I'll answer your questions although I have taken a bit of a break from running at the present time. I am currently in the process of restarting.

Do you run? I used to, currently restarting
How did you get started? I signed up for a half marathon (to keep me focused) then joined a running group
How do you run - road, trails, morning, evening etc. Mixed, when I was "training" for races I would do the long runs on Saturday mornings with a group of people of a similar pace. I found the comraderie (and the accountability) critical in keeping me on task. I came to really enjoy the 6am runs with my friends! For my shorter runs I would do by myself at night. I try to mix it up between treadmills and streets and trails so I didn't get bored.
How long and how often do you run? Usually about 3-4 x per week. Short runs of 3-4 miles, long runs would go up to 12 miles is I was training for something. If I had to average the "long runs" I would say typically around 8 miles.
Do you find it is enough to keep you fit and energetic? It is good for cardiovascular fitness and endurance, but found that it didn't always translate into other activities
How do you keep it interesting? See above....also music! And TV if on the treadmill.
Is injuries something that you try to actively avoid? The reason I "gave it up" last year was because of a recurring knee issue. Probably my own fault because I am not a good stretcher. I think ideally the running should be mixed with weight training and other activities to keep you injury free.
What gear do you consider necessary besides shoes :)
The right clothes, dri fit is a must! And I am crazy about knowing distance and pace so I never ran without a garmin.

Yes....

...when someone's chasing me!

I used to run every a.m. before work. I'd hit the road at 5:30 a.m. I really was never much of a runner and did it for "health" reasons more than anything else. I started running only a mile and then every day I would add a little more distance...even if it was only another 15'. Then I'd walk the rest of the trip. Eventually I worked myself up to 3 miles. That was plenty.

I felt like crap for the first 10 minutes. Then I'd feel really great for about 5 minutes. The rest of the time, I was in pain. Never had a runner's "high".

Then I was running in Oct. and the leaves covered over a pot hole in the road, my foot went in and my ankle broke. So much for getting healthy. But I did go back to running.

What did me in though was 2 herniated disks in my neck. Even after surgery, I will still get shooting pains down my left arm if I start running any distance. So my running days are over.

I'm now a devoted walker and it's soooo much more pleasant! No pain, and lots of pleasure.

For company, I load NPR programs onto an ipod and listen while I walk. Very pleasant way to get in exercise. I also do pilates now and find that has helped my figure and overall fitness far more than just running or walking ever did.

I don't. Never enjoyed it and worked for orthopedic surgeons years ago where I saw way too many running related injuries. I've always been an avid walker though.

Annie, my ankle hurt just reading your story.....ouch!!

Not recently. After I got the flu and bronchitis back in the spring, that really derailed me. It is just too hot to run here in the summer, and I don't like it. I would run on our indoor track at work.

If you want to start, I recommend the Couch{{gwi:807}} to 5K program where you progress with walking and then adding running in small bouts until you can finish the entire program running. We had a group from our Y with a running coach for one of their 5K's which was a lot of un, but there are online programs, and even C25k app's.

I am very slow, but I was able to complete the programs and do the 5K's. In order to really cover any real distances, I'd be out there forever, and like I said, it just too hot here to do that.

I would rather do Spinning, Zumba, walk, or use the campus pool.

Make *sure* you get a NEW pair of running shoes and go to a running store where they can watch you run, look at your feet, and get you the right shoes for you. Don't just go to a store like Kohl's that carries athletic shoes.

Oh, and if your "girls" are C-cup or bigger, make sure you have a good running bra vs. just the band types.

{{gwi:1491575}}

This post was edited by gsciencechick on Thu, Jun 20, 13 at 16:41

Oh yes, one thing that I should have added in my first comment that gsciencechick mentioned is that the key to learning how to run is to intersperse walk breaks. When I first started (and yes, when I signed up for a half marathon), I couldn't even run a half mile without stopping. I think that many people who start make the common mistake of too much too soon which just makes you frustrated and want to quit. In fact, my entire training program was focused on running a mile, then walking a minute (obviously more or less depending on how you are feeling).

The Couch to 5 K is program is great!

can't run anymore due to non running related knee injury...

am an almost daily walker because i both enjoy it and i want to stay fit... i do not like gym equipment (ie: treadmills!) and although i do like taking classes at the gym, i really love the time flexibility that walking offers.
i walk at least 3 miles and up to ~ 8 or 9 at a fast pace.... walk both roads and trails- usually in the morning, but not always.
i have several routes/locales and i know the distances, so i usually know pretty much what i've walked...
i much prefer walking with people- that helps keep it interesting for me... i walk with people with a similar pace as mine. if i walk alone, i bring my ipod... the music both helps me set a faster pace and keeps me 'entertained'!
it definitely helps keep me fit and i especially like walking hills since that helps up my HR and i feel my muscles more too! i definitely need to do some upper body strength work too because as i'm getting older, i know my upper body strength has lessened and would even more so if i didn't do any strength excercise.
i have had plantar fasciitis in the past, so with that along with my knee, i always wear good running shoes with good arch support... that's the only essential gear, imo- tho i have lots of tee and tank shirts and shorts, yoga and sweat pants, and fleece since i walk year round!!!

