I was just wondering what sort of training people do for running. How much, how often, that sort of thing.

Whether they trained on treadmills or outside and what they found were the best methods.

I find it hard to jog for distances at the same speed, I find it boring, does anybody else have the same problem, if so, how do you overcome this?

Well I haven't jogged in a long long time, but I always enjoyed running in nature. Like a forest, a big park or around a lake. The view and the smells just make your training alot less boring and somehow it makes you feel kinda happy when you are running. Also, to get more diversity in your training you could do stuff like jumping over things (logs, small hedges etc) or when you see a straight path/road you could try to sprint and then go back to jogging once you've cleared the straight part.

Sort of fartlek training?

Yes I must admit that does cut down any boredom - continutally jogging at the same pace, does my head in I must admit lol.

At the moment I train on a treadmill, only because I get shin splints on concrete, however, as you state running on grass and softer ground is a lot more beneficial.

Thanks Scorpion!

Running on forest tracks when I feel like it. I don't know about best method, I'm not too interested in the perfectionism fad anyway.

I like to smoke a pack by noon and 4 cups of coffee and a big plate of bacon and eggs that always gets me in the mood LOL Nah seriously two years ago I had quit smoking and gotten into the jogging health scene and I must say it was addicting. But I have since began smoking and just havent gotten the urge to do it again I may some day but as of right now being unhealthy is easier

Training is a peculiar thing. Whether it be running, weights, swimming, in fact any sports training, it all become addictive. Something to do with Endorphins (the natural painkiller in the brain), I guess it is the Endorphins which are addictive. People train, are in pain whilst training, the Endorphins kick in, giving that "fix". Of course, when you stop for a while, you are no longer addicted (until you start again that is ).

There's all kinds of different ways you can run to improve different ways. Being in the army for 5 years has definitely taught me that

Fartlek (Cardio Training): Jog at a very slow pace for a little bit, until your heart rate gets up, then sprint for a little while. Then go back to the slow pace again. Repeat for a while. If you're running in a town, you could sprint for 1-2 blocks then slow jog for 1-2 blocks. Alternate back and forth for a mile or two.

30-60s or 60-120s (Cardio Training): Like the fartlek, jog to get your heart rate up. Then you sprint as fast as you can for 30 seconds. Then slow jog for 60 seconds. Keep alternating until you've done it 10-15 times.

Hill Climb (Leg Strength): Simply running up and down a hilly area will help improve the strength in your legs.

Distance (Endurance): Just running for 5 miles at a fair pace (9-10min/mile) will help increase your ability to run long distances without tiring.


The army's test involves running 2 miles in a certain amount of time. If you're an 18-21 yr old male, you're maximum time would be 15:56. 21-27 yr olds get 16:36. I don't know the maximums beyond that (not that old yet ) but if you're female you add 2-2.5 mins to the max. Just a proven physiological fact: The average female's muscle system will make them run 2 mins slower than the average male's muscle system will allow. (I add that fact in case you were wondering why females get more time do to their runs)

Of course, I've seen females that will run 2 miles in about 12 minutes (My best time is 14:30) So just because that's the maximum time they're allowed, don't just shoot for that


Any questions, just ask.
-C

If it were me training for running, i think i"d run a lot.