Official Running Thread

[Bozza]

Since the Brighton marathon I've really struggled. At the start of the year I wanted to go sub 2 hours in a half marathon and sub 50 minutes in a 10k. I managed the first at the Brighton half and went 50:19 in a 10k a week later, and was feeling great. A few injuries prior to the Marathon knocked my planning and confidence and meant that I failed miserably to get near my target of 4:15.

After a couple of weeks of self loathing and reflection I put my shoes back on and have tried to go out, but struggled for motivation, so only managed about one run a week.

I've entered the #Juneathon, but every time I go out now I feel leaden footed, culminating yesterday in a 10k that took me 62 minutes. I'm totally lost for an explanation. Putting on weight hasn't helped, but something is fundamentally wrong but no idea why.

It's still better than the position 13 months ago when I decided to start running, but I'm going backwards rather than forwards at present.

Based on my own experiences, I think it might be psychological.

I was struggling more and more last week, culminating in a very slow 5 miles on Friday where, at the end, my last mile was 10:34.

I had a short and slow run on Saturday which felt like a rest, but I think it gave me a mental rest as much as a physical one.

Then, yesterday, I felt confident and strong. I think I could have broken any of my PBs I chose yesterday - 1, 3.1, 6.2, 10 or 13.1 miles. I chose to go after my Half PB which also included doing my fastest 10 miles on the way too.

I'm now feeling really positive about it again and reckon I could take a chunk off my 5km best if I try when I go out later today. I'm tempted.

So, for me, it was just going out to run really, really slowly (by my own measures) which just seemed to allow me to reset my focus.

 

[backson]

Since the Brighton marathon I've really struggled. At the start of the year I wanted to go sub 2 hours in a half marathon and sub 50 minutes in a 10k. I managed the first at the Brighton half and went 50:19 in a 10k a week later, and was feeling great. A few injuries prior to the Marathon knocked my planning and confidence and meant that I failed miserably to get near my target of 4:15.

After a couple of weeks of self loathing and reflection I put my shoes back on and have tried to go out, but struggled for motivation, so only managed about one run a week.

I've entered the #Juneathon, but every time I go out now I feel leaden footed, culminating yesterday in a 10k that took me 62 minutes. I'm totally lost for an explanation. Putting on weight hasn't helped, but something is fundamentally wrong but no idea why.

It's still better than the position 13 months ago when I decided to start running, but I'm going backwards rather than forwards at present.

Stick with it!

I too have had motivation issues since the Brighton Marathon, the main thing is that pre-marathon I knew I HAD to go out whether I felt like it or not. Since then I've planned to go out, and then thought "sod it, I don't need to", so haven't been anywhere near as much as I did before.

I signed up for Worthing 10k just to give me something to aim for, not a great time (a touch over the hour mark), but at least I have started to enjoy running again

 

[dazzer6666]

Since the Brighton marathon I've really struggled. At the start of the year I wanted to go sub 2 hours in a half marathon and sub 50 minutes in a 10k. I managed the first at the Brighton half and went 50:19 in a 10k a week later, and was feeling great. A few injuries prior to the Marathon knocked my planning and confidence and meant that I failed miserably to get near my target of 4:15.

After a couple of weeks of self loathing and reflection I put my shoes back on and have tried to go out, but struggled for motivation, so only managed about one run a week.

I've entered the #Juneathon, but every time I go out now I feel leaden footed, culminating yesterday in a 10k that took me 62 minutes. I'm totally lost for an explanation. Putting on weight hasn't helped, but something is fundamentally wrong but no idea why.

It's still better than the position 13 months ago when I decided to start running, but I'm going backwards rather than forwards at present.

We all go through this........particularly if there are injuries involved or we fail to hit targets that we set - the downer you'll have had from missing your marathon target is probably contributing to this more than you realise, even though because of injury it was out of your control.

Firstly, if you're still going out, you won't be going backwards much whatever you think. Few tips that might help :
-do some runs without a watch. Just go out, pressure free and enjoy it.
-go offroad, walk any hills if you feel like it and enjoy the scenery. Again, don't worry about speed/time/stats etc
-do some short speedy intervals - this is bound to help with getting some life back in your legs. Can be set distance or just go out and do it randomly (three lamposts, next road junction, that tree etc etc)
-mix up easy and harder efforts - if you try to bust your times all the time and start worrying about that it'll get to you. Do slow runs slower and faster runs faster
-do parkrun or another social type run

Just some thoughts........stick with it, it'll come back. And probably quite suddenly.

