The Running Thread
Discussion
The thing that really surprised me when the C25K program did what seemed a was a really big jump, was that the first run that week was hard work, but the second and third seemed to be a lot easier. It's incredible how quickly the body adapts. I was really impressed with C25K, a combination of that and Parkrun are a great way to get fit.
Did the Fairoaks 5 on Sunday. My aim was a nice steady 6min/km (first Imperial race I've done, still working in Metric), but set off at 5:45 and seemed to be be going well. Really enjoyed the first 3 miles of woodland tracks, but by mile 4 my left knee was starting to hurt, and by the end my right knee was coming out in sympathy and I nearly fell over about 100 yards short of the line. Lost a minute against my earlier pace in the last 2 km.
Need to get my ITB's worked on before the Frimley 10k in a couple of weeks.
Did the Fairoaks 5 on Sunday. My aim was a nice steady 6min/km (first Imperial race I've done, still working in Metric), but set off at 5:45 and seemed to be be going well. Really enjoyed the first 3 miles of woodland tracks, but by mile 4 my left knee was starting to hurt, and by the end my right knee was coming out in sympathy and I nearly fell over about 100 yards short of the line. Lost a minute against my earlier pace in the last 2 km.
Need to get my ITB's worked on before the Frimley 10k in a couple of weeks.
Managed the first week of my marathon build up program intact, and, dare I say it, with better legs that I started. Less aches and more running.
Did a hilly 15km on Saturday am, but I really need to slow down. I do my long runs too fast and have heavy legs for a day longer than I want. Must be more disciplined!
Easy 7km at lunch should ease things out and help break in the new shoes. Got some Hoka Conquests which are, so far, impressive.
Did a hilly 15km on Saturday am, but I really need to slow down. I do my long runs too fast and have heavy legs for a day longer than I want. Must be more disciplined!
Easy 7km at lunch should ease things out and help break in the new shoes. Got some Hoka Conquests which are, so far, impressive.
SpydieNut said:
anyone else get out and do the manchester marathon yesterday?
had a good run - tried to take it fairly steady as i'm going to be doing an ultra at the end of May, so now is not the time to be pushing pace of a marathon
the weather was great - overcast and cool. hardly any wind and the route is virtually flat
the crowd support was just amazing - i've never done one of the city marathons before, but they were fantastic. really helped take your mind off the road at times. clapping and cheering and little kids giving it the high fives. such a good atmosphere and they really helped make the event.
will definitely be doing it again
I did and our club had 41 runners mix of marathon and relay races including the bloke wearing a big yellow Mr cheese strings costume.had a good run - tried to take it fairly steady as i'm going to be doing an ultra at the end of May, so now is not the time to be pushing pace of a marathon
the weather was great - overcast and cool. hardly any wind and the route is virtually flat
the crowd support was just amazing - i've never done one of the city marathons before, but they were fantastic. really helped take your mind off the road at times. clapping and cheering and little kids giving it the high fives. such a good atmosphere and they really helped make the event.
will definitely be doing it again
we also had another 25 club members on marshal duty at mile 21-23.
perfect weather I thought and I enjoyed the course and spectators.
SpydieNut said:
anyone else get out and do the manchester marathon yesterday?
had a good run - tried to take it fairly steady as i'm going to be doing an ultra at the end of May, so now is not the time to be pushing pace of a marathon
the weather was great - overcast and cool. hardly any wind and the route is virtually flat
the crowd support was just amazing - i've never done one of the city marathons before, but they were fantastic. really helped take your mind off the road at times. clapping and cheering and little kids giving it the high fives. such a good atmosphere and they really helped make the event.
will definitely be doing it again
I did Manchester yesterday and have to echo the comments above about the support - fantastic and really kept me going! had a good run - tried to take it fairly steady as i'm going to be doing an ultra at the end of May, so now is not the time to be pushing pace of a marathon
the weather was great - overcast and cool. hardly any wind and the route is virtually flat
the crowd support was just amazing - i've never done one of the city marathons before, but they were fantastic. really helped take your mind off the road at times. clapping and cheering and little kids giving it the high fives. such a good atmosphere and they really helped make the event.
will definitely be doing it again
I managed to get round in 4:30:31 which is a new PB of over 65 mins
mainly as all my other marathons have been part of triathlons. I'd had a good training plan, but inevitably went off too fast, going through half marathon at 1:56. I was sick at 17 miles and then really slowed. Slight frustration as I know if I can get my nutrition sorted I can still shave a fair bit off this.
I've got a question for all you marathon runners...
I am doing my 1st full marathon at the VLM on sunday.
I have done halves before, and I did the Fleet Half in march in a PB of 1.39. Felt a good pace, I knew I worked hard but comfortable. I did my last long run of 22 miles in 3.33, this felt comfortable as well.
