The Running Thread 🏃‍♀️

[Shep]

Anyone can run! When walking around you must see every body shape/ every age! It's the best thing and people will nod or smile. But I understand your nerves because I had nerves. Maybe go at quiet times like first thing in the morning? (as it hits 5am I'm up ready to go...because I start getting ready for work at 6). I never did C25k just because I don't like running with things. But a run round the block is stil a starting point. Give it a go and good luck. I'm excited to hear about how you get on

When I decided to start running I tried runnning round the block but stopped far too easily. C25k has given me the motivation to keep going but also provided a structure that I know others have done and been successful with. Particularly the first couple of weeks you know it is only a short time running. Knowing the voice will come kept me going. If it was left to me I would stop earlier.

 

[orangelolly]

Confession time...never have I ever done a park run! I know I need to but the getting up that early on a Saturday morning is terrifying

Because it's been so long, I've been enjoying lie ins on a Saturday and now I think "How am I ever going to get up in time for it again?!"

 

[Dwightschrute]

Hi runners! New to the thread

Just got properly back into couch to 5k I’m on the third week - but I keep getting terrible pains in my shins and knees after I finish. I know I need to warm up and stretch properly which I have been doing, also my trainers are new and supportive. Think it’s because I’ve not run for a while and my legs aren’t used to it.
But my aim is to be back to running 5k regularly by the end of the year

 

[Tippingpoint23]

I have started couch - 10k! I am doing a half marathon in May and haven't properly ran since February so finding it a bit hard but on week 2 and already finding it more bearable/enjoyable. I go before work in the morning because I don't like running alone in the dark but it means I run on an empty stomach, which so far is fine as I used to go to the gym and work out on an empty stomach then have breakfast when I'm home and I have some gel pods to have if I feel I need anything! Any tips for breathing though as I find it almost forget to breath sometimes!

 

[anonesk223]

Anyone else find it crazy how quickly you lose fitness?!
I got to the point where I could regularly run a 5k and even doing some 10ks and 15ks - not super fast but all without stopping.
I took a month off to recover from a knee injury and I’m now struggling to run for longer than 10 mins without getting out of breath, when before I could run for an hour and a half

 

[TheDragonWithAFlagon]

I'm going to mention my wonderful new toy/instrument of torture for dodgy gait, tight muscles and the like.

A wooden wobble board. I used to use one in Physio way back in the Dark Ages following a horrendous sprain/ligament/tendon buggerage and loved it. So I banged out about fifteen quid on one this week as it was payday.

It's really hard work, the tilt isn't enough to do any damage, but will stretch and/or challenge almost every muscle in your body. As the basic 'stand on it for five minutes' stops being a challenge, there's squats, standing on one leg and playing catch whilst stood on it. And some people use it for press ups and the like. I'm still doing my best not to fall off. And you can swap between doing it barefoot (strengthening the foot muscles in particular) and with trainers on (working more on the legs and backside).

IIRC, the Physio enthused about them because they help

Balance
Posture
Core strength
Proprioception
Tight muscles
Weak muscles
Non responsive/inactive muscles
Dodgy tendons and ligaments
Low impact
Functional strength
Cardiac fitness (not sure if that's due to physical exertion or just the FUCK I'M GOING TO FALL OFF response, though)

- whilst not contributing towards or exacerbating impact injuries/inflamed areas. Of which I have many.


I think that's everything. Except it's really , really fun - my physio sessions were shared with two huge bikers who had almost identical ankle injuries. We used to play Murderball for ten minutes each time - which is hurling bean bags, basketballs, tennis balls and anything else we could get our hands on at one another whilst all balancing.



Really, really hoping that the gyms open without a hitch, as I need to swim and do some weights as well. I only got as far as a purposeful circuit around the park before I had my vaccine at the weekend. The staff at the GP's looked pleasantly entertained that I turned up to my appointment in full kit - and the 'kind looking' smile I got from a proper runner as he lapped me twice was quite cheering.



I quite like the idea of a Park Walk/possibly trot for a bit but ultimately just get through it without taking all day or collapsing. That's OK on Parkrun, isn't it? I won't be pissing them off by keeping them waiting, will I?

 

[justbecasual]

I run in a big jacket, I'm always cold but it's not too bad now and it was lovely on the weekend.

I finally run my first 10k last week and managed in under 59 minutes so we'll happy with that!!

A fantastic time, let alone for your first 10K.
I did my first 10K this year on Saturday, and since having covid over Christmas. Did anyone else had covid and found the first few weeks of running quite a struggle? I would say it took about 6-8 weeks to feel confident in my running again and get back to pre-covid pace.

 

[Millyve]

Im trying to get a company enters into the great south run think I’ve gone abit crazy with this running bug.

 

[laughing]

Keep at it, you've managed one which is great . As others have said, rather than 3minute runs, do 2 or 2.5 instead and build up. Try and focus on a little being better than nothing

Determined to finish c25k this time. My pace is about 13 minutes a mile (sure I could walk faster) . So it's going to take a while.

 

[nbx512]

Delighted to stumble across this thread! Took up running during lockdown and I'm hooked. Out of interest, I'm wondering if some of you could help or give me advice. I'm 29, 5ft 2 and 128 pounds. Wear an Apple Watch and resting heart rate is around 64 bpm. Have been analysing my most recent runs and max HR hits 185+. I seem to be spending a lot of my runs in HR zones 4 and 5. Not sure if this is something to be concerned about? A friend told me that I shouldn't really be running in HR zones 4 and 5.

