Official Running Thread

[dazzer6666]

I don't think you're being over-optimistic at all.

1) IMO, if you've run that distance, you can probably run 26.2 no problem. In some marathon training plans that's not much short of the longest run before race day.
2/3) Yes, I have a vest and I used it yesterday to carry water, a bit of food (more than I'd normally need), facemask (for post-run McD's), mobile charging unit and cables (had to run the VLM app and I wasn't sure how it would affect phone battery life). I normally would only take water and food, normally just water if it's an organised trail marathon, because the aid stations are normally fabulously stocked. The vests are so comfortable too, but if you didn't want to go down that route then yes, run via the shops along the coast. There's talk of a Pier 2 Pier run involving (I think) Bognor to Brighton and there are plenty of places along there. Or get a support crew to drop the odd bottle with you or something (loads of runners yesterday had people helping them).
4) My legs were a bit of a mess before I started yesterday after being on my hands and knees all day Saturday insulating the loft. But when you're out there, you just get through it and actually it eases off after a while. But yes, I took it easy last week (fewer miles at a slower pace) and I was back out this morning to keep my own streak going.

The most important thing is you have to WANT to run a marathon. It's a hell of a long way if you're hating it the whole way round. Had this conversation with a mate yesterday, who ran the last mile with me – what is the point of running (or any form of sport/exercise/activity) if you don't enjoy it? Waste of time and you end up feeling worse than you did before you started!

Finally – and I know [MENTION=27279]dazzer6666[/MENTION] would agree, but many others might not – I would always favour trails over road. Especially if you're legs are feeling it because, honestly, mine feel fine today. It could be that we organise (or resurrect) the NSC marathon and get a few of us (up to six, I guess?) involved. I'm sure people could carry some food and water for you Actually, I think – if you did the route I did yesterday – there would be enough places to stop along the way, maybe?

Agree 100%. [MENTION=6886]Bozza[/MENTION] your training volume would easily allow you to have a bash at a marathon......whether it’s trail or road doesn’t matter but as [MENTION=24635]Greg Bobkin[/MENTION] says you’ll find trail so much easier to recover from (it’ll just be a slower time obviously). As regards hydration etc, would be useful to try out a few things on some of your longer runs in advance, and you definitely shouldn’t attempt a marathon without water plans. As well as the shopping en route option, if you don’t want to carry you can also pop out beforehand and place a few bottles at strategic points. There are also multiple taps on the SDW (for example Upper Beeding, Truleigh YHA, Housedean Farm layby, Southease Church, Southease YHA etc etc) so any long route on there isn’t going to be a problem. Ditchling Beacon car park usually has a coffee van or ice cream van there.

I’m still off anything long distance atm (4 months now) with a persistent ankle/heel issue (legacy of a sprain) but once I can get back up to comfy 3hr+ jogs (currently at about 2 max) I’d be up for an NSC marathon

 

[lost in london]

Hi, can anyone help with trail shoes? I run in Mizuno Wave Riders and see they have a trail version of them (https://emea.mizuno.com/uk/en-gb/wave-rider-tt-2/J1GC2032-aw20.html). I'm reluctant to move away from Wave Riders as I've had knee problems in the past and the Wave Riders have been great. The trail version seem to be a bit of a jack of all trades and doesn't have a rugged sole like some of the innov8 trainers, do you think they would be a worthwhile step up from the normal trainers? Not looking at doing anything too long or wild in trail shoes, but would like some shoes that offer more grip than I currently have when I head out onto the downs and through the woods.

 

[Normal Rob]

I've been trying to get fitter for the last 2 months since working from home put an end to my dwindling gym attendance. I then became a slob for 3 months. For the first month I ran on alternate days to try and minimise the hurt in my legs, and for the last month i've run one day, and got on the spin bike the next. And I'm getting nowhere. A 2 mile run is still torture. Does it get any better? I'm seriously beginning to doubt it. Surely by now there should have been some improvement? (my times are a little better, but there is no way I could run further).

Also can anyone recommend a good pair of shoes for a heavier runner? (95kg, mainly running on roads at the moment as i don't know any tracks yet) - price bracket up to/around £100.

Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 2719]

I've been trying to get fitter for the last 2 months since working from home put an end to my dwindling gym attendance. I then became a slob for 3 months. For the first month I ran on alternate days to try and minimise the hurt in my legs, and for the last month i've run one day, and got on the spin bike the next. And I'm getting nowhere. A 2 mile run is still torture. Does it get any better? I'm seriously beginning to doubt it. Surely by now there should have been some improvement? (my times are a little better, but there is no way I could run further).

Also can anyone recommend a good pair of shoes for a heavier runner? (95kg, mainly running on roads at the moment as i don't know any tracks yet) - price bracket up to/around £100.

Thanks.

Keep going Rob, I would suggest slow down, whack some Spandau Ballet in your ears and you will glide along like a gazelle.

There is some truth to that. I think!

I think you are going to often, I am a twice a week bloke and rarely go over 6k a time.

I did a faster 2k first this morning, a minute break, then followed a quick-ish 1k, min break and the finale, I smashed my lungs out on as quick as I could for another 1k.

Am I quick, NO.
Did I enjoy it NO/YES when I finished!
What I enjoyed most was seeing I got back in the Superior category for V02 for my age and my protein bar at the end!

On the shoe front, I don't know, but I am due to get some so would welcome, some feedback for a guy that just does running to keep alert and fit

 

[timbha]

Keep going Rob, I would suggest slow down, whack some Spandau Ballet in your ears and you will glide along like a gazelle.

There is some truth to that. I think!

I think you are going to often, I am a twice a week bloke and rarely go over 6k a time.

I did a faster 2k first this morning, a minute break, then followed a quick-ish 1k, min break and the finale, I smashed my lungs out on as quick as I could for another 1k.

Am I quick, NO.
Did I enjoy it NO/YES when I finished!
What I enjoyed most was seeing I got back in the Superior category for V02 for my age and my protein bar at the end!

On the shoe front, I don't know, but I am due to get some so would welcome, some feedback for a guy that just does running to keep alert and fit

Great advice.

Regarding running shoes, you really need to get a good running shop to assess your needs. The wrong shoes will ruin your toes, feet, ankles, calfs, knees, hamstrings, back and neck !!

 

[dazzer6666]

Hi, can anyone help with trail shoes? I run in Mizuno Wave Riders and see they have a trail version of them (https://emea.mizuno.com/uk/en-gb/wave-rider-tt-2/J1GC2032-aw20.html). I'm reluctant to move away from Wave Riders as I've had knee problems in the past and the Wave Riders have been great. The trail version seem to be a bit of a jack of all trades and doesn't have a rugged sole like some of the innov8 trainers, do you think they would be a worthwhile step up from the normal trainers? Not looking at doing anything too long or wild in trail shoes, but would like some shoes that offer more grip than I currently have when I head out onto the downs and through the woods.

If not doing anything too dramatic, then the trail version of your road shoes is a decent option............fit and feel should be similar so far less risk in changing as opposed to something completely different. If after a while you find you need more grip then you can start to think about something more aggressively-lugged but the Downs aren't too bad anyway as they dry out so quickly.

 

[dazzer6666]

Great advice.

Regarding running shoes, you really need to get a good running shop to assess your needs. The wrong shoes will ruin your toes, feet, ankles, calfs, knees, hamstrings, back and neck !!

.....and wallet

Agree though - get to a running shop and let them take a look at what you're doing in terms of gait etc (take your current shoes with you) and chat through what you're planning to do.

As regards the effort....don't worry about it. It does get easier - and for now if you need a walk break, then have one, it's perfectly normal. Also maybe don't try to run too fast ? Make sure (for now) you're at a pace where you could hold a conversation. The 'Couch to 5k' programme is brilliant for getting you to that distance - and once there you'll be able to gradually increase time/distance.

 

[Deleted member 2719]

Great advice.

Regarding running shoes, you really need to get a good running shop to assess your needs. The wrong shoes will ruin your toes, feet, ankles, calfs, knees, hamstrings, back and neck !!

I hope you are not talking from experience!