 

[Mellotron]

I've signed up for the Great North Run - am doing 2-3 jogs a week slowly trying to get my mileage up to around 8-9m, any tips for someone doing their first half marathon?

Anyone done the GNR before, and if so how flat/hilly is it?

 

[Bozza]

I've signed up for the Great North Run - am doing 2-3 jogs a week slowly trying to get my mileage up to around 8-9m, any tips for someone doing their first half marathon?

There will be numerous online training plans from the like of Runners' World etc.

I haven't followed any plans at all but started running on the 20-something of January being as heavy and as unfit as I've probably ever been. By the first weekend in April I was able to run a half-marathon distance without walking or stopping at any point.

I'd built up my long runs, on a Sunday prior to that - first tackling 5ish, then 7ish and then 10. I filled in between each long one with another 2-3 runs of varying pace and distance, but never running less than 5km (3.1 miles).

 

[El Presidente]

Cheers [MENTION=6886]Bozza[/MENTION] [MENTION=2469]backson[/MENTION] [MENTION=27279]dazzer6666[/MENTION] . I've taken on board comments and have just entered 4 races, so have something to aim for now.

Have also received Kudos today from the one and only David Stockdale on Strava, which has also perked me up, so I can't #BlameStockdale for my slow times.

 

[Steve.S]

I have only been running for a couple of weeks. I went for a check up in April and I weight 15stone 5lb and they told me that the top end of my ideal weight was 12-7. Being in my fiftieth year I decided to do something about it. So I decided to lose some weight first and then start some gentle exercise when I lost some weight. My first week of running was not great, it took me a week to run a mile without stopping. It got slightly better the second week and yesterday a managed 5k running all the way. The time was not great 31:40, however I achieved something that looked impossible 2 weeks ago, I would be out of breathe running a few hundred yards. My weight has dropped to 14 stone and now my aim is to bring my 5 k time down and my weight. Do not see myself running longer distances. My question to you runners do I run 3to4. 5ks a week or should I do a few shorter runs In between to help get my speed up.

 

[dazzer6666]

I have only been running for a couple of weeks. I went for a check up in April and I weight 15stone 5lb and they told me that the top end of my ideal weight was 12-7. Being in my fiftieth year I decided to do something about it. So I decided to lose some weight first and then start some gentle exercise when I lost some weight. My first week of running was not great, it took me a week to run a mile without stopping. It got slightly better the second week and yesterday a managed 5k running all the way. The time was not great 31:40, however I achieved something that looked impossible 2 weeks ago, I would be out of breathe running a few hundred yards. My weight has dropped to 14 stone and now my aim is to bring my 5 k time down and my weight. Do not see myself running longer distances. My question to you runners do I run 3to4. 5ks a week or should I do a few shorter runs In between to help get my speed up.

Great start....I was 18st when I started and 2 minutes nearly killed me........and don't knock a 31 min 5k, it's pretty damn good that soon

Now you can do 5k, I'd recommend you start mixing it up a bit - some faster intervals a couple of times a week etc along with a 'tempo' (even paced) run and an easy run. Have a look at 5 or 10k training programmes on the web - you don't have to do a 10k, but the mix of sessions will improve your running (and weight loss) dramatically. Something like this : http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/138.shtml

The only way to run faster is to er, run faster.........

You're easily quick enough to enjoy a parkrun as well - free, 5k timed runs every Saturday morning at loads of locations (just register on the website in advance and get a barcode)

Oh, and LOL, I didn't see myself doing longer distances either....the I did a 10k race....then a half marathon.....etc so don't rule it out....there are a few of us on here that could talk about how you get hooked.....

 

[Guinness Boy]

I have only been running for a couple of weeks. I went for a check up in April and I weight 15stone 5lb and they told me that the top end of my ideal weight was 12-7. Being in my fiftieth year I decided to do something about it. So I decided to lose some weight first and then start some gentle exercise when I lost some weight. My first week of running was not great, it took me a week to run a mile without stopping. It got slightly better the second week and yesterday a managed 5k running all the way. The time was not great 31:40, however I achieved something that looked impossible 2 weeks ago, I would be out of breathe running a few hundred yards. My weight has dropped to 14 stone and now my aim is to bring my 5 k time down and my weight. Do not see myself running longer distances. My question to you runners do I run 3to4. 5ks a week or should I do a few shorter runs In between to help get my speed up.

