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Original poster

Tomorrow I’m going running

94 replies

MiriamShepherd · 15/01/2021 18:02

I’ve always liked the idea of being a runner but my knees and my laziness have always stopped me.

Tomorrow this changes, I have bought running shoes that I have been assured by the man in the shop (pre lockdown) that are suitable for people who have poorly knees. I’ve found the route I want to take and have a playlist ready to go.

My question is - what do I need to know about running and how do I make this a successful trip?

Also, does anyone know how to make this a long term change? I really want to be someone who enjoys running.

OP posts:
Fizbosshoes · 15/01/2021 19:13

I think it's natural to want to run fast but if new to running you might want to go a bit slower, or build in walking breaks so you can run a bit further.
At parkrun I used to notice a lot of children on the start line right at the front, they start running very fast but need to stop and walk after 200m. Even if you are walk/running you want to go at a speed that is sort of sustainable of that makes sense.

PilatesPeach · 15/01/2021 19:15

If you are intending to go tomorrow, do take care & check the weather as much of the country will have snow.

Seriously79 · 15/01/2021 19:16

I've started this week, on the treadmill in the garage.

I'm secretly quite impressed with myself, haven't told anyone yet, but I've done 15km this week.

Not bad for a 42 year old who hasn't exercised since school.

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Exercise & fitness Fitness
Theimpossiblegirl · 15/01/2021 19:19

A good bra is a must.
I did c25k in the summer and it was the best thing I've done for myself in a long time.

DownWhichOfLate · 15/01/2021 19:22

@HelplessProcrastinator - yeah, I’ve never had anyone say anything about my body to me either. Though I e had people smile and say good morning, or chilly one today etc.

JohnBarron · 15/01/2021 19:22

Pace yourself, you should be able to still talk in shorter sentences. If you feel yourself getting out of breath slow down, it’s ok to walk too.

Don’t do cold stretches to warm up. Look up dynamic stretching for before your run. Stretch afterwards.

Bloodhoundgang · 15/01/2021 19:25

I agree, slow slow slow. I've just conquered 7km but it is hard.
I enjoy having someone to run with as I think it paces me as I can only run as fast as I can manage speech. If I am alone I listen to a podcast rather than music. Again, pacing.
I did a group couch to 5k type scenario (might not be currently possible) but it helped keep me accountable as I had to turn up.
Best of luck!

EssentiallyDelighted · 15/01/2021 19:36

I prefer to run alone so I can set my own pace. I run slowly, not much more than walking speed a lot of the time and started out even slower. I vary it by incorporating different roads with different gradients on different days.

I didn't like C25k because I prefer to go slowly and keep going rather than stopping, starting and timing. I don't measure, don't time, don't have any goals at all other than to go out most days and I really enjoy it. I listen to audio books which I prefer to music. No one has ever commented negatively on my appearance (I am overweight) or speed but I'm aware it could happen.

1forAll74 · 15/01/2021 19:40

I saw a woman running along a pavement today, she was a bit overweight, and just wearing a T shirt and shorts, It was icy and freezing cold air, and she kept stopping now and again, seemingly breathing in the cold air was affecting her quite badly.

Coffeeandaride · 15/01/2021 19:42

“Jeffing” as in Jeff Galloway. Totally acceptable!

Frazzled2207 · 15/01/2021 20:11

@Seriously79

I've started this week, on the treadmill in the garage.

I'm secretly quite impressed with myself, haven't told anyone yet, but I've done 15km this week.

Not bad for a 42 year old who hasn't exercised since school.

well done you. I am 42 and sometimes manage 15k in a week, but not often. And i've been a keen runner since 25.
superram · 15/01/2021 20:17

Be aware the weather is not looking great for tomorrow. Maybe leave it to late afternoon or Sunday. Was icy here today.

Original poster
MiriamShepherd · 15/01/2021 20:41

Where I am there isn’t any snow or ice forecast (sadly) so the run looks like it’s going ahead.

What do people do about water bottles? Do you carry it or wait till home? (The sports bra comment got me thinking of logistics)

Well done @Seriously79 !!!!

OP posts:
PilatesPeach · 15/01/2021 20:58

I run about 10k and don't need to take a drink with me tbh, even in the summer.

SerenadeOfTheSchoolRun · 15/01/2021 20:59

You don’t need to for couch to 5k especially in this weather.

