The Running Thread 🏃‍♀️

[SpiceWeasel]

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.

I second this! Honestly, nobody cares aww, I really miss the atmosphere of a race day. Words of encouragement from total strangers have got me through some really tough parts of a run where I've been thinking why am I even doing this I'm never going to be a 'proper runner'.

 

[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

 

[Reflected view]

Morning I started running since the start of the first lockdown and my goal was to run the miles of a half marathon and yesterday I ran my longest run ever 13.5 miles but all last night and this morning Iv been a tad emotional the slightest little thing and my eyes are filling up. There is absolutely no reason for feeling this way, has it anything to do with my run yesterday??

 

[Lollypad]

UK based but sending a lot of love to everyone too. First lockdown I remember being terrified that they’d take the exercise bit away as it was my only bit of sanity in the early days, so I know how much of a blessing exercise is for us!

as we’re all friends here... anyone with any chafing advice? Not so much the how not to (I already use runderwear which were great until the lockdown weight went on, and I’ve used bodyglide before which has been very good), but the how to treat it? I’m on sudocrem at the mo which seems very slow progress!

 

[jarv]

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?

 

[Shep]

just finished week 6 with a 25 minute run. Wasn’t too bad apart from a head wind both ways. As it’s so flat here there’s nothing to block it. Flagged a little from 15-20 minutes but kept going and could have done more.
Week7 is 3 25 minute runs so I intend to try and up my pace

 

[It’s The Truman Show]

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!!!!!

I think this is very impressive indeed ! It’s something many people can’t do but anyway it was your goal so that’s what matters well done !

 

[Dwightschrute]

Do any of you use a FitBit?

I have an Apple Watch and it tracks my runs. Not sure it’s as accurate as a garmin etc but I like it a lot

 

[YellowLadybird]

Love my Hoka One Ones. They do a 30 Day guarantee - you can run in their shoes and send them back (yes, even after using) if you don't like them. Other brands including Brooks do a similar guarantee if you buy direct from their website.

 

[Saddlesoap]

Well I didn't manage 5km, just 3.8. A bit frustrated, but it's better than nothing. My calf was a bit sore and I think it was distracting me.

 

[Shep]

I second this! Honestly, nobody cares aww, I really miss the atmosphere of a race day. Words of encouragement from total strangers have got me through some really tough parts of a run where I've been thinking why am I even doing this I'm never going to be a 'proper runner'.

I really want Park Run to start up again. I looked enviously at Facebook posts of friends doing it. Now I’m in a position that I could manage they are cancelled. Then if we didn't have COVID I wouldn’t be running

 

[JLXRD]

Oooh yay a running thread, love running! I’ve only got so far as a half marathon, which I managed this summer, but I’ve now been running frequently for about 2.5 years now.

I’m not very fast - my best 5k is only 28.15 but to be honest I really enjoy a long slow run more than going quick!

I have a bit of a cold at the minute so haven’t got out for a few days but hoping to get in a couple of 5ks this week then however far I can get in 90 mins on Sunday.

Does anyone use garmin coach plans at all?

 

[Shep]

I am also doing the couch to 5k and changing my trainers after week 1 was a godsend. I have very tight calves anyway so I am making sure I stretch before and after which has also helped. Week 4 run 2 tomorrow!

Good for you. Did you ever think you could get that far? I certainly didn’t. I did try running on my own about a year before I downloaded it but I was no good. Having someone in your ear has made all the difference to me.
Week 4 daunted me. Only 90 seconds walking before 5 minutes running. The last couple of minutes were tough but the joy when I did it! Loads of luck, not that you need it as you know you can do it

I think some places are doing a thing where you send videos of you running and they help decide the best shoe - not as good as the in store experience but very good for to get proper shoes for your needs.

If I did that they would probably send a pair of slippers

 

[theghosttown]

Oh this thread makes me so sad! I used to absolutely despise running and at the start of the year I took up couch to 5k and I absolutely fell in love with it. I couldn’t believe it. The problem is I am not a natural runner at all. I’m also about 16 stone which doesn’t help. I have been marred with so many injuries - im a terrible over pronater and flat footed. My newest running shoes - Brooks GTS adrenaline are unbelievable for my feet but I haven’t been able to fully test them out. Injuries to date include achillies tendonitis, shin splints and I’m currently coming to the end of 3 weeks rest with a suspected stress fracture. It’s sooooo upsetting as I absolutely love going out and getting that buzz and really enjoying hitting certain goals. It’s perfect weather for it at the moment which makes it harder. I am hoping with some more hardcore physio I will get back on track and will find out Friday what the deal is and how I’ve healed. It’s really easy for people to say ah...just give up and do something else but it really isn’t that easy. My progress has been terribly slow but I was getting to a point where I was pushing 2 miles and when I started I couldn’t even manage 2 minutes.

