Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

Getting back into running - anyone with me?

179 replies

SweetestThing · 28/04/2019 19:06

Watching the London Marathon today prompted me to think seriously about how to get back into running. I used to run several times a week and have run London several times but in recent years, my exercise has been sporadic, with runs of only a few miles and lots of hiatuses.

I've now entered the ballot for next year's London (confidently predicting my eleventy billionth rejection) but have decided I need to have something to aim for before then, so have booked in for a half-marathon in September. So I need to get a training plan in place, sort out my diet and weight (currently carrying about two stone over my running weight) and cross-train.

Anyone fancy joining me in a virtual support and training plan?

OP posts:
WhyNotMe40 · 28/04/2019 19:12

Me.
I'm definitely over weight but too scared to weigh myself, and considerably out of condition compared to this time last year. I've just started just getting out for a short run twice a week, but no other exercise currently. I'm currently doing 5k in 40 minutes when last year I was at about 26 minutes and could easily do 15k!

Original poster
SweetestThing · 28/04/2019 19:18

Hi, WhyNotMe40 :)

I've decided to approach it as if I'm a completely new runner and not look back at what I used to be able to do , otherwise I'll give up before I even start. Getting out and doing 5k is great - I am going to try and do 5k tomorrow morning and then do some weights at the gym (day off work).

My downfall is that I can eat really healthily during the day but when I get home from work, I just start to nibble at things. I need to make a food plan and stick to it.

OP posts:
Original poster
SweetestThing · 28/04/2019 19:20

I'm going to post my daily diet and exercise on here so that I am accountable to somebody, even in a virtual world :) I don't weigh myself either but I know my clothes are feeling tighter than they did a couple of months ago.

Feel free to give me a virtual slap when I start slacking, or eating bad stuff.

OP posts:
BoundByBriars · 28/04/2019 20:58

I was literally about to start this very thread!

I used to run and had a terrible Achilles problem which didn’t seem to get better at all and do I stopped for about 3 years now, list all fitness and have got pretty fat! I’ve realised what the problem is now and am ready to start again really slowly and with lots of stretching, physio and massage.

I sound batshit crazy saying this to myself considering all the times I’ve attempted to re-start but here goes -

I am starting from absolute square one tomorrow morning at 6.00 and I know it’s going to be bloody hard but I AM going to get through it!

cliquewhyohwhy · 28/04/2019 21:03

I haven't run in nearly 4 years but I'm also going to attempt a run tomorrow after the school and nursery run. Fed up of being the biggest I ever had!

Dowdydoes · 28/04/2019 21:06

Am in two stone over and living on crap. First goes the diet drinks then the better food and the running - need to do some stretches and core work first or my back goes! Getting old!!

Daffodill1 · 28/04/2019 21:15

The London marathon has inspired me - I haven't properly exercised in about 2 years and need to lose a stone in weight, so taking up running starts tomorrow! Have just downloaded the NHS couch to 5k app

Myusername2015 · 28/04/2019 21:18

Hi I’m in. I’ve entered London 2020 and look forward to the rejection email. Also doing a half in sept. Pre dc I used to run a lot; since then hobnobs have taken priority. Just finished couch to 5k now working towards 10 k. Struggling with work though and getting out running.

CalmConfident · 28/04/2019 21:20

Count me in, entered the LM 2020 ballot today as well. Able to run a 5k parkrun but in over 33 mins....my PB is 26 something.., I want my running mojo back and my summer dresses to fit!

Ouchy · 28/04/2019 21:20

I need to join this thread as seriously lacking motivation but definitely need to get back into running. Need to lose about half a stone and get into an exercise routine rather than prioritising everything else but! Will try to go tomorrow. Thank you for setting up this thread!

Amicompletelyinsane · 28/04/2019 21:20

Ooh I'm in. Took up running a few years ago but a nasty accident stopped it all. Finally think I'm strong enough and really want to feel confident enough to book into something

CalmConfident · 28/04/2019 21:21

Looking for an autumn HM to sign up for to inspire me and as a goal

BoundByBriars · 29/04/2019 06:49

C25k Day 1 - done!

Achilles very tight to start with but eased up by half way. I’m sweating like anything!

The first time I completed this program I’d been doing intense cardio kickboxing and Pilates for a while so had the CV fitness but today I felt like a heaving blob all the way.

