Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

Getting back into running - anyone with me?

179 replies

SweetestThing · 28/04/2019 19:06

Watching the London Marathon today prompted me to think seriously about how to get back into running. I used to run several times a week and have run London several times but in recent years, my exercise has been sporadic, with runs of only a few miles and lots of hiatuses.

I've now entered the ballot for next year's London (confidently predicting my eleventy billionth rejection) but have decided I need to have something to aim for before then, so have booked in for a half-marathon in September. So I need to get a training plan in place, sort out my diet and weight (currently carrying about two stone over my running weight) and cross-train.

Anyone fancy joining me in a virtual support and training plan?

OP posts:
Original poster
SweetestThing · 30/04/2019 07:40

Lots of new faces -welcome, everyone! I hope we'll all find this a support. It's interesting how many of you are like me, used to run regularly but life/illness/death/work get in the way and you have to press the reset button.

Well done, everyone who got out. I did another slow two miles this morning but had to force myself to go out after a rubbish sleep. Spinosaur, there's no harm in walking - you're still moving. I incorporate walk breaks when I need to and try to make sure I walk at a brisk pace if I can.

VivaFrida, we're not running purists - any form of exercise welcome :) My husband is a very keen cyclist and keeps trying to persuade me to go out with him, but I'm a nervous, wobbly cyclist so I don't enjoy it. I wish I did...

I really need to sort out my eating. Yesterday I was fine during the day - fish and vegetables for lunch, chicken and chorizo skewers with broccoli and potato wedges for dinner, but then I had three biscuits and some Easter egg chocolate. When it comes to the evening, I seem to have the willpower of a flip flop...

I tried the PiYo class yesterday but I was the only one there. The instructor said she couldn't do a 1-2-1 class as it would count as personal training and the leisure centre would object, but she did a 15 minute advanced stretch session with me that turned into 30 minutes. It was good to do something different and I think I'll try and incorporate some of it into my daily routine. I'm not very good at stretching.

So, fellow plodders, what are your plans for today?

OP posts:
Spinosaur · 29/04/2019 21:38

I went out. I ran very slowly and walked up the steep hills. My legs hurt now so need to do some stretching. I saw a heron, lots of rabbits and midges!

User24689 · 29/04/2019 20:01

I'll join if I may! Just done day 1 of c25k. Used to be a reasonable runner but haven't run at all since having my son 18 months ago and was a bit sporadic after having the 3yo! Determined to get fit, lose the last of the baby weight and feel a bit more confident in myself.

shrumps · 29/04/2019 19:26

I'll join! Not having run for over a year (I used to be a Parkrun regular) I joined a beginners running club last week and absolutely loved it. It's only C25K, but it's a start!

cliquewhyohwhy · 29/04/2019 18:56

I managed just over a mile and my god what a shock to the system lol. My legs are aching now!

VivaFrida · 29/04/2019 18:40

Hi there! I would like to join you if it's ok!

I used to run a fair amount a few years ago, and then getting a PhD first and some tough shit from life (death in the family, lost my job, more death...) turned me from a runner bean into a donut! I did comfort eat and struggled with MH issues.

But now I am getting better!

I am now losing weight and getting back to a weight where I can comfortably run. I am not quite there yet - probably 2-3 kg off it, though.

If you do not mind me logging x-training/exercise bike for a few weeks more until I get back some basic condition to run I'd really really love to join you. You may even spur me to run sooner rather than later.

Spinosaur · 29/04/2019 12:42

Hello, I am looking for motivation to get back to running. I have signed up for a 10k in September and believe that if I go out regularly then this is possible. I struggle with putting my trainers on and leaving the house (am wobbly and embarrassed) but want to get back to a reasonable distance. I plan to go out tonight.

MardyLardy · 29/04/2019 12:41

Poor you Bound - tricky injuries.

Sweetest have you tried 5:2 or similar - I did that and it was good. Can never be arsed being over restrictive with what I eat individually so can be more or less scent according to mood.

Original poster
SweetestThing · 29/04/2019 09:25

Bound, you've had a bit of a run of back luck with injuries! You'll come back.

OP posts:
Original poster
SweetestThing · 29/04/2019 09:24

Our DD is getting married in July 2020 and I want to be slender by then. I feel you have much more choice about what to wear when you're slimmer and I always feel better when I'm lighter.

I think my plank will be pretty pathetic today, but we all have to start somewhere.

We can do this!

