Improving my running
Discussion
warch said:
I want them to introduce a weight gradient for fat blokes like me. I reckon I'm pretty quick for my size.
My local parkrun (Ludlow) is reckoned to be one of the top ten toughest courses, being both very hilly and largely off road. Weirdly though I struggle to really improve my best time (25.45) even in optimal conditions, like on a treadmill. I hate running on the flat or on tarmac because it's so monotonous, off road you have to pick your line and look where you're putting your feet.
It's a great Park Run - was my local. Stunning setting and nice to have some variation.My local parkrun (Ludlow) is reckoned to be one of the top ten toughest courses, being both very hilly and largely off road. Weirdly though I struggle to really improve my best time (25.45) even in optimal conditions, like on a treadmill. I hate running on the flat or on tarmac because it's so monotonous, off road you have to pick your line and look where you're putting your feet.
My local one now is in Merthyr Tydfil - haven't bothered.
warch said:
I want them to introduce a weight gradient for fat blokes like me. I reckon I'm pretty quick for my size.
My local parkrun (Ludlow) is reckoned to be one of the top ten toughest courses, being both very hilly and largely off road. Weirdly though I struggle to really improve my best time (25.45) even in optimal conditions, like on a treadmill. I hate running on the flat or on tarmac because it's so monotonous, off road you have to pick your line and look where you're putting your feet.
I do wonder how much of a bearing weight has on pace - I'm larger than average, 93kg. I'm guessing that you're a bit bigger than that? The age grading as it stands is a nice benchmark, not sure if adding weight into the equation would be that easy - possibly would require a bit more data collected to get any sort of accuracy.My local parkrun (Ludlow) is reckoned to be one of the top ten toughest courses, being both very hilly and largely off road. Weirdly though I struggle to really improve my best time (25.45) even in optimal conditions, like on a treadmill. I hate running on the flat or on tarmac because it's so monotonous, off road you have to pick your line and look where you're putting your feet.
I've been asking around about a possible target pace for me on the parkrun. Have a figure for my VO2 max estimated from my rowing 2k, and that figure equates to just over 20 minutes for the 5k. Only got to knock 3 minutes off my treadmill time and 5 minutes off my parkrun time. It is going to hurt ....
clonmult said:
warch said:
I want them to introduce a weight gradient for fat blokes like me. I reckon I'm pretty quick for my size.
My local parkrun (Ludlow) is reckoned to be one of the top ten toughest courses, being both very hilly and largely off road. Weirdly though I struggle to really improve my best time (25.45) even in optimal conditions, like on a treadmill. I hate running on the flat or on tarmac because it's so monotonous, off road you have to pick your line and look where you're putting your feet.
I do wonder how much of a bearing weight has on pace - I'm larger than average, 93kg. I'm guessing that you're a bit bigger than that? The age grading as it stands is a nice benchmark, not sure if adding weight into the equation would be that easy - possibly would require a bit more data collected to get any sort of accuracy.My local parkrun (Ludlow) is reckoned to be one of the top ten toughest courses, being both very hilly and largely off road. Weirdly though I struggle to really improve my best time (25.45) even in optimal conditions, like on a treadmill. I hate running on the flat or on tarmac because it's so monotonous, off road you have to pick your line and look where you're putting your feet.
I've been asking around about a possible target pace for me on the parkrun. Have a figure for my VO2 max estimated from my rowing 2k, and that figure equates to just over 20 minutes for the 5k. Only got to knock 3 minutes off my treadmill time and 5 minutes off my parkrun time. It is going to hurt ....
and a direct link to the study: https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4196/presen...
clonmult said:
warch said:
I want them to introduce a weight gradient for fat blokes like me. I reckon I'm pretty quick for my size.
My local parkrun (Ludlow) is reckoned to be one of the top ten toughest courses, being both very hilly and largely off road. Weirdly though I struggle to really improve my best time (25.45) even in optimal conditions, like on a treadmill. I hate running on the flat or on tarmac because it's so monotonous, off road you have to pick your line and look where you're putting your feet.
