The Running Thread 🏃‍♀️

[Badabing101]

Thanks for the mention!

I’ve always been a terrible runner. When I was younger I couldn't even run between two lamp posts! However the other year I decided to train to run to 5k without stopping and actually did it. I loved how it made me feel and being able to accomplish a fitness goal that felt so out of reach was incredible. Unfortunately, I haven't really improved too much since then but still regularly run.

My goals are:
- run 5k in under half an hour
- run a 10k without stopping

Does anyone have any tips to reach either of these goals?

I’m so glad this was made!

I know this sounds really stupid but I read something that Kipchoge said about getting faster or going for longer and it’s simply a case of keeping going and trying to run a bit faster from the start to see how you get on - I tried it over the summer and did a 5k in 27.15 which for me is great - it was hard work though. Also intervals with sprints are good. Good luck!

I really love Adidas Ultraboost, I have a high arch to my feet and every other pair of trainers I’ve ever tried have made the sole of my foot feel like it’s splitting down the middle vertically. Ultraboost are the best I’ve tried, feels like I’m flying!

Love Ultraboost too. They are an underrated brand when it comes to running are adidas

 

[stopthescams]

I did it! 1 min running /1.15 walking x15 and it was a lot more enjoyable than I expected after six weeks. Missed the endorphins

Well done! It’s such a good feeling isn’t it?! I’m going to try couch 2 10K today. I never thought (I’m naturally lazy) I’d enjoy the high from running

 

[theghosttown]

Has anyone got any good recommendations for stability trainers to help correct overpronation? Preferably ones that aren’t too pricy.

I currently wear Hoka One Arahis but they start to give me blisters on the bottom of my foot if I do anything above 5k

If you have blisters they may be too narrow. I cannot recommend Brooks Adrenalin enough. They are soooo good. You always want to aim for half a size bigger in your running trainers

 

[royray]

I’m loving this thread! I took up running about 2 months ago and love it so much but in the last few weeks I’m suffering REALLY badly with shin splints. It’s been ongoing on my right leg for 3 weeks now, the pain is bad like all day long and I miss running so much! I’ve been to the doctor a few times and have had X-ray and an MRI but nothing wrong so they said to keep icing it and resting but I’m getting so impatient does anybody have any tips for preventing them reoccurring when I can eventually run again?

I had shin splints last year when I started running again after a long break, for me there were several contributing factors. I know it’s so annoying but proper rest really does help! I had to get new running shoes as mine were pretty old and that did make a difference, I know it’s hard because of lockdown but if you can get a proper shoe fitting at a running shop then it’s definitely worth it if you think shoes might be an issue. My shoes were expensive but really worth it.

I had shin splints because I was over striding and then heel striking, when running my heel was the first part of my foot to land, when actually it should be the middle or front of my foot that lands first. I watched a few YouTube videos that I think I linked on the last page of the thread and then when I started running again I really paid attention to how my body was moving and my technique. It was difficult to change my technique but for me that was what made the biggest difference in the long term! I actually used to go to a running club as a child and one of the coaches did tell me that I should try not to land on my heel, but I don’t think I understood what he meant or the importance of it until years and years later when I started again! Technique is so important if you want to avoid injury.

As someone else has said training plans are great, and start off slow, like seriously slow, so slow that you think it’s not helpful and build from there. For me I found the first few weeks of C25k too easy because I had reasonable cardio fitness so I ran waaay too fast in the running parts and then gave myself shin splints as my muscles were not up to it. I kept forgetting it’s not a sprint, it’s supposed to be at a slow jog pace. I found it better for me to start off with distances, so a 1k run 3x a week then after a week or so of that 1.5k, then 2k and then I jumped back into the C25k programme about 4 or 5 weeks in. Personally I found it easier to pace myself properly and go slow when running for a bit longer in one go rather than intervals of 1 or 2 mins. Slow is better for preventing injury and building that strength up over time.

Hope some of that is helpful and your shin splints get better soon! Mine are better now so it is possible! Just go slow and pay attention to your technique and you’ll get there sooner than you think

Forgot to add it was annoying to have to run slowly for a few weeks as I felt I could have pushed myself more and gone faster and further, but I had to hold myself back a bit. I’m glad I did as that along with the technique changes were what stopped me from getting injured again.

