Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Zackback]

Whatever. Both will occur. Sorry that I have to spell everything out for you like a four year old requires


You and everyone else know where I live and know where I run. I run shirtless and receive a lot of positive attention but like jealous middle school boys some have said "ooooh don't do that". What a bunch of candy asses.

Waiting....

[runthegauntlet]

[Zackback]

Big thumbs up your ass.
I have aready gave enough information about me and what I do.

[runthegauntlet]

[Zackback]

Ahhh the jealousy.
I'm in Andong- nothing else more needs to be said.

[runthegauntlet]

[McGenghis]

You two are the twin avatars to whom those who wish to see a thread degenerate quicker than a railroad bum who has found soju pray to.

All hail. Endings sentences with prepositions is something I commit to.

[Zackback]

All because a guy sweats alot and wants to take off his shirt while running. Oh how awful.

[PatrickGHBusan]

This was funny while it lasted.

As for the thread topic, by all emans run in Korea as there are tons of great spots to run, especially some amazing hill trails.

Korea also offers a lot of race options or running clubs for runners. Get out there and join up if you prefer to run with a group.

For more Busan-centric information as this where I ran for those 11 years I spent in Korea:

The beaches offer great places to run on the packed sand near the water or on the boardwalk.

The hills that surround Busan are teeming with great running hill trails.

You can also run along the river as there are running paths there.

Street running is tough because so many of the side streets are very narrow. The sidewalks are often brick and uneven and in my opinion will tax your knees and back. They are also crowded.

Busan offers great running weather most of the year, except for July and August where it gets to be like living inside a humidifier with the heat cranked up. As such, run after sun down or early in the morning if you can. Alternatively, run on the beach where you will get a sea breeze that can cool you off.

[Died By Bear]

[PatrickGHBusan]

McGenghis that is an anwesome running spot you have my friend!

Now I miss running near Haeundae beach in the early morning or in Deajondea for my longer weekend runs!

I do miss the hill trails I had adopted as running paths in Busan too. In fact, Busan is a big city but at the same time offers lots of smaller city advantages, namely lots of great places to run.

Keep on running!

[shifty]

[PatrickGHBusan]

[shifty]

[PatrickGHBusan]

Actually running is huge right now in Canada where I live. It has undergone a renaissance with better training methods and equipment. In fact, I cannot recall seeing so many running specialty stores around. In the US Runner magazine has had 4 banner years in row in terms of subscribers.

Gone are the days of the lone runner with the no pain no gain attitude.

These days runners cross train (cycle, swim, weights for core muscles), stretch more, run on better shoes and understand running better.

Heck a fair portion of my kindle is packed with running books that contain advice, training methods and injury prevention methods.

Seriously, I have not had one serious injury due to running in my life. I did get sore a few times but in the past 5-6 years running has evolved eons from where it was.

What can counter running stress?

Exercises that strenghten support muscles that balance out running like swimming, cycling, weights for targetted muscle groups.

What can lessen the risk of knee damage and even eliminate it?

Pacing, rest days between runs, knowing how to train gradually, other exercises as named above, proper shoes, proper running surfaces.

A typical program will require rest days, you follow that AND listen to your body and you can avoid problems.

The same is true of run pace and distance, you need to find what works for you, not what someone else tells you is good for you as a runner.

Some people will still get knee, neck or back problems from running but then again you can get injured from doing many sports or doing a repetitive physical movement at your work.

Personally I look for programs that fit my needs. I also do not run the same way I did when I was a teen or in my 20s. You adapt to your body and run accordingly.

Now, I have settled on a 4 run a week pace, doing roughly 7-9K per run. That keeps me in shape. When racing comes up, I kick into training mode to prepare my body for the run (marathon for example).

On top of the running, on non-running days I cross train: swimming twice a week plus weighs for core muscles (especially abs are and opposed muscles (those muscles that need to compensate for the other muscles that develop due to running)).

I also keep tabs on shoe usage and change shoes when needed.

I choose running friendly surfaces when ever I can: gravel, trails, dirt, and if nothing else is available pavement. No concrete sidewalks for me thanks

I also understand what pace and distance does to my body. I read on on the cycles of development for your body as you run and how you need to be mindful of how cardio, muscle and joints get stronger at much different paces. For example cardio can take 2-3 weeks to improve or cycle to the next level, muscles typically take 1-3 months while tendons, bones and joints take 3-6 months. So if you rev up too fast, your cardio will be great but you may suffer muscle injury in the process and expose your joints, tendons and muscles to usaged and damage (ex: knees).

Another simple rule: if it hurts consistently in one area, STOP TRAINING until it heals.