I used to run 3 miles a day near enough every day. As I've got older and holding a few too many extra lbs, my body just cannot get back into it. I get horrific shin splits which are that painful I can barely walk. I tried Couch 2 5K but nothing would shift it. Not a gait analysis, not ice, not stretching, literally nothing.

I just read your comment and honestly what you’ve said has resonated so much! I have the same problem at all. Out of interest have you seen a physio?

 

[nbx512]

As nice as it is that this person is offering free training plans / advice, just a reminder that it’s really important to know someone’s background in depth (how long have you been running for, what pace do you do your runs, are they all on road, do you do any other sports, how active is your job, any niggles or injuries you’ve had in the past, and most importantly if you have any health conditions that might impact your running). It’s not as easy as ‘if you want to improve 5k time, do 1km easy, 1km faster for 6km twice a week’.

Remember, running isn’t hard, generally the longer you do it consistently, the better you get (which is how couch to 5k works).

You make great points! I'm actually an accredited run coach with my country's athletics body and have been running myself for about 5 years but have been around the sport since I was about 13 thanks to my sister.

The way I program is with time and effort. I find this works best as I'm not setting what may be ridiculous paces and it lets someone measure their own effort.

I'm not a physio/ Dr or any of that and I hope people recognise this (but I can start disclaiming it louder if need be). I'm confident with coaching running, anything else, see the proper professional for that What I can guarantee you is what I will prescribe won't be anything crazy (in terms of drills, exercises etc) that could create a risk of injury if done improperly (deadlifts are a great example). That said, if anyone is ever in doubt about something I say speak up and/ or see someone in person about it

I can’t thank you enough What a kind heart you have, thank you


No go for it, I don’t mind at all posting on here, it means I can pick up a few pointers also

I hope it helps, what I'd also recommend is checking out technique videos on youtube if you haven't been taught how to do the exercises properly before. We don't want any pulled muscles!

Argh I went on and it says I can receive messages from other members. Dunno what's up with it sorry. Maybe stick to on here if that's okay with everyone else - I will be a good case study anyway as I am as average as it gets

-Currently I am running 5 days a week but when I'm working as normal it's more likely to be 3.
-Yep max time is 40-60 mins unless it's the weekend and I have longer.
-I think I would like to work on speed! I've got the distance thing down but just don't seem to get any quicker on my shorter runs.

At the moment I run 5 times a week. I run 5/6km 4 days a week then have one day for a longer run. Yesterday I ran 10km which was the furthest I have done in a while, the furthest distance ever for me is half marathon. The last one I did my time was 2h 16m. I'm definitely better at distance but not very speedy so I would like to work on getting my 5k time back under 30 mins. Would like to start taking part in half marathons when everything is back up and running so will be keeping the longer run one day a week too.

I thought I should add where I live is pretty much completely flat bar the odd gradual incline- would have to drive about 30 mins to find a hill which is frustrating as I know that's really good for training!

Thank you so much btw I really appreciate you taking the time to do this for me sorry again I can't figure out what the hell is wrong with my settings.

This all sounds great, I'll write it out over the next couple of days and then post the google doc here. You'll be our little thread guinea pig hahaha

 

[nbx512]

Thank you!

I'm hoping it's something to do with water. My scales allegedly can measure fat/muscle/water but can't for the life of me figure out how to get them to show that!

Also if you're starting from scratch running you'll be developing muscle mass which is denser than fat meaning it weighs more. Get those killer muscles and don't worry about the scale Xx

 

[~vix~83~]

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.

 

[Reflected view]

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!

Just go for it, just do a little bit at a time and gradually build it up, I like going out when it’s quieter, good luck and let us know how you get on

 

[kadykal95]

Does anyone have any tips for running when they feel like they can’t breathe so has to stop? Is it my breathing technique?

Definitely slow your pace right down. Trying jogging at a pace where you could still have a conversation with someone.

 

[unnecessary]

Hello I am new here!

I've been running since I was a young girl, just children's track and field to start with, then up to my first 10k when I was 12, my first half when I was 15 and my first full when I was 19. 2013 (age 18/19) was my 'best' year, breaking 40 mins for 10k (39:07) and running sub 1:30 halves consistently. However my BMI got down to 13.0 and I had to stop (I'd been hospitalised for this 'issue' previously in 2010). I pretty much stopped running completely, until 2019 when I felt okay to start running again - I started incredibly slowly and it was very disheartening. Fast forward to today - I'm a solid 20kgs heavier (than 2013). I've not raced any 10ks or halves, but I've done a 25k (15.5miles) in 1:52 and a marathon in 3:38 in the past two months - so I am definitely getting my fitness back Been doing lots of parkruns too (I'm in New Zealand so we've been having them since June last year no issues) and regularly finishing in the top 3 females which is super encouraging!