The Running Thread 🏃‍♀️

[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

 

[nbx512]

Well done only one run this week I started my grad job two weeks ago (three months earlier than I thought I'd in the tiqlly be starting) and I am EXHAUSTED from all the new information I've been taking in that I've been sleeping 9± hours per night and haven't had time to run I told my coach and he was chill about it so I'm just trying to be kind to myself and rode this transition but I'm going to get back on the bandwagon tomorrow (Monday) and just try to get up as soon as my alarm goes off. On the plus side I did both my scheduled gym workouts this week!

 

[Reflected view]

1) i listen to Taylor Swift I love running to her

2) my protein has some nice long sleeve tops!



I did it!!! felt hard at times but I did it

Whoop whoop well done

 

[Saddlesoap]

Don’t be hard on yourself, you got out there and done more than you would have if you didn’t, so well done you


You can do it just believe and you will achieve

That’s a good run! A run that you felt didn’t go well still went infinitely better than the run that didn’t happen at all! Xx

Thanks guys, I needed that. Despite trying to tell myself the same thing

 

[cx199]

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.

I buy a lot of stuff in person from Decathlon (their website is pretty rubbish though), but SportsShoes.com is also really good

 

[SpiceWeasel]

I go on BBC sounds and download their Workout Anthems or just regular Anthems playlists, some proper bangers on there

My running clothes are a mix of Sports Direct/Nike/Under Armour/ABYL/Adidas/Decathlon. I’ve also found Tesco stuff to be really good quality I’ve a pair of leggings from there I’ve had about 5 years and they still look great!

 

[OwlWatcher23]

V slow 2.5k this morning (~18 minutes ish), it rained all night and I very much did not want to go running seemed a lot harder than the last one and it was a lot of telling myself "just go another minute... Just until that gate... Now until that bench" but at least it's done I guess?

 

[Reflected view]

V slow 2.5k this morning (~18 minutes ish), it rained all night and I very much did not want to go running seemed a lot harder than the last one and it was a lot of telling myself "just go another minute... Just until that gate... Now until that bench" but at least it's done I guess?

Well done you should be proud of yourself no matter what, you got yourself out the door and done it

 

[OwlWatcher23]

Well done you should be proud of yourself no matter what, you got yourself out the door and done it

Thanks!
I'm just holding out for when it becomes consistently fun seem to always have one really enjoyable one followed by one that is a struggle (although maybe that is because I push myself too much on the fun one so the next will be harder ). Any tips for getting past the mental block where it's like physically can carry on but your mind is saying no you can't?

 

[Reflected view]

Thanks!
I'm just holding out for when it becomes consistently fun seem to always have one really enjoyable one followed by one that is a struggle (although maybe that is because I push myself too much on the fun one so the next will be harder ). Any tips for getting past the mental block where it's like physically can carry on but your mind is saying no you can't?

The only thing that seems to work for me is not thinking about the run, time or distance, I just start running singing my heart out or I have a million and one things going round my head, that seems to distract me from the actual run and before I know it it’s over, have really good music, I absolutely love dance music I have found that I run to the beat I’ll speed up or slow down throughout the run, hope this helps

 

[BashmentLady]

Any tips for getting past the mental block where it's like physically can carry on but your mind is saying no you can't?

Agree with the user above about having a good playlist, and also - slow down! If you feel like you physically can't reduce your speed till you feel you've caught up with yourself (maybe add a few seconds - minute walking interval?) - I find slowing down gets me back running and able to finish.

 

[Neachey]

I'm so pleased I found this running thread. I've been running on and off for years. I usually reach a decent level of fitness, pick up an injury and then find myself back at square one. It's like a never-ending cycle. I've seen so many physios over the years I've lost count.

I started the Couch to 5k (for the 4th time) during the first lockdown, completed the penultimate training session, and then had to stop running because my left knee was so painful. I felt like a right idiot as I was documenting my training on my Instagram account and blog and had to post an update to say I'd failed again due to injury.

I haven't attempted the Couch to 5k since as I'm concerned my knee issue will make an appearance the second I run. I'm starting to feel like an ex-runner at the moment and I don't like it.

 

[BashmentLady]

I'm so pleased I found this running thread. I've been running on and off for years. I usually reach a decent level of fitness, pick up an injury and then find myself back at square one. It's like a never-ending cycle. I've seen so many physios over the years I've lost count.

I started the Couch to 5k (for the 4th time) during the first lockdown, completed the penultimate training session, and then had to stop running because my left knee was so painful. I felt like a right idiot as I was documenting my training on my Instagram account and blog and had to post an update to say I'd failed again due to injury.

I haven't attempted the Couch to 5k since as I'm concerned my knee issue will make an appearance the second I run. I'm starting to feel like an ex-runner at the moment and I don't like it.

Oh no! How off putting! It could be the case that running isn't for you, but as this keeps happening I wonder if it's something that could be checked. Have you had a gait analysis??

 

[Saddlesoap]

Managed 5.49km this afternoon. I had to stop a few times to catch my breathing, but I ran the whole thing

My calf is really hurting now though

 

[BashmentLady]

Managed 5.49km this afternoon. I had to stop a few times to catch my breathing, but I ran the whole thing

My calf is really hurting now though

Yeeeo! Well done! Give your calf atleast a day, if not more, and maybe try some youtube stretches. Excellent stuff!

 

[eye_rolling_always]

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

 

[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

 

[orange club biscuit]

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

Always! It gives me a bit of chill time before the madness (and all the food!). I don’t have kids though! this year we are going to do a parkrun route with some friends and have Prosecco outside afterwards -it may be the highlight of my day!

could you go with them after present opening or something? Always love seeing parents running with their little kids on bikes cycling alongside - I imagine the reality is slightly more stressful though

 

[eye_rolling_always]

Always! It gives me a bit of chill time before the madness (and all the food!). I don’t have kids though! this year we are going to do a parkrun route with some friends and have Prosecco outside afterwards -it may be the highlight of my day!

could you go with them after present opening or something? Always love seeing parents running with their little kids on bikes cycling alongside - I imagine the reality is slightly more stressful though

Oh my oldest loves to come with me on a bike or scooter. We do that around 9am if I decided to have a late run. Most my runs start at 0530. I was giving him Christmas day off...but he actually might fancy it. I'll ask him in the morning

 

[BashmentLady]

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'm genuinely considering it. I've only taken up running this year. I can't say I've found it a mental health relief [though I reckon I would be much worse if I didn't]. I've experienced an awful lot of loss over the last few years and the empty seats at the dinner table truly haunt me. So going out for a run and having a wee escape before facing that, rather than being surrounded in it, seems like a good idea.