I have some questions about running.

Essentially, don’t do it. It doesn’t pay off in the end. Look at Jim Fixx, fer gawd sakes. Plus the rest of us look like ninnies sitting and watching

This is what works for me:
1. warm up laps.
2. Stretch. you don’t want to pull a muscle.
3. No, Tennis shoes will work fine. Running shoes are more for comfort.
4. Morning is best for me. Helps to kick start the day.
5. Something with a good even beat. hip-hop Pop and rock. I run to Jay Z, Linkin Park and The Bravery most times.
6. If you eat before you run eat lightly. you will cramp up midrun if you don’t and again after, wait about 20–30 min. eat light.

1. I normally stretch for about 5 to 10 minutes or long enough to feel elasticated. (I find it easier to take longer strides if I stretch.)
2. Stretching’s the way to go.
3. Buy running shoes. At the very least it will make your run more comfortable and you will be less likely to sprain if your arches are adequately supported. It’s a worthwhile forty dollar investment.
4. Normally around 10:00 or 10:30 at night and I go for 30 minutes to an hour.
5. I blast Nine Inch Nails.
6. Eat if you’re hungry, don’t eat if you’re not. If you do eat before you run do as Kiev said.

I concur with buying running shoes or crosstrainers. You will get shin splints if your don’t. The construction of the shoe is designed for front to back motion with side support. Tennis or other athletic shoes are designed for stop/go motion, and support your foot differently. Running shoes also have to be replaced after about 6 month, because the support breaks down from the abuse.

Stretch and warm up. Also warm down afterwards. Don’t overdo it. Better to start out gradually, and increase.

Funny you bring that up, I actually have shin splints right now for running in shoes that need to be replaced. Hurts to walk. Know of a way to make the pain go away faster?

Tylenol and heat work for me.

I used to run about 25 miles a week until I suffered knee problems and I’m slowly back to running 6 miles a week and working upward. Here is some advice that I use and have received from other runners about your questions:

1. Stretching before a run is recommended but not obligatory. A nice way to warm up and methods I use are either walking 5 to 10 minutes or riding an exercise bike at a relaxed pace for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. From what I’ve been told, what I’ve read, and what I do myself is, stretching before and after running is the best advice. If it can only be one or the other for you, then the best recommendation in this case is always stretching AFTER a run.
3. I go to a specialty store for running shoes and apparel and I’ve always been told by the long distance runners there who wait on the customers that buying shoes specifically made for running is always the best idea because they’re specifically built for the tolerances your body exerts for running. Another good thing to find out is what kind of stride you have (pronation). There is neutral pronation, overpronation, and supination. Neutral is normal but for the other two, you can buy running shoes that are specifically made to help compensate with these different strides.
4. I usually run in the late afternoons or evenings because these are the times that fit in best with my work and eating schedules.
5. I have over 800 songs on my Ipod and I randomize them so there are probably too many songs to list that I like to listen to when I’m running.
6. I’m in the habit of starting my running 90 to 120 minutes after I eat and this has always been the standard that I’ve read about and been told from other runners that I know. If you run sooner than that, you might be taking a chance of cramping up during your run. I don’t usually eat right after a run but I do consume a good deal of water to rehydrate myself.

No recommendations here… just what I do…

1. I don’t warm up. I get up and run.
2. I don’t stretch. I get up and run.
3. I went to the running store and got help picking out the right shoes. You can certainly feel the difference and to me, it’s worth it. I ended up low-mid price point. I’ve found that by adjusting stride to have a softer footfall, I can mitigate shin splints regardless of shoe.
4. First thing in the morning or around 4–5pm. Not at midday… I seem to bonk really easy then.
5. Anything by the Foo Fighters.
6. Eat after. Else side stitches are more likely

Warm up/Stretch to the point that you feel ready to go. Yeah, there are two different though processes. I have found that the older I get the more I have to stretch. But, if anything, stretch for 15–20 minutes AFTER you are done running.

Go to a reputable shoe store and have them analyze your gait. They will suggest the right shoe for you. It makes all the difference. Another getting older thing is running in the morning. I like to get it over with and it makes me feel better for the rest of the day. Do not eat anything substantial within 60–90 minutes before you run.

I mostly agree with rob…. you really need real running shoes to avoid injury. i find that running in the am is a great way to start the day. mid-day is also nice on a sunny day becuase you get your vitamin d : )

1. Experts recomend that you jog for a brief period of about two minutes. Then you stop and do a complete stretch.
2. See answer 1.
3. If you use the “crappy ones” you have now, it will affect your body. Get new equipment (new shoes) to protect your equipment (feet, legs).
4. Right after a small breakfast. I feel it starts the day off right.
5. I am technologically hindered and don’t have an ipod yet:)
6. It is best to put some carbohydrates in your system in the hour after you run. Doing so helps keep you strong and healthy, and takes away some of the pains you may feel later. Also, I wouldn’t recomend running on an empty stomache, but be sure not to run on a full one either.

the best running song by far is ghetto gospel! I dnt know why but when it came on when i was running it really spurred me on! I tend to run in the morning as i usually have more enegy and i like the freshness in the morning!
All i do before i start running is a few stretches!

1. The optimal way to warm up is do a light jog for 2–3 minutes. This can be done on a treadmill, stationary bike, whatever it may be.

2. Stretching is fine. Make sure you do it after you are done, known as the cool down. When you stretch before exercise you risk more injury. I would explain why but that is a whole other question to have answered.

3. You can keep the crappy shoes you have now, but make sure the sole is not worn down. If you like the crappy shoes you have, you can save money by buying an insert. If your shoes are crappy you increase your risk of injury. For example, shin splints, plantar facitis, etc.

4. Anytime time of day is good to run. If you are running outside with a lot of traffic, I have heard that running in the morning is best because there is less pollution.

5. My favorite songs to run to are songs that have a steady beat and are chill just good underground hip-hop.

6. You should eat before and after you run. You should eat a light snack about 20 minutes – 1 hour before running and then eat as soon as you can after running.

Hope this helps!

*Great Q Nikipedia…I only wanted to add, since I was running for a long time every day few years back…running will get you in great shape, but you’ll lose your muscles…anyway no idea how you wanna look like, but if you want to keep some muscles try fast walking, you get in shape and keep the muscles.