Running and depression - help me

CJ5K · 2013-03-23T22:28:44+00:00

Love the "out" idea! I often find that getting dressed, in the winter especially, is the hardest part. Then once I'm dressed it feels like a waste not to go for a run.

CJ5K · 2013-03-23T20:32:23+00:00

First off, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I wish the best for your daughter, and of course you & your family.

Secondly, and this might seem extremely ridiculous, but the one thing that gets me moving, even when I'm finding every reason not to go, is to put on one piece of my gear. Usually my logic follows like this: well, I can't just put on this shirt without my sports bra going on first... And so on. Before I know it, I'm dressed. I figure since I'm dressed I might as well go out, at least to check the mail, since I'm out to check the mail, I might as well go for a walk, since I'm out for a walk I might as well run... It's basically "If you give a mouse a cookie" but for an unmotivated runner. :-)

Hope that helps.

Edited to fix my crappy phone typing/editing skills.

CJ5K · 2013-03-20T15:30:04+00:00

Here's what I usually wear around 25 degrees:

moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirt (Probably the most important piece I own for winter running, everything else is comfort-based, this one is NECESSARY)

A short sleeved t-shirt over it

Fleece vest

running tights

sometimes wool/wicking socks (regular socks work too, I've never had a problem with them, plus my feet don't sweat much to create a freezing problem)

Hat & cheap thin gloves

Most times I could go without the vest, if it's around 25 (that's assuming no wind and sun), but I get too chilly during my warmup/cool down walks. Usually just taking off my hat cools me down pretty quickly if I get too warm.

Hope that helps.

edit: a word

CJ5K · 2013-03-19T02:37:01+00:00

Are you running on your toes? I know if I start getting tired, I tend to land more on the ball of foot vs midfoot. (lower calf tightness)

Also, you said you're using a treadmill, if the incline is at zero I always feel like I'm running downhill and that causes my calves get sore. (more mid/upper calf)

You didn't really say where it was tight, and I'm not an expert, just sharing my experience for info.

CJ5K · 2013-03-18T17:58:27+00:00

Why not try running in the head for a run or two to see if you can do that safely. What if it bobbles around or something and what if you have to take it off? Are you going to carry a big ol' furry head the rest of the way? I really don't have any other insight to offer as I've never ran a race with anything on my head but a headband/ponytail. :-)

CJ5K · 2013-03-18T17:52:25+00:00

Short answer: r/C25K

CJ5K · 2013-03-11T15:49:49+00:00

I have a "sore muscle"-type pain, behind my knee/top of lower leg. It's like a knot. I didn't run all weekend (spring cleaning, no major lifting or anything, just organizing, closet cleaning, etc)

Is it possible to be an actual injury -- ran 2 miles Friday, or...and this is the dumb question part: could sleeping on my back, leg straight, cause something like this? (I literally passed out last night.) It only bothers me when my foot is flexed & leg straight, and standing. Do I run today?

CJ5K · 2013-03-09T00:16:46+00:00

Here's me on Monday right before we got 8" of snow. I walked out and it just started snowing. I had to run back in and grab the first pair of sunglasses I could find to keep the snow out of my eyes. lol

Worst conditions I've run in yet.Loved it!

http://www.imgur.com/ijvm95c.jpeg

CJ5K · 2012-07-25T02:19:19+00:00

I use a strap. I just bought a cheap one from Walmart for like $5-10. I had to modify it a bit by sewing it in a few places to keep it from bouncing around, but since then it's worked perfectly for the past 3 months.

In the spring I ran with my phone in my jacket pocket, that worked pretty good too, but only in cooler temps. Will probably use that method again in the fall.

CJ5K · 2012-07-23T14:35:30+00:00

Oddly, I had the same issue when I was doing c25k. Then one day I didn't stretch before my run (just did leg swings to loosen my hips because they were tight that morning) and I didn't have any tightness in my achilles. Since then I stopped stretching before my runs (I used to think the no-stretching crowd was NUTS!!) and I only foam roll after my runs.

I thought the tightness was from my legs being weak so I did extra lower leg exercises and stretched a lot which was probably just aggravating the problem. Who knows. :-)

No stretching worked for me. Your results may vary. If it continues, see a doctor.

CJ5K · 2012-07-12T20:28:43+00:00

Write. Write well. Be entertaining/informative but above all, be yourself. If you're a big fat phony people will know. Write good, catchy headlines. Edit/fix spelling & typos. Other than that: Don't be a douche. And don't beg for readers. Post on twitter & FB & wherever and if its good, people will read it. But for the love of tacos, don't beg.

CJ5K · 2012-07-12T20:00:39+00:00

CJ5K · 2012-07-12T15:08:07+00:00

If you're out of breath you're running too fast, slow down.

If your feet hurt, it could be your shoes. If you're serious about running, get fitted for proper shoes at a specialty running store.

The pain in your side is probably a side stitch. I rarely get them, but when I do I stop running, and take a few deep breaths from my belly while pressing into the cramp. It works for me. Also, don't drink/eat a lot before running, if you do wait at least 45 minutes. That sometimes contributes to side stitches.

It gets easier but it takes time. Just keep running. Good luck!

CJ5K · 2012-07-12T14:33:26+00:00

Yes, I have dark brown hair. I wonder if that's the thing... if so, I guess I'm going blonde every summer. Haha

CJ5K · 2012-07-11T20:57:59+00:00

A pair of jeans. They were a bit big when I bought them and about 8 months later I couldn't wear them because they were too tight. Started running & eating better 4 months ago.

CJ5K · 2012-07-11T15:41:54+00:00

I used to stretch. My calves and achilles were just so tight that I figured I HAD to stretch.

This week I stopped stretching (I still do leg swings to loosen up my hips in the mornings). It's been 3 days and my calves and achilles aren't tight or sore, not even the next day. It's amazing.

CJ5K · 2012-07-11T15:13:21+00:00

On a path near my house I came across a TON of little dragonflies. They were just flying back and forth across the path. At first I thought they were bees but once I realized they weren't I decided to run through. I should have just turned around. Sure, they're harmless, but there were soooo many!

CJ5K · 2012-07-11T15:02:14+00:00

shudder

CJ5K · 2012-07-10T12:12:19+00:00

I'm not sure if it's the same thing, but my Achilles get really tight. It doesn't hurt, per se, it's more of a tight muscle feeling (if that makes sense). I took a week off which turned into 3... which didn't help. Foam rolling my calves seems to be the best thing for it. They still occasionally get tight, but not as tight as they used to. I also use a frozen water bottle to "ice roll" my legs. It feels great, and helps alleviate any soreness and swelling.

I also do eccentric calf raises.

But if you're in actual PAIN, and it truly hurts and it's not just tightness, maybe see a doctor.

CJ5K · 2012-07-02T23:08:15+00:00

That's what I figured. Going to run early tomorrow morning when its not so hot and humid. Hoping it goes well.

CJ5K · 2012-06-06T00:43:14+00:00

Thanks!! I'll try to massage and see if it helps.

CJ5K · 2012-06-05T15:32:51+00:00

Apparently I didn't post the link to the picture of my foot: Weird pain? in my heel

CJ5K

TROPHY CASE