Bboy AJ said:
Generally speaking, how doable is 2 miles in 13 minutes? From couch to that, is it doable with consistent work ethic?
That all depends on your body. Two 6:30 minute miles is a tough distance to keep up that pace unless you're in really good shape. My advice is that if you're serious about it, alternate days of running 3-4 miles (to get your endurance up and breathwork down), and doing sprints to start with.
A sprint day, in my mind should be something like:
Warmup
1/4 mile/1 lap run to get your legs going
4x200 (you'll only want maybe a minute maximum between, unless you're dying)
4x100 (run like hell)
4x400 (this will be the hard one)
ikkemenx said:
Thanks for the podcast and other resources! I'll be sure to check these out!
I have a question about this "runner's high". You see, I'm very interested in getting into running and actually sticking with it/enjoying it. I've been in average shape my entire life, did track/x-country and a variety of sports in school but was not particularly strong in them. In fact, I'd say I was among the weaker runners. I was tiny but simply had no endurance. I don't think spending my summers playing video games helped much either. As I got older I would go through workout phases, and honestly I still felt like I could not run as well/for as long as your average person. My mom started running a month or so ago and is simply hooked. She's always been in phenomenal shape, and keeps telling me about this "high" she gets. A lot of my friends/acquaintances who are hooked on running tell me about this. Honestly, in my entire life, even after running for 45 minutes straight I have never felt any kind of high. I may have felt good/accomplished, but I still considered running to be a chore.
So tell me, GAF. Can anyone attain this and if so, HOW! I want to become addicted to running!
For me, the runner's high is what kicks in after I've pushed myself past my 'walls'. Once my body realizes I'm in for the long haul and it's probably gonna hurt is when it starts releasing those endorphins to make me feel better. If you really want to get it, you've gotta push, and push HARD. Endorphins are released in response to stress/pain, and the only way to do that is to run 'til it burns, and then keep running.
It sounds brutal, but it's a good way to train yourself to liking running in a way. You do it enough and your lizard brain (the essential, instictive part) starts thinking 'Oh, that feels nice. I like that. Do it more.' and you start to like running (presumably).