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?

you heard it here first

I'm in :)

We can always come up with our own monthly challenges on here - so febletic it will be!

I am just going to register for the jantastic one, I did the running bug no excuses november thing which really helped me

Does anyone else have the inconsistency thing (or is it my own special trait?) if I'm not totally strange, any tips on improving this would be really welcome. I have a strong feeling it's mostly in my head - for example, the moment I stop running and walk, it's like I'm running in jelly afterwards and I soon stop altogether. Why? (Now worried that this really just is me being weird.)

Yes I have that EAT, some days I am fine and can keep going others I really struggle. Not managed to figure what causes it yet though

Signing in.
I started running about 7 weeks ago, and am mostly loving it, but hating the way that you seem to make amazing progress and then go skidding backwards. So about 5 days ago I broke the 5-mile barrier, bit of walking but basically ok. Had done some lovely 4-mile runs so thought I was getting somewhere. Went out today for 4.5 miles and nearly died, had to walk loads, shins killing me, took forever. Very cross.
Why does that happen, and how do you if you're as ridiculously impatient as me get past it?

Massive cross pots EAT!

EAT, I try not to walk at all. Through many longer runs I often catch myself thinking, I feel like stopping for a bit. But I know I can do it, so don't. If I did, would never start again. One thing that helps me keep going is do big loops, so that walking home would take ages .

Twelve, seven weeks isn't very long for building up to five miles - could it be that you could do with more strengthening and not pushing up distance too quickly?

You're probably right Elvis - I did mention I was impatient, right ?

Massively impressed Twelve - took me about a year to get to that point. Glad I'm not the only one to go up and down. Just hoping that my HM will be a 'good' day.

I am eye-wateringly slow too!

I think I need to stop myself from walking too, even if it means I don't do as far yet. If I start walking I struggle to get running again

Just run really slowly - that's what I do :)

I do that anyway!

I am hoping this weather improves by the morning, I am looking forward to a long run but not in a storm!

When you say to just run really slowly - what would that be? How fast does everyone run on average? I bounce around about 10 mins/mile, starting a little faster, finishing a little slower.

I did 6 miles today, just under 10k. First few miles were around 10 minutes/mile, the next few were around 11, the last one was 11.43!
But total time was 62 mins which I was pleased with.
Going to continue with my 4/5 mile runs tue and thu and then next weekend try to increase the distance slightly, maybe 6.5 or 7.

EAT I think it is mainly psychological whilst running I think if inly I could stop despite knowing I can stop anytime I want I also know that once I stop once I will run/walk every few minutes for the rest of the run and be annoyed with myself by the end.
Also if you stop it's harder to get back the 'propelling yourself forward momentum' that you achieve while running ( there must be a technical term for it but I don't know it).

And also some days the conditions just aren't right, a few weeks ago I set off just after having a row with dh, then 5 mins in my iPod ran out if charge then it started raining so I just did 2 miles and went home.

Ruby that definitely strikes a chord. Last time I went out I slipped on some wet leaves (bruising shoulder and ego) and started to walk before I'd got a mile under my belt. After that it was dismal! Such a contrast to today - I just have to keep running I guess, walking even briefly seems fatal! But then I think that if I could train myself to walk and then run again, it'd make my total workout better.

I just make sure m legs are doing the action of running, even if I am going at the same pace as I would be walking.

To be honest, for me on a normal run these days this is most likely when I'm going up a steep hill ( there are a few in norfolk!) - if I was to walk I know I would never get going again so I don't worry at all about pace at these points.

I found this chart last night, quite useful I imagine.
Apologies if it's not new to you
pace

It is blowing a hoolie again out there so it'll be cross training for me later I expect.

Thanks for that link. Afraid I rely on Runkeeper for those calculations!

2km in 15 mins. Wasn't in the mood for it today so happy with that