(May. 09, 2012 9:36 PM)Apply Without Wrote: So I am finally owning up to my resolution and have a nice bronzing on my neck and arms.
It is a real tan, not the most phenomenal but it's better than going to the booth. Those beds probably do more dead-skin clearing than provide real health benefits.
Just so you know, there are also health risks of getting a tan. Gotta do research, I'm not very knowledgeable in that area.
(May. 09, 2012 9:47 PM)Yukio Wrote: What should I do to train myself and run faster? Ive tried running a lot by running 2 miles every other day, but I get slower each time. What else should I do?
(May. 09, 2012 10:03 PM)Hazel Wrote: First off, you need to make sure you're stretching before each run, and not running on an empty stomach or out in too much heat.
It sounds to me, though, like you're not giving your muscles enough time to recuperate. Maybe take a few days off of it - muscle recovery time isn't standardized, but most people's does take more than a single day.
(May. 09, 2012 10:05 PM)Yukio Wrote: Okay. I just need to remember to stretch before running. Oh, and okay, Ill try to let my muscle s recuperate. Any more tips?
(May. 09, 2012 10:12 PM)Hazel Wrote: Staying hydrated but not overdoing it would be the next best thing I can think of. Generally runners do more than just running to build up their speed and stamina, but SSJ's the one more familiar - I'm just kind of throwing out over the counter advice.
By the way, you need to know what kind of stretching to do. For warmup, start with some light cardio (all you really need is 30 seconds or so of some very light exercise), then some dynamic stretching, then some ballistic. Google them, YouTube them, you'll find some answers. Even self myofascial release if you've got a foam roller. Save the static stretching and poprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for cool down. (google, haha)
Also, Hazel mah boi, working out on an empty stomach might be just what he needs. An hour to an hour and a half before your running, eat a banana, and maybe a protein source (eat nuts, seeds, legumes, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, small protein drink, stuff like that). You'll be set.
Generally, like Hazel said, you might need more recovery time. Generally people go by the 48 hour rule, which you're doing, but it sounds like you're overreaching (basically, overtraining without the injuries) or plateauing.
Here's a graph of what's known as the General Adaptation Syndrome:
[Image: File:General_Adaptation_Syndrome.jpg]
(if that isn't working just go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Genera...ndrome.jpg)
So, from what I can tell, due to how frequently you're running and the description you gave, it seems like you're in the exhaustion phase. What you'll then need to do, is take a week or so off of running. During that week, you can absolutely do other forms of exercise. After the week, don't go into running right away because you're going to be doing some running prep. All athletes take time off when the season is over, then start again from the foundation of their sport and get progressively more specific to their sport as time goes by until the next season.
So, to prep, first you should develop your core's strength. One of the most important core moves (the most important actually) is the hollow body position. Google it, YouTube, whatever. On YouTube, just search hollow body progressions, and click on the ones by Nakaathletics, that dude has the best progression videos I've ever seen. It's from gymnastics and it teaches you pelvis placement, everything. Then you can move to planks, remembering that pelvis placement and everything you learned from the hollow body position: drive the heels back (in plank), straighten the knees, pelvis tilted forward, upper back neutral, head neutral (in plank). You can do plank on the floor, on a medicine ball, on a stability ball, raise limbs, get creative, but remember to maintain good form otherwise it's worthless.and since you'll be running, it's important to work the back of your core just as much. Pelvic tilts are fantastic to make sure you don' get one of the most common running symptoms: your pelvis tilts backwards which puts pressure on our spine and gives you back problems. On YouTube, the livestrong video for pelvic tilt is great.
Then, after a week or two, it depends what you want to to. You want to get better at running and gain weight, but the two don't really work together well. Since I'm talking about running, I would go straight into plyometrics. YouTube, google, the whole deal again. First, work on deep moves like jump squats or jump lunges, then move on to quicker, explosive moves like depth jumps, etc. (strengthproject has a good couple videos on depth drops/jumps)
And after a week or two of that, you can start getting more running specific again. But, you should be running a little differently. First of all, focus on form. Second of all, don't work on distance running, try to develop the most power out of each stride. Do this by running up stairs, 100m sprints, even use a running parachute if you have one. Also include HIIT (high intensity interval training) since it's easy to do with running. You can find pretty easy descriptions on google.
And then, finally, you can get running again. However, don't run at the frequency you've been running. Start with two times per week, then the next week run three times and only three per week for the next while after that. Only keep this frequency up for a maximum of 4-5 weeks, otherwise your results will start going backwards again.
Then you can get into building muscle which leads me to:
(May. 09, 2012 10:18 PM)Yukio Wrote: Okay. Thanks! Ill try to put a water bottle in my pocket so my coach doesn't see it. Also, Ive been thinking about building up muscle. Do you have a recommended to do so? Also, when should I do the excercises?
Ex: pushups every morning & night
Klaus gave a really fantastic answer I'd just like to elaborate on a couple things more. Keep in mind opposing muscle groups. (for example, if you're doing chest/shoulders, you also have to do back, etc.) He was spot on suggesting pushups and pull ups, lunges and squats, since you're a runner. They're much more functional for sports/athletics.
My opinion on the "It isn't mandatory":
I agree, to a point. My grandparents weren't active but they all are living/lived to a very old age. They ate like carp. However, and this is the whole reason why I exercise and eat right, is I just feel 5000000% awesome. I'm sure you've heard all this from me though. For example, the more gluten I eat, the dumber I feel. I hate that feeling from simple carbohydrates. I love that I have energy throughout the day that doesn't fluctuate. I love that I have less headaches. I love that I have better posture. I love being able to do the things I do. I just love every benefit about fitness and nutrition. But you know what? None of it has anything to do with the future. If I eat right and exercise today, I feel better today, I'm healthier today, I'm happier today. I don't have to wait for all that. Instant. It's a high. And it lasts all day. Forget about what will happen in 60 years to you. Forget about what you'll look like. The past is history, the future's a mystery, that's why now is called a present. I really feel like exercise and eating right is the absolute best way to achieve super happiness. Lots of people think they are happy so they don't need to exercise. That's fine. That's great. Exercise and eating will make you even happier. I guarantee. Now, exercise is difficult, you don't feel like it, it hurts. Wrong! If you have any negative symptoms from exercise or eating healthier foods, you're doing it wrong. If you don't like a food, don't eat it. Via you don't like a form of exercise, don't do it. If zumba's what floats your boat, go for it. If a walk with your family is for you, go for it. If you like calisthenics, go for it. If you ain't liking it, it doesn't make you feel happier and healthier today. So what's the point. I always try to promote fitness and nutrition because there's no ups and downs in our day, you feel younger, you feel like there's less gravity, the world would be a better place if we all ate better and exercised daily, and I say that with utmost confidence.