Being in shape for the gym and the real world. Is there a difference?

Now why didn't I think of that?! I may actually use that line on my runner son if he misbehaves. Very clever LBJ. That's why I wanted to meet you. But racewalking looks hard to master. I'm still working on that OW swimming thing. How many sports can one do at once? I'm not Muppet you know ... And that Natalie/Heather/runner/swimmer/gymnast chick is two decades younger than me ... I can't keep up with her. Treadmills are good when there is ice and snow. I do think they're much easier than running outside and much easier on the bod. Former runner, and believe me I wasn't blazing any trails ... all fast twitch muscles over here ... Actually, I can't run anymore because of my back. I have some funky thing with the base of spine I can't exactly remember the name of or explain ... so I stick to the pool, where I'm guessing you could kick my posterior ...

Seagurl, You are not alone! I noticed the same thing in my training. First, when I was a kid, I had junior national cuts in the fly but could not run half a mile to save my life (and I would get terrible cramps when attempting to run). Just realized that to truly be in great physical condition, you can't limit yourself to one medium and one condition. Also - I too noticed that I could run great on a treadmill and then I died outside on the track, road, trails, etc. (This was as an adult). I asked a trainer at the gym and he said that we are missing the forward force on the treadmill along with hills and wind resistance. And, the treadmill is a better (bouncier) medium to run on. So, what I did was start with short runs outside (10 minutes) and just built up to 5 miles or so over time. I was sure to alternate treadmill sessions with running outside. I'm right there with you. I think this is normal for many of us who did not have a serious running background. I really notice how much "heavier" I feel on land as compared to the water. Makes me appreicate the pool. Keep it up and don't give up on it!!! I really think that becoming a better runner helps me physically and mentally in my swimming races! You mentioned your pizza filled stomach. . . I cannot eat before running. Otherwise, I wanna barf. That whole gravity thing is brutal on land. . . :laugh2:

At least you're still doing drylands, Geek. I considered quitting like Geek, but I'm living with a couple of runners who would have given me endless grief. So, now, I just run outside several times a week for fun and "nature." Easy solution: Take up racewalking instead. They will be so embarrassed that they will beg you not to exercise outside. Besides, you can probably use it as a lever to make Rude Hormonal Fortress behave: "Clean up your room young lady or I will start racewalking at the track at your school in front of your friends." -LBJ

Former runner, and believe me I wasn't blazing any trails ... all fast twitch muscles over here ... Actually, I can't run anymore because of my back. I have some funky thing with the base of spine I can't exactly remember the name of or explain ... so I stick to the pool, where I'm guessing you could kick my posterior ... I can commiserate on the lower back issues...the beauty of swimming ...I can still swim with a back spasm (not aggressively of course), and actually help ease it....

Thanks everybody for the tips!! :woot: The running for now is just a temporary thing because my pool is closed for the holidays and I don't have access to a gym. So I won't be too upset if it's not good (sounds like it's normal for beginners), and at least I'm doing something. And who knows, maybe if I take it easy, I'll actually start to like running.:eek:

I can commiserate on the lower back issues...the beauty of swimming ...I can still swim with a back spasm (not aggressively of course), and actually help ease it.... I can commiserate on the lower back issue too. But I can still run with it. I hate treadmills. The outdoors is where it's at. I run through snowstorms. Pool's OK in a pinch.