So what time should I aim for, or do I even bother with a time and just enjoy the first VLM and make the most of the atmosphere?
I'm not too sure going round the first 13 miles at race pace is a great idea.
So at the moment I reckon just play it by ear, take it easy on the first 10 miles, see how I feel, and if I have the space to pick it up in the second half go for it?
If i got close to 4 hours I would be happy, and under 4 hours ecstatic.
What are others strategy?
Please and thank you.
I am doing my 1st full marathon at the VLM on sunday.
I have done halves before, and I did the Fleet Half in march in a PB of 1.39. Felt a good pace, I knew I worked hard but comfortable. I did my last long run of 22 miles in 3.33, this felt comfortable as well.
So what time should I aim for, or do I even bother with a time and just enjoy the first VLM and make the most of the atmosphere?
I'm not too sure going round the first 13 miles at race pace is a great idea.
So at the moment I reckon just play it by ear, take it easy on the first 10 miles, see how I feel, and if I have the space to pick it up in the second half go for it?
If i got close to 4 hours I would be happy, and under 4 hours ecstatic.
What are others strategy?
Please and thank you.
eric twinge said:
So at the moment I reckon just play it by ear, take it easy on the first 10 miles, see how I feel, and if I have the space to pick it up in the second half go for it?
I don't run as far as marathon, scared of further buggering up my knees, but 2 things often said by those who do are - If you think you're going too slow at the start you're probably going to fast and
- Let the tide of people go out for the first third, hold on for the second and bring them back in for the last third. It's much better that way round than nailing it for 15 miles, blowing up and walking the last 11 so don't be tempted to start too far forward and go off with the fast people.
My training for edinburgh marathon must be working a bit.
Did 20.1 miles on Thursday in 2hrs 50 mins, maybe a bit fast for a training long run but was exactly on my planned race pace of 8.30 miles.
Had a day off on Friday.
Park run Saturday I deliberately went slow up the big hill at the start (blackhill) then managed a really good 2nd and 3rd mile's for a 21.45 5k.
Did the SandDancer 10k multi terrain race on Sunday, its not Hilly really but its a bit uneven knocked about 40 seconds of my previous 10k best which was on an overall downhill course - managed 43.06 which i was over the moon with.
Steady 4 miles this afternoon which to be honest was hard work.
Did 20.1 miles on Thursday in 2hrs 50 mins, maybe a bit fast for a training long run but was exactly on my planned race pace of 8.30 miles.
Had a day off on Friday.
Park run Saturday I deliberately went slow up the big hill at the start (blackhill) then managed a really good 2nd and 3rd mile's for a 21.45 5k.
Did the SandDancer 10k multi terrain race on Sunday, its not Hilly really but its a bit uneven knocked about 40 seconds of my previous 10k best which was on an overall downhill course - managed 43.06 which i was over the moon with.
Steady 4 miles this afternoon which to be honest was hard work.
TheGriffter said:
I did Manchester yesterday and have to echo the comments above about the support - fantastic and really kept me going!
I managed to get round in 4:30:31 which is a new PB of over 65 mins mainly as all my other marathons have been part of triathlons.
I'd had a good training plan, but inevitably went off too fast, going through half marathon at 1:56. I was sick at 17 miles and then really slowed. Slight frustration as I know if I can get my nutrition sorted I can still shave a fair bit off this.
Another Manchester runner here too. great support on route, which really helps as the route is fairly uninspiring otherwise. The runners village was good, and the medal and food/drink available at the end was much needed, although downing a strawberry protein shake and then a non-alcoholic beer along with loads of free chocolate didn't really settle my stomach too well at the end!I managed to get round in 4:30:31 which is a new PB of over 65 mins
mainly as all my other marathons have been part of triathlons. I'd had a good training plan, but inevitably went off too fast, going through half marathon at 1:56. I was sick at 17 miles and then really slowed. Slight frustration as I know if I can get my nutrition sorted I can still shave a fair bit off this.
t wonder if anyone can help explain why my race might have gone pear-shaped though. 15 weeks and 530 miles of training with 7 runs of 20miles+ (including 2 x 22 mile runs and a 20 mile road race 5 weeks out as a "practice race" which I did in 2.34).