Onwards and upwards!!

Good luck today everyone.

WhyNotMe40 · 29/04/2019 07:03

Well done for getting out there!

MadamGrumpsalot · 29/04/2019 07:12

Count me in! Never been a big runner but last year managed to ramp up to run 5-8k pretty comfortably and regularly. Then stopped after I had a killer chest infection and it's been so sporadic since then. I'm actually ordering a treadmill for the house as I'm a complete fair weather runner so this will mean I have no excuses and can also jump on and pound out a quick 5k whilst my DC naps. I booked myself on to a 10k for October back in Jan so I have given myself the targets, I just need to execute on them!

BoundByBriars · 29/04/2019 07:19

Thanks Why. The conversation I had with myself at 5.45 was very firm!

Original poster
SweetestThing · 29/04/2019 08:41

Good morning, fellow get-fitters :)

Great that there are a few of us wanting to get back into/into running and to support each other. Well done, those of you who have been out or are planning to go out. Baby steps will get us there.

I did two miles this morning, slow but steady. Fairly flat route with a couple of mild inclines. Planning to go to PiYo at lunchtime (blend of pilates and yoga- sounds a bit unusual!) and do some weights in the gym afterwards.

No food eaten yet. I am trying to decide if I want to try the keto diet, where you have virtually no carbs but eat lots of fat, including butter, cream, cheese etc. Lots of oily fish too. It sounds counter-intuitive because for so long I have avoided fats and now this actively encourages you to eat them! Anyone tried it?

OP posts:
MardyLardy · 29/04/2019 08:56

Name change just to show my enthusiasm.
Stepped on the scales at 12.1 stone - was 9.6 a few years ago! That was my running weight:(

Booze stops today (lots of it usually) and food will be improved an fizzy ditched. Need to sort my back before I can run so will get doing some yoga first - onwards hey

BoundByBriars · 29/04/2019 09:09

Well done Sweetest!

I have a DVD set of PiYo and I had just geared myself up to start it as a replacement for running after my Achilles injury when I fell over and dislocated my shoulder! So now I can’t hold myself in plank or downward dog very well or do push ups.

I thought I was cursed and it put me off working out for another year but I’ve got tough with myself now and am starting with wall push ups and body weight exercises I CAN do 2x a week plus C25k 3x a week.

Let’s see how it goes! I’m determined to not give up this quest for fitness now. I’m thoroughly fed up of being flabby and breathless!

Original poster
SweetestThing · 29/04/2019 09:24

Our DD is getting married in July 2020 and I want to be slender by then. I feel you have much more choice about what to wear when you're slimmer and I always feel better when I'm lighter.

I think my plank will be pretty pathetic today, but we all have to start somewhere.

We can do this!

OP posts:
Original poster
SweetestThing · 29/04/2019 09:25

Bound, you've had a bit of a run of back luck with injuries! You'll come back.

OP posts:
MardyLardy · 29/04/2019 12:41

Poor you Bound - tricky injuries.

Sweetest have you tried 5:2 or similar - I did that and it was good. Can never be arsed being over restrictive with what I eat individually so can be more or less scent according to mood.

Spinosaur · 29/04/2019 12:42

Hello, I am looking for motivation to get back to running. I have signed up for a 10k in September and believe that if I go out regularly then this is possible. I struggle with putting my trainers on and leaving the house (am wobbly and embarrassed) but want to get back to a reasonable distance. I plan to go out tonight.

VivaFrida · 29/04/2019 18:40

Hi there! I would like to join you if it's ok!

I used to run a fair amount a few years ago, and then getting a PhD first and some tough shit from life (death in the family, lost my job, more death...) turned me from a runner bean into a donut! I did comfort eat and struggled with MH issues.

But now I am getting better!

I am now losing weight and getting back to a weight where I can comfortably run. I am not quite there yet - probably 2-3 kg off it, though.

If you do not mind me logging x-training/exercise bike for a few weeks more until I get back some basic condition to run I'd really really love to join you. You may even spur me to run sooner rather than later.

cliquewhyohwhy · 29/04/2019 18:56

I managed just over a mile and my god what a shock to the system lol. My legs are aching now!

Swipe left for the next trending thread