Comments on: What I’ve learned during a winter of running https://blackbeanbag.net/wp/2010/05/12/what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned-during-a-winter-of-running/ Thoughts on software development and other stuff Sat, 20 Jul 2013 01:54:41 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.40 By: Patrick Peralta https://blackbeanbag.net/wp/2010/05/12/what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned-during-a-winter-of-running/comment-page-1/#comment-4197 Mon, 31 May 2010 11:53:32 +0000 http://blackbeanbag.net/wp/?p=405#comment-4197 Hi Mike,

Great comments! I went to Marathon Sports in Cambridge and they helped me select a pair of shoes. I used to get shin splits when doing high impact activity (basketball) and it’s only happened once with running. Having good shoes is key. I was afraid at first on the impact on my back but so far its had a positive effect.

I don’t stretch ahead of time, but I do warm up. I leave the stretching for the end, after my muscles are warmed up.

We do have a nice bike path that I do a lot of running on, but I will run on the sidewalk on occasion to mix things up. The concrete is definitely harder though.

Mixing things up is great. I do occasional bike riding (and I tow Isaac behind me), but it is mostly running. Since I have limited time during the week, I find that a 30 or 45 minute in the run is the best bang for the buck as far as time spent vs calories consumed.

I do find it hard to run when it gets into the mid 70′s here though! I imagine you do most of your activities in the morning or evening?

]]> By: Michael Levin https://blackbeanbag.net/wp/2010/05/12/what-i%e2%80%99ve-learned-during-a-winter-of-running/comment-page-1/#comment-4196 Sun, 30 May 2010 11:09:57 +0000 http://blackbeanbag.net/wp/?p=405#comment-4196 Avantage one of running: cardiovascular fitness. Blood flow makes everything work better, including that thing between your ears. I love to run, but it’s very hard on your body. Your joints suffer. I find that a good pair of shoes that fit right is like magic. How do you find a good pair? Try going to your local running store. They’ll do a fitting. They’ll watch you walk and run and see if you pronate or supinate. You’ll get sized right. There are so many types of shoes your head will spin thinking about it. These guys know what they’re talking about. Also, shoes have a limited lifespan. So, just like an expiration date on a box of cereal, you may think your shoes are just fine after 6 months of running, but think again. Replace shoes after the recommended duration. There’s controversy about whether stretching before and after a run is a good thing, Common sense tells me it’s smart to warm up and cool down. Watch out for cracks in the sidewalk, etc. In fact, stay off the sidewalk if you can. Concrete is hard. Pounding those knees doesn’t do the joints any good. Trails are gret, but the uneven surface is a double edged sword. You’re exercising more because you have to balance, but it’s much easier to trip or twist an ankle. I like low impact exercise like biking and swimming. I have to many friends who have had hip and knee work because of high impact workouts. A good balance works for me. I run sometimes, but nt like I did when I was younger. I mix it up with other forms of cardio. It feels great. It’s one of the best ways to deal with cholesterol. And, running outside is so beautiful that you open up your mind to other things far nicer than the talking heads on the TV in the gym.

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