Right, that's what I like about C25K is that you have to trust the program, and if you keep on the schedule, it works and it's not overly aggressive. The goal is to FINISH, not to set some sort of land-speed record.

What was really nice about the Y workouts was that we did the C25K on our own for "homework" then we met with the Y coach on Sat mornings to do drills, core work, and maybe some running.

I don't use headphones outside for safety reasons--I just feel that as a woman outside alone you may be vulnerable with headphones (years ago in my hometown another student at my university was abducted while running with headphones so I'm a little paranoid--Google Bike Path Killer) or may not hear traffic, but I will use them on our indoor track.

funnygirl, the broken ankle was one thing...the half mile walk home on it was another! There were words coming out of my mouth that I didn't even know I knew!!!

I use headphones when I walk, but I play them softly enough and they are loose enough that I can hear traffic too. Of course, even without head phones, it's very difficult to hear bikes coming up from behind. They scare the daylights out of me on the rails to trails walks I do.

I started running in 1978 and did my first 5K that year .So 35 years of running. I spent the years until the mid 90's only on roads and the track at the U. I then added in cycling and raced competitively both road races and duathlons. In 1996 I started trail running and raced competitively in ultra-marathons from 50K up to 100 miles through 2000. I started long distance cycle touring in 2010 and have now done 3 long tours...although last year was shortened due to my son getting ill. 3200 mi in 2010, 2800 mi in 2011 and 1600 mi last year. I still run but not competitively and mostly only on trails.

I have never run on a treadmill . I believe that everyone needs weight training no matter what else they do. I started lifting weights in 1982 and have only a few breaks. I can stop for as long as a year and go right back with no decrease in strength. In fact in my experience I am stronger after I take a break. Runners need it to strengthen their ligaments and tendons as well as musculature to prevent injury. If I had to say which was more important stretching or judicious weight training I would have to say the weights. Free weights working your upper body helps your running as it maintains your posture and especially with trail running you use significant upper body to navigate the trails.

I have never worn headphones. I like to be with the moment and the activity and I don't want distraction. Particularly with trail running it is the most wondrous thing to be out in the woods that I can't imagine having "noise" in my ears . Never ever on a bike..ever.

I have run with different folks over the years . I used to meet 2 people at 4:30 AM every week day for years. Then another person for 3 yrs and then another for over 10 years..he and I trained and did ultras and rode bikes etc. it was a good friendship but as all things do it ran its course, so to speak.

Do you run? see above

How did you get started?
I began as others have said and walked /ran till I could do a 5K since it was a LOT of years ago I just did what felt good.

How do you run - road, trails, morning, evening etc. ?
See above...I like to run in the heat of the day...one with the sun :) But I no longer run at the crack of dawn...been there done that and don't work now so no reason to do it.

How long and how often do you run?
When the spirit moves me...no set time/pace/distance...been there too :) I have the blessing of muscle memory and can get by with doing whatever I like and stay the same fitness year in and year out. I am 62 and suppose one day this too shall pass but so far it hasn't. I have ,for this month that we are living in VA with the lovely trails and quiet roads , been riding bikes about 75 miles a week ( 3 days) with DH and then we have been hiking ...he hikes and I run ahead and then back to him...2x a week. When I am at home I swim a mile a day in my pool from April-Oct.

Do you find it is enough to keep you fit and energetic? Oh yes. I love running and cycling , swimming and never feel better than when I have worked up a good sweat. I am addicted to endorphins and require a certain level of exertion several days a week . As I said above I have been at it for 35 yrs and I am glad I have that base .

How do you keep it interesting? Not sure how to answer that ...I have this inner " thing" a zone I guess for want of a better description and I don't need or want to be interested or distracted. I think it is a mistake to do anything but the task one is doing. If you want to enjoy running then do it and only it and think about it and get into your head with it...no iPods etc...my opinion only. If you don't or can't learn to love the doing of this thing then find something else but in the looking for that something don't dilute the joy of doing it with a distraction.
Are injuries something that you try to actively avoid? I have never had injuries per se. I slipped and broke my right fibula while trail running in Feb 13th 1996. I had a special waterproof liner in a cast and did pool workouts and was healed in 4 weeks and did my first 50K 13 weeks after the break. I broke my right knee cap mountain biking and that took 6 weeks. Other than that just a few aches and pains and strains but nothing that some rest didn't fix.

What gear do you consider necessary besides shoes :)Nothing...shoes with good orthotics...custom ones if you have any foot problems at all. Otherwise you can get away with wearing anything you want....it is all in how much you plan to run and what your climate is like. Natural fabrics in winter..wool is the most important thing you can own. Drilete is great but I like cotton in summer as it gets wet and when the breeze hits it you get cooler immediately ..I hate artificial fabrics in Summer.

