The Running Thread
Discussion
over_the_hill said:
944fan said:
Was away on business in Sheffield yesterday. Went for a 35 min tempo run but wasn't prepared for the amount of hills 
Knackered today after that.
Great isn't it. I was at University in Sheffield and soon discovered there are no flat bits. You are either running up a hill or down a hill. There are some real stonkers if you get out beyond Hunters Bar / Endcliffe Park.Knackered today after that.
Cybertronian said:
New Parkrun PB this morning of 21:47! BBC were filming as well as part of Midlands Today for preparations towards the Great Birmingham Run next weekend.
well done. i'm just about to get picked up to head to the XC league race. lovely day here, bit chilly. not seemingly in the mood but hopefully when i'm there i'll be fired up for it!Locke said:
I think it's about time I got some new running shoes. I've had the same ones now for nearly a year which I use for everything and they were only cheap ones to begin with (£18 Puma Ikons 2 from Sprots Direct)
I went to my local sports shop the other day (the ones that have recently called the administrators) to get an analysis done as my current trainers have worn quite a bit on the outside edge of both heels.
When I was at the store I didn't have my running trainers with me and actually got mixed up and told the guy doing it that the inside of my heels were worn on my current shoes, he didn't pick up on this at all and actually agreed that I was landing on the inside of my foot by very inaccurately drawing these lines all over on the screen when in fact the soles of my current shoes suggest otherwise, I really didn't have to much confidence in this member of staff as he wasn't doing things very precisely and he just seemed determined to sell me these insoles at £25.
Pic of my shoes
Could anyone recommend me a decent place to go for analysis in West Yorkshire? Or alternatively recommend me some shoes that would help me based on the wear pattern of my current shoes as I'd rather not go back for another analysis at all if possible.
The shoe I want is a decent all rounder that I can use for anything from a Parkrun to 10 mile + training run.
My budget is about £60ish
Thanks in advance for any replies.
TBH the wear pattern looks pretty normal to me. An analysis won't tell you anything you don't know already. My current favourite shoes are Saucony Jazz from Sportsshoes.com. Under £40 a pair. I used to spend double that 20 years ago! I went to my local sports shop the other day (the ones that have recently called the administrators) to get an analysis done as my current trainers have worn quite a bit on the outside edge of both heels.
When I was at the store I didn't have my running trainers with me and actually got mixed up and told the guy doing it that the inside of my heels were worn on my current shoes, he didn't pick up on this at all and actually agreed that I was landing on the inside of my foot by very inaccurately drawing these lines all over on the screen when in fact the soles of my current shoes suggest otherwise, I really didn't have to much confidence in this member of staff as he wasn't doing things very precisely and he just seemed determined to sell me these insoles at £25.
Pic of my shoes
Could anyone recommend me a decent place to go for analysis in West Yorkshire? Or alternatively recommend me some shoes that would help me based on the wear pattern of my current shoes as I'd rather not go back for another analysis at all if possible.
The shoe I want is a decent all rounder that I can use for anything from a Parkrun to 10 mile + training run.
My budget is about £60ish
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Did the Worcestershire Beacon Race today, hard race, hills so steep that walking a few steps saw me overtake those still running. Very slippery and nasty weather. Memo to self in future:
Sort out f*cking glasses. Lost around 30 places over the second half of the race as they steamed up and couldn't see where I was going at all. Thanks to the six different supporters kind enough to wipe my glasses on something dry when I had to keep stopping at various points.Estimate I lost probably five minutes at least from stopping, walking downhill and not being able to see for pretty much five miles. Felt fresh at the end of the seven miles, enough to sprint past quite a few guys on the only flat bit, at the end.
Get some off road shoes with less long studs than my Inov8 Mudclaws which are really for deep mud. They were brilliant through the mud, but I was slipping everywhere on the many rocky sections, fell over twice.
Wear a base layer when racing in pouring rain, hail and 5 degrees. I was wet through even before starting, just in my vest.
