level in the understandment of the high you get from running. He is a lot faster than me and seems to be running for time. Me on the other hand. I am Only timing myself to see how long I can run not how far I can run in the shortest time. I ain't winning any races here. I am probably going at about 4mph. I am sure Fed you are about 6 or 7.

Back to topic though. I said the other day that I hit my point where it did not hurt.Today was leg day and I still ran not nearly as much,more to loosen up than anything. I really and honestly had to stop myself because I knew I was going to have a brutal leg day of doing front squats and hamstrings. along with calves. It is just funny how I had to stop because I I really did not want to stop and that has never happened.

Hopefully that will keep up. I am just afraid to stop running in fear of it will get hard again and I don't want that.


I will continue this later.........


Feel free to comment now though.

[Fed372]

Yes, Running to me is seeing how fast I can cover my 3 mile loop... Once I get it down to 25 mins I will extend my rout.... Simple as that. I am using it as a fat burner. But its great to just get out and do it. Even when I did/do hurt when I run I don't stop. Stopping to me would be admitting I failed or couldn't deal with the extra challenge of completeing my task with such a minor thing added to try and stop me(the aches and pains)

[RickB]

Yep, there really is an invisible hurdle that you will get over. And once you're over it, you feel like you can run around the world....of course at an even pace. Also the runners high is a real thing as alot of you know is called endorphins. Also applies to people doing long bouts on exercise equipment. This high can be addictive as a street drug, but the good thing is it doesn't directly cost you any money and it's not bad for you.

It's a great place to be once you get there...because most give up before they do reach this "hurdle".

Check this out:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/01/11/marijuana.exercise.reut/

[RoaringMad Mac]

Very interesting article.

[adrian_wej]

The runner's high is real. And it's glorious. I ran cross country all through high school and even competed in the state meet in KY my junior year finishing top 5. I was 174 pounds, 6'4" at the time. Lifting was counter to my goals so i didn't start putting on mass until college. Enjoy the high, it actually becomes addictive, you start running to reach that point and you can become extremely disappointed when you fail to do so.

As for your speed, running for time is always more important than distance, but i can give you a couple tips to get your speed up, as someone that has run a sub 5min miles, and sub 16min 5Ks:

Fartlek: this is basically speed play. You said that you are running a steady 4mph speed. I'm assuming you are running on a treadmill to gather that information. Your first step, get on the blacktop, it's difficult to run your best on a treadmill for a number of reasons including opening up your stride and adjusting your speed on the fly. (it's hard to hit the button when you are sprinting, etc.)
Once you're running outside start playing with your speed, run at a comfortable pace for 10 minutes, then run flat out for 2min, then drop back to your pace. run for a total of 40 minutes at this build. you should work this into your cardio once or twice a week. It's extremely hard on your body and should not be done daily. Once you begin fealing comfortable with this set up start increasing the sprinting intervals and lowing the pace interval by equal incriments. (for example: run at pace for 8min, sprint for 4min)
There has also been studies that say this type of running can increase the bodies natural production of growth hormone and Test. So that's an added bonus. (And explains why cross country girls are so freaky.)

Stretching: Flexability is the main determinate of speed. always stretch prior to a run and remember to stretch after. I can't stress this enough. you will get faster, your stride will get longer, and you will feel more comfortable for the duration of the run.

Anyway if you have any questions let me know. I came here looking for answers and info about lifting, I would love to give back with running tips.

[Fed372]

The runner's high is real. And it's glorious. I ran cross country all through high school and even competed in the state meet in KY my junior year finishing top 5. I was 174 pounds, 6'4" at the time. Lifting was counter to my goals so i didn't start putting on mass until college. Enjoy the high, it actually becomes addictive, you start running to reach that point and you can become extremely disappointed when you fail to do so.

