The Running Thread Vol 2
Discussion
Inspire said:
Smitters said:
I'll be ambling round Snowdonia in the UTS100K on Saturday. Should be an interesting "run".
ETA: https://live.utmb.world/uts/2024/100k and bib 1766 if you're seriously bored.
Hope this has gone well. Let us know when you get a chance!ETA: https://live.utmb.world/uts/2024/100k and bib 1766 if you're seriously bored.
Edited by Smitters on Wednesday 8th May 15:46
I did 6 hours of running, and the rest (25) were walking, in aid stations, or sitting on a downhill contemplating a chain of poor decisions. My last mile was a 7.45, but it as so good to stop moving afterwards. The terrain is massively unforgiving, which I knew, but adding in a hot day and some tight early cut-offs which meant pushing harder than I'd like in the first third. Lessons have been learnt about my preparation.
408 from 431, but there were 715 starters, so not far off my place goal of top half, albeit many hours off that.
Has anyone had issues with their rectus femoros muscle from running?
Currenlty as soon as I go faster than a very slow jog that muscle in both legs really starts to hurt. The Internet talks about tendinitis but the pain is in the middle on the meat, not near the tendon.
Prodding the area is painful, if I try to massage the area its painful and feels very crunchy. Foam rolling is very painful.
A standing quad stretch is ok but a couch stretch is very difficult with the muscle both very stiff and painful.
I'll rest a few days and it goes away, but then as soon as I start running again, bang . It's not a cramp but it's like the muscle just locks up.
I had been having problems with my hip flexor and have been stretching and strengthen those, not sure if I have just moved a problem on.
Currenlty as soon as I go faster than a very slow jog that muscle in both legs really starts to hurt. The Internet talks about tendinitis but the pain is in the middle on the meat, not near the tendon.
Prodding the area is painful, if I try to massage the area its painful and feels very crunchy. Foam rolling is very painful.
A standing quad stretch is ok but a couch stretch is very difficult with the muscle both very stiff and painful.
I'll rest a few days and it goes away, but then as soon as I start running again, bang . It's not a cramp but it's like the muscle just locks up.
I had been having problems with my hip flexor and have been stretching and strengthen those, not sure if I have just moved a problem on.
Scabutz said:
Has anyone had issues with their rectus femoros muscle from running?
Currenlty as soon as I go faster than a very slow jog that muscle in both legs really starts to hurt. The Internet talks about tendinitis but the pain is in the middle on the meat, not near the tendon.
Prodding the area is painful, if I try to massage the area its painful and feels very crunchy. Foam rolling is very painful.
A standing quad stretch is ok but a couch stretch is very difficult with the muscle both very stiff and painful.
I'll rest a few days and it goes away, but then as soon as I start running again, bang . It's not a cramp but it's like the muscle just locks up.
I had been having problems with my hip flexor and have been stretching and strengthen those, not sure if I have just moved a problem on.
Have you considered a back issue? If you try some twisting mobilisation, like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8wzQhlXPx8&ab... can you see if range, feel or anything else feels markedly different on one side to the other? Some tightness in the mid or lower back can easily refer downwards and piss about with hips and legs.Currenlty as soon as I go faster than a very slow jog that muscle in both legs really starts to hurt. The Internet talks about tendinitis but the pain is in the middle on the meat, not near the tendon.
Prodding the area is painful, if I try to massage the area its painful and feels very crunchy. Foam rolling is very painful.
A standing quad stretch is ok but a couch stretch is very difficult with the muscle both very stiff and painful.
I'll rest a few days and it goes away, but then as soon as I start running again, bang . It's not a cramp but it's like the muscle just locks up.
I had been having problems with my hip flexor and have been stretching and strengthen those, not sure if I have just moved a problem on.
Listening to a running podcast yesterday and one of the people chatting had a really good point.
As recreational/casual/fun runner we book a race months in advance and build ourselves up to that one date, no matter what happens or is happening in our lives that date is fixed and we tailor our training to that date.
He was saying that pros don't tend to do that, and will often pull out of races if they are not where they want to be (fitness wise). They also don't structure their training in set time blocks (4 weeks base, 4 weeks strenght...) rather they build to a point they are happy and then move onto the next section of their training.
This has lead me to rethink how I structure my training, I want to race around Sep/Oct so rather than booking now I will train and when I think I am fit enough I will book a race.
