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TOPIC: Running Dads

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Daddy Clay

Running Dads 1 Year, 11 Months ago
It's hard to find time to run for busy dads, so how are you doing it? What is your training routine? Favorite runs and/or gear? Post your race results, times, trials and errors.

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Daddy Clay

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 11 Months ago

I hate to start this thread off with a bummer, but I mostly started it so I could bitch about being injured. It's been over two weeks since I finished my half-marathon, and any attempt at running still causes intense pain. I have self-diagnosed a stress-fracture (dull pain all around my lower leg), and if I still can't run tomorrow, I'm going to let an actual doctor take a crack at it.

Really frustrated to have finally gotten into a routine, and now I'm back to square one. Lots of bad habits creeping back in. I really want back on the road, but I know that rushing back in is bad. I guess I really should go see a doctor.

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bobjr79

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 11 Months ago

Before my son was born I ran about 3 miles 2-3 times a week. I haven't done squat since then but gain back all the weight that I lost last summer and then some. It's hard to rationalize spending time to exercise when there's bottles to be washed, a diaper that needs changed and sleep to be had. I need to do it though. I'm sure as soon as it gets warmer I'll put the boy in the stroller and get back to it. In the meantime I guess should dust off my elliptical machine in my basement. Uhg

As far as gear goes all I have are some Champion Double Dry shirts and shorts. I also like New Balance shoes, nothin fancy.

Sorry to hear about your busted leg Clay.

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Daddy Clay

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 11 Months ago

@bobjr79

I stopped exercising about 11 years ago. Not coincidentally, that is exactly when my oldest son was born. I couldn't make consistent time in my life for exercise until ten years later. That's probably not much comfort to you with a new baby. But I screwed up so you don't have to!

Give it some time but don't give up on the idea entirely.

The school where I live just bought an elliptical, so I may be trying that in the AM if I come up lame again. Which I highly suspect I will.

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metzgerbusiness

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 11 Months ago

Alright I had to chime in as a dad to three. My youngest will be five months on the 8th and I started running seriously seven weeks after he was born. On top of that I have a full time job, blog regularly, guest post, and wrote about all this last night from two perspectives. Perspective 1 overwhelmed. Perspective 2 Wow I'm kicking ass. I ran 14.5 miles last week which is more than I have run in a week ever. I should have run 20 so I felt like I failed but I ran. So if you would like to read the article I wrote last night check out myspellingsucks.com/a-matter-of-point-of-view/

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ben

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 11 Months ago

I think I've convinced myself to start C25K on Monday. For me that means walking/running to the Y three times a week. It's 1.7 miles, or 2.74k, each way. I'll get to the gym, drop the boys in their child care, weight in, take a shower, and get the boys back in the stroller, have lunch and walk/run home. We live a couple blocks from an entrance to the River Greenway so there's very little residential sidewalk to deal with.

The obstacles right now are that my knee is suffering and I have had very little motivation. Let's see if I can get through this for next week. (and I just remembered that I have an early afternoon appointment to deal with some extreme back pain on Monday.) We'll get there.

Tools-wise, I've loaded the C25K app on the iPod Touch. It'll alert me to pace changes and restart where I leave off if I have to stop early (because I got to my destination early). I'm pairing this with a Polar heart rate monitor to keep that chart going. I like their fitness tracking web site.

Last Edit: 2010/03/02 19:48 By ben.

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USMCdad

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 11 Months ago

I used to run a lot but lost my touch after I got out of the Marine Corps now I mostly sit around with a beer in my hand watching so ESPN. That's life, but as of last year I actually bought myself a Road Bike and that has become my new best friend. The bicycle I bought was a Cannondale Six 6 honestly a bit pricey but none the less I believe that its worth the money, it saves gas and a great workout. I usually ride if all summer and most warm nice days. Its a great hobby that I think we all should try, despite the tight shorts and tight shirts its actually fun. Yup you all guessed it as well I'm one of those guys that wear the tights, but it helps you ride better and faster.

Besides that I think I run maybe once or twice a month but I hit it Marine Corps style so I run anywhere between 3-10 miles. Last run was done last month and I did 7 miles which I would say I almost died. The only reason I ran so much is because i ran 3.5 miles one way and I forgot I had to run back.

Gear I use for running is Under Armor everything which I love. I also bought a blu-tooth headset which I use all the time its a JayBird headset which I love and pretty much use all the time from the gym, bicycling, running and even on my PS3 for some call of duty modern warfare.

That's pretty much it I think I covered everything. Hope I gave you a new idea as far as cycling.

