The Running Thread 🏃‍♀️

[Pippylong0509]

I don’t really know what happens in the different zones but any excercise is good. Brisk walking is classed as moderate excercise and getting your heart rate up for a while will do you good in the long term.
Well done and welcome

Thank you so much! That’s very true. I think walking is much better than sitting on your arse so I guess it’s all good!

 

[Shep]

Determined to get myself out there tomorrow, even if it’s just for 15 mins can’t believe how well I was doing and now it’s been a month since I last ran!

Do it. I’m still not a huge fan of running but drag myself out and feel good when I finish. It’s worth the effort

 

[orangelolly]

To keep me motivated I sign up for virual running medals. I always see Park Runs and SO want to sign up, but I'm so so shy and I cringe at the thought of people watching me.

Honestly I urge you to sign up! It's the best thing I ever did which sounds a bit over the top, except I actually mean it! No one will be watching you, everyone's too busy concentrating on their own journey round the course or having a natter with a mate.

 

[BashmentLady]

y

I’m doing a virtual festive 5k in the week before Christmas and New Year - I’ve never done virtual before but it’s for charity and you get a medal which is a nice touch! I can’t imagine I’ll be fast as I’m still doing couch to 10K but i thought it would be fun to push myself to keep going in the in between time.

I’ve just finished week 4 of couch to 10K which included 5 minute run blocks - eeeek - and actually I can do it, 4.5k done today (a mix of running and walking!) Looking forward to week 5 and the 6 minute + blocks.

Yeeeo! Well done! It's SO good when you start doing those longer blocks and realise that you can! You won't even notice those additional minutes you know

I found a virtual one and was considering it

I've been doing the Zen Labs C210K and today went for what I think was my best run. To be clear, I'm an over weight person that drinks and smokes too much [love an oul vice], but this run was just that rare type where it didn't feel like an effort! It was 17m x 3 and 5 minutes walking either side. The app is shite and stopped working mid way so I was running and try to do the maths [sports AND maths - ma least favourites combined], but today I got to over 9K and just felt DELIGHTED!

Also, I absolutely did not want to go out. But it's the reminding yourself - you always feel better when you go, and that feels better than the guilt when you don't.

 

[WeepingCassandra]

My OH has the Fenix 6s. He loves it. He goes hiking a lot and says it's invaluable for being able to get really detailed maps etc up on the screen and view his exact location so he can cross reference with his paper maps.

Yes, my OH has the larger face version and he loves the map feature. It'd be a massive upgrade to my current garmin - could download routes onto the watch, track back a route if I get lost, download music onto it, has much better battery and loads more different modes for recording activity (mine only has cycling, treadmill running, outdoor running and 'other' without downloading extra apps).

That being said, I would recommend people look at the Forerunner series and even at second hand 235s because it's a fab little watch if you're running regularly and don't need the additional features. My main reason for wanting an upgrade is that my watch charges to 94% over night and then drops about 5% per mile of active running/GPS tracking, so for marathon training long runs etc. it will struggle. I have had it nearly 3.5 years though!

 

[Reflected view]

Did week 6 run 2 this afternoon.
Ran the 10mins and the 3min walk and the next 10mins in one go. Then walked for about 3mins and then ran another 10mins.

Covered 6.1km averaging 7.4km/hour pace, so pretty pleased with that

Well done keep up the good work

 

[Steph’s]

Someone earlier posted about tight calves. Was there any resolution. I’m still struggling so much with my tight calves that I’m thinking I’m going to have to give up.

I’ve changed my shoes - which has helped one pain but not the overall tightness. I’ve gone back to the beginning of c25k but can’t get past week 2 the pain is just too much. I’ve beenfollowing guidance from the run experience and others. But looking for anything people have found. Getting quite desperate as I used to love running.

Hi, I was struggling with tight calves around week 6 of C25K to the point I could barely walk when I was out running, had to hobble back home! I took two weeks out and used my foam roller daily. I stated back running shorter routes(3k) slowly with a proper warm up and cool down. Last week I ran my longest in a good while without any pain, it was also the first time I ditched the couch to 5k and just ran on my own! Hope you find out what is bothering your calves, it really is such a hinder ence when you really want to run!

 

[SpiceWeasel]

Anyone getting out today I’ve committed to running 50 miles in January

No chance I've signed up to the 100km challenge on Strava. I did last month but only managed 80km!

 

[Tippingpoint23]

I'm going into the last week of couch to 10k (started halfway through though as I did C25k not long before that) and not gonna lie it's getting hard. The runs themselves are fine but feel absolutely exhausted after!!!

I’m the same! I’m finding it incredibly hard and haven’t found this hard with the increases. I’m considering going back to the week with interval runs before doing the final week because it’s totally wiping me out!

 

[Saddlesoap]

This is my favourite time of year to run. I really struggle just functioning anyway in Summer, I get hot so easily so running in the heat is absolutely awful for me. I love running in the dark/cold/rain. It's my happy place! I know I'm the opposite to most but this is when I see my improvements in running, not in the Summer like most.

