After an expensive and in some ways disappointing season of wheel-to-wheel racing, I decided that I might try to run some races with my actual feet. I'm going to take most of next year off wheel-to-wheel racing and probably rent out the Civic on some occasions to try to give the wallet and credit card a breather, so I'm forced to explore other options to get my racing fix for less money.

From age 16 to 20, I ran a few races per year, mostly 10km, and I used to do pretty well (39 minute 10 km). I hadn't run much for 10 years and picked it up again casually this spring. I weigh about 40 pounds more than I did when I was 18 (not all fat!) but I can still run a 5 km, albeit much more slowly, without problems, even if it's been a few weeks since my last run.

After my wife pointed out how disappointing it seemed to lose auto races to guys with more money (but not necessarily more talent), I thought that in running, <U>you</U> are the machine, money is not really a factor. The work you put in generates results without costing actual money. In my practice runs (always 5km) I've got down under 22 minutes, which is not so bad considering my lack of training. I've decided to try running my first race in 12 years in 10 days. It's a 5 km very close to my home in Montreal. (Interesing fact: there are 24 races in the Montreal area each year.) The entry fee for this one: 12$. Makes you think, no?

P.S. Are there any other runners here? Do you still race? Does the rush in any way resemble the rush you get from auto racing?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Civic44 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">P.S. Are there any other runners here? Do you still race? Does the rush in any way resemble the rush you get from auto racing?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I ran a long time ago, but haven't for awhile. It is very invigorating, and does give me a rush, but it's a different kind of rush. On track (I just do HPDEs currently, not racing, but it's at least partly similar), the danger aspect is a big part of the rush. Running just doesn't have that.

 

Some days I think I should can racing cars and race my mountain bike instead.

 

i run 3 or 4 miles about 3 days a week. if i wanted to really put some effort into it, i'm sure i could do a 10k, but it's just not fun, so i don't.

 

I used to do some cross country in high school (before I started smoking ). I guess the two are somewhat comparable. I've been thinking about the whole rush thing since someone commented on my facial expression while karting the other day. I tried unsuccesfully for 13 laps to make a pass, finally pulling it off with half a lap left. The visceral, almost predatory satisfaction I felt at that moment was very similar to what I used to feel putting pain and fatigue in the back of my mind to pass someone on foot.

However, for me, the actual sports are very different. Racing is about reflex and awareness. Running, on the other hand, is almost an out of body experience. After a few miles, you get to thinking about some random crap, and its easy to forget you're even running at all.

Both leave a smile on my face at the end. Guess that's what matters...running's probably better for you though

 

You know, I just can't imagine Tirerack having a larger lung or titanium tracheas for modding me so I can run faster.

Kidding aside, you bring a valid point that the exhileration of racing doesn't just have to come from cars.

 

Bike gearset = $200
Car gearset = $2000

Bike tires = $60
Car tires = $600

And so forth

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Civic44 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Makes you think, no?</TD></TR></TABLE>

No.

Runners high = Oxygen deprivation
Spoken like a fat guy.

 

Would bump drafting in running be coming up behind the guy in front of you and kicking him/her?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Bike gearset = $200...Car gearset = $2000

Bike tires = $60...Car tires = $600

And so forth </TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't see what you're getting at.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 94accordsedan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You know, I just can't imagine Tirerack having a larger lung or titanium tracheas for modding me so I can run faster.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's right - You Can't!


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 94accordsedan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Kidding aside, you bring a valid point that the exhileration of racing doesn't just have to come from cars. </TD></TR></TABLE>

&lt;GASP!&gt; "GTFO!!!!!!"

Scott, who wonders if some of you are losing your minds...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I don't see what you're getting at.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thats right. You cant put a mtn bike on jackstands, so you just wouldnt understand!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
&lt;GASP!&gt; "GTFO!!!!!!"

Scott, who wonders if some of you are losing your minds...</TD></TR></TABLE>

That ain't no car bucko...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Thats right. You cant put a mtn bike on jackstands, so you just wouldnt understand!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not true! I had a supertrick bike workstand when I was into it.

Scott, who could SO afford his bike habit now...but I don't have that body anymore.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Thats right. You cant put a mtn bike on jackstands, so you just wouldnt understand!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't know. Mine's been hanging from the ceiling for a while... does that count?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thats right. You cant put a mtn bike on jackstands, so you just wouldnt understand!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Or put Motons on them.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 94accordsedan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

That ain't no car bucko...

</TD></TR></TABLE>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

...some of you are losing your minds...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Scott, who thought he had covered that...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 94accordsedan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Or put Motons on them.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can get pimpy adjustable remote reservoir mtn bike shocks

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Scott, who thought he had covered that...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't get it... how can I lose something I never had.

Sean who will run to the 7th floor now... maybe I'll set a new record.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chjkingme &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Running, on the other hand, is almost an out of body experience. After a few miles, you get to thinking about some random crap, and its easy to forget you're even running at all.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

i've never run more than 1 mile. and i can't stop thinking about the pain... maybe i just need to push further? what i find strange is i can play basketball hard for hours still, constantly pushing it on de and offense. so it makes me think it's not my body conditioning... but my lack of mental stamina... any thoughts on how to push through? i probably just need a running partner or something. my girl cousin after only 2-3 years of running marathon ran a 100 mile race ... that stuff is crazaaaay.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by quisp &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

i've never run more than 1 mile. and i can't stop thinking about the pain... maybe i just need to push further? what i find strange is i can play basketball hard for hours still, constantly pushing it on de and offense. so it makes me think it's not my body conditioning... but my lack of mental stamina... any thoughts on how to push through? i probably just need a running partner or something. my girl cousin after only 2-3 years of running marathon ran a 100 mile race ... that stuff is crazaaaay.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

i used to be like that. i could (and did regularly) play ball for 4 hours straight without leaving the court (winner stays ya know ), but couldn't run long distance for the life of me. it's just a different kind of conditioning. try distance running for a couple weeks and you'll start picking up. i was up to 4 miles after about 2 months, and when i started i couldn't go 1.5 miles without taking a break.

 

I used to run in highschool, Track, X-Country and a bit afterwards..

My favorite method of training was mountain runs....

best of luck, stay healthy, start slow
Shin splints kicked my *** pretty good

I have a buddy that still actively runs and is enticing me with free breakfast to go on mountain runs with him...

sounds like a good deal to me...

Oh I have put on about 50lbs since highschool...

 

I kind of gave up running after I kept getting hurt Broken foot (in HS) then sprains, strains, shin splints, etc in college... i got back into it pretty good for a year but gave up on it.

 

Runners were the people that couldn't play basketball, baseball or football.

 

Running may be cheaper, yeah, but don't know about Mt. Biking.
I paid 6000 for the car... have friends who have that much in their bikes. (egad!)

I know, I know, operating costs are much less.

 

I find there's a lot more fun at 100+ mph than at 5-10 mph. The costs may be 10 times more, but so are the speeds, and I can mostly sit on my ***.

I usually run up 2 flights of stairs at work, sometimes I trip and hurt myself... that's the extent of my running.