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Daddy Clay

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 11 Months ago

Barely made it 2.75 miles this morning before I had to stop. Progress. I could barely run a mile last week because of my self-diagnosed stress-fracture. Not feeling optimistic about the Capitol 10k next month. We shall see. The school put an elliptical in the weight room so I'll try that out this week.

@USMCdad Nobody wants to see me in Under Armor. I stick to Addidas and Nike. I like stuff that has dedicated iPod pockets.

I also started today listening to books instead of music when I work out. I subscribed to Audible.com -- one book a month for $7. Listening to 9 Dragons by Michael Connelly. Hoping this will boost my "reading" time a bit. Makes running even less meditatve, so I'm not completely sold yet.

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USMCdad

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 11 Months ago

I hear that Daddy Clay. I usually just get under armor stuff because I used it all the time in Iraq and the rest of my time oversea. But i also stick to adidas and nike as well, i guess i just got used to under armor. Stick in there I always used to do a pyramid theory as far as work outs. i.e. for a week straight run about 2 miles the week after add another mile or so and so on until you reached your set goal. That's how I used to get ready for runs or pull ups or anything as far as work outs go. Hang in there.

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newfashioneddad

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 9 Months ago

I'm really trying to get back into running right now. I've run a couple of half marathons and even a full marathon (way too many years ago), but I'm struggling with motivation right now. My biggest challenge is deciding WHEN to run.

I suck at getting up in the morning, so that's out. I go home for lunch to give my wife a break from the kids, so that's out. My only option is at night after the kids go down, but that's the only time I get alone with my wife.

As far as gear goes, the best thing I have is a Garmin Forerunner 205. It's the older style, but still does what I need. The Garmin allows me to just walk out the door and start running. I don't have to drive to a trail, spend time measuring my routes, etc. I LOVE it!

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Daddy Brad

Re:Running Dads 1 Year, 8 Months ago
You fellas have inspired me. I'm going to join you in the exercise department. I mean it this time. I've gotten fat and old (been too much of the beer and ESPN as well USMCdad) and besides my wife has started a new exercise program. But first I'm gonna eat a Big Ass BBQ sandwich.

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Daddy Clay

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 8 Months ago

Missed my first run due to oversleeping in over a year. Doh! Back at it tomorrow. Finally back on track and recovered from injury. New geeky focus: better technique. I think I got hurt because A) I weigh over 200lbs.

I was running 26 miles a week C) I was landing on my heels instead of my mid-foot.

So I've dialed the mileage down and am running four days a week.

Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday:5 miles
Thursday: 3 Miles
Sunday: 10 miles

Thinking *glide* the whole time and listening to murder books from Audible.

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Daddy Clay

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 8 Months ago

I wonder what it says about my commitment to exercise that I can't even contemplate going out for a run without my iPod. Which mean that I haven't done much running this week. It's full-on summer in Austin (I can tell by the rotting tomato smells outside DLHQ), and now even the mornings are warm and humid. So at the end of my 10 miler on Sunday, I pretty much drowned yet another iPod in sweat.

Yes, I keep it in a protective cover, but I do have to take it out to finish the run and get the run data. And in that process I borked it. The menu button only works occasionally.

I've temporarily pressed my iPhone into service so I can listen to my new audio book, "The Whiskey Rebels." (Loving it. Laughed out loud several times.) But I'm really worried about messing up my phone. And I cannot and will not exercise without book and/or music.

Are you similarly handicapped? Or can you run free and without technological encumbrances?

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Daddy Clay

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 7 Months ago

After months of rehab after hurting myself, working very consciously to change my gate, landing on my mid-foot instead of the heel, slowly moving my split times down again, I hit a wall today.

I recalibrated my iPod.

The Nike+ pedometer resets back to the default every time I reset my iPod (which I have had to do several times since it went buggy a few months back). I noticed recently that I was finishing running loops at different points than usual, but I remained in denial.

I finally couldn't deny it any longer. I ran the final 400m of a run on a track and I clearly didn't close the loop.

So I recalibrated and it was off by .07 miles on a half mile run. That means it was spotting me .15 miles every mile. That means my ten mile runs were only 9.

I feel like a cheater. And now my split times are going to shoot up.

Bummer.

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pfanndad

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 7 Months ago

Good job to everyone who gets out there and pounds the pavement!

I've been off and on since before my first was born.
But since number two showed up, but the wife and I have both completed the C25k program.
Time for exercise comes at work during my lunch,
in the mornings when one of us wakes up way too early or while the kids are at Daycare.

One of my runs is running home from the drop-off with the wife. Sort of forces the issue since I have to get home to start work from the home-office.

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krellpw

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 7 Months ago

Daddy Clay -- wouldn't worry too much about those split times. I understand your frustration, but you're out there pounding the pavement and that's the key! Congrats.

