Question from a new runner

[Neoncoyote]

I'm new to running and to the ng - many of you are very generous with your time in helping us
newbies...thank you.

After 20+ years of bodybuilding, this is my first focus on anything endurance-related (until now,
cardio was just a necessary evil). I've so far followed the advice in Galloway's book, running
three times a week; two timed run/walks and one distance run/walk, and cross-training on the other
four days.

Today I ran a mile with only one 90-second mid-way walk break...quite an accomplishment for me. I
wasn't praying to die, and nothing hurt in a bad way, but it was difficult. I am curious about when
one crosses over into having "relaxed" runs: not overly focused on the mechanics and effort of
running, but rather enjoying the scenery or thinking about who knows what. When should I
realistically expect to reach such a stage?

All thoughts and advice appreciated - thanks again :)

[Donovan Rebbech]

In article <100p28c6jo9a24d@corp.supernews.com>, NeonCoyote wrote:

> Today I ran a mile with only one 90-second mid-way walk break...quite an accomplishment for me. I
> wasn't praying to die, and nothing hurt in a bad way, but it was difficult. I am curious about
> when one crosses over into having "relaxed" runs: not overly focused on the mechanics and effort
> of running, but rather enjoying the scenery or thinking about who knows what. When should I
> realistically expect to reach such a stage?

There are two things that this requires. One is learning to run slowly enough that you are at a
sustainable pace.

For the "average" person, the lower speed limit for running is about 12 minutes per mile. If you're
going much faster than that, you'll be able to keep going for longer just by slowing down. This
alone might get you very close to the point of running comfortably.

You should make fairly rapid improvements in fitness over the next few months. It's hard to make
specific predictions, beyond saying that if you train consistently, you'll improve rapidly in the
first year. Having weight trained, you're no doubt familiar with the principal if not this
particular application.

Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/

[Miss Anne Throp]

A bodybuilder who reads books? Yeah, right.