I do wonder how much of a bearing weight has on pace - I'm larger than average, 93kg. I'm guessing that you're a bit bigger than that? The age grading as it stands is a nice benchmark, not sure if adding weight into the equation would be that easy - possibly would require a bit more data collected to get any sort of accuracy.My local parkrun (Ludlow) is reckoned to be one of the top ten toughest courses, being both very hilly and largely off road. Weirdly though I struggle to really improve my best time (25.45) even in optimal conditions, like on a treadmill. I hate running on the flat or on tarmac because it's so monotonous, off road you have to pick your line and look where you're putting your feet.
I've been asking around about a possible target pace for me on the parkrun. Have a figure for my VO2 max estimated from my rowing 2k, and that figure equates to just over 20 minutes for the 5k. Only got to knock 3 minutes off my treadmill time and 5 minutes off my parkrun time. It is going to hurt ....
The problem with age grading is that there are lots of incredibly fit middle aged blokes about so I look quite poor by their standards.
warch said:
I'm being a bit facetious, and it depends on other factors like height and build. I'm 6.1 and well over 100kg. I'm not sure where I'm slower than other people but struggle with steep downhills where I just have a low top speed and sharp turns where I have to slow down a lot and lose a lot of momentum. I probably should lose a few stone, because it feels great, such a big difference not lugging all that podge around. I'm actually much better at longer distance like 10k or 16k.
The problem with age grading is that there are lots of incredibly fit middle aged blokes about so I look quite poor by their standards.
The indoor rowing community works on an age grading each season. I've actually attempted to compete next to total legends (I'm about a minute off the age group record for 2k), just nice to try and push and get as close as possible.The problem with age grading is that there are lots of incredibly fit middle aged blokes about so I look quite poor by their standards.
I've been doing a few treadmill sessions with a weighted vest. Scary thing yesterday was that with the vest ON I was still lighter than my heaviest in the last 2 years (101kg, heaviest was 102kg). It was definitely hard work with that on.
But something is definitely working - got my treadmill 5k down to 22:33 this morning. If it hadn't been so darned warm, or if there'd been a little ventilation in the gym I could have been a bit faster. Doesn't look like I'll get a chance to try for a parkrun PB this weekend. Torrential rain is forecast ....
clonmult said:
warch said:
I'm being a bit facetious, and it depends on other factors like height and build. I'm 6.1 and well over 100kg. I'm not sure where I'm slower than other people but struggle with steep downhills where I just have a low top speed and sharp turns where I have to slow down a lot and lose a lot of momentum. I probably should lose a few stone, because it feels great, such a big difference not lugging all that podge around. I'm actually much better at longer distance like 10k or 16k.
The problem with age grading is that there are lots of incredibly fit middle aged blokes about so I look quite poor by their standards.
The indoor rowing community works on an age grading each season. I've actually attempted to compete next to total legends (I'm about a minute off the age group record for 2k), just nice to try and push and get as close as possible.The problem with age grading is that there are lots of incredibly fit middle aged blokes about so I look quite poor by their standards.
I've been doing a few treadmill sessions with a weighted vest. Scary thing yesterday was that with the vest ON I was still lighter than my heaviest in the last 2 years (101kg, heaviest was 102kg). It was definitely hard work with that on.
But something is definitely working - got my treadmill 5k down to 22:33 this morning. If it hadn't been so darned warm, or if there'd been a little ventilation in the gym I could have been a bit faster. Doesn't look like I'll get a chance to try for a parkrun PB this weekend. Torrential rain is forecast ....
Really struggling with motivation again, had Monday off so went for a run in the middle of the day and it was great, tried to gee myself up to go last night and just couldn't be bothered because it's dark and cold.
I'm not afraid of running in the dark but I think the cold is bothering me more now than it was last winter when I was fatter. I know I'll only be cold for about 5 minutes but it's still difficult to push myself through that initial avoidance.
I might do the MK Parkrun this week so could do with doing something tonight at least.
It's frustrating because all year up until this point I've not felt like this and then suddenly the weather is getting to me.
I'm not afraid of running in the dark but I think the cold is bothering me more now than it was last winter when I was fatter. I know I'll only be cold for about 5 minutes but it's still difficult to push myself through that initial avoidance.
I might do the MK Parkrun this week so could do with doing something tonight at least.
It's frustrating because all year up until this point I've not felt like this and then suddenly the weather is getting to me.
Robmarriott said:
Really struggling with motivation again, had Monday off so went for a run in the middle of the day and it was great, tried to gee myself up to go last night and just couldn't be bothered because it's dark and cold.
