x-post - elliptical running question

Hey all!  I'm new here (well, on this forum anyway).  I had my surgery (VSG) in June.  I had an exercise question and I heard there were a few guru's over here that might be able to help me out!

The weather has gotten pretty lousy here (very icy sidewalks and COLD). and I haven't been able to complete my usual run.  I have a bad knee (due to a car accident and then years of fatness) and I'm scared to slip and twist it and be out for good.  I was running the C25K program - about half way through.  Running 3 walk 1.5 Run 5 walk 1.5 repeat.

My question is - I have an ellipitical (a nice one - Diamond back fully loaded) in my living room.  I thought i could "run" on that while the weather sucked, save my knee and keep up with my program.  I know it's not like running per se - but it should do for now, at least for my cardio-fitness.  I don't know how fast to run/walk though.  Anybody?

I started out walking (warm up) at 3.0 (I'm assuming - mph).  Thought I'd run at 4.0 or 4.5mph.  This was too slow.  My heart rate never got above the 130's.  I ended up doing 4.5 walk and 5.5 mph run.  My heart rate was around 140-155. (walk-run).

Really - not sure what the hell this all means.  Pre-surgery I'd be able to do about 6min on that thing - could never get about 3.0mph, and couldn't use the heart rate monitor because it would red-line and shut off the machine if I did (over 170).  Today I did 40min and burned (according to it) 750cals.  This is a good thing, since I ate WAY too much crap (and had a couple drinks) last night.  Big xmas party.  Sigh.

Maybe I should do the elliptical again tonight ;0)

Can anybody help me with this stuff?  It's much easier when I just go outside and run.  Till I'm tired.  Knowedge (or led displays anyway) is a dangerous thing.

This is just my 2 cent's worth.

If what you want to do is run, then the elliptical won't really help you out much.  It's really a lot harder to run than use the elliptical.  Also, 'running' on the elliptical is really a misnomer since the motion is totally different.  That being said, if the main goal is improve your cardio system, then the elliptical will still do the trick.  

As far as speed/resistance goes, does your machine have programs?  If it does, an interval program is good - 2 minutes moderate to heavy resistance/2 minutes light.  You don't want to put the resistance too high and hurt your knees though.

A lot of people hate treadmills, but they are a good option for cold weather and for learning to run.  You can keep the speed set and know how fast you're going.  I train on them all the time and do just fine.  It's a matter of personal preference, though.

Good luck with whatever you do!

Linn

Ya - for my purposes a treadmill would probably be better.  But i'd have a hard sell convincing my husband to approve of the purchase of another exercise machine when I have a 2000$ ellipitcal crowding up my front room lol.

I'm trying to mimic my C25K program (increasing the intervals of intensity in the form of speed, not resistance).  Hopefully to make it easier for me to get back into my C25K program when the weather improves.  I thought I'd increase the resistance (overall) as the workout gets easier.

I'll get back to running as soon as I can!

The only other thing to remember is that you really should have some moderate resistance along with the speed or you're still not helping yourself out much because the resistance helps with the quad strength (which you'll need when you get back on the road) where just speed does not.

Hats off to you doing this at home!  There's no way I could.  I'm a gym member all the way.  That's also my social outlet...

Linn

Good to know - thanks for that.  I will try upping the resistance as well.

Home works for me over a gym any time.  I need my exercise to not take too much time (VERY busy life!) - and home means I don't waste time going to/from etc.  I do go to the gym for aquafit and the occasional strength training or pilates class. 

Once my son is old enough to not need a parent at home at all times (or a babysitter) I might be able to hit the gym again...