Dusting off the trainers

[SharingMichelle]

A support thread for anyone trying to get back into running or starting for the first time. Would love to have a bit of company.

I used to run quite a bit, though nothing impressive (managed a 1/2 marathon at my peak). Then I did far too much too soon after having my 3rd baby, and buggered my knees. Have not run for about 3 years.

Am just getting back to it now. Gently does it. Am terrified of hurting myself again. Have been seeing a PT with the goal of getting strong enough in all the right places to run regularly again.

Went for my first run on Friday. Aiming for 10 mins (PT instruction) but really enjoyed it and ran for 20. Didn't get very far though!!

2nd run was yesterday. 15 minutes, pitiful distance, lots of hills.

Looking forward to running again on Tues.

Overpronate not overprinted obvs.

Lambzig - I can only dream of 9k.

Well done on the 9K, even if you were hoping for more.

This thread has inspired me to go for a run for the first time in over 2 years

I knew that I wouldn't be able to just go out and run for 30 minutes, so I ran for 10 mins, had a short break, ran for 5 mins, another short break and another short run, a break and then another 10 minute run, break and finally a short run before my cool down walk.

My pace was, not surprisingly, much slower than when I was running regularly, at 6.23 minutes per km for the first ten minute run and then 6.47 for the second long run.

But overall, I'm pleased I got out and did it.

Thanks guys I'll have a look at the shoes.

Went out yesterday, did a 5k circuit, managed to do a bit more running and was definitely less sore afterwards.

Been for a swim today. I'm even worse at swimming than I am running

BIWI good going! I'm new to this - does speed coming with time? I'm not worrying about speed at the minute, just getting round the route but suspect I would be overtaken by an asthmatic ant.

Good stuff, BIWI - the first time's the hardest! I always go back to week 3/4 of C25K, which takes my running times back up in nice gentle stages.

ClashCityRocker - I don't do speed!

Clash - when I started running, using C25K, I also started using Map My Run, which gives you lots of nerdy stats about your run! (It also talks you through your run, so once I'd completed the C25K programme I switched to MMR).

One of the things it gives you is your pace per kilometre (or miles if you prefer). Because I tended to run the same route, I could see if I was getting faster - and I did get faster, the more often I ran (usually).

To be honest, though, I think it's more important that you're out there running, rather than the time you run - but it's interesting/can add to the challenge if you try to beat your own time.

I set my alarm for 6.30am, but switched it straight off and went back to sleep. Five minutes later I snapped awake.....was it my conscience, or the thought of having to fess up on MN to having skived off my scheduled run? Anyway, I went! Week 6 Day 1 complete - no problems at all.

I'd love to be able to run in the mornings before work but just can't do it! My feet turn to lead or something. The worst thing is I'm an early riser naturally but I just can't seem to get out the door.

No running today as I'm doing the 5:2 diet and today is a fast day, but taking my running gear to work and am going to run home tomorrow, killing two birds with one stone.

God I'm stiff today! My hips and (I think) my IT band are all sore. Just goes to show, you can be gym fit but not running fit!

I was going to get up early tomorrow and go again, but I think I'll have another day's rest before my next one.

ClashCityRocker - in contrast, I'm a natural owl, not generally an earlier riser (hence I'm sat here on MN instead of going to bed).

But weirdly, the more tired/zonked I feel, the further I can run. If I'm half asleep I can go for miles!

Cointreau I might have to try it! I'm sure it would set me up nicely for the day.

No idea how far I ran today but it took about forty minutes, broken down into eight or nine minute runs with a walk in between.

The frustrating thing is that I feel like I could run forever if only calves didn't get so tight and hurty!

I'm just putting this on here as I need to go for a run today but the demotivation fairy has paid a visit - weathers not great, tough day at the office...and I can't be arsed

But I'm not wanting to fall into bad habits this early on as there is no valid reason not to run(and believe me, I've been trying to find one!)

So if I say I'm going for a run in half an hour I'll have to do it!

Haha ClashCity - it's an excellent motivator, isn't it?

I hope you made it out there - we'll be so disappointed if you didn't.

This is why I like early morning runs - before the CBA feeling has a chance to creep up on me.

Anyway, I went this morning - Week 6 Day 2 done. It was 2 x 10 minute runs, and I had a real spring in my step. It can't last.....

I went!

And it was my best run to date! Five k with only two one minute walks in it. Felt great afterwards, very virtuous.

I wonder if I push myself more when I don't particularly feel like running to get it over with quicker

I'm not as achy today, either.

Brilliant!

Did 9.2 k today in amy 60 minutes, so getting a bit faster. DH made me a running nag playlist for the iPod as I wanted to try music and I actually enjoyed it.

If anyone has music recommendations for running it would be great.

Only did a couple of the body rev workouts this week, so maybe I was faster as I am not tired. I did go swimming as well as do six hours digging the allotment so not too lazy.

9.2k is impressive - I hope to get to that point!

Rubbish with music, though. I just stick my iPod onto shuffle...unfortunately it's got lots of songs I wouldn't normally listen to on there.

Last time 'silent night' by sinead o'conner came on mid-run...it's a bugger to keep pace to as its so slow, so I ended up going slow...

I've never managed more than 5k, and never likely to either!

For music, I use Spotify - there are hundreds of playlists of running/workout music you can follow. I just download one to my phone and use that for a few weeks until I get bored (you need Spotify Premium to use it offline, though).

Last run of Week 6 done - 22 minutes non stop.

Thanks, I think DH might have Spotify premium. Most of my music isn't that great for running.

I would like to get faster. I wonder if I need to do shorter, faster runs?

I think some muscle memory is kicking in even if it is 15 years since I ran a marathon.

I need music to drown out the sound of my puffing and blowing!

DH runs with R4 Podcasts - no thanks - I need tunes.