Improving my running
Discussion
Robmarriott said:
I’ve really got to go tonight, I’ve not been ran for 5 days and hadn’t ran for 8 days before that. Considering it was doing it at least 3 times a week up until that point, I’m expecting to have gone backwards a bit.
Keep talking myself out of it and I really need to just keep pushing.
Yeah, I am forcing myself to do something, I dont enjoy it but its worth the feeling when its done, it doesnt come naturally, under no illusions as a 16 stone 48 year old desk jockey but its nice to be able to run, things you take for granted as a kid you cant do when you get older. I spent ages not being able to run, well I could and then would end up limping for a week, so been a big thing for me to be able to go and run, and then running for a mile without stopping was another milestone.Keep talking myself out of it and I really need to just keep pushing.
Going to keep it up and do some slightly longer ones but no desire to be a runner, might do the local parkrun but not going to be aiming for marathons or even half marathons.
Can feel the benefits, less aches and pains as I do more, I put it down to age but think your body gets soft when you dont do something.
But mainly, I need to now do better than 8 minutes 52, the time my wife did, which I think will need much more running and to drop 2 stone.
J4CKO said:
Robmarriott said:
I’ve really got to go tonight, I’ve not been ran for 5 days and hadn’t ran for 8 days before that. Considering it was doing it at least 3 times a week up until that point, I’m expecting to have gone backwards a bit.
Keep talking myself out of it and I really need to just keep pushing.
Yeah, I am forcing myself to do something, I dont enjoy it but its worth the feeling when its done, it doesnt come naturally, under no illusions as a 16 stone 48 year old desk jockey but its nice to be able to run, things you take for granted as a kid you cant do when you get older. I spent ages not being able to run, well I could and then would end up limping for a week, so been a big thing for me to be able to go and run, and then running for a mile without stopping was another milestone.Keep talking myself out of it and I really need to just keep pushing.
Going to keep it up and do some slightly longer ones but no desire to be a runner, might do the local parkrun but not going to be aiming for marathons or even half marathons.
Can feel the benefits, less aches and pains as I do more, I put it down to age but think your body gets soft when you dont do something.
But mainly, I need to now do better than 8 minutes 52, the time my wife did, which I think will need much more running and to drop 2 stone.
Motivation is a tricky one, I'm quite idle naturally and I've found the best way to 'stay on point' is to have a goal in the mid-term - usually a race but it could be a longer aspirational run/route. Maybe enter an event or two for the rest of the year and work towards those? An 'event' doesn't have to be a gnarly limb-basher, something like a half-marathon is ideal as you'll also have a similar people to yourself rather than a field full of racing snakes.
I wouldn't get too obsessed with stats or outright performance (unless that's your motivator...) but rather focus on your honest effort level and be happy with a hard run well done.
For the mention of niggles - I would advocate (if possible) running over slightly less regular surfaces - grass/trail type running - for me this makes the running less metronomic and due to constantly changing stride length, footfall, placement etc you get less 'wear' on specific points and also strengthen and condition those small 'balance' muscles.
I'd also probably look at extending distance [at our ages endurance is on the ascendant while velocity is perhaps on the wane] - a half marathon done in a 'jog & walk the uphills' style is no less a half marathon than a 2hr one.
Anyway, good luck to you!
Good points Andy, the track has been my comfort zone, when I was having the foot issues I struggled with anything that wasnt flat as if it was painful as the weight shifted more onto it. Spent ages trying to get it sorted, did two laps and it set it off, various jobs outside would cause it and couldn't find a cause, tried all sorts. I went to two physios, the GP, Sports clinic, had X rays and god knows what else, it was excruciating and last between two and 10 days. So sort of assumed I wouldnt be doing any running, went to the Podiatrist and was sceptical, going through the motions and she recommended some insoles for suppination, bought a few pairs and have worn them religiously and am now not struggling with it. Do loads of stretching of the calves and calf raises so may be an element of strengthening going on, honestly thought at 47 that was it forever.
You are right about not getting fixated on numbers, but whatever gets me running.
Going to venture outside over the next few days, will report back.
You are right about not getting fixated on numbers, but whatever gets me running.
Going to venture outside over the next few days, will report back.
Robmarriott said:
Dragged myself out last night, ran a 10:10 average over 2 miles, considering I’ve had 5 days off (except for a 20 mile bike ride), I’m happy with that.
Hoping to break the 10 min barrier next week.
Nice one, keep going, it is horrible isnt it ? but dont you feel better being able to post you have done it ?Hoping to break the 10 min barrier next week.
I am literally just doing a timed mile, 8 laps of a track so I wouldn't average that fast as I am tuned in to doing a mile and no more.
I think running pays you back well, my resting pulse was, according to my Apple Watch, 51 today.
It doesnt get any easier someone said on here, you just get faster, I did 8.49 today for one mile and was blowing out of my arse at the end !
I'm feeling your pain guys. I have recently started running after agreeing to do a half marathon with my son.
I have now managed to drag my arse up to 10k solo and a 5k parkrun once a week but lordy has it been hard.
Pushed the boat out for an 8 miler yesterday and have the beeding nipples to go with it
On the plus side i've lost nearly 2 stone and my resting heart rate is in the 40's.
Nothing realy to add to this thread other than to say keep it up guys.
I have now managed to drag my arse up to 10k solo and a 5k parkrun once a week but lordy has it been hard.
Pushed the boat out for an 8 miler yesterday and have the beeding nipples to go with it
On the plus side i've lost nearly 2 stone and my resting heart rate is in the 40's.
Nothing realy to add to this thread other than to say keep it up guys.