Podcast is Runitthreeways
As recreational/casual/fun runner we book a race months in advance and build ourselves up to that one date, no matter what happens or is happening in our lives that date is fixed and we tailor our training to that date.
He was saying that pros don't tend to do that, and will often pull out of races if they are not where they want to be (fitness wise). They also don't structure their training in set time blocks (4 weeks base, 4 weeks strenght...) rather they build to a point they are happy and then move onto the next section of their training.
This has lead me to rethink how I structure my training, I want to race around Sep/Oct so rather than booking now I will train and when I think I am fit enough I will book a race.
Podcast is Runitthreeways
joshcowin said:
Listening to a running podcast yesterday and one of the people chatting had a really good point.
As recreational/casual/fun runner we book a race months in advance and build ourselves up to that one date, no matter what happens or is happening in our lives that date is fixed and we tailor our training to that date.
He was saying that pros don't tend to do that, and will often pull out of races if they are not where they want to be (fitness wise). They also don't structure their training in set time blocks (4 weeks base, 4 weeks strenght...) rather they build to a point they are happy and then move onto the next section of their training.
This has lead me to rethink how I structure my training, I want to race around Sep/Oct so rather than booking now I will train and when I think I am fit enough I will book a race.
Podcast is Runitthreeways
That's a really interesting perspective. I know a lot of my clubmates also race regularly, simply to enjoy the social aspect and go as hard, or easy as they want. I suppose when you have a "must do" event, there's a certain amount of focus, especially if it's a new distance, terrain or such, but in reality, if you know you can run a half marathon and want to run a faster one, undertaking the journey and then entering one when you think you're ready is a process much more likely to deliver a positive outcome than the "all eggs in one basket" approach.As recreational/casual/fun runner we book a race months in advance and build ourselves up to that one date, no matter what happens or is happening in our lives that date is fixed and we tailor our training to that date.
He was saying that pros don't tend to do that, and will often pull out of races if they are not where they want to be (fitness wise). They also don't structure their training in set time blocks (4 weeks base, 4 weeks strenght...) rather they build to a point they are happy and then move onto the next section of their training.
This has lead me to rethink how I structure my training, I want to race around Sep/Oct so rather than booking now I will train and when I think I am fit enough I will book a race.
Podcast is Runitthreeways
It's why I never recommend setting a time goal for a race at the start of a dedicated training period. You can't predict the future. Ironically, I did just that for UTS, then had 1x covid and 2x pneumonia, a back issue and an ankle issue in the six month run up. Missed my time goal by, er, 13 hours... Thankfully I had the sense not to try it anyway, but I know plenty of people who want e.g. a sub four marathon, simply don't get 20 weeks of training that will deliver it and set out at that pace, just in case a miracle occurs. You can hear the kaboom of detonation from quite a distance.
Participated in a fun little mountain race last night, 7.8km and 500m ascent, finished up in just under 47 minutes average pace 5:58 per km.
Being completely honest, I am not built for these types of constant elevation runs, I am too heavy and use alot of energy compared to the way I see skinny runners gracefully hopping up the road but these types of run force me to implement a pacing strategy based on heartrate...its very easy to spike your heartrate and blow up.
I also like the relatively local nature of these races, only 300 or so participants and they run them regardless of weather. Last night we had wind, rain and hail which sounds as grim as it was!
Being completely honest, I am not built for these types of constant elevation runs, I am too heavy and use alot of energy compared to the way I see skinny runners gracefully hopping up the road but these types of run force me to implement a pacing strategy based on heartrate...its very easy to spike your heartrate and blow up.
I also like the relatively local nature of these races, only 300 or so participants and they run them regardless of weather. Last night we had wind, rain and hail which sounds as grim as it was!
Great effort on UTS. I know a few people who did it this year and it sounds horrendous! About 6 weeks ago I stupidly signed up to a trail half marathon in Cannock Chase to try and invigorate my running. It somewhat worked and i've built myself up to 9 miles but the race is this Saturday so could be a painful one as it is quite hilly (nothing compared to UTS mind). Looking through my Strava it's been 18 months since I last ran double figure distance!
andy_s said:
ben5575 said:
+1
I have the mud talon speeds in wide fit and they are fantastic. Really comfortable on soft stuff although I find them (unsurprisingly) uncomfortable on hard stuff. They really inspire a lot of confidence. Do you still use their laces or have you swapped them out, if so what for?
I’ve just bought a pair of their new (non speed) trailflys for trail, drier fell running and training. I opted for the extra padding (over the speed version). Will report back once they been given to me for my birthday!
