Runners Thread Continued

[almost40]

Hi everyone, and congrats to those who did so well over the weekend. I was trying to post a new message on the runners thread, but couldn't because I think there were too many messages (over 800). I have a beginner's question. I ran (walked/ran) everyday for 1 week, then missed 1 week, and then went out this morning, and found that I could not run at all. My ankles are in severe pain when I run, but strangely do not hurt at all when I walk. So I ended up walking the whole way. I just bought new trainers - but I can't imagine that's the problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Sonnet, def recommend the advice Potty's given you.

I started with running a bit then a bit more & a bit more but they were very, very small bits ! I did the run walk thing as I got a bit faster (all things are relative !), my aim was to run a Race for Life without stopping.

Having a realistic focus helps me, as does telling people about it (very understanding friends) but don't try setting goals which are too extreme.

Most important thing is to enjoy it - takes a while but eventually you'll hopefully be hooked. You might find a local running group near you which is supportive of beginners - check out Womens running network for local ones.

Last thing, if you're hoping to lose weight then don't overcompensate with what you eat, it's easy to fall into the trap of 'I've exercised today so I can eat STACKS' - been there got the T-shirt. Every mile you walk or run will burn around 100 calories.

Good luck & have fun !

Potty, how did the swishing go ?? Hopefully the weather will have helped to reduce the mud levels !

The swishing was much better - still a bit of mud under the trees, loads of nettles though. Only one more to do next month with the reward of a post race barbie!

hi all
long time no post
ok have the two miles down a minute or two now thnaks to larger steps !! lol
simple but easy!

oh SOnnet I too am an ew runner although I have run intermittenly for about 5 years.
this is how I started . I measured a mile in the car and also noted where 0.5 was, I then staretd runing /walking and trying to push myself to RUN further eeach time. after a few weeks ( I know!! the shame!) I got to 0.5 miles without stopping an d then increased it bit by bit.
mt tips are dont try and go too often - youll only end uop never going, and time yourself too. ALso think carefully about how you are breathing and exhale in a rhytmic way sot heres some sort of a pattern.
I am not sure if this is the " proper" way but it worked for me.

That sounds pretty sensible fishfinger. To my shame have not been out running for 10 days, since my wee bit in the edinburgh relay, knee's fine now, and treated mysefl to new running shoes, so no excuse... except huge work pile-up to get through before our hols next thur. MUST get out even for 20 mins tho.

I never knew 1 mile burns off 100 cals twink - MUST get out, as have new (eek) bikini for hols...

Thank-you all for your words of wisdom - I went out yesterday. I chose the walking circuit near me mostly on bridleways and public footpaths. It takes me about 30mins to walk fairly briskly!.
I walked very briskly for 15 mins, ran for 5, and walked again for another 5.

I am planning to do it again tomorrow.
My overall plan is to increase the running time until I can run the whole circuit!! - seems a huge goal but if I take it steadily and post on here I will do it ..
Thanks agian - I'll read this thread whenever I find myself slacking.
Oh, another question - how often sjhall I run per week?. I was thinking of 3 to 4 times??.
And one more: I was thinking of doing my first increase in running time after about 10 days , and thereafter every week, going up in 2 minuite incrementals - does this sound OK??
TIA!!

I hope the lack of activity on this thread is because

a) you're all out punding the streets

or

b) you've started a new thread without me noticing

Sonnet, a good rule of thumb is to never increase your run by more than 10% at a time and never increase your week's total by more than 10% either. I guess this would hold true for time or mileage. How have you got on this week ?

or even 'pounding' ..

Update to race list:

Twink, Gizmo Reading Half Marathon, 6th March - done
Gizmo, Paris Marathon, April 10th - done
Twink, London Marathon, April 17th - done
Lapsedrunner, TA Orienteering Championships, 23/24 April done & won !
Clary, RFL 8th May - done
Northerner RFL 8th May - done
Zippy, Great Caledonian Run/Stroll 10k 8th May
MistressMary - Marlborough ?Marathon?, 8th May
Hannahsaunt, Balmoral 10k 8th May
Fionagib, Hannahsaunt, Edinburgh 10k May 15th - done
Prettybird, Fionagib Glasgow 10k May 15th - done
Gizmo - Wheathamstead 10k, 22 May - done
Potty1, RFL 12 June - done
fionagib - 4 mile leg of edinburgh marathon - done
NannyJo, RFL, June
MumToTwink, MiniTwink, Twink RFL 2nd July - done
Twink, RFL 10th July
Mancmum, RFL July
Fionagib, Prettybird (they're unstoppable!)Scottish Half Marathon, 4th Sept
Beetroot,Potpourri,Twink GNR 18th Sept
Arabica: Umbrella 5km, London, 18 Sept
Gardengirl, Hydroactive challenge, September
Potty1, Birmingham hydroactive challenge
ColdTea, GSR, October

MiniTwink had a blinder & knocked 2 minutes of her previous time, finishing in 55 mins (she's 5 btw) Mum is away so a friend stood in for her as Mini's partner.

I did 22:30, 3 mins faster than on the same course last year and was 7th ! I know it's the taking part that's the important bit but I was still chuffed. It's a 2 lap course which means that the second lap is always tough as you've got to weave in and out of walkers.

What news from the rest of you ?

fiona - its me- cod!

have you still not smoked?