J4CKO said:
Its a big of a lump to have int he gym anyway so might buy one if I can work out what model and capabilities it has, think you have to download tracks to it, there is a cellular version but not sure it works with my carrier and whether it works with Spotify like that. Will do some research.
I got an iWatch with cellular just for running! Even had to change my mobile carrier to EE (for all my company's phones) just to get it to work!And it's superb - I know run with the watch and wireless headphones - thats it. Yet I have music, pod casts, runkeeper app and can call/text if I need to.
I've tried every option going (Garmin Fenix, running with a phone, etc) and this is the best way for me (even though I never use the watch for anything else - because I'd look like a geek)
Tiggsy said:
J4CKO said:
Its a big of a lump to have int he gym anyway so might buy one if I can work out what model and capabilities it has, think you have to download tracks to it, there is a cellular version but not sure it works with my carrier and whether it works with Spotify like that. Will do some research.
I got an iWatch with cellular just for running! Even had to change my mobile carrier to EE (for all my company's phones) just to get it to work!And it's superb - I know run with the watch and wireless headphones - thats it. Yet I have music, pod casts, runkeeper app and can call/text if I need to.
I've tried every option going (Garmin Fenix, running with a phone, etc) and this is the best way for me (even though I never use the watch for anything else - because I'd look like a geek)
I didnt bother with cellular as neither my work phone or personal one are on a network that supports e sims yet, just thought copy tracks to it for running, use the copied stuff on it elsewhere or use the WiFi.
Its either the connection thing that asks for confirmation but not seen that in ages or potentially they only use 5ghz but that seems unlikely, just says cannot join that network.
Not been running outside yet, mainly due to weather but did 1.65 miles the other night in the gym, at a pace of 9.11 per mile, the track is boring but there is plenty to look at as you go round.
It says I used 239 calories which seems a bit much for 15 mins of running. May go for two miles tonight but may also mix the pace up a bit more, was a bit steady last time, I backed off the pace compare to trying to set a time, just went with what was comfortable and K knew I had done it but wasnt blowing too much after.
Its annoying though when some young trim Adonis trots past you effortlessly barely breaking a sweat, and then to compound it 12 year old kids tear past but to be fair they are done in by half a lap usually.
Wearing shorts for the first time in the gym today, worth 5 secs a lap I reckon
I never run more than 5k without Vaseline on! That with a tight compression top ( I wear a size medium despite being 6 foot 6 and 220lbs) fixes that issue. Also use it on groin and toes. I do plenty of obstacle course races where, sometimes within the first couple of minutes, you are running through knee deep water. Toes not covered in vasoline get raw if they are unprotected.
2 miles tonight, found it fairly easy, pace was 9.04 per mile.
Still new to this but cycled to work for 8 or 9 years and exercise in the rain is life affirming so happy to get a bit wet.
, but am now worried about my nips
Its amazing how quickly you get used to what previously reduced you to a panting mess, under no illusions here I am going quickly but pleased I can actually run a couple of miles, without stopping or feeling utterly ruined afterwards.
I have learnt that doing anything, even if its a slow half a mile, it is better than nothing, it isnt a competition against anyone but yourself.
Still new to this but cycled to work for 8 or 9 years and exercise in the rain is life affirming so happy to get a bit wet.
, but am now worried about my nips
Its amazing how quickly you get used to what previously reduced you to a panting mess, under no illusions here I am going quickly but pleased I can actually run a couple of miles, without stopping or feeling utterly ruined afterwards.
I have learnt that doing anything, even if its a slow half a mile, it is better than nothing, it isnt a competition against anyone but yourself.
J4CKO said:
2 miles tonight, found it fairly easy, pace was 9.04 per mile.
Still new to this but cycled to work for 8 or 9 years and exercise in the rain is life affirming so happy to get a bit wet.
, but am now worried about my nips
Its amazing how quickly you get used to what previously reduced you to a panting mess, under no illusions here I am going quickly but pleased I can actually run a couple of miles, without stopping or feeling utterly ruined afterwards.
I have learnt that doing anything, even if its a slow half a mile, it is better than nothing, it isnt a competition against anyone but yourself.
Another classic truism J4CKO, something is always better than nothing.Still new to this but cycled to work for 8 or 9 years and exercise in the rain is life affirming so happy to get a bit wet.
, but am now worried about my nips
Its amazing how quickly you get used to what previously reduced you to a panting mess, under no illusions here I am going quickly but pleased I can actually run a couple of miles, without stopping or feeling utterly ruined afterwards.
I have learnt that doing anything, even if its a slow half a mile, it is better than nothing, it isnt a competition against anyone but yourself.
There is something about a run in the rain that really helps clear my mind and my head of any stresses etc. Its hard getting out the door but at the minute at least its warm and raining.
Bought a fairly cheap decathlon light weight jacket as always run really hot and all my other running jackets were causing me to sweat like mad.
Get out, get it done.
Bought a fairly cheap decathlon light weight jacket as always run really hot and all my other running jackets were causing me to sweat like mad.
Get out, get it done.
Got out tonight, soaked through but I went our despite the rain.
Two weeks off has put me back by a huge amount though, I was hovering around 10min/10:10/mile, tonight I’m back down to 11:14. That’s enough to force me back out though. I’m not going back to how I was so I can’t have two weeks off again, whatever the weather. Very disappointed in myself.
Two weeks off has put me back by a huge amount though, I was hovering around 10min/10:10/mile, tonight I’m back down to 11:14. That’s enough to force me back out though. I’m not going back to how I was so I can’t have two weeks off again, whatever the weather. Very disappointed in myself.
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