Is there a general running thread?

[Sirzy]

I am pretty new to running (started in Septmember) but have some pretty ambitious targets in 2014 (10k and half marathon) so looking for other runners to advice, kick up the backside and generally chat about all things running.

I have seen a few couch to 5k threads but I didn't get on with that so can't use those threads so thought a thread for all runners whether they are new to it or experienced runners would be good?

Though I did stop for an emergency widdle; tried to inch into the cover of the hedge, misread the terrain totally and fell down the drainage ditch with my knickers round my ankles. That will teach me to run without a head torch...

Poor Fish, that all sounds v dramatic for an emergency wee

Holy shit, are you OK fish?

I was meant to do 10 miles on Sunday but was struck down with a migraine with aura. After 20 mins I could barely see so I was forced to give in. I stumbled back home trying not to walk into anything. Judging by some of the looks I got from village residents, they thought I was still pissed from the night before.

Oh my gosh Eau, that also sounds dramatic. Migraines are the work of the devil. I remember once I has one on the bus home. The bus was so full of students that they were standing up, lining the aisle but not a single one sat next to me! I must have looked so rough no one was willing to risk it!
I feel your pain.
Weather is nice here this morning, But not set to last apparently so I need to weigh up what other things I need to do with my desire to run...

5.5k done in just over 40 minutes. That will do me! Would love to get my 5k under 35 mins before may so that seems doable?

Disastrous Fishandjam but well done on the speedy 1k and pretty good 5k :)

Hope you've recovered from your migraine EauRouge :(

Definitely doable Sirzy!

I had governors meeting last night so had to miss my usual Monday doggy run. Ended up just me and a friend with my two dogs later. Was much busier in the forest we met 3 groups of mountain bikers!

The only thing injured was my dignity - though the mud at the bottom of the ditch didn't smell very choice!

Migraine sounds nasty eau. Do you get them a lot?

sirzy, I think you and I are on a similar drive to get our 5k times down. I would definitely like to get mine to 35 minutes or even lower; that would mean doing 7 minute kilometres or faster, and at the moment the speed I can maintain is around 7:45. You sound like you're around 7:30. So hopefully it's within our grasp!

Ye my best km was 7:15 then I was around 7:30 -7:50

Given when I started my average pace was around 8:40 I am certainly improving.

Now I plan to try for one "longer" run focusing on doing the distance rather than time too much (5-7km for now) a week and 2 shorter faster runs each week if I can. I have 15 weeks til my 10k so increasing distance each long run should make that doable!

Eau that sounds horrid. Hope you're feeling better. Fish, you made me chuckle, thanks! Had circuits tonight - was good to stretch some of the muscles properly (I'm not v good at post-running stretching, must improve) and to work other bits of me that mostly just jiggle when I run stomach muscles I'm looking at you

Fish nothing worst than being caught short when you're out. You made me laugh though!!
Poor you Eau migraines are horrendous!

Walked a mile, ran 5miles in 46 minutes, walked a mile. The sun was shining here, so a much more enjoyable run!

Well, I got my gait analysed this morning and am now a pair of stupidly pricey Saucony to the good. The chap in the shop confirmed that my 5 year old New Balance are totally and irretrievably dead. So I can keep those for Mudrun, sorry, Parkrun, and my nice new ones for road running. They're not pink either, result! (They are purple though, I didn't escape the gender trap entirely.)

Sounds good Fish. My running shoes are purple with yellow laces - I am afraid I may have been infleunced in my decision by the colour!

Glad you got some new shoes, Fish. Did they look horrified at your shoes? The bloke that did my gait analysis didn't even bother trying to hide his look of disapproval They are very good there though. My only complaint is that my shoes are bloody pink.

I have purple runners too, tbh any colour as long as it isn't white, I didn't like the way the bloke at the running shop sneered when I discussed colour...I never went back! I buy the same pair every time - asics just release different colours every year

When I started running all my gear was black and now black is the last colour I want to buy because I want to be seen!

Mine are blue with pink laces, but all my hi vis stuff is bloody pink. Yucks. Still, better than being run over

Ok that's weird. Mine are purple too with yellow laces - Sirzy are yours Adidas? Purple is clearly bang on trend

My road shoes are grey with a few pink bits, really wanted the most hideously bright ones possible :( my trails are blue and yellow and lovely but I really need a new road pair as they really hurt my second toe :(

eau, the chap in the shop was more amused at just how knackered they were! Though I think there has been a wee element of they saw me coming; have Googled my new shoes and it turns out that they are the most super-duper new issue possible, only released to the market on 1st Feb (these ones). I can get last year's model online for about half the price . Ach tae hell wi' it, I needed new running shoes and I'm doing that "survive a year without buying clothes" thing (though not counting sports stuff), so I can feel vaguely virtuous.

Next month (i.e. after payday) I might get some offroad ones - anyone got any recommendations?

thursday, what little hi-viz stuff I have is yellow as it's unisex, but it's clear that if I were to buy ladies' fit things they would inevitably be pink. Really naffs me off.

The man in the shop this morning thought it was hilarious that I didn't want pink ones. He deliberately got a few of the really violently coloured styles just to wind me up!

After some more advice please. On week 4 of couch to 10k intervals increased to 5min run 2min walk and by left knee is killing me. Shooting pains whilst running which seem to ease off (or I just get used to them) around the 3 mins of running mark but come back at the start of the next run interval. Continues to hurt after I have finished and still hurts now I am sitting on sofa. Is it just because I am running more and I just need to run through it or something else? Google says could be wrong trainers but I have been using them from start and only started hurting this week. Any ideas as I am doing the 10k in May and am feeling very pessimistic because I really cant see me doing it if this pain keeps up!

Hi yoube. It could well be your trainers - it might be that you're only noticing the problem now that you're increasing your run times/distances. Definitely do not run through it - your body is telling you all is not well! Is there a sports shop near you that does gait analysis? It would be worth paying the fee to have it done (though if you buy new trainers as a result they will waive the fee!) It would be a shame to undo all the effort you've put in already.

Mine are asics eat really comfy

Thanks Fishandjam I have found a Sweatshop that does Gait Analysis so will head down on Friday see what they say I'm ridiculously embarrassed about running in the middle of the shop though as I'm only just starting and really cant run for long.

I don't think they'll make you run for long yoube - I only had to do maybe 10 seconds each time they tried a new pair of shoes. I just found it a bit odd running on a treadmill rather than on the road, so I felt all knees and elbows, but the sales assistant didn't care cos he knew he was going to offload a pair of mortgage busting trainers onto a gormless amateur.

oh good, if they stop the knee pain it will be money well spent (husband may disagree)

Getting the right shoes has really helped my knee, I am quite flat footed so it has helped a lot