So..... running

[lostkat]

Sorry you're feeling sluggish! Spend some pennies on a sports massage. That usually does the trick on tired legs for me. And do the 10k this weekend anyway. You might find that the adrenaline and race atmosphere gives you some energy.

[Belmit]

Originally Posted by jmc41

Been overtaken by OAPs before, along with plenty of people a great deal older in general

I may be able to trump that. A couple of years ago when I was a good deal fitter than I am now running-wise I tried a 5K run for fun in Richmond Park. I completed it in a respectable 23 minutes but halfway through I was overtaken by a chap pushing a toddler in an all-terrain pushchair. I guess the moral is that no matter how good you think you are you're never in a position where you can't be put in your place!

[jmc41]

Originally Posted by Jingo

I went out again today and achieved just under 5.5miles but I am really struggling - I seem to be reaching problem barriers at around 3 miles and I can't really understand it; I've been starting off very slow and steady, increasing pace a little once I get comfortable (around 9-12 mins in) and I'm just finding my legs are very 'tired' and a general lack of oomph!

Don't know if this helps but personally I was having real issues before Christmas, had been moving up to regular 5+ miles 3 times a week and started to get leg issues (shin splints and knee pains) quite early on. Taking 12 days off, cutting down to twice a week and new shoes really helped (old ones had only done 350 miles tho). Hopefully adrenaline will get you through the 10k, maybe taking a bit of a break or checking out new trainers (do you log miles to see how worn they are?) to see if that helps.

I think some places let you try trainers for a few miles indoor ie: gym treadmill to see how they feel, but even if they don't help right now you'll eventually need new ones right.

I wondered if I should think about an occasional sports massage but I'm not marathon training or running so not sure if it's needed or would help.

That and there is this crazy person I heard about who had one which sort of put me off...

Originally Posted by lostkat

I've had a sports massage tonight. She put her hands on my calves and let out an evil cackle. She said it's no wonder I ran poorly at the weekend with legs like these. She's proper hurt me tonight. Stripped my ITB (OOOOOOOOOOWCH!!!!!!), pummled my calves and beat the crap out of my quads. She said if I stretch every single day up until the marathon, I will have a good race. Otherwise, I'm fooked.

[lostkat]

Haha, I won't deny that it hurts like HELL, but it makes such a massive difference to my running that it's well worth it. I'd go through twice the amount of pain for that. I've done my stretches for tonight and have every faith in my physio

4 days before the London Marathon last year, I woke up in the morning and walked downstairs. It felt like someone was stabbing knives into my knee caps. I was in agony and absolutely terrified I wouldn't be able to run. I rang her, she diagnosed the problem over the phone, instructed me to massage my quads with a golf ball and hey presto they were sorted.

You don't have to be a marathon runner to benefit from a sports massage. Just give it a try.

[Von Smallhausen]

I am running again since mam had her heart attack, 2-3 times a week.

At first it was hard as I hadn't distance ran in ages but it is surprising how quickly it gets easier. Bought some Reebok Premier before I started and they are a very comfortable running shoe.

Also have some Adidas climacool which are comfortable but a harder run in comparison.

Lycra shorts a must though.

[jmc41]

I'm either really lucky or just not running far enough but get on fine with really old basic (£3 type!) shorts from Tesco or somewhere.

I am condsidering something more specific though, to reduce weight and they do get a little damp to see if it is more comfortable. Shorts are the only thing I haven't gotten specifically for running.

[Jingo]

Originally Posted by jmc41

Taking 12 days off, cutting down to twice a week and new shoes really helped

I think my current life stresses and routines take it out of me more than I'd like to imagine and this is having an impact upon my running mentality more than the physical. I forget how much your running ability stems from your current mentality. My shoes have got a few more miles in them yet as they're fairly new in terms of lifetime. Thanks for your advice jmc

Originally Posted by lostkat

Haha, I won't deny that it hurts like HELL, but it makes such a massive difference to my running that it's well worth it.
....
You don't have to be a marathon runner to benefit from a sports massage. Just give it a try.

I think I might try one out next week post race and see how I get on There's a qualified individual a few streets away that seems reasonably priced.

Originally Posted by Von Smallhausen

Lycra shorts a must though.

Yes- I'm finding my running shorts + hot weather = very undesirable rubs

Originally Posted by jmc41

Shorts are the only thing I haven't gotten specifically for running.

You're not missing out too much - if they cover the Gent.Veg and don't rub then they are perfect

[Desmo]

Well I hit the treadmill again tonight

Can't lift weights at the moment as I've injured my arm so after doing legs on Monday and Tuesday, I couldn't train last night or tonight. So tonight I tried my first 5km for ages....and I did it

Was on my last legs near the end and ran most of it with one arm down by my side but kept upping the pace a little as I went and completed it in 35.38 which I was quite happy with. I now know I can slog out 5km like I thought I could, just need to work on slowly upping the pace now.

[Matblack]

Any faster and you'll be having to slow down for me when we do our 5k

Don't rule out doing splits though, my understanding is that even though we can run 5k, well I can't but I'm getting there, that actually doing it on a regular basis doesn't have the fitness impact of doing splits which will make you stronger. So I'm going to keep them in my regime and try to keep the 5k straight runs for just once a week.

Oh and I think you would be an ideal candidate or Fartlek training

MB

[BBx]

Originally Posted by Jingo

Are these your 5k times Mei?

Yes they are I am using this thread to log my times - hope no one minds!

I am trying to run at least 10km a week (or more) in 5km stints or broken down if I have to (like this week).

I will collate the times when I have a chance. I was late to the gym last night so had to split my 5k.

1km before and 1km after the class - running faster than usual though at 11km/h (normal speed is 10.3km/h.

Did the other 3km this morning in 18m 15secs then ran for the 20mins total.

Should really have been sub 18mins but hangover yesterday and lackage of sleep has obviously caught up on me!

Man cannot live on running alone so am doing some weights/strength training for pole and Body Pump/Body Combat/Body Attack classes when I can. Making sure I do at least one Body Pump class a week and swimming if I am around at the weekend too!

BB x