So..... running

[Jonny69]

Originally Posted by jmc41

7 weeks to go petemc? Got out for that run at a sensible speed yet Jonny69?

Yep

Went out for about 5 or 6 km with a work colleague on Tuesday and was back on form. Really needed that run and she's talked me into a half marathon at some point, but not sure which one yet.

Also hit the road by bike last night to get to dinner round at another friend's place so got some calories burned on a nice hilly 17 mile ride, so I'm feeling nicely exercised again

Hopefully the less cold dry weather will hold out for a bit so I can ride or run a bit of my commute again.

[jmc41]

Originally Posted by petemc

Thing I'm finding really hard is running slow. Runkeeper says a fast is 11:00 to 11:20 pace per mile. Slow pace should be 12:10 to 12:30 or slower. I can't run that slow. Yesterdays run, which was meant to be slow, I did an average pace of 11:05. So my steady pace is their fast pace. Trying to run at their slow pace is like down to walking speed.

I know what you mean, my first mile is nearly always < 10 mins despite trying to keep it slow to prevent burn-out at the end Maybe you can find a running partner who will slow you down? Or aim for a sub 5h (11*26.2) marathon

Thought for a moment you'd run 17 miles Jonny :P The cold weather seems to be staying clear though I personally don't mind as long as it's not below -2C or so, but that wind is a bit of a pain.

[petemc]

I think a slow running partner would be someone walking

Very windy out there today and I'm doing my longest run for a good while. 10 miles today. Really windy.

[jmc41]

Originally Posted by petemc

I think a slow running partner would be someone walking

Very windy out there today and I'm doing my longest run for a good while. 10 miles today. Really windy.

The wind might help slow you down a little Or taking smaller strides? The other option is run like a maniac and then limp along doing 12min miles, probably not something I'd recommend. Do you have a GPS watch, bit of an outlay but set at average pace might make it easier to slow to 5mph.

I know it's bad to compare but I do get demoralised by people who I would normally consider much less fit than me hitting 63 min 7 milers, or the bloke who barely ever runs doing a 26 min 3 miles, or the ever helpful boss saying it should be easy to hit a 20 minute 5k. Hmmmm.

[lostkat]

Pete, I pretty much ignored the pace for my long runs in my first marathon plan as it felt uncomfortable to run at such a slow speed. I ran to how I felt and it worked perfectly for me. As long as you can do the whole run at a fairly constant pace that feels comfortable and right for you, I wouldn't worry too much about what the numbers say

jmc - Why are you worried about what other people say they can do? Who are you doing this running thing for? There's always going to be someone faster than you, so you'll always end up demoralised if you think like that. You need to run for yourself. Sod everyone else!

[lostkat]

Oh, forgot my update. Did my first "Fell Race" yesterday. 14 miles of tough, hilly cross country with 1200ft of ascent. I took it really easy because my calves were cramping up after a mile and I was worried I might have to drop out. Feel like I've run a bloody marathon today!!! Need to recover quick though as I have the Stamford Valentine's 30K (18.6 miles) this coming Sunday. ARGH!!!!!! All good fun though

[BBx]

I don't know how people run home from work - crazy!!! The boys at work do it though.

After nearly 3mths off from the gym, something possessed me to go for a straight 5k and I managed to do it in 31m 40 really pleased although:

a) am going to ache like a biatch tomorrow
and
b) I've set myself a high (for me) benchmark

Lol. See how we go... that was without choonage too - need to find the love for running!

BB x

[jmc41]

Originally Posted by BBx

I don't know how people run home from work - crazy!!! The boys at work do it though.

If I didn't I'd never have gotten the motivation to keep going. Once I walk in, I've got no choice! And if I've got to run 3 miles home, I find it much easier to motivate myself to run 5/6/whatever home!

I know, I'm just too competitive. Always have been. Good luck with the 30k (an insane distance) and BBx enjoy the pain! I had about 2 months off with a holiday and illness last year really suffered for a bit after that (had to walk for a bit after 20 minutes...) so well done.

Also, don't know if it'll help but I personally found a gentle run a couple of days after my long one really did wonders to loosen me up and I felt much better that evening / next day than I had the entire weekend.

[camerajuan]

Well, a little epiphany came over me so I now have something to aim for.

I'm doing the Spartan Race Sprint in October! Google it, watch some videos, then join me!

I cannot WAIT!

[Mondo]

Ok, in order to get down to the weight I want (next target 11st), I am going to start running.

I just downloaded Runkeeper on the iPhone, and tomorrow or thursday I will start my routine, but I know you don't go off and run 2 miles at full pelt without stopping, I want to enjoy it as much (since I absolutely detest running lol), are there any guides to get me going?