As for your speed, running for time is always more important than distance, but i can give you a couple tips to get your speed up, as someone that has run a sub 5min miles, and sub 16min 5Ks:

Fartlek: this is basically speed play. You said that you are running a steady 4mph speed. I'm assuming you are running on a treadmill to gather that information. Your first step, get on the blacktop, it's difficult to run your best on a treadmill for a number of reasons including opening up your stride and adjusting your speed on the fly. (it's hard to hit the button when you are sprinting, etc.)
Once you're running outside start playing with your speed, run at a comfortable pace for 10 minutes, then run flat out for 2min, then drop back to your pace. run for a total of 40 minutes at this build. you should work this into your cardio once or twice a week. It's extremely hard on your body and should not be done daily. Once you begin fealing comfortable with this set up start increasing the sprinting intervals and lowing the pace interval by equal incriments. (for example: run at pace for 8min, sprint for 4min)
There has also been studies that say this type of running can increase the bodies natural production of growth hormone and Test. So that's an added bonus. (And explains why cross country girls are so freaky.)

Stretching: Flexability is the main determinate of speed. always stretch prior to a run and remember to stretch after. I can't stress this enough. you will get faster, your stride will get longer, and you will feel more comfortable for the duration of the run.

Anyway if you have any questions let me know. I came here looking for answers and info about lifting, I would love to give back with running tips.


Y do I have pains/stiffness in the INSIDES of my calfs? Usually progressive too. Sumtimes so bad I can't walk when I am done running? I am running at about 6mph and weight is just about 228 or 229. have tons of wind left but am hindered by the pain.

[The Loaf]

Fed, you still have pain on the inside of your calves? dude, it's been like 2 weeks! please, stop trying to force it. i know you've got tunnel vision and you're goal-oriented, but this behavior will--if it hasn't already--lead to over-training. take a few days off. if your calves are still hurting, go see a doctor. he might simply suggest pain pills, but you can ask for a recommendation for a physical therapist--or just go to a place like Athletico--if the pain persists.

fed, you've been making great progress. don't beat yourself up if you take some time off. if you're nervous, cut an additional 250 calories a day from your diet while you're off. you might still put a few pounds on, but you'll take 'em back off quick enough.

[adrian_wej]

Y do I have pains/stiffness in the INSIDES of my calfs? Usually progressive too. Sumtimes so bad I can't walk when I am done running? I am running at about 6mph and weight is just about 228 or 229. have tons of wind left but am hindered by the pain.

I can't speak directly to the problem with out seeing you run but there are a few causes for lower leg pain. Maybe by describing them you can figure out your specific problem. Just for comparison, I am 8 pounds heavier then you and I run close to 6 miles a day at a 6.5-7min mile pace. So don't let anyone tell you you are too big to run and run fast.

Shoes: your shoes should be snug around the ankle, heel, and top of the foot but slightly looser around the toes. when you run your toes expand and stretch out with each step. the wrong size footwear can cause your body to over compensate and tighten up your calf. Try going out for an easy jog in your bare feet. Golf courses are great for this because their grass is perfect. If your calves are fine when barefoot, it's your shoes. Shop around and don't be afraid to ask someone at the shoe store.

Form: Many people simply don't know how to run. when you are sprinting your heel should never touch the ground (I have track shoes that don't even have a sole on the heel). For distance you should be rolling off your heel, not slamming it into the ground. Concentrate on your form at low speed. Imagine pulling against the ground with your foot as opposed to pulling your body forward. Just before your heel touches down your leg should begin pulling back. Also, do calistenitcs: High knees, butt kicks, high skipping, etc. these exercises naturally give you a greater kinestetic sense and therefore better form when running.

Shin Splints: Shin splints are small fractures of the bone in the front of your lower leg. X-rays accually show them to look like barbs. Combining running with weight training is one of the fastest way to develope shin splints. (not saying you shouldn't mix the two, but both can stress your bones: proper form, correct footwear, and getting enough rest is the only way to avoid injury.) If the jarring motion of running is hurting your shin, occassionally your body will try to hid this dull pain by stiffening the calf muscle, creating a rigid muscular cast if you will. as your legs should be loose when you run a tightened muscle will cause you pain as you go through the motions. If the muscular pain fades and is replaced by a dull throbing in the fron of the lower leg you porbably have this problem. The only cure for shin splints is time and rest. take a couple weeks of running, and easy up on leg day. Your body will take care of the rest. When you get back into it go easy for a few weeks and make sure you are careful to roll your feet as to minimize the impact. (you might want to use an eliptical for a while, if that's the case.)

