The Running Thread 🏃‍♀️

[nbx512]

This will probably sound silly but I record my runs on Strava and when I’m running, I’m constantly checking my pace and time because I want it to be good. There’s not much other way to distract my brain whilst running, anyone got any tips to not try so hard to get a good time?

I am the same, constantly check. I use it on my watch, with the colder weather it’s usually covered which helps but I’m thinking of recording via Strava on my phone instead, which is tucked away in my belt.

I think 'good' is so relative to each individual, but also relative to the current day/ hour/ second that you're living. I can have an amazing run one day and then because of fatigue/ lack of sleep/ heat/ cold the next day's run will be terrible. So trying to hold yourself to some kind of extrinsic idea of 'good' that doesn't take into account any of the other potential mitigating factors for that run in my mind will make you more likely to injure yourself from over exertion and just make you dejected because you aren't achieving some kind of (probably random) standard you've set for yourself.

I would instead on focus on how you're feeling in the moment. How do your legs feel? Is there pop or are they heavy? How is your breathing? Can you slow it down/ control it more? What's your heart rate like? Try keeping it under 150bpm for a run. What's your posture like? Are your shoulders relaxed? There are so many other things and goals to focus on rather than just pace and time. I'd recommend thinking about a few that jump out to you as interesting or where you believe you could improve and focus on them

 

[fluffyglitterbug]

Just checking in. I had to stop running for 5 weeks due to a tendon injury in my foot . I'm recovered now and itching to get back out again! I was on week 5 of C25K so I'm going to start again with week 4 and see how I get on

 

[laughing]

I have been trying to do C25k for the last three years and have never got passed week 3 as ruinning is not really my thing.

I normally spend about 2 or 3 weeks doing each week as I just can't do it, I think that I forget to breathe my pal told me to sing whilst running as it regulates your breathing.

I went back to it during lockdown 1 But took to doing cardio work instead.

Lockdown 2 - my pals and I have joined up and together we will get this done

Hi all, I have been reading this thread with joy! My first post as above. My next run will be Week 4, run 3. Week 3's run's were really a jump up and repeated Week 3 a couple of times. Week 4 - isnt too bad considering the struggle I had with Week 3. Imagine I will get stuck on week's that are coming up as they will also jump.

@nbx512 - you are great!

 

[Mamacita]

Now that gyms are closing here I'm planning to get on top of running again and back up to running 5k at least. After Christmas though

 

[Welshgal]

Finally managed to run 24 minutes without stopping for the first time in two months!
Next goal is 30

 

[abccc_]

Hello runners Just went for my first run in about 2 and a half years. Started couch to 5k and feel surprisingly okay afterwards (obv week 1 is a lot of walking so that helps ). Excited to be running again!

 

[hereforthememe]

I've entered a half marathon... Lazy arse is already regretting it why did I enter a half for winter, why why why

 

[jjhv]

I’ve been so unmotivated since my last post so I’m just writing this to hold accountability for myself to go on a run this morning!

 

[Hertfordshire_home]

Looking forward to my first race of the year a week on Saturday! A Half Marathon lets go!

 

[no-no]

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?

Yep! This is why I never used to run and also why I now run alone. My ex liked to go full pelt from the get go but the first 2km are hardest for me. My fastest KMs tend to be in the middle or at the end. If I do 10km+ the first 5km can be a lot slower than the rest.

I hadn’t ran since school, but tried a treadmill in the gym last year and since lockdown have been going outside. The following things helped me:

- running as early as possible on an empty stomach, if I eat even 4 hours before a run I end up with burning indigestion mid-run, but then (as people have said) some others love to run in the afternoons/evenings! Being well hydrated has a massive impact, too
- focus on distance not speed, even if you’re going barely faster than a walk then so be it, running shouldn’t feel unbearable on the heart rate (which is what I struggled with at first)
- force yourself to switch off, focus on the environment or your music but not the amount you’ve left to run
- update your playlists/podcasts regularly, sometimes listening to power ballads are more motivating for me than drum and bass!
- stop if you need to, not because you want to
- keep your expectations low and don’t be hard on yourself, when I’ve gone out for a small run I’ve ended up running some of my fastest and longest runs

 

[frustrated]

I’m struggling to get my stamina back - I know it’s all in my head, but I did two weeks of SI, prior to that I was back running (plodding) comfortably for 30 mins...now I’m back to ten so I’m trying to run for as long as possible and then do intervals to give myself a walk break.

Defo run-walk is the way to go I think. You will get it back!

