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.

@MiriamShepherd
10k wow! I'm very impressed. I was 8 months in before I did 10k!

If I'm getting tired my form tends to get a bit poor and I can feel niggles and have to concentrate on how my foot is landing and such things and it sounds like you did that intuitively today.

I'm a bit worried about your trainers... You shouldn't be getting blisters.... Do they feel big enough? I am an 8 in shoes and a 9 in running trainers and if I walk in them they feel big as my feet splay more when I run.

What socks are you using?
A pair of Hilly Twin Skins will help. Not cheap but good for stopping blisters, get the ones that go over your ankle rather than the low anklet ones

@AuntieStella
Strangely I don't really get as bored on long runs as short ones.... There is a cafe near me that in non covid times I used to have to give myself a stiff talking to in order not to stop at 2 miles in and eat bacon
For long runs about an hour in my thinking gets more floaty and I tend to daydream and think about random things or remember random things from decades ago I didn't realise were in my head.... And I also generally run the stage I'm in rather than the whole run, so I'm not thinking 45 miles to go, I'm thinking 4 more miles and I've got that nice downhill stretch /water buried behind that big tree etc I try not to run loops I find that a bit soul destroying I try and either run somewhere and get a lift back or run out and back, do at least the second time I'm passing things from the other direction so it looks slightly different.

Perhaps you’ll do a Forrest Gump 😁

I’m impressed, and like you I’d love to be a runner again, I used to do runs with friends 30 years ago, it was fun and we motivated each other, until I was comfortable to run on my own.

Do a good warm up and take it easy, and good luck !

@NoMoreMuchin as much as I would loved to have I didn’t run the full 10k, I probably ran about 5% of the time I was out of the house, I’ll have a look into those socks I used basic trainer socks nothing fancy. My trainers I’m realising after some comments on this thread are possibly too small

I have to say I’m certainly feeling the exercise this afternoon, my legs feel tired. If I could drive to the route I want to run I would but exercise must start and end at home currently so hopefully I’ll get used to this.

I'd go as far as to say that running socks are as important as running shoes. And a good bra if you're female.

Anything else, you can wing it.

I'm a size 4.5 in normal shoes and a size 6 in my runners. Have been like that for best part of 30 years and never got blisters. But I have always worn proper running socks.

As the blister is on the back of your ankle, I'd hazard a guess that your sock was lower than the back of your trainer (or moved around that area).
With running socks and shoes, I think you have to ditch the trend for no show socks. I like the sock to come above the top of the shoe line and stay there.

Well done MiriamShepherd. Onwards and upwards.

Agree don't faff about with socks that sit below the ankle.

Trim your toenails before deciding the shoes are too small.

Do not do too much too soon. It's easy to get carried away with enthusiasm, to push a bit too hard, but it'll catch up with you and put you out of action. A physio told me not to increase the distance or difficulty by more than 10% each week or you risk overuse injuries. He stressed that's not to say you must increase it by 10% either. That's why using apps like C25K are ideal as they've factored that in.

Good luck to you!
I'm still a couple stone above where I should be weight-wise, but I'm properly hooked on running. I "graduated" from the final 30 minute run on the C25k app months ago, but I was nowhere near 5k when I finished (SLOW AS MOLASSES!) I make a habit to fit in three 35 minute runs per week, and while they're still nowhere close to 5k yet... about 1.5k off on the best of times I'll get there. If you told me a year ago I'd be running 10+k consistently every week, I'd have thought you were nuts.

I think you've possibly got a little bit carried away with your first run, but well done for getting out and doing it! Have a look at NHS health unlocked c25k, even if you don't follow the c25k plan (which I would recommend you follow to avoid injury) there after lots of exercises for runners, and advice on stretching before and after a run. Different sorts of stretching for those, don't miss the stretching after, it will help you avoid injury. Have a non running day between runs. There is also a really helpful and supportive community of runners and newbies there to cheer you on.

What kind of shoes did you buy? (Dodgy knees, hates running!)

Audiobooks over music is my only tip. I didn't believe it for years, ignored more experienced runners and then finally tried it and it has transformed everything. I get lost in the story.

Agree with those saying do couch to 5k. I was a complete non runner when I started it and run x3 a week.
My tip is find something good to listen to - I used to run to music but found my pace would alternate to much with the tempo of songs and I'd stop to change songs etc ...I've found podcasts are better plus more of a distraction and good 'company' while you're jogging

@katy1213 I have Asics trainers, I spent a long time in the shop with the man helping me to find the right ones (although I may have got the wrong size by the sounds of this thread ) I can’t remember much more than that other than they’re comfortable and they go on my feet

I’ll try audio books after these weeks of zombie run challenge based on what people are saying

Thank you to everyone who’s commented here, I’m finding it really helpful.

Definitely routine. Decide times in the week you will do it and make yourself. I love it when I'm running and the feeling afterwards but never want to go out, particularly when it's cold and dark. Depends how fit you are - I wouldn't say I'm really fit but am used to walking everywhere so found c25k too slow. I have got an app to map my run though and try to do 5k, it's also motivational as you can try to improve your time.

May I add one comment about listening to podcasts/music etc?

When running, it's understandable to want to get immersed in something else to make the time go by quicker if you're not enjoying the actual run per se but please do be careful.

You need to be fully aware of your surroundings too, for your own and others safety, and if you have two ear pieces in, or use over the head headphones, you'll not be able to hear outside noises so well.

That's an important point @Happytodayhappytomorrow

I have Aftershokz, which are bone conducting headphones, which have nothing in or covering your ears. They are way safer (and the only type approved by England Athletics).

Using a single AirPod is also somewhat better than using both

I found couch to 5k fab, started in March and just got back from a long 18k run (aiming for half marathon!) I'd say proper socks are a must and I found running leggings so much more comfy than old cotton ones- I have kalenji run warm tops and leggings and unless it's really cold find they keep me warm enough but I don't overheat.
Would agree with @happytodayhappytomorrow- try with just one headphone in, I got a pair of aftershokz for Christmas and they're much safer. Also make sure you can be seen- reflective bands and a light are helpful.
I'd say- don't go to far and to fast to begin with- don't get hung up on speed- despite running most days I'm stick at nice slow pace unless I'm specifically aiming for speed training in which case the distance is much shorter and don't worry if the first first 5-10 minutes is really hard, I find it gets easier after that.
Running has made a massive difference to my mental health and changed the way I think about my body, diet etc. I have a much better attitude to food and after a long day of work it clears my head. Routine helps- I don't even think "should I go for a run?" Come 5 it's almost automatic to put my trainers on and go out.

As others have said C25K is awesome and doesn’t push you too hard too soon.

I used to be crap at running but completed my first half marathon when I was 5 months pregnant and have done one every year thereafter. Typically run 4-5 times a week and love it.

C25k got me running from totally unfit last May. Now I run 5k every other day and I absolutely love it, keeps me fit and sane!