OP posts:
BoundByBriars · 29/04/2019 09:09

Well done Sweetest!

I have a DVD set of PiYo and I had just geared myself up to start it as a replacement for running after my Achilles injury when I fell over and dislocated my shoulder! So now I can’t hold myself in plank or downward dog very well or do push ups.

I thought I was cursed and it put me off working out for another year but I’ve got tough with myself now and am starting with wall push ups and body weight exercises I CAN do 2x a week plus C25k 3x a week.

Let’s see how it goes! I’m determined to not give up this quest for fitness now. I’m thoroughly fed up of being flabby and breathless!

MardyLardy · 29/04/2019 08:56

Name change just to show my enthusiasm.
Stepped on the scales at 12.1 stone - was 9.6 a few years ago! That was my running weight:(

Booze stops today (lots of it usually) and food will be improved an fizzy ditched. Need to sort my back before I can run so will get doing some yoga first - onwards hey

Original poster
SweetestThing · 29/04/2019 08:41

Good morning, fellow get-fitters :)

Great that there are a few of us wanting to get back into/into running and to support each other. Well done, those of you who have been out or are planning to go out. Baby steps will get us there.

I did two miles this morning, slow but steady. Fairly flat route with a couple of mild inclines. Planning to go to PiYo at lunchtime (blend of pilates and yoga- sounds a bit unusual!) and do some weights in the gym afterwards.

No food eaten yet. I am trying to decide if I want to try the keto diet, where you have virtually no carbs but eat lots of fat, including butter, cream, cheese etc. Lots of oily fish too. It sounds counter-intuitive because for so long I have avoided fats and now this actively encourages you to eat them! Anyone tried it?

OP posts:
BoundByBriars · 29/04/2019 07:19

Thanks Why. The conversation I had with myself at 5.45 was very firm!

MadamGrumpsalot · 29/04/2019 07:12

Count me in! Never been a big runner but last year managed to ramp up to run 5-8k pretty comfortably and regularly. Then stopped after I had a killer chest infection and it's been so sporadic since then. I'm actually ordering a treadmill for the house as I'm a complete fair weather runner so this will mean I have no excuses and can also jump on and pound out a quick 5k whilst my DC naps. I booked myself on to a 10k for October back in Jan so I have given myself the targets, I just need to execute on them!

WhyNotMe40 · 29/04/2019 07:03

Well done for getting out there!

BoundByBriars · 29/04/2019 06:49

C25k Day 1 - done!

Achilles very tight to start with but eased up by half way. I’m sweating like anything!

The first time I completed this program I’d been doing intense cardio kickboxing and Pilates for a while so had the CV fitness but today I felt like a heaving blob all the way.

Onwards and upwards!!

Good luck today everyone.

CalmConfident · 28/04/2019 21:21

Looking for an autumn HM to sign up for to inspire me and as a goal

Amicompletelyinsane · 28/04/2019 21:20

Ooh I'm in. Took up running a few years ago but a nasty accident stopped it all. Finally think I'm strong enough and really want to feel confident enough to book into something

Ouchy · 28/04/2019 21:20

I need to join this thread as seriously lacking motivation but definitely need to get back into running. Need to lose about half a stone and get into an exercise routine rather than prioritising everything else but! Will try to go tomorrow. Thank you for setting up this thread!

CalmConfident · 28/04/2019 21:20

Count me in, entered the LM 2020 ballot today as well. Able to run a 5k parkrun but in over 33 mins....my PB is 26 something.., I want my running mojo back and my summer dresses to fit!

Myusername2015 · 28/04/2019 21:18

Hi I’m in. I’ve entered London 2020 and look forward to the rejection email. Also doing a half in sept. Pre dc I used to run a lot; since then hobnobs have taken priority. Just finished couch to 5k now working towards 10 k. Struggling with work though and getting out running.

Daffodill1 · 28/04/2019 21:15

The London marathon has inspired me - I haven't properly exercised in about 2 years and need to lose a stone in weight, so taking up running starts tomorrow! Have just downloaded the NHS couch to 5k app

Dowdydoes · 28/04/2019 21:06

Am in two stone over and living on crap. First goes the diet drinks then the better food and the running - need to do some stretches and core work first or my back goes! Getting old!!

cliquewhyohwhy · 28/04/2019 21:03

I haven't run in nearly 4 years but I'm also going to attempt a run tomorrow after the school and nursery run. Fed up of being the biggest I ever had!