Loads of supporters out, even at the top of the Beacon, most were brilliant, except the wise arse who thought he'd take the piss in front of his mates when I stopped to wipe my glasses by shouting 'should've gone to Specsavers, you dick' at me. Still, made sure I beat the bloke who he was cheering for just in front of me at that point.
ETA finished 97th out of 246. But my estimate of losing 5 minutes was spot on, the bloke I went over the top with finished 55th, five minutes up on me.Augers well for flatter XC races where the downhills aren't so treacherous.
Sort out f*cking glasses. Lost around 30 places over the second half of the race as they steamed up and couldn't see where I was going at all. Thanks to the six different supporters kind enough to wipe my glasses on something dry when I had to keep stopping at various points.Estimate I lost probably five minutes at least from stopping, walking downhill and not being able to see for pretty much five miles. Felt fresh at the end of the seven miles, enough to sprint past quite a few guys on the only flat bit, at the end.
Get some off road shoes with less long studs than my Inov8 Mudclaws which are really for deep mud. They were brilliant through the mud, but I was slipping everywhere on the many rocky sections, fell over twice.
Wear a base layer when racing in pouring rain, hail and 5 degrees. I was wet through even before starting, just in my vest.
Loads of supporters out, even at the top of the Beacon, most were brilliant, except the wise arse who thought he'd take the piss in front of his mates when I stopped to wipe my glasses by shouting 'should've gone to Specsavers, you dick' at me. Still, made sure I beat the bloke who he was cheering for just in front of me at that point.
ETA finished 97th out of 246. But my estimate of losing 5 minutes was spot on, the bloke I went over the top with finished 55th, five minutes up on me.Augers well for flatter XC races where the downhills aren't so treacherous.
Edited by Highway Star on Sunday 14th October 14:01
I have a question about race pacing. I haven't been running for long and I have my first proper competitive race at the end of November (Wolverton 5 mile). I don't really care where I finish in the field and I am only racing myself but I have been training hard and I really want to do the best I can.
When I train I always wear my Garmin Forerunner, I find pacing myself hard and without the watch I run too fast and have to stop. I constantly monitor my pace when training and adjust accordingly.
Should I wear it for the race, or should I wear nothing, or get a light-weight stopwatch and use the mile markers? I have a target pace in mind but I have no idea if I can actually complete 5 miles at that pace, how do I set my race pace?
Also do you run the course first to get used to it?
When I train I always wear my Garmin Forerunner, I find pacing myself hard and without the watch I run too fast and have to stop. I constantly monitor my pace when training and adjust accordingly.
Should I wear it for the race, or should I wear nothing, or get a light-weight stopwatch and use the mile markers? I have a target pace in mind but I have no idea if I can actually complete 5 miles at that pace, how do I set my race pace?
Also do you run the course first to get used to it?
944fan said:
I have a question about race pacing. I haven't been running for long and I have my first proper competitive race at the end of November (Wolverton 5 mile). I don't really care where I finish in the field and I am only racing myself but I have been training hard and I really want to do the best I can.
When I train I always wear my Garmin Forerunner, I find pacing myself hard and without the watch I run too fast and have to stop. I constantly monitor my pace when training and adjust accordingly.
Should I wear it for the race, or should I wear nothing, or get a light-weight stopwatch and use the mile markers? I have a target pace in mind but I have no idea if I can actually complete 5 miles at that pace, how do I set my race pace?
Also do you run the course first to get used to it?
Wear the Garmin, check out the coursemap if there is one but don't feel you have to run the course beforehand, as long as you know where the hills/turns/water stations (not sure of they'll have water over 5 miles) are. It's hard to say what the target pace should be, but if you're pushing yourself there should be some uncertainty over whether you can sustain it for the race distance (all IMO).When I train I always wear my Garmin Forerunner, I find pacing myself hard and without the watch I run too fast and have to stop. I constantly monitor my pace when training and adjust accordingly.
