Tomorrow I’m going running

[MiriamShepherd]

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.

Another vote for couch to 5 k. I did it three years ago in my early 40s and now I run every day after dropping the kids at school. Just 20 minutes or so, but it absolutely keeps me sane.

Another essential especially when it gets warmer is running leggings covering down to near your knees. I did an early 5k on a hot day in short shorts and suffered for it. Never worn those shorts again. (I think the polite term for this injury is chafing).

Thank you @MiriamShepherd
Good luck for today
Hope it goes well. I’m going to google now!

Utterly random question here, mainly for @NoMoreMuchin and @Happytodayhappytomorrow - but how badly do you get bored over the longer distances, say when you're out for several hours? And what else do you do about it? (I'm thinking here of training runs, which tend to start and finish at home, once you've explored just about every direction you could go in!)

And generally - as it might be less of a diversion to OP - what do people find themselves thinking about?

@MiriamShepherd - I hope your run goes well today. I started running about 4 years ago out of a sullen sense of duty (needed to get fitter after significant weight loss, this was the only thing I could fit in) and hated it for months. But stuck with C25K and then just running 3x a week, and it took months before I liked it.

And when I did start liking it, I realised it had already snuck in and become a bit of an addiction.

I listen to music, but as my runs get longer I'm thinking podcasts and audio books.
I find it really helps me to switch off and it's the only time I really get alone.

Hi all, saw this and thought would be a good place for advice! I tried C25K twice last year and kept getting stuck at the same point (about week 5 I think); even when I stayed at that level for a while I couldn't seem to progress til I got demotivated. So I want to try something else, and have seen a couple of you mention zombie run - there's 2 apps I can find, zombies run and zombies run 5k training, which would people recommend? Good luck with your run today by the way!😊

Morning AuntieStella

I never get bored, on any run. I also never listen to music. I appreciate I am in the minority though.

I used to pretend to be Liz McColgan (that shows my age ) running the London marathon and then later, pretend to be Paula Radcliffe (without the head tilt ).

Or I'd just lose myself in thoughts of winning the lottery (who will I tell? How will I spend it?).

More likely actually, I'd be plotting where my next toilet break could be . That could keep my mind occupied for ages.

Running with others is good too. The best thing as long as you are equally paced but no good if you are mismatched.

Happy running everyone {smile]

I did it! I walked to my route used zombie run and I really enjoyed myself. In total I walked / ran 10 km, I’d say about 1 (maybe 2 at a push) km of that was running but I’m pleased I got started. I have now got a blister on the back of my ankle so will be adding plasters to my kit for next time. I’m very much a newbie to this (clearly) @hannahbanana2007 but I found Zombie run really motivating this morning.

I also realised during the final ten minute run I was running quite flat footed so my right inner ankle was beginning to hurt, I focused on a toe to heel movement - was I right to do this?

I am very much a reluctant runner, I wish I could love it. I do find I need to occupy my mind which I usually do with music but if anyone knows of any good podcasts or comedy please suggest something!

Well done!!! @MiriamShepherd
Thats brilliant
I’ve been eyeing up ASICS
Did you get the gel ones?

Well done @MiriamShepherd that's amazing (other than the blister 😂) - will look into zombie run then thanks!

Another question sorry! Did you get the free version of zombie run or have you paid a subscription?

Just downloaded Zombie Run! Might try it later.

Well done for getting out. The first step is always the hardest.

I never get bored during long runs either and also another who doesn't listen to music most of the time. I find myself talking to people in my head. I generally tell them my running plans, where I'm going etc. Or I think about walking and tell myself off, but keep running.

Well done you. Building up the running in small increments will do wonders.’
And doing 10k is bloody good going

@RickOShay I can’t see any gel in them, I bought them back in March and spent a good hour talking to the man in the shop about what I needed and trying different ones on so when I found the right ones I forgot everything else and was just relieved

Did you buy a size bigger than your usual size? Did he get you to run in them and watch you?

Lampposts- run to one, walk to the next, keep alternating till you can do two lampposts.

Don't try this if you live in the countryside...we don't have lampposts in our village. You'd probably die trying to run between them on a first run

Runners world is excellent for new trainers, it's £15 for a gait analysis or free if you buy your running shoes there. Having the right support makes a huge difference and will stop injuries in the long term.

@JohnBarron also a reluctant runner - and always need something to distract and occupy my mind! I’ve been listening to Hardcore History podcast by Dan Carlin. Really interesting but really really engaging as well. And very funny at times.

I'm going to go against the grain and say if your knees are bad don't try to go slow - run at the pace that feels natural, then walk, then run again at a pace that feels natural.

The point is to enjoy it.

If you can run on something other than concrete that would be great but goven how wet it's been I suggest stick to the pavement if your alternative is mud because the latter will put additional pressure on your knees.

Warm up gently, and stretch, stretch, stretch.

If you don't stretch out your muscles after exercise then they will shorten and put more pressure on your joints each time you exercise subsequently.

Ps - toe to heel is fine - check out chi pose running.

So glad you enjoyed!

Don't try this if you live in the countryside...we don't have lampposts in our village. You'd probably die trying to run between them on a first run

😂😂😂
There is a stretch of road near me that is really annoying as a runner because although it's on the outskirts of a town, its unlit. And it annoys me as a driver because its on a road that keeps switching between 30 and 40 with speed cameras. The unlit part is a 30 zone so should be lit (so I can see better when running!)
😂😂

10km! wow, well done. Glad you enjoyed it.

I listen to music and podcasts when I am running although I find music better as I think all the oxygen is being diverted from my brain and I can't concentrate brilliantly. I am usually trying to do straight forward maths about my pace and finding that harder than I would at home. In the days of running with other people I wouldn't have music for that and wouldn't be bored because there is usually someone to say thank you or well done to.

@Twinkie01I think I bought a half size bigger because they were more comfortable, there was definitely no running - walking yes but no running, should there have been?