Hi - Can I join in for some running (more like stumbling in my case though) support please? I am a very very bad runner, slow in the extreme but kind of enjoy plodding around the country lanes around here. I want to lose some weight, have already lost a stone through dieting but have another stone to go and think a great big exercise boost will make it vanish overnight (maybe).

Is anyone else as bad as me? How do you keep motivated?

Not done any running since my 10k (shuffles feet in embarassment....)

BUT entered the Great Scottish Run on Friday (last day for the reduced rate - still expensive though at £23!)

.....and dh and I went out on Saturday and bought ourselves new shoes (both got nice Asics).

Haven't been out in them yet though, as I'm recovering from a bad cold - but think I should be well enough again tomorrow to give thme an outing. I've siad I'll do 1 hour 55 - which on my 10k time should be achievable, but a) I'd better get out running (at all!) and b) Id better get out running more!!!!

8 weeks to go!

Ummm, yes motivation.......

Whassat?

My 'sub 45 in 05' campaign has rather bitten the dust, shot down in flames by extreme heat+humidity (which I hate), desperate need to decorate new house and a bit of a fraught homelife. However, I have just about managed to cling onto 3 outings a week, which at least means I'm starting the autumn marathon campaign from a higher level of fitness than last year.

But in answer to your question, Dislocated, I find it helps to have targets (I rely on races, you might want to focus on weight loss or distance covered) but to recognise it is a long term commitment. Even if I miss my targets, I'm still running, and I can have a go at the next target without the daunting task of starting all over again.

However, if you actually don't enjoy the process of running, you can either find a way of distracting yourself (run with music, a friend or a club) or perhaps find some other exercise you enjoy?

Oh ho! Good to see I'm not the only one.... to Prettybird!!!

And congratulations to MiniTwink - very impressive for 5 years old!

Hello everyone!
Well done to everyone who's run anything--haven't had time to read all the postings.
I am finally back on track with chiropractor's blessing, after having 6 weeks away from running with latest back injury.
This morning I did a brisk power-walk for 10 minutes, then ran for 5, then walked for another 10--all I could fit in before DH went to work.
Chiropractor's advice was to use an ice-pack on my back after every run regardless of whether or not I feel pain. I'm also doing a pilates course and returning to the gym soon.
So I intend to folllow a very light walk/run programme (much as I dislike doing walk/run, I want to give it a try) and hopefully be able to stay fit for my 5km race in Sept.

Hello - can I join your thread....please
I've gone and done something silly - agreed to 'run' the Race for Life 5k this Sunday with my sil. It's this Sunday and desite all my good intentions I haven't done any training (well, none apart from a couple of short walk/runs more than 2 months ago) My excuse is I don't have time, which sounds a bit pathetic but there is a wee bit truth in it.
Anyway apart from Sunday (and I know there's no hope for that at this late stage) I really would like to return to running properly (did quite a lot a few years ago and even ran a 10k). Have any of you any motiviation tips about actually getting off my a@$e and starting. Also do any of you know of any (genuine) sites that match up prospective running partners (preferably female). I used to have a friend I ran with before and that was a big factor in me actually doing the training but since I've moved house I don't know anyone nearby whom I could run with.
Anyway, sorry for the waffle. Think of me on Sunday

so happy ds is doing well enough most times now that i can start running again...i feel great when i get to. jogged about 2.5 miles...don't know how many Ks that is, but can't wait till tomorrow....

Hello all - welcome all the new folks!!

Haven't been out since the last 'swishy-swashy' race - had a stinking cold and a chest infection - probably be just about fit for the next one!

Tabitha - good luck on Sunday, you'll have a great time!

And as for motivation??.......seem to have lost mine at the moment, but will have a look for it

Hi Tabitha. Obviously you are the only person who really knows what motivates you and every runner will be running for a different reason. But from my own experience I think doing the RFL will be very motivating. The atmosphere is usually brilliant, and completing the distance will give you a result to aim for next time you race. You'll also see lots of different sizes and ages all enjoying a run and that can also be very inspiring; mad me confident you don't have to look like a whippet or be a whippersnapper to do running.

Maybe I'll join? I only run on a treadmill at the gym because that way I've got childcare built in (gym creche)...dh isn't home until late so there is no way I'm pounding the streets after 9pm.

Currently running 5km three times per week. My first goal is to do this in under 30 mins. Currently takes me around 32 mins (and 467 cals! - one of the advantages of treadmills)

Thank you for your welcomes, Arabica and potty
I will let you all know how I get on on Sunday - if it doesn't kill me it may spur me on to greater things.

HMeC, that sounds like amazing running & motivation, personally I find that the treadmill is much harder work than running outside. That's mainly cos I get bored senseless as our gym only has MTV & my CD player doesn't work properly when I run with it, so I can't drown out the appalling stuff they play!
If anyone can recommend a cheapo CD player that doesn't skip when you jog, please please let me know about it. I can't afford an ipod.

Arabica,

It's different strokes for different folks isn't it? I find the gym treadmill easier because I can look at the display and monitor how much further I need to go (ooooh just another half km to go - I can do it, I can do it). Also someone on the treadmill next to me brings out my competitive streak and spurs me on to do more.

However I feel a bit fradulent, I don't really think of treadmills as proper running. Feel like a bit of a pretender!