Should I wear it for the race, or should I wear nothing, or get a light-weight stopwatch and use the mile markers? I have a target pace in mind but I have no idea if I can actually complete 5 miles at that pace, how do I set my race pace?
Also do you run the course first to get used to it?
Had to buy a new pair of shoes today as managed to tear the upper on my Brooks Pureconnects. They've only lasted 4 months so a bit disappointed, I've really enjoyed running in them but they (along with other 'barefoot' shoes) seem to go for a thin mesh that isn't that strong for the upper rather than a 'proper' material.
Went with another set of Pureconnects as I do enjoy running with them but if they last a similar amount of time they're out as I can't spend £90 on a new pair of shoes every 4 months. First revelation of today's run in them was that maybe electric blue isn't the best colour given my typical route choice
Been lurking on here for a while but thought I'd stick up my first post!
Did my first half marathon today - Henley-on-Thames.
Not done as much training as I'd have liked, I really wanted to get under 2 hours, then read a week or so before that there's a killer hill at 8 miles that lasts a mile or so!
Really pleased with the result - came in at 1:59:50!
Had to sprint hard the last 200m to get in though and not sure where I found the energy to do it. The hill was hard work but not as bad as I was expecting and enjoyed the quick descent the other side. Really struggled in the last couple of miles which was probably a reflection on the lack of training.
Was a nice place to run, mostly quiet single track county roads, some grassy stretches by the side of the Thames. Last couple of miles were hard work as they were just along a straight A-road so felt like you weren't getting anywhere.
Quite a bit of support on the route and made use of the massage tent at the end as my calves were in bits and my right shoulder as well (must be something to do with an old rugby injury there - felt fine whilst I was running, just seized up at the end).
Will probably try and find another half to do in the New Year, maybe a couple of 10ks in between.
Did my first half marathon today - Henley-on-Thames.
Not done as much training as I'd have liked, I really wanted to get under 2 hours, then read a week or so before that there's a killer hill at 8 miles that lasts a mile or so!
Really pleased with the result - came in at 1:59:50!
Had to sprint hard the last 200m to get in though and not sure where I found the energy to do it. The hill was hard work but not as bad as I was expecting and enjoyed the quick descent the other side. Really struggled in the last couple of miles which was probably a reflection on the lack of training.Was a nice place to run, mostly quiet single track county roads, some grassy stretches by the side of the Thames. Last couple of miles were hard work as they were just along a straight A-road so felt like you weren't getting anywhere.
Quite a bit of support on the route and made use of the massage tent at the end as my calves were in bits and my right shoulder as well (must be something to do with an old rugby injury there - felt fine whilst I was running, just seized up at the end).
Will probably try and find another half to do in the New Year, maybe a couple of 10ks in between.
The great Eastern half marathon today, have had a couple of injuries recently so not been able to train too much so was happy with my time of 2:00:30. Was 3 mins slower than my PB so not too disappointed. Beat my training partner for the first time in a race which was nice although he'd gone out far too quick and tailed off badly at the end.
Just back from the Long Distance Walkers Association's Founders Challenge, near Dorking. 27.5 miles and 4300ft of climb. Very tough, ran with some great guys. Stopped for a pee and lost the others, but managed to finish in 4.59 half an hour before them. Felt like my toenail had been ripped out though, lots of walking up steep climbs and killer descents that were too steep to control yourself safely running and walking was almost as bad. Got to the last 3 miles which were hell, 4 big hills which you could only walk.
Luckily fab scenery, great meal at the end, wonderful company and spectacular weather. All for £7. Highly recommended.
Link to my garmin
Luckily fab scenery, great meal at the end, wonderful company and spectacular weather. All for £7. Highly recommended.
Link to my garmin
Cybertronian said:
Less than 2 weeks to go until the Great Birmingham Run, so the taper has started. I'm cutting down the distance of my long runs but maintaining the intensity, especially the midweek speedwork.
