ask dr. lazyweb: running

[topaz]

The contingent of runners on my friendslist continues to swell.  I have always been antsy about the idea of running (shin splints! fallen arches! side stitches!) but I want to do more cross-training, and running is one of the most convenient options for me.  Therefore, in lieu of doing actual research, I ask you!

What are the most important tips you all would want me to know?  What do you wish you knew before you started?  I know I need decent running shoes, so I'll be making a trip to Marathon Sports, maybe later this week -- but what else?  Running on pavement vs. dirt?  Different kinds of pavement?  Are there secret posture tips I really need to know?  etc. etc. etc.  Is there some web site that will tell me everything the world knows on the subject (like sheldonbrown.com for biking or stumptuous.com for lifting)?

Talk to me!

Comments

Wot she sed

[harimad.livejournal.com]

I've heard this as well, as far back as the early 1980s. The idea is that cold muscles don't stretch well, they break. So make sure your muscles are awake and warm and have been used a bit. If you exercise after work, no problem, they're ready for you. If you exercise first thing, run/briskly walk a half mile or so, then stretch *gently.* Or wait till after your workout.

What I've read in the past couple years is the really weird bit: that stretching doesn't do anything for our conditioning, fitness, or ability to resist injury. Several studies have found no benefit at all, and I haven't heard of a recent study that does show a benefit. OTOH, I simply like stretching so I do it anyway.

Re: Wot she sed

[qwrrty.livejournal.com]

I actually never stretch when biking, either before or after. I've never had a problem skipping it and never seen any improvement when doing it. I'll pay attention and see if my body seems to want me to stretch before or after running.

Re: Wot she sed

[beah.livejournal.com]

I believe, though I don't have a handy pointer to them, that there have been studies showing that stretching reduces stress and promotes a strong immune system. It is recommended even for those who never exercise, and for people who are depressed, etc.

That said, I definitely notice a difference if I don't stretch out after a workout, particularly if I challenged myself or if it's been a while since I last did that kind of exercise. Before, eh, secretly I never do it, and found it only a time-suck when I did.

Re: Wot she sed

[harimad.livejournal.com]

stretching reduces stress and promotes a strong immune system

Yup, just like any other physical activity. And it's a nice way to go from potato to movement: do it at home, doesn't require special equipment, gentle, unintimidating. All good things. But I haven't seen anything recent that shows stretching helps reduce injury.

What difference do you notice?

Re: Wot she sed

[beah.livejournal.com]

I am, without a doubt, less sore and more mobile the following day if I stretch after a hard workout, and much more ready to work out again. I can imagine that that could lead to fewer injuries, but it's not why I do it, and I don't have any proof.

Re: Wot she sed

[harimad.livejournal.com]

That stretching *doesn't* reduce injuries sounds very counterintuitive to me, which is why I pay close attention to the studies (although not to the point of paying to read the whole article).