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Post by Russ Greaves on Jun 24, 2015 15:54:35 GMT
The cycling thread has garnered notable attention, seemingly from males of a certain age.
I'm still too young to be a MAMIL (plus I wouldn't wear the lycra anyway!), but I have just got into running.
For years I struggled to see the enjoyment in it, but it's probably the most pure form of exercise and there's something brilliant about its sheer simplicity.
So who else likes to put one foot in front of the other at a moderate speed for mile after mile?
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Running
Jun 24, 2015 17:33:56 GMT
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Post by Andrewlang on Jun 24, 2015 17:33:56 GMT
I love running (and cycling for that matter)
Both have the qualities I like which is that they're solipsistic and require will and determination rather than any particular skill.
Andrew
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Post by richardg on Jun 24, 2015 18:41:26 GMT
Love running, it's good to plan your runs, and aim to improve your speed, and build up the miles. I would recommend doing a half marathon, a sense of achievement and needs less training than a full marathon. It's a great way to unwind and all you need are some decent running shoes !
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rocky
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Post by rocky on Jun 24, 2015 18:58:35 GMT
Love running, but don't plan my runs, and don't set goals or targets; best to let serendipity rule. Just put in the miles and always push myself. And I don't flippin' listen to music when I run - you've got to let your mind wander, enjoy nature and take in the surroundings. It's a great way to unwind and all you need are some decent running shoes!
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Post by Russ Greaves on Jun 24, 2015 19:00:29 GMT
I started off just doing 5k, trying to get quicker, then realised I really needed to be running for longer than 20 minutes each time.
Tested myself over the half-marathon distance the other day and found how easy (relatively speaking) it is to keep going when you find a comfortable pace.
It is enjoyable - though I don't necessarily relish every stride while I'm actually out running - and it's made a huge difference to my fitness.
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Post by kdwyellow on Jun 24, 2015 22:25:06 GMT
Cycling doesn't require skill? I beg to differ.
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Post by Andrewlang on Jun 25, 2015 7:38:06 GMT
Well, if you're cycling in events I guess it's different, but for a 60+mile ride or the 25 mile commute to work I've found that the most important thing is desire and determination. Cycling around town is different admittedly, you've seriously got to have your wits about you.
Running I find much the same sort of discipline. Like some others I make no plans other than to push myself as hard and far as I can.
Andrew
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Post by kdwyellow on Jun 25, 2015 7:48:24 GMT
Running hurts my knees but then I'm old now and better footwear would probably sort that problem however I'm now fully in the cycling camp. I used to run a lot when I was younger and sprinted for my school at district level but 100m was my limit and once I started getting beaten a lot I got bored of it.
I enjoy a walk. From a purely social and relaxing perspective, walking allows you to take in your surroundings a bit more and appreciate them as well. On a bike, you miss a lot of that.
I'm off for a stroll shortly to my fracture clinic appointment.
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Post by Andrewlang on Jun 25, 2015 8:31:35 GMT
It's the achilles for me. I've got years and years of running left in me so long as I manage it properly but this time last year it was pretty painful...was hard to even walk. Doctor said it was a pretty common in 'men who do a lot of exercise', which probably shouldn't have pleased me as much as it did, then went on to say it was a particular problem in 'men of a certain age'.
I'm 38, I'm not ready to be considered a man of a certain age!
Andrew
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vanni
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Post by vanni on Jun 25, 2015 13:22:31 GMT
I'm with Rocky. I don't plan my runs at all and never ever listen to music while I'm running. No planning works for me as I believe in not misreading the signs your body's giving you. So, it's useless to plan a 60 minute run when your body's knackered you can barely run a mile. Works the other way round too, as sometimes I find myself not wanting to stop. Plus I think that planning is for the pros, or those that are running only for weight reasons.
Funny thing about running is that I'm always tired after just 5 mins, yet my legs seem to get a life of their own after 15 mins or so.
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cambcam
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Post by cambcam on Jun 25, 2015 13:24:31 GMT
Always found running really tough on the knees, which I think is why men 'of a certain age' get into the bike thing.
Funnily enough, never really enjoyed cycling as much as running, but you've got to do what's right I suppose. These days I just stick to 3 or 5k at the gym a couple of times a week, which is a nice, quick run and doesn't punish the joints too much. Definitely find the treadmill MUCH more forgiving than the road, so just stick to that routine, followed be a swim and a sauna which keeps things ticking over and helps you feel good generally.
The missus turned 40 this year and has really got into it. She fancied running the Cambridge half marathon but had never run previously and only had six weeks to prepare. Credit where it's due, she knocked it out in 1hr 54 minutes which I thought was pretty impressive, especially given the circumstances.
I love sport and respect anyone that gets off their arse and gives something a go. There's often a lot of talk about times and a competitive edge, but I love the way sport lets you set your own goals and anyone get that sense of acheivement.
Just seem to feel mentally fitter after exercise too, which can be no bad thing.
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Post by brucebaldrey on Jun 25, 2015 13:49:09 GMT
It's the achilles for me. I've got years and years of running left in me so long as I manage it properly but this time last year it was pretty painful...was hard to even walk. Doctor said it was a pretty common in 'men who do a lot of exercise', which probably shouldn't have pleased me as much as it did, then went on to say it was a particular problem in 'men of a certain age'. I'm 38, I'm not ready to be considered a man of a certain age! Andrew I'm 28 and get exactly the same Achilles problem!
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Post by Andrewlang on Jun 25, 2015 14:07:51 GMT
Ah, now a swim is a joy. The one at Jesus Green has been open for a couple of months now - fantastic 75m open air pool - and it's a great place to swim. I love swimming and go through fazes of being very committed to it but I'm put off by how crazy busy it is at Parkside most of the time. If I could have my own pool I'd swim for hours.
"Just seem to feel mentally fitter after exercise too, which can be no bad thing"
Indeed. That'd be the dolphins. When I started exercising it was a self-diagnosed way of combatting 'depression' (the use of quotes not meant to belittle the desease just to question the extent to which I suffer it). Seems to be doing the trick most of the time.
Andrew
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imp566
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Post by imp566 on Jun 25, 2015 14:20:42 GMT
Some time ago, I used to run every lunchtime at work, around 4 miles a day on average. Except for on a Thursday, when my work pattern necessitated me being in the office all day and snatching a quick 30 minute lunch break. By about 3pm I was a crabby b'stard - it was only when I sat down and analysed it that I realised my body was rebelling against the absence of my regular exercise!
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cambcam
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Post by cambcam on Jun 25, 2015 14:52:52 GMT
Ah, now a swim is a joy. The one at Jesus Green has been open for a couple of months now - fantastic 75m open air pool - and it's a great place to swim. I love swimming and go through fazes of being very committed to it but I'm put off by how crazy busy it is at Parkside most of the time. If I could have my own pool I'd swim for hours. "Just seem to feel mentally fitter after exercise too, which can be no bad thing" Indeed. That'd be the dolphins. When I started exercising it was a self-diagnosed way of combatting 'depression' (the use of quotes not meant to belittle the desease just to question the extent to which I suffer it). Seems to be doing the trick most of the time. Andrew That's what I love about sport, if you find what works for you it's beneficial in so many ways. I'm not into swimming in a similar way to not really 'that' into bikes, but I'm fortunate enough to work for myself and have loads of free time to bugger about doing stupid things. The gym pool is bliss after a run, particularly when you've only got the odd MILF wandering around for company. Pools and kids and noise don't tend to make swimming much fun unfortunately.
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