With a target of 3.30 in mind, I set off, but by 10 miles all was clearly not well. Couldn't put my finger on it but didn't feel as comfortable as in training runs or in the 20 miler. Anyway, I kept my splits bang on 8min/mile (+/- 5s) until 16 miles, then just started cramping up. I kept within 15s/mile until the 19 mile mark then fell to bits. According to my GPS log, I stopped 17 times in the last 7 miles, just to stretch out my calf and hamstring cramps. I've never had anything like it before, and in the end I lost 19 mins in 7 miles and finished with 3.49 and came very close to a DNF on at least 4 occasions. I cannot understand what went wrong, other than a general feeling of having peaked 3 weeks too early. Anyone with experience of this? I'm at a loss to figure it out.
ewenm said:
Back from Annecy now. 2.5 great days of mountain running despite some poor weather.
Day 1: https://www.strava.com/activities/287982670 Snowy!
Day 2: https://www.strava.com/activities/287982591 Hilly!
Day 3: https://www.strava.com/activities/287982486 Wet!
Excellent. I've walked, ran slowly and driven around most of those places.Day 1: https://www.strava.com/activities/287982670 Snowy!
Day 2: https://www.strava.com/activities/287982591 Hilly!
Day 3: https://www.strava.com/activities/287982486 Wet!
Col de la Forclaz is quite fun to drive up and down early on a summer's morning.
MC Bodge said:
Excellent. I've walked, ran slowly and driven around most of those places.
Col de la Forclaz is quite fun to drive up and down early on a summer's morning.
As you can see from the traces, day 2 finished with the 4k/700m climb of Forclaz from Verthiers (sp?). We'd have had wonderful views over the lake if it hadn't been a climb into the cloud! I parapented from there a couple of years ago Col de la Forclaz is quite fun to drive up and down early on a summer's morning.
Day 3 started at Forclaz/Montmin and the cloud was so thick we could only see about 5m. Driving up was a challenge especially with unlit locals haring around
john2443 said:
I don't run as far as marathon, scared of further buggering up my knees, but 2 things often said by those who do are
- If you think you're going too slow at the start you're probably going to fast and
- Let the tide of people go out for the first third, hold on for the second and bring them back in for the last third. It's much better that way round than nailing it for 15 miles, blowing up and walking the last 11 so don't be tempted to start too far forward and go off with the fast people.
Yes that sounds about right. I'll let everyone tear off and then step up the pace in the last third if I can. I think I'll be too busy enjoying the atmosphere to worry about my time.- If you think you're going too slow at the start you're probably going to fast and
- Let the tide of people go out for the first third, hold on for the second and bring them back in for the last third. It's much better that way round than nailing it for 15 miles, blowing up and walking the last 11 so don't be tempted to start too far forward and go off with the fast people.
Struggling for motivation at the moment - I started running to try and help with my depression which worked (at least to a degree).
Since starting to return to running following tearing my knee ligament skiing I have been finding running shorter and slower than I am used to really tough. Did parkrun with my 9 year old in what was for him a new PB but it has taken me the best part of the week since then to feel that physically I can run again and the whole feeling of struggling to recover is proving tough.
Have my first 10k race since injury in 2 1/2 weeks which I thought was going to be achievable but am now wondering whether it is. It doesn't help that work and other things are getting on top of me at the moment leaving me feeling flatter than I really want to admit.
Not sure that anyone can actually give me any advice but sometimes you just have to write things down.
Since starting to return to running following tearing my knee ligament skiing I have been finding running shorter and slower than I am used to really tough. Did parkrun with my 9 year old in what was for him a new PB but it has taken me the best part of the week since then to feel that physically I can run again and the whole feeling of struggling to recover is proving tough.
Have my first 10k race since injury in 2 1/2 weeks which I thought was going to be achievable but am now wondering whether it is. It doesn't help that work and other things are getting on top of me at the moment leaving me feeling flatter than I really want to admit.
Not sure that anyone can actually give me any advice but sometimes you just have to write things down.
eric twinge said:
Yes that sounds about right. I'll let everyone tear off and then step up the pace in the last third if I can. I think I'll be too busy enjoying the atmosphere to worry about my time.
Everyone I know who's run London reckon the atmosphere is incredible, with supporters along the whole route. Last time my Mrs took her headphones to listen to some music in the quiet patches, and never used it as it was never quiet. Put your name on your shirt and you'll get thousands of people cheering you on by name.markh1973 said:
Struggling for motivation at the moment - I started running to try and help with my depression which worked (at least to a degree).
Since starting to return to running following tearing my knee ligament skiing I have been finding running shorter and slower than I am used to really tough. Did parkrun with my 9 year old in what was for him a new PB but it has taken me the best part of the week since then to feel that physically I can run again and the whole feeling of struggling to recover is proving tough.
Have my first 10k race since injury in 2 1/2 weeks which I thought was going to be achievable but am now wondering whether it is. It doesn't help that work and other things are getting on top of me at the moment leaving me feeling flatter than I really want to admit.
Not sure that anyone can actually give me any advice but sometimes you just have to write things down.