Good luck. I'm only 43 but was pretty much where you were. A mile was an achievement then two was and when I ran my first 5k I Facebooked the hell out of it like I was Mo Farah. Yesterday I ran a 52 min 10k coming 90th in my class.

It is very addictive and great for weight loss. I'm down from 100 kilos to 86 (I lost a kilo prepping for and running yesterday ) and wouldn't be without it.

The amount you do is up to you. Between family and knees that were kicked to bits when I played football I can only manage 3 a week but quite a few on here do more than that. Quality is, however better than quantity. [MENTION=27279]dazzer6666[/MENTION] said that and he's right.

 

[Steve.S]

Great start....I was 18st when I started and 2 minutes nearly killed me........and don't knock a 31 min 5k, it's pretty damn good that soon

Now you can do 5k, I'd recommend you start mixing it up a bit - some faster intervals a couple of times a week etc along with a 'tempo' (even paced) run and an easy run. Have a look at 5 or 10k training programmes on the web - you don't have to do a 10k, but the mix of sessions will improve your running (and weight loss) dramatically. Something like this : http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/138.shtml

The only way to run faster is to er, run faster.........

You're easily quick enough to enjoy a parkrun as well - free, 5k timed runs every Saturday morning at loads of locations (just register on the website in advance and get a barcode)

Oh, and LOL, I didn't see myself doing longer distances either....the I did a 10k race....then a half marathon.....etc so don't rule it out....there are a few of us on here that could talk about how you get hooked.....

Thanks for this, a lot of useful information.

 

[El Presidente]

Thanks [MENTION=6886]Bozza[/MENTION] [MENTION=2469]backson[/MENTION] [MENTION=27279]dazzer6666[/MENTION] I've taken on board comments and have just entered 4 races, so have something to aim for now.

Have also received Kudos today from the one and only David Stockdale on Strava, which has also perked me up, so I can't #BlameStockdale for my slow times.

Just ran a cheeky 4.5 miles, a more positive mindset, and listening to a Ride Genius mix (House of Love, Seahorses, Jesus and Mary Chain, Charlatans, Stone Roses) on the iPhone instead of a Freakonomics podcast helped me knock 22 seconds a km off yesterday's pace.

You're right about the psychological issue too. I've always been a happy dodger and diver in life, never worked at anything, if it fell in my lap then great, if not, couldn't be arsed.

The marathon was the first thing I've ever stuck at in my life. I followed the training plan fairly religiously, even missed Albion games to make sure I completed my 'long' training runs at the weekend, and stopped watching porn for a month before the race too. When I suffered the calf injury with a month to go for once in my life I was sensible, didn't try to rush back, took the advice of personal trainer and physio, dropped out of a couple of local half marathons which were part of my taper program and so on.

Come the big day and it was all going to plan, I was at 2:04 at the half way stage, feeling on top of the world, all in line with my expectations. I even felt at the time that I could do reverse splits. When the wheels came off at 18 miles I didn't know what had hit me. The feeling of total and utter frustration, waste and anger at myself has been difficult to overcome since. I'd promised my wife I wouldn't run another marathon again as I was a pain in the arse to live with (I think she erringly put this down to the marathon, I am a pain in the arse to live with full stop)

 

[dazzer6666]

Thanks [MENTION=6886]Bozza[/MENTION] [MENTION=2469]backson[/MENTION] [MENTION=27279]dazzer6666[/MENTION] I've taken on board comments and have just entered 4 races, so have something to aim for now.

Have also received Kudos today from the one and only David Stockdale on Strava, which has also perked me up, so I can't #BlameStockdale for my slow times.

Just ran a cheeky 4.5 miles, a more positive mindset, and listening to a Ride Genius mix (House of Love, Seahorses, Jesus and Mary Chain, Charlatans, Stone Roses) on the iPhone instead of a Freakonomics podcast helped me knock 22 seconds a km off yesterday's pace.

You're right about the psychological issue too. I've always been a happy dodger and diver in life, never worked at anything, if it fell in my lap then great, if not, couldn't be arsed.

The marathon was the first thing I've ever stuck at in my life. I followed the training plan fairly religiously, even missed Albion games to make sure I completed my 'long' training runs at the weekend, and stopped watching porn for a month before the race too. When I suffered the calf injury with a month to go for once in my life I was sensible, didn't try to rush back, took the advice of personal trainer and physio, dropped out of a couple of local half marathons which were part of my taper program and so on.