I'm not afraid of running in the dark but I think the cold is bothering me more now than it was last winter when I was fatter. I know I'll only be cold for about 5 minutes but it's still difficult to push myself through that initial avoidance.
I might do the MK Parkrun this week so could do with doing something tonight at least.
It's frustrating because all year up until this point I've not felt like this and then suddenly the weather is getting to me.
You could try some warmer running clothes? I'm fairly thin and really feel the cold, but am never cold when running (other than my face in the depths of winter). For winter I have leggings with a furry inside lining, and I've just bought a fantastic thin long sleeved top which has a raised texture inside, like bubble wrap; it traps lots of air and is extremely warm, despite being really thin. With the right clothes the only thing that stops me running is ice, for fear of slipping and injuring myself.I'm not afraid of running in the dark but I think the cold is bothering me more now than it was last winter when I was fatter. I know I'll only be cold for about 5 minutes but it's still difficult to push myself through that initial avoidance.
I might do the MK Parkrun this week so could do with doing something tonight at least.
It's frustrating because all year up until this point I've not felt like this and then suddenly the weather is getting to me.
RobM77 said:
clonmult said:
warch said:
I'm being a bit facetious, and it depends on other factors like height and build. I'm 6.1 and well over 100kg. I'm not sure where I'm slower than other people but struggle with steep downhills where I just have a low top speed and sharp turns where I have to slow down a lot and lose a lot of momentum. I probably should lose a few stone, because it feels great, such a big difference not lugging all that podge around. I'm actually much better at longer distance like 10k or 16k.
The problem with age grading is that there are lots of incredibly fit middle aged blokes about so I look quite poor by their standards.
The indoor rowing community works on an age grading each season. I've actually attempted to compete next to total legends (I'm about a minute off the age group record for 2k), just nice to try and push and get as close as possible.The problem with age grading is that there are lots of incredibly fit middle aged blokes about so I look quite poor by their standards.
I've been doing a few treadmill sessions with a weighted vest. Scary thing yesterday was that with the vest ON I was still lighter than my heaviest in the last 2 years (101kg, heaviest was 102kg). It was definitely hard work with that on.
But something is definitely working - got my treadmill 5k down to 22:33 this morning. If it hadn't been so darned warm, or if there'd been a little ventilation in the gym I could have been a bit faster. Doesn't look like I'll get a chance to try for a parkrun PB this weekend. Torrential rain is forecast ....
Main problem is shin splints - primarily on my left leg, towards the ankle. But I've been trying a roller on the shin over the last few nights and each morning I wake up and all the pain has gone - prior to using the roller it was aching all the ruddy time.
clonmult said:
RobM77 said:
clonmult said:
warch said:
I'm being a bit facetious, and it depends on other factors like height and build. I'm 6.1 and well over 100kg. I'm not sure where I'm slower than other people but struggle with steep downhills where I just have a low top speed and sharp turns where I have to slow down a lot and lose a lot of momentum. I probably should lose a few stone, because it feels great, such a big difference not lugging all that podge around. I'm actually much better at longer distance like 10k or 16k.
The problem with age grading is that there are lots of incredibly fit middle aged blokes about so I look quite poor by their standards.
The indoor rowing community works on an age grading each season. I've actually attempted to compete next to total legends (I'm about a minute off the age group record for 2k), just nice to try and push and get as close as possible.The problem with age grading is that there are lots of incredibly fit middle aged blokes about so I look quite poor by their standards.
I've been doing a few treadmill sessions with a weighted vest. Scary thing yesterday was that with the vest ON I was still lighter than my heaviest in the last 2 years (101kg, heaviest was 102kg). It was definitely hard work with that on.
But something is definitely working - got my treadmill 5k down to 22:33 this morning. If it hadn't been so darned warm, or if there'd been a little ventilation in the gym I could have been a bit faster. Doesn't look like I'll get a chance to try for a parkrun PB this weekend. Torrential rain is forecast ....
Main problem is shin splints - primarily on my left leg, towards the ankle. But I've been trying a roller on the shin over the last few nights and each morning I wake up and all the pain has gone - prior to using the roller it was aching all the ruddy time.