There is a shop in Chichester that sorts this stuff out, but I wasn't sure how much of it was marketing just to flog you a pair of rubber-soled slippers!

 

[Normal Rob]

Thanks all. Good advice. I dont think that there are any running shops local to me but I'll look online. I think part of the problem around here is that it's quite hilly. I train to maintain an even pace up/down but the ups are bloody hard.

 

[timbha]

Thanks all. Good advice. I dont think that there are any running shops local to me but I'll look online. I think part of the problem around here is that it's quite hilly. I train to maintain an even pace up/down but the ups are bloody hard.

If you are really stuck and can’t get to a running shop there are some on line checks and tests that help, for example a wet footprint test will indicate if you over pronate and tell you the type of shoes you need. Don’t be alarmed if you need support shoes, most heavier and older runners do!

Ps - if you do need support shoes. Brooks Adrenaline are a safe bet, max £120 but previous years’ versions can be £20 - £30 cheaper.

 

[dazzer6666]

Thanks all. Good advice. I dont think that there are any running shops local to me but I'll look online. I think part of the problem around here is that it's quite hilly. I train to maintain an even pace up/down but the ups are bloody hard.

Aim for even effort, rather than even pace........

 

[Normal Rob]

Aim for even effort, rather than even pace........

How exactly. I'm not sure that I understand how you can use the same effort running up a hill as down it. I practically look like I'm moonwalking up the slopes already I'm going so slowly

 

[dazzer6666]

How exactly. I'm not sure that I understand how you can use the same effort running up a hill as down it. I practically look like I'm moonwalking up the slopes already I'm going so slowly

Easier to check if your use an HRM, but can also have a pretty good idea with how your breathing is.......but basically you need to slow down obviously. You’ll probably still be using an elevated effort even then, but the following downhill/flat then becomes a bit of a recovery spell to regulate your effort back to ‘normal’ asap. This all assumes you want an even effort over the session - I often use the hills as ‘efforts’ and deliberately pick up the pace going uphill. Once a the top the next bit definitely becomes a recovery jog. On long runs, I usually walk any big hills to keep the effort level even (what my coach would call ‘all day effort’).

 

[Greg Bobkin]

Thanks all. Good advice. I dont think that there are any running shops local to me but I'll look online. I think part of the problem around here is that it's quite hilly. I train to maintain an even pace up/down but the ups are bloody hard.

Aim for even effort, rather than even pace........

What he said. When I ran on Sunday I found myself not stopping at all, even up the hills. A few sections I walked, but I managed to keep moving the whole time. A lot of it is probably something to do with being two stone lighter than when I did my last trail marathon, but it's also about race managements. For the first time ever, I think I got it close to spot on because I felt really good by the end of it.

Don't ever think hills are a problem – they're ace

 

[Fitzcarraldo]

It feels like World Athletics have dug themselves into a hole allowing the Vaporflys in competitions. Now they have to let in the Dragonflys too and, who would have guessed, world records get smashed. I can't understand why they don't take the same approach as swimming with those body suits (as they should have done with the Vaporflys). These spikes are clearly going to have the same impact if they don't.

 

[Seagulls & Dons]

The key with running up hills is to slow down by reducing your stride length but maintain the same tempo as on the flat.

 

[Garry Nelson's teacher]

Back to running after a bit of an injury break. 3 miles along Worthing prom in the sunshine. (No disclosure of the time!)

 

[soistes]

Im on 1269 for the year, biggest ever year was 2009 with 1317 miles.
And hit a 200 day running streak yesterday.

Snap. Just hit my 200-day covid run streak on Wednesday, and today I passed 2,500 km for the year so far. 2020 is going to be my biggest ever running year, by a country kilometre.

 

[Deleted member 2719]

Knocked a quickie out this morning, ahh and it felt good.

Before I get banned from this thread, I am talking about running.

2nd fastest this year and fastest since my flu/COVID thing in March.

 

[Deleted member 2719]

Where have all the runners gone

I need some expert advice on my running shoes, are the wear areas right on my trainers

I am just looking to fine-tune and stay injury-free,if possible!

As you can see right foot a bit different to the left foot, is that normal?