GorgeousLadyofWrestling · 15/01/2021 21:00

I just started couch to 5k in late December. It reckoned with my starting fitness that I could run 5k by mid jan but to be honest, I am finding myself going back to slower days to keep my training on track for myself. I regularly go out for 40 mile cycles and also weight train, so thought I was fit. And I suppose I was in THOSE things. My narrative around running was that I hated it, so I never did. I would immediately get out of breath and my calves would hurt, so I would stop.

C25k has made such a difference. I wouldn’t say I enjoy it per say, but I am definitely addicted. Apart from the first two or three minutes, I don’t get massively out of breath. But my legs. Oh man. My calves. It’s not even knee pain or pain anywhere else. It’s just lack of strength and flexibility and oh the discomfort. It’s really a mind over matter thing which feels ridiculous for just running 2 miles. But that’s 2 miles I’d never been able to run before so 🤷🏻‍♀️

I can now run for 25 continuous minutes, which feels momentous. I have stayed at 25 minutes for a couple of weeks now, about four times a week, because it feels my limit right now. There’s still a certain amount of pushing through the wanting-to-give-up misery 😂

DenisetheMenace · 15/01/2021 21:02

Good for you, good luck and keep at it, you’ll get there.

Blobby10 · 15/01/2021 21:05

I started C25K this week and throughly recommend it - you really don’t need water or fluids until you are running for over an hour x I’m using it as a replacement for cycling/gym but am not a runner so although I have decent fitness it’s not running fitness x
Make sure you wear a decent bra and enough layers to keep warm during walking x make sure you stretch afterwards even though you’ve not run far xx and remember that even running only burns 100 calories a mile - walking is about 75% of that

homeschoolingyay · 15/01/2021 21:07

If you have knee issues do something else. Cycle maybe. I speak as someone who loved running, but now in my 40s can't run or hike, or cycle, or give the dcs piggy backs or do any fast aerobic activity except swim with arms only because my knees are wrecked. I had a tiny tear in the cartilage, which didn't give me any problems (so I thought), but actually allowed significant holes to generate in the bone below. It wasn't worth it. I'd give anything to be able to turn back time, and take up cycling instead.

RickOShay · 15/01/2021 21:11

@MiriamShepherd
I’m the same as you! I’ve been doing baby jogs in the lane near my house.
Could I ask what running shoes you bought please?
I want to get braver Grin

Happytodayhappytomorrow · 15/01/2021 21:13

I was given a tip years ago.
Imagine you are holding a crisp between your thumb and forefinger. You need just enough pressure so that you don't drop the crisp but you also don't want to be holding it too tight or it will crack. It will help to keep your arms and shoulders relaxed..
And if you get bored, you can think about what flavour crisp you're holding Grin. Or come up with a new flavour? Or decide which actor you'd like to advertise your favourite make of crisps? (can you tell I've been bored when running? Smile)

Doffodils · 15/01/2021 21:15

Start slow and short. Really slow and really short. Couch to 5k is good but basically you need to run a bit and walk a bit and build up gradually. If it feels too hard it's because you went to quick. You'll be amazed how quickly you improve if you do this 3-4 times a week for a few weeks.

Good shoes are good but do you also have a good bra?!

Enjoy!

Original poster
MiriamShepherd · 15/01/2021 21:22

@RickOShay I have ASICS trainers, I was assured they’re good for running with bad knees I suppose I’ll find out tomorrow

I have a good sports bra yes, the question I’m realising is whether it fits following three lockdowns Blush at least a badly fitting sports bra is better than no sports bra

OP posts:
Theimpossiblegirl · 15/01/2021 22:27

I find my ASICS really good for running.
While I was waiting for a new sports bra, I layered up a bra, crop top and vest top under my t shirt to keep my boobs still.
You can get reasonably priced running gear from supermarkets.

Eckhart · 15/01/2021 22:33

Conversation pace is good. You should be able to say a short sentence without taking a breath, but not much more. Use that as your guide and don't even think about your pace. It really doesn't matter if you go fast or slow. Getting your heart to the appropriate level of boom boom is the only thing.

Also, fully expect having to slow to a walk. It's the only way to learn. Even stopping to walk before you need to... say, run to a lamppost, walk to the next, over and over. You will be amazed at how much you will improve over the first five runs.