I also want to second the sentiment to say congrats to everyone who's out there running. I tip my hat to you. Personally, I'm with USMCDad, my preference is biking, specifically mountain biking. I love getting off the beaten path and riding the countryside.

No matter how you're getting that exercise, make the most of it.

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bobjr79

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 7 Months ago

Lately I've been struggling with getting more a long walk. Between my work schedule and taking care of my son when I'm off there's just not very much me time. I have to be able to take the boy along. All we have right now is one of those big travel system strollers. It's ok but I can't really get more than a brisk walk without it bouncing all over the place. Better than nothing I guess. Does anyone use a jogging stroller? Are they worth it?

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Daddy Brad

Re:Running Dads 1 Year, 7 Months ago
bobjr79, I really like jogging strollers and have used one with all three of my little ones. I have found the simpler the better. My favorites are the old school Baby Jogger, BOB and TFK.

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Daddy Troy

Re:Running Dads 1 Year, 7 Months ago
The seven year old is almost to the point that he knows to stay on the right. So I have been taking him on running trips with me. He is a little faster than me, so I have been training him to boomerang. He loves it.

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spregan68

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 6 Months ago

I just started running again and it isn't easy. About three years ago i ran my third marathon and since then I have had no desire to run. Now that we have our first baby, a daughter that is now 14 months old, I need to get back into better health. I'm over weight with real high cholesterol. I would like to run 3-4 miles 4-5 times a week but I have a long way to go before I can do that. I push my girl in a BOB stroller and she likes it more often than not. I also use www.mapmyrun.com to plan routes out to certain distances. I"m a PE teacher so you would think motivation would not be an issue but it is. Let's hope I can find the running bug again.

Last Edit: 2010/07/16 19:49 By spregan68.

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Daddy Clay

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 6 Months ago

@spregan68 Impressive marathon record! Given your background, I can't imagine that you will not find the time and motivation to run again in the future. As a matter of fact, that you have already begun feeling the impulse to get running again is a good sign. It took me ten years after my first was born.

You are in the most demanding patch of parenting in terms of time and energy. Are you and your partner thinking about having another? These months and years are the hardest when it comes to life balance, but things do get better.

Be patient with yourself. Sneak in runs when you can. Enjoy them when they come around and think of them as a dose of "Me time." The BOB stroller is a key asset. Use it when you can, but know that a meltdown is always possible, and don't feel guilty about asking for a run without the stroller.

Hang in there. Time will reappear.

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Daddy Clay

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 6 Months ago

I was really looking forward to running during my vacation here on the cool East Coast. Although temps have been warm, it's still much cooler here on the Cape than at home. Unfortunately, I've been a bit too enthusiastic, up my mileage a bit too much and have a tweaky calf again.

Pretty frustrating because I've been really focused since the spring on changing my running style to be less impactful. So much for that.

I'm also starting to think that a lot of my problems may be related to my numerous knee surgeries (thanks, football). Although my knees feel better than ever, I may be favoring one without knowing it, throwing everything slightly out of balance, leading to injury when I get above 25 miles a week.

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krellpw

Re:Running Dads 1 Year, 6 Months ago
Sorry to hear that calf has gotten balky again. I'm sure you'll find the right balance. Good Luck.

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Daddy Troy

Re:Running Dads 1 Year, 6 Months ago
@spregan68 After a marathon I too lost the running bug, but just like sex returns to your partnership after having a baby, so does running return after a marathon. Although will it ever be the same? Seems to me there are lot more parallels I could make here, but I will stop there.

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Daddy Clay

Re:Running Dads
1 Year, 6 Months ago

The heat, the heat.

Despite it, I'm finally picking up the tempo a bit -- on my shorter runs anyway. And added my first speed training (4x200m fast pace) since my race in Feb. Signing up for two half-marathons in the winter has helped my motivation. I even set up my training program on Nike+, but that made me realize I have to train for my training, ramping miles slowly until I start officially training on November 30.

A couple of gear notes:

-I rewarded myself for passing 2500km total on Nike+, and graduating to Purple status, with a pair of Oakley Radar glasses with Range G30 lenses. I've run with them several times and I love these glasses. I love how they completely cover my field of vision, and the G30 lenses are perfect for the low light of the mornings when I am usually out for a run. The downside, as my son is quick to point out, is the goggle-like size of this rig. "Are you ever going to wear these when you aren't running?" asked my nervous son. Probably not.

-And it's also time for me to rotate shoes again. I've been tempted, but I am sticking with Nike, and with the Air Pegasus model (now version 27). These were well rated by Runner's World and they are a relative bargain at $90. I'll start running with them in 2 weeks.

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