Could anybody offer some critique of my race strategy? My previous HM PB is 2:06, a poor effort which has always been plagued by injury, going out too fast, not training enough or some other problem. I'm confident I've trained for this half marathon well and according to various race calculators, I should be capable of a 1:41 finish based on my 5k PB and a 1:44 finish based on my 10k PB. I've set myself a target of 1:44 to 1:49, with a finish in the 1:50s being acceptable. My pacing strategies are below:
Plan A - 3 x miles @ 8:30 miles, 3 x 8:15, 3x 8:00, 3 x 7:45 and then the final mile at a balls to wall speed (7 minutes or less), netting a 1:44 - 1:46 finish depending on the last mile.
Plan B - First 6 miles @ 8:30, second 6 miles @ 8:00 and then all out in the final mile, netting a 1:47 - 1:49 finish. This will go into action if I'm not feeling good until halfway but then perk up.
Plan C - 12 x miles @ 8:45 and then final mile at 7 minutes. This is reserved for if I'm not feeling good at all and will still net me a 1:52 finish.
I know I'm capable of these paces and several recent 13.1 mile long, steady runs have seen me finishing at around 1:57.
Any thoughts or advice are most welcome!
Could anybody offer some critique of my race strategy? My previous HM PB is 2:06, a poor effort which has always been plagued by injury, going out too fast, not training enough or some other problem. I'm confident I've trained for this half marathon well and according to various race calculators, I should be capable of a 1:41 finish based on my 5k PB and a 1:44 finish based on my 10k PB. I've set myself a target of 1:44 to 1:49, with a finish in the 1:50s being acceptable. My pacing strategies are below:
Plan A - 3 x miles @ 8:30 miles, 3 x 8:15, 3x 8:00, 3 x 7:45 and then the final mile at a balls to wall speed (7 minutes or less), netting a 1:44 - 1:46 finish depending on the last mile.
Plan B - First 6 miles @ 8:30, second 6 miles @ 8:00 and then all out in the final mile, netting a 1:47 - 1:49 finish. This will go into action if I'm not feeling good until halfway but then perk up.
Plan C - 12 x miles @ 8:45 and then final mile at 7 minutes. This is reserved for if I'm not feeling good at all and will still net me a 1:52 finish.
I know I'm capable of these paces and several recent 13.1 mile long, steady runs have seen me finishing at around 1:57.
Any thoughts or advice are most welcome!
944fan said:
I have a question about race pacing. I haven't been running for long and I have my first proper competitive race at the end of November (Wolverton 5 mile). I don't really care where I finish in the field and I am only racing myself but I have been training hard and I really want to do the best I can.
When I train I always wear my Garmin Forerunner, I find pacing myself hard and without the watch I run too fast and have to stop. I constantly monitor my pace when training and adjust accordingly.
Should I wear it for the race, or should I wear nothing, or get a light-weight stopwatch and use the mile markers? I have a target pace in mind but I have no idea if I can actually complete 5 miles at that pace, how do I set my race pace?
Also do you run the course first to get used to it?
Two questions about race pacing, one question in reply: Do you use a pulse belt with your watches? I find these belts very helpful in pacing myself on longer races. Your pulse will start off low and build up as the race continues and you get more and more fatigued. Not going too fast at the beginning is particularly important on the marathon. My plan for Berlin this year was to start off at 145 for the first 5km, going up to 148 for the next 5, 155 up to the half, 160 up to the 30km mark and then just keep going (with the pulse going up but with me ignoring it). When I train I always wear my Garmin Forerunner, I find pacing myself hard and without the watch I run too fast and have to stop. I constantly monitor my pace when training and adjust accordingly.
Should I wear it for the race, or should I wear nothing, or get a light-weight stopwatch and use the mile markers? I have a target pace in mind but I have no idea if I can actually complete 5 miles at that pace, how do I set my race pace?
Also do you run the course first to get used to it?
My maximum pulse is 185 which is a bit higher than you might expect for a 50 year-old. I measured it on a hilly 12km race earlier in the year where it was the avarage for half a kilometer or so.
