C25K encouragement continued

[Jibberoo]

Hi everyone

I've started this thread as I couldn't add any more posts to the other one. Hopefully you all find this thread!!

Hope everyone had enjoyed their day - so bored at home right now I'm glad I have the run to look forward to. Waited till it got dark and I headed out with my new running buddy - my 11yo ds. Yes he ran ahead of me and stopped a few times so I could catch up, but we ran 4.46km in 33mins and I'm so proud of both of us! (And little dog of course who's my faithful running buddy). It was a bit drizzly tonight which was actually quite nice as it wasn't that cold so the rain cooled me off a bit.

I've been thinking of how I can improve my stride length and I wonder if I can use my rest days to do W1r1 and try to do it with much longer strides? Seeing my son running I realise how inefficient my stride is. If I can only learn to open my stride I could run much further in the same time. If I can walk tomorrow I might try that to see if I can.

Hope everyone is enjoying their runs today!

Oh wow!! I just got back from completing wk 5 run 3!! I ran for a whole 20 minutes!! Me!!! 😁😁😁

that's brilliant, blobby

Please can I join? I’ve just finished week one.

I’ve attempted C25k a few times before but have never actually finished it. Really determined to stick to it this time! I’ve gained a fair bit of weight since I last did it so I’m running on grass this time as I’m nervous about my knees/ankles.

I did try a Garmin coach plan a few months ago and it was too intense for me and I ended up injuring my knees for about two weeks. This time I’m thinking of doing C25k and then doing a Garmin plan after. Has anyone done that?

Well done @Blobby10 !

And welcome @BobVance

Well done @Blobby10! W5 R3 is a real breakthrough point. You did it!
Welcome @BobVance. I've been doing some exercises between runs to strengthen my ankles, knees, and glutes. It's really helped me with knee pain. I recommend it. If you Google strengthening exercises for running you'll find lots of websites and videos. Do you have good running shoes?

I need to do w3r3 tonight but my legs are still a bit tight from Tuesdays run. I’ve had 2 rest days now

Is there anything I can do to help them be less stiff?

Is there anything I can do to help them be less stiff?

gentle stretched & magnesium.

Is there anything I can do to help them be less stiff?

You need a foam roller! Only thing that actually works IME. Though the process is far more brutal than a gentle stretch - quads, especially, can be agony - it really bloody works.

You want a bobbled one, like this:
www.amazon.co.uk/Core-Balance-Massage-Therapy-Exercise/dp/B01MS4QSBR/ref=asc_df_B01MS4QSBR/?hvlocphy=1007064&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&psc=1&hvnetw=g&hvadid=205160974284&hvpone&hvlocint&hvpos&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=pla-487544710762&hvrand=10141960276271380423

Thanks @WhereAreWeNow I’m working with a PT as well so we are doing strengthening exercises during HIIT workouts twice a week. I think they’ll be okay, just going to keep it steady!

In terms of shoes I have “good” running shoes (Brooks)... good in that they cost an absolute fortune but whether they are the right ones for me is another matter.... I was too chicken to go on the treadmill for the fair analysis in the shop

And by fair analysis I meant gait (autocorrect!)

@fellrunner85

Is there anything I can do to help them be less stiff?

You need a foam roller! Only thing that actually works IME. Though the process is far more brutal than a gentle stretch - quads, especially, can be agony - it really bloody works.

You want a bobbled one, like this:
]]

What a strange looking contraption. How do you use it?

What a strange looking contraption. How do you use it?

These things are a staple in every runner's home, so you'll be used to them before long! Essentially you lie on them and use them to massage the bits that hurt.
The more weight you put on, the more it hurts, but the more benefit you get. It's like a really brutal sports massage.

Here's a useful link, showing you various exercises including the absolutely key one for runners - the quads:

www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/foam-rolling-how-to#If-youre-a-foam-rolling-newbie,-dont-worry-heres-how-to-do-it

Well I didn't make it out this morning but went this afternoon after I finished work. Wasn't particularly enjoyable due to the extreme cold, but felt good after I'd been.
Headphone wise I just have some fairly cheap ear buds but with the hook that goes over the ear, normal ones just don't stay in for me! If/ when they break I'll prob look into the bone conductor type.

Are people still going out in the snow? Thick snow here so I have had 4 days off. Am definitely going out tomorrow, snow or not, I'm a little worried I might have forgotten how to run.

I went out twice in the still fresh/cold all day stage snow and it was ok. Harder and slower than normal though. Last night at 4pm I had to stop as it was just too rough and there were patches of sheet ice mixed with black ice where it had turned to slush and then refrozen. Will try a different route middle of the day today and hope for a thaw tomorrow.

I'm not running until the paths are clear.
at places it is really slippery.
in my local park kids are ice skating on the paths on the compacted snow.
it should start to thaw tomorrow and possibly monday will be ok.

I did w6 R3 this morning. It was so bloody cold but it felt great. I was definitely flagging at times but overall I can really feel/see the improvement in my strength and stamina. I still feel slow and heavy and like I'm just heaving my body around but I do feel a bit lighter and springier than before.

Week 3 complete

Finally ordered a high support bra, sports socks and some leggings

Hoping il be a bit more comfortable from now on

Also, why am I not skinny yet?!

@Onedropbeat

Also, why am I not skinny yet?!

sorry, that will take a while. half an hour running only burns about 300ckal... that's about one magnum classic ice cream.

No snow here but have used the dreadmill all week to avoid slipping over.
I prefer to run outside but it's so much quicker getting ready to use the dreadmill

Hi all! I finally managed to get out today after a whole week off. The snow and ice has been horrendous in my area and it was impossible to walk on the pavements, let alone run! The council managed to clear and grit the high street, so I snatched the opportunity to run up and down it for week 6 Run 2!

I just noticed that I've completed the last run with walking intervals - no more walking parts from wk 6 run 3 onwards (other than warm up and cool down!). How does everyone feel about continuous running? I think I prefer it in a way as I stay in the zone, and the walking intervals seemed to make the 2nd run harder than if just kept going!

Evening all. Another freezing day today but no snow here. Think tomorrow is the last day of crazy cold temperatures, I'm hoping to go out first thing.
@Trulyatraditionalman I much prefer non stop running, as you say you stay in the zone and aren't always looking at the time waiting to walk! Also weirdly fast walking seems to give me shin problems when running is fine. Must be down to how heavy footed I am 🐘🐘

I went out in yaktrax today on compacted snow. Apart from being horrible on tarmac and the point I realised that you need to be on your toes downhill it was a total game changer, much more secure and relaxing (but a bit noisy).

I definitely find it easier in a rhythm on the flat,but walk breaks on steep hills are nice.