It honestly depends on what kind of gains/ goals you’re looking for, how long you’ve been running and a ton of other things. I’m also unsure of how apple watches calculate HR zones. That said, the majority of your runs should be at an easy effort: this means being able to talk in complete sentences and having a lower heart rate. For me, with a resting HR of 51 (57kg, 169cm woman) that’s a max HR of 147. This benefits two things: a lower intensity means injury is less likely plus you’re working your aerobic system which is the main system for all running unless you’re a sprinter. This will lead to bigger fitness gains rather than you constantly maxing out on your runs. Plus it can be more enjoyable to run and not feel like death after!

It depends how many times per week you’re running but if it’s around 5 I would recommend having one quality session (aka intervals, tempo etc with a higher HR), one long run (still with an easy HR) and three easy, shorter runs. I’m happy to chat more about programming for you specifically if you’d like

 

[SpiceWeasel]

Too hungover

Aiming for Dry Jan (never done it before) and, hopefully, lots of running. I have a lot of weight to shift.

I'm doing Dry Jan too and also never done it before! Trying to ignore the half full bottle of Prosecco in the fridge and my waste not want not mentality

 

[sugarhoneyicedtea]

Hello running thread! It's so nice to find a community of normal runners & couch to 5kers I remember when everyone was running 5ks to donate to Virgin/NHS in the spring, the amount of people posting sub 25 and even sub 20 times who aren't regular runners or exercisers was quite disheartening to me, as I am pretty fit but a terrible runner. I've been working on not judging my running style or speed, and learning to push aside the shame so I can finally enjoy running.

I did couch to 5k over summer and have been running semi-regularly since. My first goal was to be able to finish a 5k without walking, and now I can do that I am aiming for a sub 30 minute 5k (on about 31.20 currently), so I am trying out the Nike Run Club 5k plan. Partly posting this for accountability so I try to stick with it, haha: has anyone else used this plan to improve their speed?

This is so true! I remember thinking I am a pretty decent runner and then seeing all the times other people had done their 5k in when they were all 'I don't even run!' was such a buzzkill! I love Strava and tracking my runs but I am terrible at getting too caught up in the times. I did my first 10k at the weekend in an hour which I was so buzzing with and then seeing people do 12/13k in the same time totally bought me down which I know is so silly. Getting up and out is the main thing, the mental health side of things and the fresh air and exercise are so much more than the numbers on the screen

 

[SpiceWeasel]

Last week I ran for the 1st time in months!
ran 2k without stopping, which I was expecting to do but my goal was to run to the local alpacas (my reward haha) and walked back across the fields so they were wet n muddy.
Today I went out for a walk but ended up running a bit. Again I run to the alpacas! I’ve got to work out a route or 2 that is 5k.

Well done! Aww there’s a couple of alpacas on my usual run too

Chuffed to say I’ve been keeping up with my running again since mid Feb now. 3-5 times a a week, minimum distance of 5K and been trying to up that to 6.5K (just over 4 miles), been trying to keep up with doing a long run on Saturdays too and done two 10Ks, went to do it this Saturday just gone but the weather was awful. I can deal with rain but the wind was absolutely insane, I attempted to set off but just ended up with a gob full of sand after about 30 seconds so I was like it’s a no from me!!! Went and got a coffee from McDonald’s to wash the sand down with and just after that it started hail stoning so hard I didn’t leave the car park until it stopped so I had a lucky escape really the joys, roll on some decent weather it just makes staying motivated soooo much easier. The only reason I’m gonna miss furlough is cos I’ve got no excuse not to go.

 

[Saddlesoap]

Not a good run today. Legs felt like lead. Had to stop a couple of times to catch my breath. Forced myself to 4.8km, but couldn't do more.

 

[Reflected view]

@Gym&Tonic 100% when we started coming out of the first lockdown and sports facilities opened up I started feeling a bit anxious at the thought of being in doors, I received an email to reactivate my membership but I declined and continued with my running, I’m praying I can continue through the winter months

 

[Reflected view]

I can’t do it! My route is anti clockwise round my area, and I feel very weird if I try running it clockwise

It’s funny all the little quirks we pick up when running I won’t finish my run on an odd number either

 

[Shep]

I actually don't listen to music when running
I prefer to listen to the birds. Plus I get really itchy ears when I use headphones for done reason.

Not sure I can run without music! I use it to estimate time on couch to 5k for instance this bit is about 2 songs long. It helps me to concentrate on the song in my head rather than how tired I am

 

[Into_the_tunnel]

Finally decided I am brave enough to come on here….

Used to run a lot (too much), got injured (18 months out or so with AT) and ill and stopped.

Now started again slowly, 3-4 runs/week, max 8 miles with the dog so lots of stops .

Trying to stop myself increase weekly as that is when I will get ill again.

 

[Reflected view]

Soo gutted I completed couch to 5k during first lockdown and then stopped when I went back to work. I’ve tried a few times to get back into it and Jesus Christ, I have no idea how I ever did it before at all so gutted as it was so good for my mental health tried today back to week 5 and literally couldn’t even dunk for 3 mins well I did but it killed me and I quit maybe running just is not for me

Your doing great, you took the hardest step and got yourself out there, just keep trying and in a few weeks you will thank yourself for perseveringly and trying ever run

 

[jarv]

I dragged myself out at 6 for a 3k run to kick-start getting back into it again! It was slow as hell but you gotta restart somewhere