If you know what your pulse is on shorter races, better if you know what it is over sections of each race, you can choose a pulse curve to suit your distance. If it then seems too easy, you can raise your limit and speed up. If you are struggling, then you lower the limit.
Of course, nothing beats racing as practice but this might help for starting!
First half marathon for me yesterday, the Maidstone half, was feeling really strong and got through 6 miles in 46 minutes then slipped and jarred my knee going across a sloped bank between foot path and road as the path was narrowing. It seemed ok at first but got progressively worse particularly uphill. Finished in 1:55 which I'm really pleased with considering because I'd gone into it aiming for 1:45, and would have been comfortably ahead of that :-)
Berlin Mike said:
Two questions about race pacing, one question in reply: Do you use a pulse belt with your watches? I find these belts very helpful in pacing myself on longer races. Your pulse will start off low and build up as the race continues and you get more and more fatigued. Not going too fast at the beginning is particularly important on the marathon. My plan for Berlin this year was to start off at 145 for the first 5km, going up to 148 for the next 5, 155 up to the half, 160 up to the 30km mark and then just keep going (with the pulse going up but with me ignoring it).
My maximum pulse is 185 which is a bit higher than you might expect for a 50 year-old. I measured it on a hilly 12km race earlier in the year where it was the avarage for half a kilometer or so.
If you know what your pulse is on shorter races, better if you know what it is over sections of each race, you can choose a pulse curve to suit your distance. If it then seems too easy, you can raise your limit and speed up. If you are struggling, then you lower the limit.
Of course, nothing beats racing as practice but this might help for starting!
I do have a heart rate monitor/pulse belt but I tend not to use it anymore, certainly not in races because I find it too distracting. My max heart rate recorded with it is 203 bpm and my resting heart rate is 43 bpm.My maximum pulse is 185 which is a bit higher than you might expect for a 50 year-old. I measured it on a hilly 12km race earlier in the year where it was the avarage for half a kilometer or so.
If you know what your pulse is on shorter races, better if you know what it is over sections of each race, you can choose a pulse curve to suit your distance. If it then seems too easy, you can raise your limit and speed up. If you are struggling, then you lower the limit.
Of course, nothing beats racing as practice but this might help for starting!
I think I'm gonna go with a slightly conservative 8:20 per mile for the first 3/4 and see how we go from there, upping it every 3 miles by 10 seconds or staying constant.
Completed the Mud & Mayhem 10k yesterday, so basically gone from 0 - 10k in three months.
Unfortunately, the race started early whilst I was in the toilets so I ended up three minutes behind, compounded by taking a wrong turn and adding 500m to my lap!
Felt sluggish on my last lap but practically sprinted the last 200m so obviously had plenty left and was running way too slowly!
Back to 5ks for the winter to get fitter and faster.
Unfortunately, the race started early whilst I was in the toilets so I ended up three minutes behind, compounded by taking a wrong turn and adding 500m to my lap!
Felt sluggish on my last lap but practically sprinted the last 200m so obviously had plenty left and was running way too slowly!
Back to 5ks for the winter to get fitter and faster.
Was just looking at the results of the Oxford Half yesterday to see how a clubmate got on and spotted the guy finishing in 63rd place. Wonder if that is THE Giuseppe Guerini?
http://www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?...
Could be, right age, running for an Italian cycling club,though surname has an extra 'r'... For those who don't know who he is - see here - 4.50 onwards:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dBvJkqv0DM
http://www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?...
Could be, right age, running for an Italian cycling club,though surname has an extra 'r'... For those who don't know who he is - see here - 4.50 onwards:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dBvJkqv0DM
After work today (finish in 30mins) I'm going to get some new shoes and move to the dark side and.... Get some lycra leggings and a long sleeve top. Being a skinny runt I'm really feeling the cold when doing the morning runs.
At the Hants XC race ny local shop were advertising buy a pair of running shoes and get £50 off running clothing!!
At the Hants XC race ny local shop were advertising buy a pair of running shoes and get £50 off running clothing!!
Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff