The Running Thread
Discussion
wiggy001 said:
I was certainly a little cautious on the first run as my main concern was making it home in one piece! Definitely aiming for 3 times a week when I can (roughly every other day to have a "rest" day between runs). It doesn't feel like I'm pushing myself "too" far at the moment (it doesn't seem to take me too long to recover for example) but at the same time a continuous 4k run doesn't feel in any way easy. For example, I can easily find my legs are burning and my chest wants to explode, but slowing down the pace a little brings things back under control IYKWIM.
I guess part of my reason for posting was some reassurance than I am roughly on the right track to some kind of fitness, and that not doing the C25K wasn't a massive mistake. At the moment it feels enjoyable and rewarding without being onerous and tiresome, so that in itself would suggest I'm on the right track.
Just getting out running will have a big impact on your fitness - day on day off is a good idea so perhaps Tues, Thurs and one of Sat/Sun (or both if you're keen). I'd advise some variety though - running the same route all the time can lead to mental staleness and physical issues (for example, if it's on a cambered road you can end up with imbalances due to always running on the same camber). I always advise people to get offroad and to explore. The varied terrain offroad works the control and stability muscles harder and exploring your local area often reveals some lovely running routes. OS maps are good for planning routes as they give a wider overview than MapMyRun.com or StreetMap.co.uk online.I guess part of my reason for posting was some reassurance than I am roughly on the right track to some kind of fitness, and that not doing the C25K wasn't a massive mistake. At the moment it feels enjoyable and rewarding without being onerous and tiresome, so that in itself would suggest I'm on the right track.
ewenm said:
Time to start experimenting with some hayfever remedies I think.
If you're representing GB, talk to them about this - I think some hayfever meds have technically banned substances in them. Be a shame to get pinged on a technicality.http://www.ukad.org.uk/support-personnel/checking-...
In my world, knee (and ankle) feeling better after a twingey run on Friday, but I'm still holding off on any running. I figure a weeks rest will do me good ultimately. Managed a lake swim this morning instead - fab way to start the day, if a little chilly.
Smitters said:
ewenm said:
Time to start experimenting with some hayfever remedies I think.
If you're representing GB, talk to them about this - I think some hayfever meds have technically banned substances in them. Be a shame to get pinged on a technicality.http://www.ukad.org.uk/support-personnel/checking-...
In my world, knee (and ankle) feeling better after a twingey run on Friday, but I'm still holding off on any running. I figure a weeks rest will do me good ultimately. Managed a lake swim this morning instead - fab way to start the day, if a little chilly.
However, thanks for the link, I will use that to cross-reference the suggestions from the pharmacist.
Edit: I've just checked Piriton and Clarityn - neither are an issue. The www.globaldro.com website is very useful.
Edited by ewenm on Wednesday 27th May 10:08
wiggy001 said:
I was certainly a little cautious on the first run as my main concern was making it home in one piece! Definitely aiming for 3 times a week when I can (roughly every other day to have a "rest" day between runs). It doesn't feel like I'm pushing myself "too" far at the moment (it doesn't seem to take me too long to recover for example) but at the same time a continuous 4k run doesn't feel in any way easy. For example, I can easily find my legs are burning and my chest wants to explode, but slowing down the pace a little brings things back under control IYKWIM.
I guess part of my reason for posting was some reassurance than I am roughly on the right track to some kind of fitness, and that not doing the C25K wasn't a massive mistake. At the moment it feels enjoyable and rewarding without being onerous and tiresome, so that in itself would suggest I'm on the right track.
Ever considered (or been) going to a park run? These are great motivation and really will push you as a beginner. I guess part of my reason for posting was some reassurance than I am roughly on the right track to some kind of fitness, and that not doing the C25K wasn't a massive mistake. At the moment it feels enjoyable and rewarding without being onerous and tiresome, so that in itself would suggest I'm on the right track.
ewenm said:
I'd advise some variety though - running the same route all the time can lead to mental staleness and physical issues (for example, if it's on a cambered road you can end up with imbalances due to always running on the same camber). I always advise people to get offroad and to explore. The varied terrain offroad works the control and stability muscles harder and exploring your local area often reveals some lovely running routes. OS maps are good for planning routes
Agreed. Off-road is good. Run hills -or car park ramps and bridges if you live in a flat area like I do (a mistake on my part, as I no longer have the time to drive to hills!)MC Bodge said:
People have been getting fit without "C25K" for centuries!
Mixing it up a bit, with activities other than running, might be a good idea too.
"core" strength is important for people who have sedentary jobs. I have benefited from working on mine.
From what I gather the couch to 5K programme builds up very slowly, allowing for people who are starting off in very poor shape.
Thanks for the feedback. Of course C25K is a new thing, but it seems to be "the" thing to get people from nothing to 5k at the moment. I'm aiming for the same but in my own way.Mixing it up a bit, with activities other than running, might be a good idea too.
"core" strength is important for people who have sedentary jobs. I have benefited from working on mine.
From what I gather the couch to 5K programme builds up very slowly, allowing for people who are starting off in very poor shape.
Core strength is something I've been working on for the past year since a car accident last Feb left me with a lot of back pain - core exercises are helping me to manage that.
ewenm said:
Just getting out running will have a big impact on your fitness - day on day off is a good idea so perhaps Tues, Thurs and one of Sat/Sun (or both if you're keen). I'd advise some variety though - running the same route all the time can lead to mental staleness and physical issues (for example, if it's on a cambered road you can end up with imbalances due to always running on the same camber). I always advise people to get offroad and to explore. The varied terrain offroad works the control and stability muscles harder and exploring your local area often reveals some lovely running routes. OS maps are good for planning routes as they give a wider overview than MapMyRun.com or StreetMap.co.uk online.
I'm quite lucky to live in an area with lots of offroad public footpaths and the like, so that is definitely my plan. I've been doing the same route recently purely so I can see some progress. marting said:
Ever considered (or been) going to a park run? These are great motivation and really will push you as a beginner.
Funnily enough I looked at the parkrun site last night and there are a few near to me. Over the next couple of weeks I want to try to get to the point I can run 5k then will definitely consider signing up. That said, running on my own isn't a problem at the moment - with a stressful job and a 2 year old at home it's nice to have some "me" time!wiggy001 said:
I'm quite lucky to live in an area with lots of offroad public footpaths and the like, so that is definitely my plan. I've been doing the same route recently purely so I can see some progress.
I have a few "benchmark" routes I use for progress-checking. There's nothing wrong with doing your standard run once a week and then varying the route and terrain on the other 2 runs. Also remember hills are your friends, not something to be avoided or feared 
I'm not a massively experienced runner, I've been running regularly for around 2-3 years now. Having gradually worked my way through the smaller distances and various races also dabbling with Tris, I'm currently working towards my first Marathon.
At the moment, I'm finding I'm in a bit of a cycle of being massively fatigued every 6/7 weeks or so. I'm running 3-4 times a week and cross training 1-2 times a week - my LSR is up to about 35km at the moment.
Is it normal to need to take a week off every so often or am I perhaps pushing a bit too hard? Time to MTFU?
At the moment, I'm finding I'm in a bit of a cycle of being massively fatigued every 6/7 weeks or so. I'm running 3-4 times a week and cross training 1-2 times a week - my LSR is up to about 35km at the moment.
Is it normal to need to take a week off every so often or am I perhaps pushing a bit too hard? Time to MTFU?
marting said:
I'm not a massively experienced runner, I've been running regularly for around 2-3 years now. Having gradually worked my way through the smaller distances and various races also dabbling with Tris, I'm currently working towards my first Marathon.
At the moment, I'm finding I'm in a bit of a cycle of being massively fatigued every 6/7 weeks or so. I'm running 3-4 times a week and cross training 1-2 times a week - my LSR is up to about 35km at the moment.
Is it normal to need to take a week off every so often or am I perhaps pushing a bit too hard? Time to MTFU?
I know runners who work to a 3-week hard, 1-week easy schedule. They still run in the easy week but keep it all to easy runs and often schedule an event at the end of the easy week.At the moment, I'm finding I'm in a bit of a cycle of being massively fatigued every 6/7 weeks or so. I'm running 3-4 times a week and cross training 1-2 times a week - my LSR is up to about 35km at the moment.
Is it normal to need to take a week off every so often or am I perhaps pushing a bit too hard? Time to MTFU?
Doing a bit of faster running in the past couple of weeks must have reminded me how to push harder again.
I did a run earlier and managed to knock almost 2 1/2 minutes off the same 10K route as last week (I suspect that I was possibly a bit off-form last week, though, and I did warm-up better this time)
I managed to get my heart rate up higher than I have in recent times. I averaged 173 bpm, apparently -probably not something to be done too often, to allow recovery.
According to Strava, just over 20min for the quickest 5K and 42:20 for 10K. the route is mixed surface, some gradients, with gates and roads to negotiate.
My target of a sub 40 10K this year is looking more achievable.
I did a run earlier and managed to knock almost 2 1/2 minutes off the same 10K route as last week (I suspect that I was possibly a bit off-form last week, though, and I did warm-up better this time)
I managed to get my heart rate up higher than I have in recent times. I averaged 173 bpm, apparently -probably not something to be done too often, to allow recovery.
According to Strava, just over 20min for the quickest 5K and 42:20 for 10K. the route is mixed surface, some gradients, with gates and roads to negotiate.
My target of a sub 40 10K this year is looking more achievable.
Edited by MC Bodge on Wednesday 27th May 16:57
Trying another running club tonight as the other one is great to be sociable, but it does not really cater to my speed. I'm still going to go to the slower one on a Tuesday, but this one has runners from 5-10 min mile pace, so there will be someone to run with. Just 1 week til I move into a house where I can run/cycle to work which is going to be great fun!
To the chap who has just started running. You're already making progress, but as others have said, mix it up a little and do some runs a little quicker and then a slightly longer run a little slower. It will help build speed and endurance and will give you something to think about as you run on your own.
To the chap who has just started running. You're already making progress, but as others have said, mix it up a little and do some runs a little quicker and then a slightly longer run a little slower. It will help build speed and endurance and will give you something to think about as you run on your own.
ewenm said:
I know runners who work to a 3-week hard, 1-week easy schedule. They still run in the easy week but keep it all to easy runs and often schedule an event at the end of the easy week.
That sounds like a good way of working things. I need to get around to tweaking my marathon schedule, I don't suppose you have any resources for a noob? The schedule that I've been following was taken from coolrunning.com but doesnt seem greatmarting said:
That sounds like a good way of working things. I need to get around to tweaking my marathon schedule, I don't suppose you have any resources for a noob? The schedule that I've been following was taken from coolrunning.com but doesnt seem great
The plans on www.runnersworld.co.uk seem to be OK, although I'm not a marathoner and had a specific plan from my coach the one time I did try to train properly for the event. Others on the thread may be able to provide better resources.marting said:
That sounds like a good way of working things. I need to get around to tweaking my marathon schedule, I don't suppose you have any resources for a noob? The schedule that I've been following was taken from coolrunning.com but doesnt seem great
I've got the Asics app on my tablet. It's free and I quite like it.Last night I went to the new running club and it was really good. We walked in and the organizer made us feel welcome and there was a printed route which helped in case anyone got lost.
We set off and the pace was a little slow for me but then someone who was late caught up which was great and we ran off at the front for 5.3 miles which was the long route (2.5 and 4.0 were the other options)
Iain who I ran with was great and offered to help us with the issues of settling into the US. When I got back to the running store, 5-6 other people came up and said hello which was great, but it was not done in an intimidating way.
I then talked with a guy from Poland who worked in the store. He had been on a scholarship for track and field and finished a few years ago. He had run a 1:50 800m, a 14:21 5k and was going to make his half marathon debut 3 years ago before a stress fracture. A bit quick for me, but could be a potential future tempo run partner.
Another great experience of walking in off the street and running with a group. My wife also had a great experience although the first 1.5 miles no-one really talked with her on the run, but she then found someone and had a great chat/run
We set off and the pace was a little slow for me but then someone who was late caught up which was great and we ran off at the front for 5.3 miles which was the long route (2.5 and 4.0 were the other options)
Iain who I ran with was great and offered to help us with the issues of settling into the US. When I got back to the running store, 5-6 other people came up and said hello which was great, but it was not done in an intimidating way.
I then talked with a guy from Poland who worked in the store. He had been on a scholarship for track and field and finished a few years ago. He had run a 1:50 800m, a 14:21 5k and was going to make his half marathon debut 3 years ago before a stress fracture. A bit quick for me, but could be a potential future tempo run partner.
Another great experience of walking in off the street and running with a group. My wife also had a great experience although the first 1.5 miles no-one really talked with her on the run, but she then found someone and had a great chat/run
ewenm said:
The plans on www.runnersworld.co.uk seem to be OK, although I'm not a marathoner and had a specific plan from my coach the one time I did try to train properly for the event. Others on the thread may be able to provide better resources.
I followed the marathon plan on Runners World which seemed as good as any. They have ones for different finish times so there should be one to suit.KTF said:
Is that 'long' for most US clubs or picked as the people who turned up were not capable of running much further?
I'm not sure yet. The standard at the club level looks to be between 8 min/mile and 16 min/mile whereas I am used to 5/mile and 12/mileAs for distances I think many of these clubs/groups are just starting and so they have the shorter routes to encourage people. It feels like I will need to run with a group to be sociable and do any tempo's/speedwork/long runs on my own
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