Thinking of the same, to get the standard Trailfly for those longer, ploddier days [when I'm back up there....horrible being off for 6 mths and climbing back up the metaphorical and literal hill...] - and no, haven't swapped laces!I have the mud talon speeds in wide fit and they are fantastic. Really comfortable on soft stuff although I find them (unsurprisingly) uncomfortable on hard stuff. They really inspire a lot of confidence. Do you still use their laces or have you swapped them out, if so what for?
I’ve just bought a pair of their new (non speed) trailflys for trail, drier fell running and training. I opted for the extra padding (over the speed version). Will report back once they been given to me for my birthday!
Smitters said:
joshcowin said:
Listening to a running podcast yesterday and one of the people chatting had a really good point.
As recreational/casual/fun runner we book a race months in advance and build ourselves up to that one date, no matter what happens or is happening in our lives that date is fixed and we tailor our training to that date.
He was saying that pros don't tend to do that, and will often pull out of races if they are not where they want to be (fitness wise). They also don't structure their training in set time blocks (4 weeks base, 4 weeks strenght...) rather they build to a point they are happy and then move onto the next section of their training.
This has lead me to rethink how I structure my training, I want to race around Sep/Oct so rather than booking now I will train and when I think I am fit enough I will book a race.
Podcast is Runitthreeways
That's a really interesting perspective. I know a lot of my clubmates also race regularly, simply to enjoy the social aspect and go as hard, or easy as they want. I suppose when you have a "must do" event, there's a certain amount of focus, especially if it's a new distance, terrain or such, but in reality, if you know you can run a half marathon and want to run a faster one, undertaking the journey and then entering one when you think you're ready is a process much more likely to deliver a positive outcome than the "all eggs in one basket" approach.As recreational/casual/fun runner we book a race months in advance and build ourselves up to that one date, no matter what happens or is happening in our lives that date is fixed and we tailor our training to that date.
He was saying that pros don't tend to do that, and will often pull out of races if they are not where they want to be (fitness wise). They also don't structure their training in set time blocks (4 weeks base, 4 weeks strenght...) rather they build to a point they are happy and then move onto the next section of their training.
This has lead me to rethink how I structure my training, I want to race around Sep/Oct so rather than booking now I will train and when I think I am fit enough I will book a race.
Podcast is Runitthreeways
It's why I never recommend setting a time goal for a race at the start of a dedicated training period. You can't predict the future. Ironically, I did just that for UTS, then had 1x covid and 2x pneumonia, a back issue and an ankle issue in the six month run up. Missed my time goal by, er, 13 hours... Thankfully I had the sense not to try it anyway, but I know plenty of people who want e.g. a sub four marathon, simply don't get 20 weeks of training that will deliver it and set out at that pace, just in case a miracle occurs. You can hear the kaboom of detonation from quite a distance.
Years ago when I ran for a club, it was track in the summer and XC in the winter. The club had two senior mens track teams, so add in open events and championships you could race most weekends (and weekdays too as there were mid week middle distance events organised by the BMC). If you were not feeling it one week then just skip it and do the next one. Or have a go at discus or long jump for a laugh. Very different way of thinking about racing compared to road racing, easier mentally but was hard to maintain form for a whole season.
Still plodding away with my Runna plan - got a horrible drop set session to do at lunchtime so we'll see how that goes.
Also been having issues with my Wahoo TIKR chest HR monitor, they just don't last due to the poor design of the straps so I've bitten the bullet and ordered a Polar H10 which will arrive tomorrow. I'm not normally too fussed but my Garmin Epix struggles with wrist HR for intervals and then way underestimates how much effort I've put in - messing up the recovery time etc.
Also been having issues with my Wahoo TIKR chest HR monitor, they just don't last due to the poor design of the straps so I've bitten the bullet and ordered a Polar H10 which will arrive tomorrow. I'm not normally too fussed but my Garmin Epix struggles with wrist HR for intervals and then way underestimates how much effort I've put in - messing up the recovery time etc.
lufbramatt said:
Years ago when I ran for a club, it was track in the summer and XC in the winter. The club had two senior mens track teams, so add in open events and championships you could race most weekends (and weekdays too as there were mid week middle distance events organised by the BMC). If you were not feeling it one week then just skip it and do the next one. Or have a go at discus or long jump for a laugh. Very different way of thinking about racing compared to road racing, easier mentally but was hard to maintain form for a whole season.