You may find this article interesting: https://www.kinetic-revolution.com/what-causes-shi... I saw it the other day, but don't get shin splints myself thankfully.
Robmarriott said:
Really struggling with motivation again, had Monday off so went for a run in the middle of the day and it was great, tried to gee myself up to go last night and just couldn't be bothered because it's dark and cold.
I'm not afraid of running in the dark but I think the cold is bothering me more now than it was last winter when I was fatter. I know I'll only be cold for about 5 minutes but it's still difficult to push myself through that initial avoidance.
I might do the MK Parkrun this week so could do with doing something tonight at least.
It's frustrating because all year up until this point I've not felt like this and then suddenly the weather is getting to me.
You too! I set a weekly and annual distance targets in Strava which help me be motivated. Has been particularly wet and windy though!I'm not afraid of running in the dark but I think the cold is bothering me more now than it was last winter when I was fatter. I know I'll only be cold for about 5 minutes but it's still difficult to push myself through that initial avoidance.
I might do the MK Parkrun this week so could do with doing something tonight at least.
It's frustrating because all year up until this point I've not felt like this and then suddenly the weather is getting to me.
RobM77 said:
Robmarriott said:
Really struggling with motivation again, had Monday off so went for a run in the middle of the day and it was great, tried to gee myself up to go last night and just couldn't be bothered because it's dark and cold.
I'm not afraid of running in the dark but I think the cold is bothering me more now than it was last winter when I was fatter. I know I'll only be cold for about 5 minutes but it's still difficult to push myself through that initial avoidance.
I might do the MK Parkrun this week so could do with doing something tonight at least.
It's frustrating because all year up until this point I've not felt like this and then suddenly the weather is getting to me.
You could try some warmer running clothes? I'm fairly thin and really feel the cold, but am never cold when running (other than my face in the depths of winter). For winter I have leggings with a furry inside lining, and I've just bought a fantastic thin long sleeved top which has a raised texture inside, like bubble wrap; it traps lots of air and is extremely warm, despite being really thin. With the right clothes the only thing that stops me running is ice, for fear of slipping and injuring myself.I'm not afraid of running in the dark but I think the cold is bothering me more now than it was last winter when I was fatter. I know I'll only be cold for about 5 minutes but it's still difficult to push myself through that initial avoidance.
I might do the MK Parkrun this week so could do with doing something tonight at least.
It's frustrating because all year up until this point I've not felt like this and then suddenly the weather is getting to me.
Legs aren't an issue, I'll run in shorts when it's below freezing, it's just my top half now needs a little bit of insulation.
RobM77 said:
Good to hear positive feedback on a foam roller. I use one, but have never been sure if it does anything or not. Is yours smooth or one of the knobbly ones?
You may find this article interesting: https://www.kinetic-revolution.com/what-causes-shi... I saw it the other day, but don't get shin splints myself thankfully.
I am an evangelist for midfoot running (but build up gently, wear thin soled, zero drop shoes daily etc.) and rope skipping.You may find this article interesting: https://www.kinetic-revolution.com/what-causes-shi... I saw it the other day, but don't get shin splints myself thankfully.
Build up to skipping sets of 30 reps on each foot.
MC Bodge said:
RobM77 said:
Good to hear positive feedback on a foam roller. I use one, but have never been sure if it does anything or not. Is yours smooth or one of the knobbly ones?
You may find this article interesting: https://www.kinetic-revolution.com/what-causes-shi... I saw it the other day, but don't get shin splints myself thankfully.
I am an evangelist for midfoot running (but build up gently, wear thin soled, zero drop shoes daily etc.) and rope skipping.You may find this article interesting: https://www.kinetic-revolution.com/what-causes-shi... I saw it the other day, but don't get shin splints myself thankfully.
Build up to skipping sets of 30 reps on each foot.
Ialso use a percusion gun over a foam roller. Just used it in the sauna this moring - great device!
Tiggsy said:
MC Bodge said:
RobM77 said:
Good to hear positive feedback on a foam roller. I use one, but have never been sure if it does anything or not. Is yours smooth or one of the knobbly ones?
You may find this article interesting: https://www.kinetic-revolution.com/what-causes-shi... I saw it the other day, but don't get shin splints myself thankfully.
