Cardio Thread....tips, tricks, and advice....

[doublejs07]

*Edit* Let's just make this for cardio.....

My og thread was about how much I hate running...

WHAT CAN I DO TO ENJOY IT??

Have you all seen the New Balance Love/Hate running commercials? Well, I can relate, except for the fact that I HATE running! I just got back in from arunning a couple miles, and right after my first step, I was thinking about finishing. How can I get over that mindset? I only get this way when I amjogging. If I am playing basketball, or anything along those lines, I just don't think about it. It's just running for "fun" that I hate. I just do it to keep some variation in my workouts. Even on the treadmill it's no different. So, for my runners out there, how can I enjoy doing this? How can I change my mindset so I am not thinking about finishing my run even before I start?

 

[acidicality]

What I do is I just listen to music.....for example, if I listen to "all of me" by joe budden, and i get preoccupied listening to the lyrics, thetime goes by faster...

 

[doublejs07]

I use my iPod, but it still doesn't help...my inner thoughts about how much I hate running drown out the music LOL....I think I need to see a shrink

 

[fanatic15]

I hate running to. My remedy? Don't do it. I prefer other forms of cardio and work outs that I can actually enjoy and do for a much longer amount of time.

 

[shannonscrooks]

I always try and break my runs up to small victories, for lack of a better term. Whether those victories be a certain time, landmark, etc. it kind of keeps megoing until I reach that next point. Try and focus on your form as well. I am not the best runner out there so concentrating on keeping good form helps aswell.

 

[doublejs07]

Originally Posted by Fanatic15

I hate running to. My remedy? Don't do it. I prefer other forms of cardio and work outs that I can actually enjoy and do for a much longer amount of time.

Fanatic...I do....I play basketball 2 times a week, I bike, I use the elliptical, I do short sprints on the track, etc...I mean, I love to vary what Ido....it's just running for distance that I hate...I want to learn to enjoy it, but I just don't know what to do...I'm a lost cause


Shannons....maybe I'll try to set some benchmarks or something along those lines....I just have to find SOMETHING that can make me enjoy, or at leasttolerate running

If the hate is that strong, maybe you should start thinking about switching that 1st song you have on your iPod.


I guess gettin hyped off of "Nike Boots" ain't cuttin it anymore

 

[juschiang]

I really hate that first minute as well so typically if I'm listening to music then I'll force myself to finish that 1st song and by the time thathappens, I don't really have that urge to stop anymore. Same thing if I'm using TV to distract myself, I'd force myself to run until the 1sttimeout (I'm usually tuned into ball games).

If the hate is that strong, maybe you should start thinking about switching that 1st song you have on your iPod.

 

[clutchshooter]

running isn't really fun per say , imo.

i usually feel, for lack of a better word 'healthier' when im done tho, which is basically the reason i run.

 

[japanair21]

Don't listen to music, it will throw off your balance. It always flustered me why people would listen to music, listen to the rhythm of your footsteps. Ifyou're going to be running miles at a time, music never helps, at least in my case.

Where are you running? If you're running on a track your out of luck. If you're running on cement/hard surface than it's hard to have a good run,but if your running on trails then it's not as bad. I always had to run on trails for cross country so it wasn't so bad, but man, running aroundtracks/around the neighborhood is no fun.

Run with somebody, that helps too, I'd rather talk to someone and have someone push me than listen to music.

 

[gunna get it]

DoubleJ, I have discovered the swimming Pool. bang out some laps man.
I guess Im just into switchin things up cuz the LD running has had my knee aching pretty bad.
Ever since the 5K Breast Cancer Fund Raiser back in July

MY knee been [Ole Otis] HOIRT [/ole Otis]

 

[RyGuy45]

Try other forms of cardio first.

But back to running....If the Ipod idea has run its course (and that would have been my first recommendation to use) then start to set goals. Find groups ofpeople or a buddy who have similar goals. Set aside one quarter of a basketball game to watch on TV while u are on the treadmill. Try the Nike Ipod whichtracks your results. Pick a store or a friends house that you have to go to (within running distance) and run to it instead of driving. Take classes likespinning where you are forced to stay and do it. Lastly, do your workouts at different times and try and find perhaps a better time that works for you. Beforework, after work, on lunch break, etc. I found that I get my best runs in right when i wake up before work which I never would have thought coming out ofcollege. Also on the weekends I always do my cardio before I have to shower to go out. For instance if I know I have to be at a bar at 10pm I will do my cardioaround 8:30 and then shower after it and head out the door.

 

[japanair21]

Originally Posted by GUNNA GET IT

DoubleJ, I have discovered the swimming Pool. bang out some laps man.
I guess Im just into switchin things up cuz the LD running has had my knee aching pretty bad.
Ever since the 5K Breast Cancer Fund Raiser back in July

MY knee been [Ole Otis] HOIRT [/ole Otis]

Swimming is awesome, it builds up your entire body strength more than anything else in my eyes. I don't really have anywhere to swim, but swimmingis a great way to build up some endurance/strength.

 

[doublejs07]

Japan....I never knew that music throws off your balance...today, since it was nice out I ran outside on the pavement. During the winter, it's strictly onthe treadmill (cold air kills my lungs).

Yeah Gunna...I've heard that swimming is one of the (if not THE) best cardio workouts you can have because of how many muscle groups you use. How many lapsare you doing?

Also, for those of you who run on trails and pavement, is there any sort of difference you feel in your feet or body whne running? I haven't tried trailrunning, but if anyone can drop some more info on the benefits/negatives that would be great

 

[grittyman20]

I hate running too but I used to do a lot of it....