It still is like that!We're now in track season, opens every week, lots of races locally. Come September we'll be back into cross country and marathon training over winter.
Rosscow said:
It still is like that!
We're now in track season, opens every week, lots of races locally. Come September we'll be back into cross country and marathon training over winter.
Oh yes I know it's still like that We're now in track season, opens every week, lots of races locally. Come September we'll be back into cross country and marathon training over winter.
But my days of 1500m running are long gone and running 5k or 10k on the track is soul destroying 
Hopefully join a local club soon and do some XC this winter, always enjoyed that even though I was a bit too tall and heavy to be a decent XC runner.
lufbramatt said:
Rosscow said:
It still is like that!
We're now in track season, opens every week, lots of races locally. Come September we'll be back into cross country and marathon training over winter.
Oh yes I know it's still like that We're now in track season, opens every week, lots of races locally. Come September we'll be back into cross country and marathon training over winter.
But my days of 1500m running are long gone and running 5k or 10k on the track is soul destroying Hopefully join a local club soon and do some XC this winter, always enjoyed that even though I was a bit too tall and heavy to be a decent XC runner.
It's nice to watch the other members that do compete, as well.
lufbramatt said:
I think a big issue for a lot of runners is the events are expensive and sell out quickly. I recently decided to get back into doing some racing, couldn't find a single local 10k over the summer that wasn't already fully booked. Entered one in September which cost me the best part of £25. I don't want to lose that money, obviosuly ou cant plan for illness or injury and would prefer to enter the week before but that's not an option.
Years ago when I ran for a club, it was track in the summer and XC in the winter. The club had two senior mens track teams, so add in open events and championships you could race most weekends (and weekdays too as there were mid week middle distance events organised by the BMC). If you were not feeling it one week then just skip it and do the next one. Or have a go at discus or long jump for a laugh. Very different way of thinking about racing compared to road racing, easier mentally but was hard to maintain form for a whole season.
Have a look at club 10k's rather than big 'Great Run' type 10k's.Years ago when I ran for a club, it was track in the summer and XC in the winter. The club had two senior mens track teams, so add in open events and championships you could race most weekends (and weekdays too as there were mid week middle distance events organised by the BMC). If you were not feeling it one week then just skip it and do the next one. Or have a go at discus or long jump for a laugh. Very different way of thinking about racing compared to road racing, easier mentally but was hard to maintain form for a whole season.
quite a few 10k's by me with spaces still available across June, July & August. Some september events haven't launched yet.
Smitters said:
Oh my good God. That was tough. I'll write up a little race report and chuck up some photos once my brain unscrambles, but that is by far and away the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. My knee started giving me some pain on the downhills quite early on, but it was manageable. The knee based detonation was at about 80km, essentially on the second descent off Snowdon and for 30km my downhill pace ended up being slower than my climbing pace.
I did 6 hours of running, and the rest (25) were walking, in aid stations, or sitting on a downhill contemplating a chain of poor decisions. My last mile was a 7.45, but it as so good to stop moving afterwards. The terrain is massively unforgiving, which I knew, but adding in a hot day and some tight early cut-offs which meant pushing harder than I'd like in the first third. Lessons have been learnt about my preparation.
408 from 431, but there were 715 starters, so not far off my place goal of top half, albeit many hours off that.
incredible work well done. A couple of club mates ran this, both incredible distance runners, one tapped out at 50km, the other the following stop. Heat and water supplies appeared to be their main gripes.I did 6 hours of running, and the rest (25) were walking, in aid stations, or sitting on a downhill contemplating a chain of poor decisions. My last mile was a 7.45, but it as so good to stop moving afterwards. The terrain is massively unforgiving, which I knew, but adding in a hot day and some tight early cut-offs which meant pushing harder than I'd like in the first third. Lessons have been learnt about my preparation.
408 from 431, but there were 715 starters, so not far off my place goal of top half, albeit many hours off that.
tim2100 said:
Have a look at club 10k's rather than big 'Great Run' type 10k's.
quite a few 10k's by me with spaces still available across June, July & August. Some september events haven't launched yet.
Yep that's local events- I'm not a fan of the huge races. I'm in Kent. I think the coastal races which tend to be flatter fill up quickly. quite a few 10k's by me with spaces still available across June, July & August. Some september events haven't launched yet.
I did have another look and found a potential option for a 10k in August though near Faversham.
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