Come the big day and it was all going to plan, I was at 2:04 at the half way stage, feeling on top of the world, all in line with my expectations. I even felt at the time that I could do reverse splits. When the wheels came off at 18 miles I didn't know what had hit me. The feeling of total and utter frustration, waste and anger at myself has been difficult to overcome since. I'd promised my wife I wouldn't run another marathon again as I was a pain in the arse to live with (I think she erringly put this down to the marathon, I am a pain in the arse to live with full stop)

Interesting, very similar to me. First (and, at the time, definitely only) marathon in 2006, trained my nuts off after Christmas, had no booze for 3 months etc. On the day, all went tits up at about 19 miles and shuffled home about 30 mins slower than I wanted to. Have done a few since then, including several where I have had a drink the night before and hardly any have been as bad as that first one. Almost always down to fuelling I reckon assuming you have trained ok..........personally have got on loads better since I stopped eating before long runs (ie run empty) and got used to eating 'real food' on the run not gels etc.

Basically, you don't need to be SUCH a pain in the arse.....work your training around other stuff (sounds like you do) and don't get too stressed about (that said, I suspect my Mrs would say I have been a bloody nightmare this year training for the 100 LOL)

 

[Bozza]

Over-optimism after yesterday's effort and/or arrogance saw me get off to a flyer looking to cover off my old 3.8m loop tonight. After a mile I was already composing my "5km PB" post...

...and then I blew up around 2 miles - there really wasn't much in my legs at all so I slowed right up and trudged home.

I'll take this run as a lesson - I needed a very gentle slow one after yesterday.

 

[dazzer6666]

Over-optimism after yesterday's effort and/or arrogance saw me get off to a flyer looking to cover off my old 3.8m loop tonight. After a mile I was already composing my "5km PB" post...

...and then I blew up around 2 miles - there really wasn't much in my legs at all so I slowed right up and trudged home.

I'll take this run as a lesson - I needed a very gentle slow one after yesterday.

I've had a golden rule drilled into me by the coach - never, ever do hard sessions on consecutive days (he once emailed me a bollocking for doing one fast mile on what was supposed to be an easy paced run). It's not just the actual run that will be crap, but potentially the next few after it as well.......

 

[Bozza]

It's not just the actual run that will be crap, but potentially the next few after it as well.......

Yes, I'm sensing that already, which is what is annoying me particularly. I'm in Bristol again tomorrow night and I was looking forward to another random, exploration run.

 

[dazzer6666]

Yes, I'm sensing that already, which is what is annoying me particularly. I'm in Bristol again tomorrow night and I was looking forward to another random, exploration run.

Nothing wrong with that, just do it slowly........

 

[Guinness Boy]

Coincidentally I am in Bristol too today and tonight though in the dull northern suburbs near Parkway station. Had to change trains due to a breakdown on the way which meant giving up a reserved seat with decent leg room for standing to Reading and then squashing in and it's fair to say the top of my thighs are absolutely killing me. The shoes and shorts are in my case but I suspect a very slow 5k ish recovery run up and down the Filton Rd will have to suffice. There is a gym in the hotel but I cannot bear running on treadmills.

 

[Bozza]

Coincidentally I am in Bristol too today and tonight though in the dull northern suburbs near Parkway station. Had to change trains due to a breakdown on the way which meant giving up a reserved seat with decent leg room for standing to Reading and then squashing in and it's fair to say the top of my thighs are absolutely killing me. The shoes and shorts are in my case but I suspect a very slow 5k ish recovery run up and down the Filton Rd will have to suffice. There is a gym in the hotel but I cannot bear running on treadmills.

I'm sitting here trying to find a hotel for tonight - there is nothing available at all in town - everything is sold out or ridiculously expensive - even the last resort Premier Inns and Travelodges.

Running potential is a big factor in trying to find something that will suffice!

 

[Guinness Boy]

After the glory comes the pain......

Ran 5 very painful ks in over 30 mins last night to recover from Sunday. Easily my least enjoyable run ever. However, this morning my legs which had been stiff and painful feel completely normal. Yay for the recovery run!

 

[Bozza]

I ended up staying right down South near Axbridge. I fell asleep in my room and woke up at 8:45 with only about half an hour to go until sunset. The hotel was on a country lane with neither pavements nor streetlights so I dashed out to squeeze in a 5km.

I certainly felt the effects of my quick (for me) half-marathon on Sunday and stupid attempt at a fast run on Monday but it's another run done.

#juneathon now stands at 9 runs in 9 days for 47.5 miles.

Unless I manage to escape Bristol early today my only chance to get out will be around 11:30pm when Mrs Bozza gets in from the pub.