I'm planning to do a run on my lunch break from work today. I'm working from home so that does make life easier and my top hack is getting dressed in my running gear first thing so I don't have to get changed. The hardest bit for me is always the making myself go but once I'm doing it I enjoy it so this helps to remove a hurdle. It's mostly psychological, the procrastination Anyone else like this?

 

[nbx512]

Well I've had about 10 days off running and have absolutely NO motivation to run. That said I'm going to head out the door after I post this using my (if I don't like it 1km in I can turn around). I think it's more a mental thing rather than a not liking running, seeing big numbers on my program scares me but I need to show my head that it's okay and I can get through it!).

Has anyone got any advice on calves. Muscles and tendons. I struggle during runs and the hobble around all the other time. Are compression socks any good?

What are you talking about with your calves? Do they feel tight? Is it the upper calf or lower calf? I'd obviously recommend seeing a physio to rule out anything serious but probable options include overloading, weak muscles and/ or a combination or the two. If it's your lower calf then it's most probably your achilles. Calf raises (straight leg for upper calf, lower leg for strengthening achilles) can help but again see a physio first!

 

[Sweetsunrise]

The only running I’ve done during this lockdown is when I ran after my Deliveroo driver cuz I thought he was leaving without giving me my takeaway

 

[justbecasual]

Couch to 5k really is the place to start @pbontoast . The first few runs have such short intervals that it is totally doable and the pace is whatever you want it to be and feels comfortable for you. When I first started it I was the heaviest I had ever been, and I found it easiest to wear something I felt really comfortable in - which at the time was a cosy, light and baggy t-short and my favourite leggings. I went out super early to my local park and essentially did laps as the sun came up. Less than a year later, I ran my first half marathon in under 2 hours. Now I’m not saying that a half marathon is the goal, but I truly believe that without pushing myself through couch to 5k I wouldn’t have the health and fitness I have today. It’s broken up into achievable chunks and by the end of it you won’t believe how far you have come.

 

[SpiceWeasel]

Just checking in I haven’t been for a run for a week because I’ve not been well. I want to go but I know it might do more harm than good. Really need to make sure I do stick with it though when I am better! hopefully after this weird week it will start getting warmer which always makes it easier to get out there in the morning!

 

[theghosttown]

I love my bum bag for running. I would be lost without it.

Feeling really happy with myself. I’ve comfortable passed my 2mile barrier. My pace is soooo slow. Managing about 2.2 miles in 30 mins but it’s a huge achievement for me. Really want to be able to nail a 5k by the end of jan but not sure I’ll be able to as I can only run twice a week due to injury

 

[eye_rolling_always]

Hey. I love running. One day I woke up and decided to go for a run, and 5 years later thats what I still do.

I'm not in it for the distance or time, just to get out the house and exercise. I'm an early, empty stomach runner. Happy to get up at 0530 and go. This is my sort of running weather, dark damp British mornings

Don't bollock me but I wear primark trainers and my husband t shirt to run in! I have bought running leggings though as I like the feel of them and they stay in place.

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.

 

[SpiceWeasel]

Ooh glad I found this thread

I desperately need to get back into running. The year before last I ran almost every day and entered several 10Ks and a couple of half marathons. I'm not the fastest by any stretch but had my 5k down to under 30 and average 10k time was about 1 hour 6 minutes. Ran one of the half marathons in 2 hours and 16 and it felt amazing! Was running a lot again the first lockdown then I got back into the gym, but now it's closed and I'm struggling to get out there in the cold and bad weather. I have Raynaud's disease so I really struggle with the cold but ironically running really helps it and I'm fine once I get going.

This thread might be the kick up the arse I need! I'm working from home again since this lockdown and I hardly leave the house unless it's to go out and buy food (or wine ) and barely move during the day, I feel like crap!

I keep saying to myself tomorrow morning I'll just get up and get out there, even if it's only for 15 minutes but I never do

 

[fluffyglitterbug]

W5R1 completed - I don't know how the C25K program works, but it does!!

I dare say I enjoyed it this evening

 

[Very traditional]

I loved reading all Your stories and tips! I start C25K tomorrow for the 3rd time. I took up running in 2012 and hated it but also loved it - i got quite good and would regularly run 10k home from work, did race for life and so on, I was super fit In general and did a lot of exercise. Anyway an injury put me out late 2014 and I've struggled getting back in to exercise since 2015. I yo-yo back and for and generally start exercising in January and lose a lot of weight, go on holiday in the summer and then lose all momentum and interest. I'm
Now the biggest I've been and the unfittest and I miss how exercise feels. Started c25k in first lockdown and got to week 3 then got bored, started again in November firebreak and did 2 weeks and injured myself. So back to it tomorrow with a new mindset and aim to hopefully break the cycle and get back to where I was! I'll check in here for some accountability!