You gotta get of that treadmill, it's probably the most boring piece of exercise equipment ever created.

One of the gyms I used to go to had an indoor track, but any outdoor (local HS) will do.
For the distance thing I would start backwards, like 32 laps at the gym would equal 4 miles...and I'd just start counting from 32 and work my way down.
It was simple but it did wonders for my mental state and having me believe that there wasn't some big hill that I needed to climb.

 

[craftsy21]

I've been really trying to get into running the past couple months... i just can't get the motivation to stick with it to gain any sort of respectabledistance though... I always opt to play basketball instead, and have never been able to work up the stamina to pull more than like 2 miles at a time.

Part of it is that i need more comfortable running shoes - after about a quarter mile my feet are just killing me and it's all i can think about from thereon out. Not to mention, much like gunna, my old man knees are killing me lately - anymore than about 3 days of ball a week and they're just garbage,completely swelled up aching like crazy...

I really want to get into this though, i see people out running and i'm like, "that needs to be me".. i don't know why, i just want to getinto it.

 

[derrtay]

i LOVE running on trails...cause on pavement it feels like it's harsher on my feet, simply because there is no give.


with trails, running on dirt there's like a certain bounce to it and it just feels alot nicer.

For me, running long distance is all about scenery, i love running in the fall cause of the leaves and such. Plus, running on trails definitely has a betterfeel to it, it might just be the air or something but it just feels a lot more natural.

idk. i enjoy running in nature cause it makes me focus on life and my inner me, rather than on pavement where there are cars and other people.


EDIT

oh and i don't listen to music either....the sound of the branches breaking and just nature in genral is more than enough to keep you occupied. I feelit's a lot more soothing than music.

sorry if my approach to running is too....for lack of better terms...hippy like. haha it's just how i feel.
that sense of solitude and one on one time is definitely a plus =)

 

[gunna get it]

Im doin steady hard pace (80%)of 10 freestyle, 4 butterfly and 2 freestyle (100%) all out sprints
I havent gotten around to timing myself cuz I know its gonna be an utter embaressment.
but I will start soon cuz its getting alot easier and I need to push myself

My boy tells me to do the Butterfly last cuz its a more strenuous workout but

, I aint back in 7th grade, $!#% that!

 

[kb8sandiego]

I'm with you DoubleJs.

I can't stand running. So I took up swimming instead.

 

[shannonscrooks]

Originally Posted by DoubleJs07

Also, for those of you who run on trails and pavement, is there any sort of difference you feel in your feet or body whne running? I haven't tried trail running, but if anyone can drop some more info on the benefits/negatives that would be great

I run at work, and behind my building there are a bunch of trails and the main benefits I think are the different kinds of terrain I come across as well asconserving my knees, legs, shins because of the softer surface. Trail running for me is where its at, just being out in nature where it is relativelypeaceful, gets your mind off everything and just makes you focus on the task at hand.

 

[kb8sandiego]

^
GUNNA, you ever try a work out called the pyramid?

It's a great way to mix up sets and different styles.

Timing is also great. You should try it. It pushes you more. It's help developed my technique at a faster pace.

Swimming ain't no joke.

 

[gunna get it]

No, i havent.
Tell me more about it,

 

[craftsy21]

I've heard that swimming is one of the (if not THE) best cardio workouts you can have because of how many muscle groups you use
I know i've shared this before, but i read somewhere that this is a myth about swimming.. not that it's not a great workout, but that itsomehow got blown up to be a better workout than it actually is.

Regardless - you will rarely see an overweight competitive swimmer.. so i'd say it works pretty well.

 

[japanair21]

You'll never see an overweight competitor in any kind of running either.

I still say it's one of the best workouts for an all-around workout, but as with all things, you just have to know what you're doing.

 

[craftsy21]

Here - i found it...

Fitness Myth No. 4: Swimming is a great weight loss activity.

While swimming is great for increasing lung capacity, toning muscles, and even helping to burn off excess tension, Harr says the surprising truth is that unless you are swimming for hours a day, it may not help you lose much weight.

"Because the buoyancy of the water is supporting your body, you're not working as hard as it would if, say, you were moving on your own steam -- like you do when you run," says Harr.

Further, he says, it's not uncommon to feel ravenous when you come out of the water.

"It may actually cause you to eat more than you normally would, so it can make it harder to stay with an eating plan," he says.

 

[kb8sandiego]

Originally Posted by GUNNA GET IT

No, i havent.
Tell me more about it,

It's pretty much somewhat like intervals.
When I first started I took my time. The pool I swim at is about 25 yards across. So let's just usethat for example.

The first interval should be one lap. Swim across once. Hit a 30 second breath. Then do two times across. Which is the equivalent of 50 yards. Hit another 30second breath. Then swim three times across which is equivalent to 75. Take a 30. Then swim across 4, which is 100. Hit that 30 again, and work your way down.IE 100, 75, 50, 25, and then finish.

The more comfortable you get with the work out and better you get at swimming, you'll be able to cut down on the breath rest in between the intervals.Also, at each interval, you can switch up the style as well. Freestyle one lap, butterfly the next. My boy also introduced me to some toys to use in the poollike swim gloves that help you develop better technique, a kickboard, and also some floating device that you keep between your knees so you learn to developyour upper body strength swimming with your arms only.

Never really knew how technical swimming was, but once you get into it, it's probably the most productive yet fun workout in my opinion.