I am an evangelist for midfoot running (but build up gently, wear thin soled, zero drop shoes daily etc.) and rope skipping.You may find this article interesting: https://www.kinetic-revolution.com/what-causes-shi... I saw it the other day, but don't get shin splints myself thankfully.
Build up to skipping sets of 30 reps on each foot.
Ialso use a percusion gun over a foam roller. Just used it in the sauna this moring - great device!
Also do the more regular foam roller work on the back, quads, hams and calves.
Will have to look up mid foot running.
Robmarriott said:
RobM77 said:
Robmarriott said:
Really struggling with motivation again, had Monday off so went for a run in the middle of the day and it was great, tried to gee myself up to go last night and just couldn't be bothered because it's dark and cold.
I'm not afraid of running in the dark but I think the cold is bothering me more now than it was last winter when I was fatter. I know I'll only be cold for about 5 minutes but it's still difficult to push myself through that initial avoidance.
I might do the MK Parkrun this week so could do with doing something tonight at least.
It's frustrating because all year up until this point I've not felt like this and then suddenly the weather is getting to me.
You could try some warmer running clothes? I'm fairly thin and really feel the cold, but am never cold when running (other than my face in the depths of winter). For winter I have leggings with a furry inside lining, and I've just bought a fantastic thin long sleeved top which has a raised texture inside, like bubble wrap; it traps lots of air and is extremely warm, despite being really thin. With the right clothes the only thing that stops me running is ice, for fear of slipping and injuring myself.I'm not afraid of running in the dark but I think the cold is bothering me more now than it was last winter when I was fatter. I know I'll only be cold for about 5 minutes but it's still difficult to push myself through that initial avoidance.
I might do the MK Parkrun this week so could do with doing something tonight at least.
It's frustrating because all year up until this point I've not felt like this and then suddenly the weather is getting to me.
Legs aren't an issue, I'll run in shorts when it's below freezing, it's just my top half now needs a little bit of insulation.
Shorts all-year-round - cant bare to run in tights/leggings - just doesnt feel right, regardless of the weather.
Problem solved I think, nipped out at lunchtime and bought myself a couple of dirt cheap long sleeved tops and a really thin jacket thing to try too, although I think it might be like wearing a bin bag in a sauna.... we'll see.
Glad it's not just me who can't stand joggers/leggings too, I got some funny looks running in shorts and a hoody when it was snowing at the start of the year but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Glad it's not just me who can't stand joggers/leggings too, I got some funny looks running in shorts and a hoody when it was snowing at the start of the year but I wouldn't have it any other way!
I generally wear wicking short sleeve tops year round or a long sleeved wicking top if it is below about 8 DegC.
Approaching 0, I wear a short sleeve top over a long sleeve.
On the hills I'll wear a light waterproof to keep the wind and rain off as required.
I wear Tracksters (which are quite tight on me) in cold weather, on my legs. I've worn similar since the 90s and I've not got spindly or fat legs, so don't worry about how I look.
Approaching 0, I wear a short sleeve top over a long sleeve.
On the hills I'll wear a light waterproof to keep the wind and rain off as required.
I wear Tracksters (which are quite tight on me) in cold weather, on my legs. I've worn similar since the 90s and I've not got spindly or fat legs, so don't worry about how I look.
Robmarriott said:
Problem solved I think, nipped out at lunchtime and bought myself a couple of dirt cheap long sleeved tops and a really thin jacket thing to try too, although I think it might be like wearing a bin bag in a sauna.... we'll see.
Glad it's not just me who can't stand joggers/leggings too, I got some funny looks running in shorts and a hoody when it was snowing at the start of the year but I wouldn't have it any other way!
There was a guy at the Basingstoke Half a few weeks back who was literally wearing a bin bag (on top of his regular running clothes). The idea being that it would keep him warm until he was fully up to temp, then he could easily rip it off. Looked stupid.Glad it's not just me who can't stand joggers/leggings too, I got some funny looks running in shorts and a hoody when it was snowing at the start of the year but I wouldn't have it any other way!
I've got some of the leggings, they're fine when cycling (and absolutely amazing when cycling in sub zero temperatures). I've tried them once in the gym - my legs overheated, steam was coming off them. Not tried them running, but will give them a go when the temperature drops - not entirely sure they'll work for me, but worth at least giving them a go once.
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