I think that is enough LOL. Anything else you want to know I probably have done it or seen it or tried it at one time or another. Good Luck. Start slow and be with what you are doing. Don't get into measuring and counting and logging and ipods. Just go out and walk/run slowly..if you can't talk when you are running you are running too fast. When it stops feeling good stop and go home and try again another day. Never increase distance more than 10% a week....just pay attention to your body and have a sense of the number of blocks you have gone...no need for rigorous records at this point. It should feel good and be fun ! c

it's safest to run/walk against traffic... that's what i do...

but, there was an article in the paper a few years ago about a runner who was killed when a tree branch fell on her- she was running with an ipod, so for various reasons, it's definitely safest to have all of your senses unhindered.
when i walk alone, i carry pepper spray and always have my dog... but, something unexpected can still happen...

Yes, and it is something I love.

I am 60 and have been running consistently since I was 22. I Have run as much as 5-6 days a week and now run 3 days a week about an hour a time. I run at 7:30 am with a group of women and we run in our backyard, in the forest along a river in the mountains. It is stunning territory and we talk the whole way.

Two of us go to a strength gym class 3 days a week. We started that to prevent injuries and to prolong our running years.
I have run some half-marathons but the last one was 3 years ago and I broke 1:50 (barely, but heh) which was a goal of mine and came 3rd in my age group so I won;t run anymore. (so she says but I can always be talked into doing another).

If you do take up trail running be sure to buy trail-running shoes and not regular running shoes. Trail runners have deeper treads and more heel-cup support for better control over the rockier terrain of a trail.

I run in a rainy climate so a rain jacket and hat are also key for us. And where I live, if you don;t run in the rain you really can't call yourself a runner.

For me, running is part of who I am and when I can't run I get really irritable. About 10 years ago I fell running and tore my ankle ligaments and was off running for about 4 months. My DH was so thankful when I got the go-ahead from my physio that I could finally take it up again.

Not wearing an ipod won't save you from a tree fall...I have witnessed a number of "widow makers" and by the time you brain acknowledges the initial crack, the limb is already on the ground. It is very, very fast.

GW...just wondered if you were able to synthesize something useful from ALL of our info ??! Hope it wasn't too off-putting. Please do post back. c

No. It's terribly hard on the knees. I knew someone who became crippled from having the bones shattered from the high impact of daily running. Walking is healthier, one of the best things you can do, and easier on the body. Just make it enjoyable so it doesn't get boring.

Thanks for all the great feedback. I appreciate the feedback to keep it simple and investing in good shoes. I will try and see if natural fabrics for me.. I am sure that for the first few months I will just be hobbling along

I looked at the couch to 5K program and it seems like it is doable but the 5K just seems so daunting!

Has anyone heard of or practice "Chi Running". My colleague at work highly recommended it for pain and injury prevention. I have met Danny Dreyer years ago before he wrote books etc. and he seemed to be very sincere kind of a guy. It was interesting to find out that this has a big following today.

Trailrunner - I thought I posted on saturday but looks like I forgot to click submit or something.

I looked up the chi running and it looks to be sound advice. I have always had a "natural" gait. I see runners who make me cringe when I watch them as they are holding themselves in such an artificial way. Children run naturally and somewhere along the way adults pick up a lot of bad habits LOL. Take it easy and go slowly,,,breath use an easy unforced movement with your arms slightly bent and swinging naturally at your sides. Gradually increase amount run vs walking and distance. It if hurts then something is wrong ! Never ever should it hurt. Never. I have run 50 miles and never had anything hurt except a blister. My joints are as perfect today as they were decades ago...my knees never ever hurt. So....I guess I am saying "take it easy " and enjoy. Please do report back. c

Do you run? Yes!
How did you get started? I have been running on and off all my life. I am 60 years old.
How do you run - road, trails, morning, evening etc. I run roads in the mornings. Unfortunately no decent trails close by.
How long and how often do you run? I run 4 to 5 miles most days, occasionally 6 to 8 miles.
Do you find it is enough to keep you fit and energetic? Yes!
How do you keep it interesting? I run solo (I fiercely protect my right to run alone!) and enjoy the sights, sounds and solitude. It is the ultimate "me" time. Sometimes I catch up on current affairs on NPR on my MP3.
Is injuries something that you try to actively avoid? No. I make sure that my shoes are in good condition and I always walk the first half mile briskly to warm up before running. I strained my Achilles once but that is the only injury I have ever suffered.
What gear do you consider necessary besides shoes :) Belt for my water bottle, phone and MP3. I run in temperatures above 85F for several months of the year so staying hydrated is essential.

I wish I had good knees to run.

My trainer would put me on the treadmill for some intervals so he saw me jogging and sprinting. He said I had a very natural running form which I thought was awesome because I hadn't actually done any significant running since I was a very little kid.

I did the couch-to-5K and my progress was really fun to experience. Running at dawn was heavenly as well as running on the beach when we vacationed. I never wore headphones and preferred to listen to the morning, mooing at cows, barking back at dogs and telling seagulls good morning!

But alas, my knees became too messed up. I've been wanting to get walking and biking outside instead of going to the gym all the time. Maybe I'll take a walk tomorrow morning ...