The Running Thread 🏃‍♀️

[Mamatoo2]

So glad I found this thread. I’ve just started up outdoor running again 10 days ago. I’m 5 months PP so having to start from scratch. I don’t do the C25k, I just do my own thing. Today I managed 1.35k (11mins) non stop & then a mix of running/walking up to 3.25k. I’m just focusing on increasing my stamina of how long I can be out for so today was circa 30mins. Surprised how much I’m enjoying running in this weather. I did manage to get up to a 10k between baby one & baby 2 so would love to get back there.
Any one have any tips on how not to get a stitch or what best to do if you get one as finding this is causing me to struggle at the mo, thanx

 

[Millyve]

First run of 2021 & first run in 6 months, I forgot how much I enjoy it! Evidently I’ve enjoyed my food abit too much aswel in the last 6 months .

 

[Saddlesoap]

I ran 7k yesterday and wasn’t even tired at the end (I just finished my route)! I’m really motivated to get up-to 10k!

Do you (or anyone) find that the first 2-3km is really hard and after that seems easier? Is it just getting your muscles warmed and heart pumping?

 

[nbx512]

Update: got the full 90mins done and absolutely loved it. There's something to be said for 'just do it' and telling yourself you can turn around if you hate it once you get out there. After getting out I always keep going and runs that seem scary or intimidating become doable.

 

[Saddlesoap]

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

 

[keepyourpeace]

Hi Thought I'd say hello because I started running a year ago (wanted to get through 5 k without stopping managed it but injured myself) and have been running on and off since.

Moved in October so did the couch 2 5 k plan to get me back on course and loved it, then work hit me like a train from new years so I stopped then started again!

I think my real goal now is to build up to 10 k.
Looking forward to following everyone else's running through this

 

[SpiceWeasel]

Coldddd this morning but went and ran my local Parkrun route which is on the coast. It’s normally so ridiculously windy you don’t feel like you’re actually moving but today it was completely calm and the sea was so still, still some pink in the sky from the sunrise. Such a good way to start the day. I really miss Parkrun I finished it just shy of 32 mins so a good 90 second improvement on my recent runs! Think I’ll start having Saturday as my give it all ya got run and use the other days to build speed/distance.

 

[pbontoast]

Thank you so much for your messages and encouragement everyone! I feel a bit emotional!! I’m going to download the couch to 5k app and give it a go. I can always go back to walking if it is too much but you’ve inspired me to give it a go. Thank you!

 

[Emma.cs]

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?

 

[Shep]

Oooft take it easy , you don’t want it to get any worse. Hope you make a speedy recovery


I gained a bit of weight since Xmas, iv only ran 5times in January, started off with the bad weather really didn’t want to hurt myself or have any kind of injury that would keep me away from running, but then laziness set in then low self-confidence I didn’t want to go out running as people would see how much weight iv put on each morning I have a fight with myself

Did some strengthening stretches this morning which hurt but will hopefully help. went out for a walk and did 8 miles. Not as challenging as it sounds. Total elevation was 11 feet as it’s flat here. No trouble from the injury but everything else hurts now!

I worried about my appearance when I went back to swimming. Just said to myself if I want to change that I had to do something It was a bit chicken and egg. Had similar qualms when I started couch to 5k. I won’t be quick, people will look at this overweight guy walking and shake their heads etc. I had nothing to worry about. It’s a good time to get out as there are lots of first timers out there who are probably in a similar position and remember even experienced runners started somewhere and the flashy one running twice as fast as you in their Lycra and expensive trainers was quite possibly an overweight beginner once. Most people will admire you for trying to change yourself.

 

[judgejohndeed]

What’s so good about running when you get into it ? Is it really good once you start and get past the barrier ? How do you feel ?

For me I often actually wonder if I like the running part at all...I think I don't mind it, but it's the side effects that I love. Sleeping better, eating better, feel happier, feels great to get some air and feel like I've achieved something that day, feeling fitness improve...definitely really helps regulate MH as well, especially in the darker months where many people struggle more (I really do)

 

[lokiofasgard]

I just ran 10k yesterday, first such a long run after three years of battling my ED. Now I am at a healthy weight and can do sports again. Hoping to do a second marathon next year, did my first in 2018.

 

[royray]

Anyone has good running shoes to recommend?

I recently bought some Reebok (Energylux 2) which were supposedly tailored for running, but they really hurt my feet/sole. I don't think they're appropriate for running or perhaps it's because they're new. I just find the sole to be rather thick for a running shoe.

To be honest you're best to go for a proper shoe fitting at a running shop where they can analyse your gait and recommend the type of shoe that will work for you. What suits my feet might not be what suits yours, currently I have New Balance 860 V10, which are stability shoes. I love them, but you might not need a stability trainer, so they might not be the right thing for you. Definitely worth investing in a good pair of trainers though, they're pricy but they are the only equipment you really need for running.

 

[pbontoast]

I really want to start running but I’m worried that I’m too obese. I have been going for walks after work every day but find them hard work so probably have a way to go before I can run but have been reading some of the great advice on here in the meantime!

 

[OwlWatcher23]

Finally got 3km in under 20 mins (including staggered walk /run)
Was about ready to give up at 18 mins until I saw how close it was and sprinted the last 45 seconds! Just need to work on longer periods of continuous running - it's definitely more a mental block than physical that makes me want to stop.

 

[Lottiedooda]

amazing! have you got any technique tips? I think this is stopping me progressing my time!

Some of the things she showed me was


Breath!! Many of us forget to breath properly...slow controlled breathing.

Uphill, use your arms more, smaller lighter steps more on your toes and if you have to slow down thats ok

Downhill, use your arms less to conserve energy, land more on your heals, again smaller steps

Posture, I found I was running head first so head up, stomach in and feel confidence and strength within. It may sound a bit daft but it honestly works x

Also think about your foot placement...try not to slam your foot down...rather than place it down heal first and lightly. This is a major part to prevent injuries x

 

[Brian Butterfield]

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

Too hungover

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

 

[Saddlesoap]

Hello all, I had kinda forgotten about this thread. I found a lovely new route that is the perfect 5km, fastest time so far is 34mins. Had 10 days off after my COVID jab (just cos of when run days fell in relation to it) and went out on Friday and it was so hard! Hoping tomorrow is easier

Am considering trying to go out before breakfast to see if I can run without fuel as it would be so much easier running first thing rather than waiting for breakfast to digest.

 

[n8459]

I’ve booked to go to a specialist store on Saturday to have gait analysis - I’ve been before and it was totally fine and they really are knowledgable and also not judgy (at least in mine) and let me be a weirdo when it came to colours of the shoe.

Just bit the bullet and booked in for Friday morning!
I’m looking to increase my running distances over the summer so I need specialist shoes which are properly fitted for my feet, and although I’m slightly dreading it I know the staff are professional and will be the best people to go to for advice etc!

 

[frustrated]

If you're doing couch to 5k my advice would be not to worry about your pace at all. Just do the running segments at a speed where you feel comfortable as your pace will naturally improve the more you do it and the more your fitness improves.

I did couch to 5k (finished it on my third attempt after I binned off my first try halfway through and then was told to stop the second time by the doctor as I was pregnant!). I got caught up on how fast I needed to be running until someone told me that the fitness comes later. I was so unfit when I started at age 40, couldn't run for 30 seconds without feeling like I was going to die, and now I love running and do about 25-30 miles a week.

One thing that is great for new runners is Strava, as now a couple of years later I can look back to my pace when I first started and compare it with now and can feel a sense of achievement. Also at the start it was motivating to see myself getting a bit quicker as the months went by, would defo recommend it.