Can you try some new routes? Perhaps get offroad where pace per km/mile is much less relevant than just enjoying being outside with only the running to concentrate on.Since starting to return to running following tearing my knee ligament skiing I have been finding running shorter and slower than I am used to really tough. Did parkrun with my 9 year old in what was for him a new PB but it has taken me the best part of the week since then to feel that physically I can run again and the whole feeling of struggling to recover is proving tough.
Have my first 10k race since injury in 2 1/2 weeks which I thought was going to be achievable but am now wondering whether it is. It doesn't help that work and other things are getting on top of me at the moment leaving me feeling flatter than I really want to admit.
Not sure that anyone can actually give me any advice but sometimes you just have to write things down.
Stick at it. The fitness WILL return.
The London Marathon official tracking app is now available (apple only it seems): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/london-marathon/id...
ewenm said:
markh1973 said:
Struggling for motivation at the moment - I started running to try and help with my depression which worked (at least to a degree).
Since starting to return to running following tearing my knee ligament skiing I have been finding running shorter and slower than I am used to really tough. Did parkrun with my 9 year old in what was for him a new PB but it has taken me the best part of the week since then to feel that physically I can run again and the whole feeling of struggling to recover is proving tough.
Have my first 10k race since injury in 2 1/2 weeks which I thought was going to be achievable but am now wondering whether it is. It doesn't help that work and other things are getting on top of me at the moment leaving me feeling flatter than I really want to admit.
Not sure that anyone can actually give me any advice but sometimes you just have to write things down.
Can you try some new routes? Perhaps get offroad where pace per km/mile is much less relevant than just enjoying being outside with only the running to concentrate on.Since starting to return to running following tearing my knee ligament skiing I have been finding running shorter and slower than I am used to really tough. Did parkrun with my 9 year old in what was for him a new PB but it has taken me the best part of the week since then to feel that physically I can run again and the whole feeling of struggling to recover is proving tough.
Have my first 10k race since injury in 2 1/2 weeks which I thought was going to be achievable but am now wondering whether it is. It doesn't help that work and other things are getting on top of me at the moment leaving me feeling flatter than I really want to admit.
Not sure that anyone can actually give me any advice but sometimes you just have to write things down.
Stick at it. The fitness WILL return.
Sorry for double post, but separate thoughts...
Breakthrough run today - one, I got up early for one, having struggled with early mornings since my little one arrived last Dec. Two, I did a 12km out and back and managed to control my HR from the off, something I'm typically poor at. Three, I covered a route I did two years ago, close to my peak 30's fitness, and ran it at the same pace, but a good 10% lower on HR.
Having a really solid training plan, sticking to the sessions and recovering well is really paying dividends. Roll on the big target - Comrades 2020.
Breakthrough run today - one, I got up early for one, having struggled with early mornings since my little one arrived last Dec. Two, I did a 12km out and back and managed to control my HR from the off, something I'm typically poor at. Three, I covered a route I did two years ago, close to my peak 30's fitness, and ran it at the same pace, but a good 10% lower on HR.
Having a really solid training plan, sticking to the sessions and recovering well is really paying dividends. Roll on the big target - Comrades 2020.
markh1973 said:
Struggling for motivation at the moment - I started running to try and help with my depression which worked (at least to a degree).
Since starting to return to running following tearing my knee ligament skiing I have been finding running shorter and slower than I am used to really tough. Did parkrun with my 9 year old in what was for him a new PB but it has taken me the best part of the week since then to feel that physically I can run again and the whole feeling of struggling to recover is proving tough.
Have my first 10k race since injury in 2 1/2 weeks which I thought was going to be achievable but am now wondering whether it is. It doesn't help that work and other things are getting on top of me at the moment leaving me feeling flatter than I really want to admit.
Not sure that anyone can actually give me any advice but sometimes you just have to write things down.
Maybe do some running for running'a sake, not for times and races for a while? Preferably in pleasant surroundings. Since starting to return to running following tearing my knee ligament skiing I have been finding running shorter and slower than I am used to really tough. Did parkrun with my 9 year old in what was for him a new PB but it has taken me the best part of the week since then to feel that physically I can run again and the whole feeling of struggling to recover is proving tough.
Have my first 10k race since injury in 2 1/2 weeks which I thought was going to be achievable but am now wondering whether it is. It doesn't help that work and other things are getting on top of me at the moment leaving me feeling flatter than I really want to admit.
Not sure that anyone can actually give me any advice but sometimes you just have to write things down.
Do some cycling?
"Run Wild" by Boff Whalley is quite a good read.
Ps. I had been making decent, injury-free, progress myself and injured myself last week. Very frustrating as injury recovery has been more common for me than actually running in the past few years....
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