I wasn't expecting to, but I really like it now too. I hate it when I first step out and my legs are freezing cold I prefer running in shorts, but once I get going I really prefer it. Just need something to keep my ears warm, else I get earache and go dizzy

 

[nbx512]

Well I finished my 20k this morning with a reasonable 1:28:44. Far from my best, and slowest this month. But I always lack the motivation now that winter is approaching and the mornings are cold and dark.

I used to weigh myself before and after a good run, but that was a very long time ago, and I just don't bother quite so much, although it can return some surprising results.

Yeah I just found it to be an interesting one time thing, I may get into it more over summer for longer and walmer runs just to make sure I'm rehydrating sufficiently!

20km in 1:28:44 is amazing

 

[Welshgal]

I was looking at Apple bc I have an iPhone so maybe I would end up using it for more than what I said, but I really appreciate the advice, I’ll definitely look into different models. Much to think about

If you have an iphone I would definitely recommend an apple watch! I had a Fitbit before and it got really annoying because lot’s of features wouldn’t work with an iphone because Apple blocks all other devices. It’s typical Apple behavior sadly but I do love my Apple Watch and for beginner/intermediate level they are accurate enough imo

 

[orange club biscuit]

I’ve just managed my fastest and least painful runs in a while at 20 weeks pregnant. Have been struggling with running the past few weeks with pain in the soles of my feet, my hips, my knee and my bump and was starting to think my running days were numbered but have been diligently doing Pilates and physio and it’s really helped!

I would HIGHLY recommend Pilates to even non-pregnant runners, it’s actually amazing and I can’t believe I never tried it before!

Woohoo feel amazing this morning, did week 7 run 2 of the couch to 10k app. 18 mins straight of running, really pleased that.

I still struggle to motivate myself to get out for the run though even when I know I'm going to feel good after. Does anyone have any tips for staying motivated?

Really great progress! I don’t know if this would work for you but I like to look at my running stats and try and set myself a goal for the week (# of days or miles for example). I use strava and have lots of friends on it who are amazing at encouraging one another which really helps me when I’m feeling a bit demotivated!

 

[Shep]

Hi all, just checking in with everyone.

I'm planning on going out today on a 5km, but since I felt so sick doing it on Thursday I'm mentally putting it off. Honestly I long for the time I can just 'do' 5km without it feeling like a huge effort. Maybe that won't ever happen!

Have signed up to a virtual run in Feb so need to get my arse in gear really.

My guide on c25k keeps saying that now I have got fitter it’s more of a mental challenge than a physical one. My scheduled run today is for 20 minutes. I’m looking forward to it to see if I can do it. Once I would have been putting it off thinking I couldn’t do it. A positive mindset isn’t easy, especially if you have had a setback. You can do it Saddlesoap.

 

[Reflected view]

hi everyone!
I have just started running doing the couch to 5k but feel I would benefit from some better suited trainers. I have looked at the Nike Infinity React and the Nike Pegasus, both recommend by friends. Does anyone have any experience in either of these? Any pros/cons to either?

Hey well done yeah I’m on my third Nike Pegasus It’s best to size up at least a half size. My first pair I got in my true size, my nails bruised and almost came off next pair I went up half a size and it was the best thing happy feet happy nails and the third pair I got was Nike pegasus shield for when there’s puddles and raining, still a great trainer for running but they do NOT keep your feet dry despite what you see on YOUTUBE. All the best with your running

 

[Cantthinkofanything]

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 !

 

[Blair-Waldorf]

I always have a coffee beforehand! Argh! I’ve just had one and I’m going soon

 

[VomitCulture]

I entered the virtual London marathon to get my mojo back and already feel like it was a bad idea gonna start couch to 5k again, go from scratch...8 months is enough time right?!!

Hal Higdon has some good marathon training programmes. I’m doing one at the moment called Novice Supreme and it’s supposed to take you from beginner to marathon distance in 30 weeks, might be worth a shot.

 

[SpiceWeasel]

morning, what weather would you not run in ?? It’s quite icy where I am but I feel I need to run today, iv got the day off today so I’m thinking of waiting till later to see if the ice goes away

I worry about running on the ice too, especially if it’s dark. I’m having a day off running today, 3 degrees where I am but I’m lucky to have running a coastal path as an option and the salt keeps the ice away unless it’s ridiculously cold.

I did a 10K in gale force wind with the temperature at -1 so it felt more like -10. It started snowing at one point too, I was so so so cold for hours afterwards, never again

 

[nbx512]

Can anyone recommend a supplement or something to help with dodgy knees? Mine aren’t in pain but my left knee just doesn’t feel right, a bit clicky and uncomfortable. I take vit c, d and fish oil omega 3 supplements already

Strengthen your muscles instead - a supplement isn't going to help that. Also, see a physio.