Any distance runners here?

[Another Fan]

In my 20s I had a friend from high school I used to run 5ks with.  A few 10ks as well but mainly the 5k.  
 

I haven’t a ran a 5k in over 5 years but signed up for on New Years Day as a fitness goal/see if I can still do it kind of thing.  
 

Anyone here compete in these runs or finish a marathon?  

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

2 hours ago, Another Fan said:

In my 20s I had a friend from high school I used to run 5ks with.  A few 10ks as well but mainly the 5k.  
 

I haven’t a ran a 5k in over 5 years but signed up for on New Years Day as a fitness goal/see if I can still do it kind of thing.  
 

Anyone here compete in these runs or finish a marathon?  

Many years ago, not any more.  Three marathons, only one of which I was satisfied with.  Many 10k, 5 milers, not as many 5k.  20k was a fun distance in you had to approach it with respect and planning, usually ran the 'Run for Your Life' 20k in September in Buffalo, early 80s.    Turkey Trot every Thanksgiving from 1982-2005; was only working on the Niagara Tunnel Project for a week in November of 2006, and didn't think missing a day of work the first week was a good idea.  The streak ended at 24.  

Edited November 23, 2021 by Ridgewaycynic2013

[Johnny Hammersticks]

Ran a mile in 5 min 11 sec in indoor track in HS.  I gave it up after that, as I felt as though that was the pinnacle of my running career.

[Steve O]

Countless 5 mile and 10K's until my mid 50's, past decade I've stuck to the ellipticals at the gym. Just make sure you work your way up to the 5K, need to get your body used to taking the beating that running puts on it, which is why I gave it up 10 years ago. Wouldn't want to tear and Achilles tendon at this stage of the game. Going straight to a 5K on a cold day without working your way up is textbook for a bad ending.

Edited November 23, 2021 by Steve O

[Augie]

38 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

Ran a mile in 5 min 11 sec in indoor track in HS.  I gave it up after that, as I felt as though that was the pinnacle of my running career.

 

I too have run for 5 min 11 sec, but I didn’t go nearly a mile. 

 

I used to have a little 3 mile routine I’d do around the neighborhood before work. On days when I couldn’t get the run in I’d really miss it. On two different occasions I’d do it for almost a year before my left Achilles started hurting. Tennis was my real thing and it can be hard on the Achilles so I gave it up my running. 

 

My son and DIL recently decided to run a half marathon (13.1 miles). He’s more of a gym rat than distance runner. Both very fit in their late 20’s. She trained for it, he did not. About half way thru he started having a problem with one foot but he toughed it out. A half marathon out of the blue with zero prep is probably a bad idea at any age. He walked funny for a while! Gave him my wife’s foot massager. I think he considers that box checked.  

[Augie]

2 hours ago, Steve O said:

Countless 5 mile and 10K's until my mid 50's, past decade I've stuck to the ellipticals at the gym. Just make sure you work your way up to the 5K, need to get your body used to taking the beating that running puts on it, which is why I gave it up 10 years ago. Wouldn't want to tear and Achilles tendon at this stage of the game. Going straight to a 5K on a cold day without working your way up is textbook for a bad ending.

 

I posted above before I read this! You are 100% correct about fearing an Achilles injury! 

 

During nice weather I go to a park and mostly walk a trail and throw in a bit of jogging to get my heart rate up and break a sweat. I do it for an hour while listening to sports radio. I absolutely LOVE a good sweat! Flush the toxins out of the body. 

 

EDIT: Just looked it up and a 5k is only 3.1 miles +/-. I thought it was more like 3.7 miles in my mind. My routes were 2.5-3 miles in a couple different neighborhoods, so almost a 5k most days of the week.  Oh, to be young again. More than a decade ago, but it seems like yesterday! 

 

 

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Edited November 23, 2021 by Augie

[billsfanmiamioh]

I usually train for a few months and run a half every year in the fall then take some time off and just do shorter runs and maybe an occasional 5k. I think I’ve done 9 half’s. Would love to do a full sometime but I’d definitely be a one and done. I have utmost respect for “real” distance runners (not people like me). I did not do the half this fall so I’ve been slacking and need to get back out there. 

[Gugny]

9 hours ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

Ran a mile in 5 min 11 sec in indoor track in HS.  I gave it up after that, as I felt as though that was the pinnacle of my running career.

 

That must have hurt with those long balls of yours.

[Doc Brown]

A recent study in Japan showed that too much strenuous exercise might shorten your lifespan.  Best study ever conducted.

[Gugny]

10 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

A recent study in Japan showed that too much strenuous exercise might shorten your lifespan.  Best study ever conducted.

 

My girlfriend and I were in Chicago during the Chicago Marathon last month.  As we walked around downtown many of the marathon participants had recently finished.  Every single one of them looked like they wanted to die.  Many looked like zombies.  I know completing a marathon must be a great achievement, but I wondered where the fun in it could possibly be.  These people were in agony.  I guess I just don't get it.

[Doc Brown]

17 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

My girlfriend and I were in Chicago during the Chicago Marathon last month.  As we walked around downtown many of the marathon participants had recently finished.  Every single one of them looked like they wanted to die.  Many looked like zombies.  I know completing a marathon must be a great achievement, but I wondered where the fun in it could possibly be.  These people were in agony.  I guess I just don't get it.

They're in the right city then.  It's pretty fun and self satisfying to be able to say I completed a marathon.  At least that's what I've been told and I'll take their word for it.

[RaoulDuke79]

15 hours ago, Another Fan said:

In my 20s I had a friend from high school I used to run 5ks with.  A few 10ks as well but mainly the 5k.  
 

I haven’t a ran a 5k in over 5 years but signed up for on New Years Day as a fitness goal/see if I can still do it kind of thing.  
 

Anyone here compete in these runs or finish a marathon?  

Never have, but my daughter signed up for a 5K in a few weeks. She's used to running for soccer, but it's not the same kind of running as a 5k. I suggested we start practicing because I could use the exercise too. We went for a jog around our development 2 days ago, which is probably less than a mile and it feels like my legs are going to fall off today. 

[Pete]

Stick with it.  It’s mucho easier to stay in shape, then get in shape as you get older.  And it’s law of diminishing returns.  In my 20s I crushed 10k.  Now 2 is plenty,  I recently did two miles 14 minutes- not bad for 53 year old.  My father is 74 and runs almost every day.  The Thanksgiving    10k he’s running Thursday- he’s run 41 out of last 44

Edited November 24, 2021 by Pete

[Another Fan]

17 hours ago, Steve O said:

Countless 5 mile and 10K's until my mid 50's, past decade I've stuck to the ellipticals at the gym. Just make sure you work your way up to the 5K, need to get your body used to taking the beating that running puts on it, which is why I gave it up 10 years ago. Wouldn't want to tear and Achilles tendon at this stage of the game. Going straight to a 5K on a cold day without working your way up is textbook for a bad ending.

I started doing a 5k on the treadmill as it’s a programmed exercise on it at the gym.  I’ll try and get more and more faster as the month goes.  I’ll see how that is

 

Yeah it’s kind of like a last dance/rodeo kind of thing just depending how it goes/how I feel afterwards 

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

I think running at all Is the worst thing you can do.

 

I have realized that as I have gotten older, that I need to save my legs and knees for stuff that is fun. So I only run when I am playing fun sports— basketball, tennis, etc. i will walk

and hike and walk on the golf course— but why waste your knees on something like distance running, which is not fun and also doesn’t burn you nearly as many Calories as something like hoops? 

[Another Fan]

11 minutes ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

I think running at all Is the worst thing you can do.

 

I have realized that as I have gotten older, that I need to save my legs and knees for stuff that is fun. So I only run when I am playing fun sports— basketball, tennis, etc. i will walk

and hike and walk on the golf course— but why waste your knees on something like distance running, which is not fun and also doesn’t burn you nearly as many Calories as something like hoops? 

The individualistic aspect of running appeals to me and probably others.  You know you set your own goals kind of thing.  
 

Yeah running, jogging or walking can get boring but I usually feel better afterwards 

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

1 minute ago, Another Fan said:

The individualistic aspect of running appeals to me and probably others.  You know you set your own goals kind of thing.  

Exactly.  Well stated.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

19 minutes ago, Another Fan said:

The individualistic aspect of running appeals to me and probably others.  You know you set your own goals kind of thing.  
 

Yeah running, jogging or walking can get boring but I usually feel better afterwards 

Didn’t mean to dis runners or running.

to each his own!! . If you love running as much as I love playing Bball, then go for it. I guess my premise was based on the fact that I hate running!!— haha. 
 

I do think you need to watch your miles— you don’t want your body to breakdown from overuse. 

[May Day 10]

I ran a bunch of half-marathons.  Meant to do a full marathon, but kids got in the way of free time.

 

Half marathon is a really good distance.  Those were my favorite as well as 10Ks.  They are long enough to get a good kick during, but not body/altering/damaging.

 

I think my best half marathon time was 1:41 I think

[BuffaloBud]

Full respect to the runners out there.  I'll exchange that for miles on the bike.  Less wear and tear on the knees / hips.

 

I know, I know - cyclists suck.  😆

Edited November 24, 2021 by BuffaloBud

[LeGOATski]

28 minutes ago, BuffaloBud said:

Full respect to the runners out there.  I'll exchange that for miles on the bike.  Less wear and tear on the knees / hips.

 

I know, I know - cyclists suck.  😆

This is where I'm at. I used to run a lot, but biking is so much more fun.

[GETTOTHE50]

15 hours ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

I think running at all Is the worst thing you can do.

 

I have realized that as I have gotten older, that I need to save my legs and knees for stuff that is fun. So I only run when I am playing fun sports— basketball, tennis, etc. i will walk

and hike and walk on the golf course— but why waste your knees on something like distance running, which is not fun and also doesn’t burn you nearly as many Calories as something like hoops? 

Not completely true. Running actually builds bone density in the legs. Yes you do need to be careful and not over train and yes you do need to get proper rest and wear proper running shoes. If you aren’t smart with it and stay in tune with your body, then you will hurt yourself. 
 

otherwise, I picked up running during covid cause I had gained weight when the gyms closed. so now I run ~5 miles a day and I lost nearly 30 lbs. I was 185 during the start of summer of ‘20, and now I’m 157. (Im 5’11)

Edited November 25, 2021 by GETTOTHE50

[IslandBillsFan]

Sounds like a lot of non-runners in this group.  

 

I've run a ton of distance races.  Probably about 10 full marathons and one 52 mile charity event.  I also tried to complete the Badwater 50 mile race in BaldHead Island about a month ago.  Missed the 31 mile cutoff time.  I will try it again in March.  

 

Out of all the long distance races, my most impressive achievement was completing the Providence half marathon after being at a wedding the night before.  Was up drinking and celebrating til about 4am.  Got up at 6am and went down to the start line.  They were setting up the Michelob Ultra beer tent for after the race.  I asked for a beer and the vendor said, "These are for runners only!"  I think he thought I was some homeless guy.  I completed it on little sleep and half intoxicated.  

 

 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

On 11/23/2021 at 3:45 PM, Johnny Hammersticks said:

Ran a mile in 5 min 11 sec in indoor track in HS.  I gave it up after that, as I felt as though that was the pinnacle of my running career.

isn’t that like the average speed for a person to run?

 

cross country was 2.5 or 3 miles in 12 - 15 minutes. 

outdoors, in the rain and uphill both ways!!!

 

After that you fire up a fatty 

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

7 hours ago, GETTOTHE50 said:

Not completely true. Running actually builds bone density in the legs. Yes you do need to be careful and not over train and yes you do need to get proper rest and wear proper running shoes. If you aren’t smart with it and stay in tune with your body, then you will hurt yourself. 
 

otherwise, I picked up running during covid cause I had gained weight when the gyms closed. so now I run ~5 miles a day and I lost nearly 30 lbs. I was 185 during the start of summer of ‘20, and now I’m 157. (Im 5’11)

that’s great, man. Congrats on getting in shape! I pretty much did the opposite— was in great shape when Covid hit, and then went from 155

pounds to 180 due to laziness and the inability to play Rec sports. I am (slowly) on my way back down— right now at 170. Lot easier to put on weight than take it off! 

[Another Fan]

3 hours ago, IslandBillsFan said:

Sounds like a lot of non-runners in this group.  

 

 

Well excuse us then 🙄

 

Just messing with you.  How long would it take to typically train for a marathon?  

 

 

1 hour ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said:

isn’t that like the average speed for a person to run?

 

cross country was 2.5 or 3 miles in 12 - 15 minutes. 

outdoors, in the rain and uphill both ways!!!

 

After that you fire up a fatty 

The fastest recorded time a male ran a 5k or 3.1 mile race was 12:35

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5000_metres_world_record_progression

 

Did you also walk 15 miles to catch a bus every morning? 😆

[Johnny Hammersticks]

1 hour ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said:

isn’t that like the average speed for a person to run?

 

cross country was 2.5 or 3 miles in 12 - 15 minutes. 

outdoors, in the rain and uphill both ways!!!

 

After that you fire up a fatty 

 

Yeah, probably.  But I was the kinda runner who smoked Marlboro reds and drank Crazy Horse 40s.  I ran indoor track purely because all of the hot girls and the long bus trips.  I do remember, however, that I came in 6th place out of like 20 runners.  Are you trying to rain on my parade, chief?

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

2 hours ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

 

Yeah, probably.  But I was the kinda runner who smoked Marlboro reds and drank Crazy Horse 40s.  I ran indoor track purely because all of the hot girls and the long bus trips.  I do remember, however, that I came in 6th place out of like 20 runners.  Are you trying to rain on my parade, chief?

 Not at all. 
 

 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

3 hours ago, Another Fan said:

The fastest recorded time a male ran a 5k or 3.1 mile race was 12:35

 

As I said, the courses varied over time and location.  

 

Cobbs hill had both 2.5 and 3 mile courses.
I don’t remember how long the Sectionals were. 
 

I was a sprinter too. Did the 1/4 miles under 55. I ran the 1/2 and 1 mile relays. 


 

[NoHuddleKelly12]

Lost 70 lbs starting in early 2019 (285 to 215) and made it a goal to run the Disney marathon in Jan 2020; didn’t have a great finishing time but did complete it and it was an awesome experience—I’m gearing up to run Disney again in Jan…kudos OP for setting a goal and getting after it!! 

Edited November 25, 2021 by NoHuddleKelly12

[Nextmanup]

On 11/24/2021 at 12:39 PM, LeGOATski said:

This is where I'm at. I used to run a lot, but biking is so much more fun.

I have a ton of friends living in the metro DC area who are pretty hard core triathlon and/or marathon people.

They are all close to 50 now, and they ALL have huge health problems all the time.

 

My one buddy even does "double marathons" (52 mile race?) and is injured constantly.

Usually with a broken foot bone or something like that.

They all have bad backs now, etc.

 

Go for a walk instead.

 

 

[ExiledInIllinois]

The guy that popularized jogging.  Jim Fixx, died in his 50s from a heart attack:

 

"...Granted access to his medical records and autopsy, and after interviewing his friends and family, Cooper concluded that Fixx was genetically predisposed—his father died of a heart attack at 43 after a previous one at 35, and Fixx himself had a congenitally enlarged heart—and had an unhealthy life: Fixx was a heavy smoker before beginning running at age 36, had a stressful occupation, had undergone a second divorce, and gained weight up to 214 pounds (97 kg).  Medical opinion continues to uphold the link between moderate exercise and longevity. ..."

 

The important stuff bolded.  DON'T take up jogging! 😏

[boater]

I used to run 10 miles to work 3 days a week. We had showers. I'd take the train home.

 

I herniated a disk in my back. An MRI showed problems throughout the spine.  So I gave up running

 

 

[LeGOATski]

3 hours ago, Nextmanup said:

I have a ton of friends living in the metro DC area who are pretty hard core triathlon and/or marathon people.

They are all close to 50 now, and they ALL have huge health problems all the time.

 

My one buddy even does "double marathons" (52 mile race?) and is injured constantly.

Usually with a broken foot bone or something like that.

They all have bad backs now, etc.

 

Go for a walk instead.

 

 

Yeah, I don't want to end up like that. Might as well bike and swim instead. I'm still young.

 

I've done 1 marathon and 3 half marathons. I probably wouldn't even do a half now. 10K at the most.

[Draconator]

When I was 17, I ran the Skylon Marathon. Buffalo to Niagara Falls, Ontario. 4 Hours, 31 Minutes. 

 

I've thought I would like to run one more, just to do it, but that would take a hell of a lot of work, and about 70 lbs lighter. 

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

2 hours ago, Draconator said:

When I was 17, I ran the Skylon Marathon. Buffalo to Niagara Falls, Ontario. 4 Hours, 31 Minutes. 

 

I've thought I would like to run one more, just to do it, but that would take a hell of a lot of work, and about 70 lbs lighter. 

[CIrvine]

So far I’ve finished 40 half marathons and 38 full marathons.

[DrW]

Had to run 5Ks decades ago in the army in Germany; took me around 30 minutes. Since then, I prefer hiking.

 

My daughter recently started long-distance running; she did her first two marathons this year. When she visited from college on Thanksgiving, we went together to a popular recreation spot here in Lubbock, Lake Six. She ran twice around the lake (close to 6 miles) and I did bird watching - saw a beautiful ferruginous hawk (the third-largest raptor in the US, after golden and bald eagles). Nice way to spend an afternoon with your kid...

Edited November 29, 2021 by DrW

[Nextmanup]

On 11/28/2021 at 7:08 PM, DrW said:

Had to run 5Ks decades ago in the army in Germany; took me around 30 minutes. Since then, I prefer hiking.

 

My daughter recently started long-distance running; she did her first two marathons this year. When she visited from college on Thanksgiving, we went together to a popular recreation spot here in Lubbock, Lake Six. She ran twice around the lake (close to 6 miles) and I did bird watching - saw a beautiful ferruginous hawk (the third-largest raptor in the US, after golden and bald eagles). Nice way to spend an afternoon with your kid...

[f0neguy]

Ran a lot through HS, College, and Military.  At around 40 it started bothering my knees.  Been hiking in the ADK and Northeast since then (20+ yrs).  Cardio workout isn’t the same but climbing mountains kicks my butt….