Stretching: Like I said earlier, you must stretch. People tend to avoid the front and sides of the calf. A simple round the world style stretch (similar to your neck stretches) can work wonders, not only in endurance and speed, but in recovery and comfort as well.

Without more info, that's all I have for now. maybe if you could be more specific as to frequency, duration, and at what point in you run the pain starts. (towards the end, or from your first step, etc.) Anyway let me know if that helps.

[RoaringMad Mac]

Fartlek: this is basically speed play. You said that you are running a steady 4mph speed. I'm assuming you are running on a treadmill to gather that information. Your first step, get on the blacktop, it's difficult to run your best on a treadmill for a number of reasons including opening up your stride and adjusting your speed on the fly. (it's hard to hit the button when you are sprinting, etc.)
Once you're running outside start playing with your speed, run at a comfortable pace for 10 minutes, then run flat out for 2min, then drop back to your pace. run for a total of 40 minutes at this build. you should work this into your cardio once or twice a week. It's extremely hard on your body and should not be done daily. Once you begin fealing comfortable with this set up start increasing the sprinting intervals and lowing the pace interval by equal incriments. (for example: run at pace for 8min, sprint for 4min)
There has also been studies that say this type of running can increase the bodies natural production of growth hormone and Test. So that's an added bonus. (And explains why cross country girls are so freaky.)

[/QUOTE]

I run outside now. The reason I know my pace is I pretty much know what I did run on the treamill when I went to a gym. Of course the speed varies but I don't push it to much. I do however like the interval idea. I will keep that in mind. Thanks.

[Fed372]

Ok, in reply, Shoes, I have Asics Kayano Gels. I am doing what you say when running as far as forum goes. The Pain comes and goes. I notice it more towards the end of my run, But I finish with a hill and the pain isn't there. But heres the catch. I ran before and had NO Pain at all. Then I had a car accident in Nov of last year, rolled 3 times. No belt on. Now I have this pain in my legs.

[adrian_wej]

Fartlek:
I run outside now. The reason I know my pace is I pretty much know what I did run on the treamill when I went to a gym. Of course the speed varies but I don't push it to much. I do however like the interval idea. I will keep that in mind. Thanks.

Yeah, I was speaking with Troy1982, we actually know each other in real life and he is doing HIIT cardio, when he described it it was like a flash back to Lindsey Wilson Cross Country Camp. Interval training is extremely good cardio, as well as making you just a plain old better runner. Enjoy the high, and oh man, when you get the high in the middle of a speed session, it's seriously one of the best feelings I've experienced in fitness.

[RoaringMad Mac]

LOL, Okay. My bad.

[adrian_wej]

Ok, in reply, Shoes, I have Asics Kayano Gels. I am doing what you say when running as far as forum goes. The Pain comes and goes. I notice it more towards the end of my run, But I finish with a hill and the pain isn't there. But heres the catch. I ran before and had NO Pain at all. Then I had a car accident in Nov of last year, rolled 3 times. No belt on. Now I have this pain in my legs.

Brand doesn't matter as much as fit. for example I always run in new balances, but when I ran the Army ten miler a few years back I had to specially lace the shoes the keep my heel tight for the duration. Little tricks of the trade.

As for the catch, you seriously have me worried. If the only difference between running today, and running in the past is this serious car wreck, and you are now plagued with random spurts of very intense pain... man I'm not a doctor, and I certainly don't want to worry you, but that could be nerve damage. I had a friend I used to run with that got pinched nerve in his back and it caused his left foot to seize up and spasm. So to go back a few posts, if you are getting pain to the degree you describe (unable to walk after a run) you should probably see a doctor. You can never take your own health and well being too seriously.

[adrian_wej]

LOL, Okay. My bad.

what? haha.

[Fed372]

well its not that bad that I have to sit down but Its more after I run then during or before. Like cramping and burning kinda. Even right now as i sit here it will come and go.

[RoaringMad Mac]

Well, I did not get my fix this morning. I ususally go on my long runs at least 2 days a week and short runs 3 or 4 days. I woke up at 5 am this morning used the bathroom and was so tired I walked back to the bed and slept til 8 am.

I will make up this run on Saturday morning. I am trying to work myself up to this run at least three days.

[Fed372]

man what happen that sounds like a FED Excuse. LOL. DOOOO IT MAN