 

[nbx512]

Thank you, I'll try my best. Probably be easier for me to try this week as I'm running on my own without my boyfriend a mile ahead of me making me feel like a snail anyway.

Wow 21 mins is amazing!! I'm always in awe of the people at parkrun who I pass on their way back when I'm not even half way there yet!! I'm just not designed for proper speed!

Honestly there's not one 'fast' body type. I've been active my whole life and have been running for about 5 years. In my teenage years I'd do a 5km on the track every few weeks and was always around 33-34 mins. Keep at it and you may just surprise yourself!

As ever (I'm just a big running nerd) I am MORE than happy to write you a program to give you an idea of different kinds of runs but also to help you get a bit faster

 

[yankydoo]

yay great thread.

any recommendations for running shoes? Nike has 25% off at the moment so was trying to find some on there.

Don’t want to spend a tonne. Ideally no more than £60

 

[whathastheworldcometo]

Hello

I am about to finish a "Couch to 5K" podcast.
The thing is, I should have actually been able to run 5K on day one... I have a basic level of fitness, but I am so lazy!
What helped me a lot is this friendly voice spurring me on "only 60 seconds left", "you can do it", "now walk for three minutes and catch your breath" etc and the fact that it was kind of "policed" that I ran the time I was told to run.

So now I wonder if there is something like a "follow-up" podcast? Or running podcasts that tell you when you ran a certain time, that motivate you during the run, that have different music etc?

How do you all run? With music, in silence, with podcasts?
Thanks for your advice

 

[nbx512]

Well this morning I went for another run, my boyfriend said he wanted to come with me to which I internally groaned at. He hardly ever runs, he’s into weight lifting, but every time he does run he’s instantly better than me, like in the past he’s last minute decided he wanted to run a 10K race with me I’ve trained for months, he won’t train at all and just turn up on the day and do it in 45 mins, it’s really annoying

Anyway I said whatever you can come but I’m just going to do my own thing. I passed the 3.25km like yesterday and I’d told myself I could stop just a little further than there, he was still keeping to my pace at this point but then ended up a good 150m in front of me. I was just like GRRRRR and kept running then and ran the full 5K did it in 33 min 30 seconds. He probably did it in about 31. So I’m really glad he came with me or I wouldn’t have pushed on. Still hate him though

That's amazing, congratulations!

Also I just wrote my first run program for someone who isn't me, I am SO excited!

 

[~vix~83~]

I have a love hate relationship with running! Took up running back 2010 with my dad. Did a 10krace for life and then did a local 10k both with walking in, as couldn’t get to running a full 10k due to runnin solo n not havin a clear 10k route ( live 3 hrs away from my dad) did another 10k the following year. Then stoppped runnin for a bit, always dipped in n out.
Last year started running with a friend n we did our village 10k my times have been 1hr 14 my quickest was 1hr11, again stopped.
Just before Lockdown hit and i downloaded the 5k app and completed my first park run it was my last due to lockdown. Completed the app! But then again I stopped. Think I was bored of my running routes.
I’m not the fastest runner and I do walk if i have to especially in 10ks just helps recharge my legs.
I just dip in and out of running now. I went today and did a 5k loop but I walked more cos the fields were muddy n I had the wrong trainers on lol
There is something about running in the winter.
I’ve found since I’m older now I run even slower n my legs are a lot heavier.

 

[Welshgal]

I went for a run after my exam but I was so frustrated that I couldn’t clear my head
Still glad I went out tho

 

[Reflected view]

Hi everyone . I want to start running but I’m unsure what I should wear ? How do you know how many layers to put on ? Thanks for any advice !

Hey For me personally I wear a long sleeve top long leg tights (but that’s because I can’t be bothered doing a fake tan and I’m that white almost blue in colour ) baseball cap and running jacket that I take off 5-10mins into running and tie round my waist

 

[kazizzle]

Thank you I’ll go and have a look

Yoga by Adriene on Youtube has some good runners yoga videos. She also has a really nice lower back one.

 

[Shep]

Cool, hey running bud!
I actually live in a very flat part of Germany! I hate hills and mountains. Still haven’t reached the top of Snowdon

I have been to the top of Snowdon twice. Neither time on the train! Was a long time ago though

 

[Lollypad]

Anyone else really missing parkrun?

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

 

[orange club biscuit]

I'm glad there is an active running thread . I started running in 2018 with the Couch to 5k app and have maintained my running/fitness since then. I did start training for 10k in January this year and managed to do a 9k run, but then injured my calves somehow . I don't know what I did, but I have a lot of muscle pain now. I warm up, cool down and do stretches afterwards. I stopped running for a few months and maintained my stamina by doing low-impact cardio like cross-training and cycling.
Even though the low-impact cardio keeps me fit, it doesn't give me the same mood-boosting feeling as running does, so i've re-started the couch to 5k programme. I'm now about to start week 6, exciting! I do still have muscle pain in my calves, which I don't remember having before. I'm hoping it will go away as I get used to running more. In the new year, i'm going to get gait analysis and some proper running shoes. My feet are quite arched, so maybe that has something to do with it. I'm hoping to be back to running 5k again by the end of January!

I have a couple of questions because i'm nosy...

1) What kind of music do you listen to whilst running? I have just made a playlist of all the upbeat songs on my phone, but i'm always looking out for new music to listen to!

2) Where do you buy your running clothes from? I want some more long sleeve running tops for this cold winter. I used to buy them from Karrimor/Sports direct but they have such a tiny selection available now.

Def go to a running shop and get some advice on shoes! If your calves only hurt from running it sounds like it is your shoes to blame, I’ve been there, even a few MM of difference in the height of the heel can impact. Any decent running shop will have sales people who will properly measure your feet and make sure you have something which is suitable for your needs (and your budget as some running shoes these days are soooo expensive!). It’s totally worth it. I used to buy all my shoes on the internet and had no end of calf probs but now I get them from proper running shops and have not had any injuries since!

Also really rate lululemon running gear, it’s pricy so only I usually get it in the sale, but mostly it lasts for ages and washes really well. I’ve also got some decent long sleeved tops from new balance and Salomon.

I know what you mean about low impact cardio, nothing really comes close to running

 

[birdiefly246]

No, you won't lose muscle as long as you eat a decent amount of food. That's a myth! If anything running will build muscles in your lower body.

perfect thank you so much for replying! My legs are weak so could do with some strength but I have a really strong core that I've worked really bloody hard on and the thought of losing it was putting me off running

 

[nbx512]

Anyone running Christmas morning?

I really fancy it... but wondering if it would be daft. I usually run before the kids rise anyway, but equally they might get up early as they are excited and I don't want to delay their excitement as mummy has gone for a run

I'll be doing my 2 hour long run as my long runs are scheduled for Fridays. No kids though and the bf will still be asleep by the time I get home

 

[BashmentLady]

How have any of you improved your speed? My pace is around 8.40 per km, sometimes lower, today was longer [the leaves make me nervous!] but apart from the occasional pumping it up [briefly] when a banger comes on, slow is ma thing.

 

[Shep]

Evening all! Late to the party here, but on week 4 of Couch to 5K and looking for my fellow running Tattlers.

I used to run 3-4 times a week and really enjoyed it but I sort of let it slip and as any of you from the healthy eating thread will know I have become a potato!

Looking forward to the evenings getting lighter do I don't have to stick to the same four streets that have lights and venture out on some different routes (quite a rural area where I live).

Hi

I started week 6 today. Never really ran distances before. Usually just a 300m warm up pre hockey match and as little as I could get away with preseason. Couch to 5k helped me immensely. I‘m at almost 4K in a session now and feel I can go for more.
I like doing the same route at the moment. It makes comparisons easier. It’s also quiet and hardly any traffic (although I had to move for two cars today). Might have to change as it looks like it will be an access road to a housing estate being built so there will be lots of mud.
I am starting to enjoy it more now. I used to get a buzz when I finished knowing I had achieved something I never though I could. I now look at the next run and think I can do it. The next run is the last of the interval runs so there will be no walking to recover after that. Once that would have filled me with dread but not now.
Good luck with the rest of it. hopefully you will soon go from a potato to a french fry!!

 

[Reflected view]

Guys I did it!!!!!! 5k in under 30 minutes!!!!!

I know this isn’t that impressive but it’s a goal I’ve had for the past 2 years!!!!!

None of that matters, you got yourself out there and ran, so well done be proud of yourself in what you have achieved