So..... running

[Jonny69]

My knee seems to be well fixed now. I can run again

Unfortunately I jarred my 'bad' knee doing something at the weekend and it hurts to bend and walk on it again. Argh. Nothing I can do about that though, it's damaged cartilage and unless I get it operated on it'll keep giving me jip (and maybe if I get it operated on again they might actually do the right operation this time...)

[Kitten]

Can't believe how stiff my back and arms were after that ickle run on Friday. Shows how you get out of shape in certain areas even when you don't realise it (was doing lots of arm work before and have concentrated on legs most recently).

[lostkat]

Are you relaxing your arms/shoulders when you run? You're not clenching your fists or anything are you? It can really make a big difference if you're tense up top.

[semi-pro waster]

Originally Posted by lostkat

Are you relaxing your arms/shoulders when you run? You're not clenching your fists or anything are you? It can really make a big difference if you're tense up top.

To repeat a tip I think I gave near the start of the thread, just lightly touch your thumb to your forefinger/middle finger and it's much more difficult to tense up unless you consciously try. Credit for this tip goes to the great Emil Zatopek and if it's good enough for him it's fine for us mere mortals.

I went on a short run with some people from work today, I got rather roped into it as apparently my reply of "could do" when asked was taken for the boundless enthusiasm it rather patently was not. However I did quite enjoy it and it was a whole lot easier than I expected given I haven't done any form of cardio really for a good long while.

[Kitten]

Ahh yes, I couldn't find my ipod arm thing, so I had ipod in one hand and dog lead in the other. Think they were pretty scrunched up. Is that bad :/

Ignore that. Clearly it is.

[Von Smallhausen]

Originally Posted by lostkat

Best one is this, but blokes often struggle with it:

Although 35 and past my peak I wouldn't struggle with that. Phwoaar!

[lostkat]

Originally Posted by Kitten

Ahh yes, I couldn't find my ipod arm thing, so I had ipod in one hand and dog lead in the other. Think they were pretty scrunched up. Is that bad :/

Ignore that. Clearly it is.

BAD Kitten! You should run as though you have an ice cream sandwich in your hand... mmmmm ice creeeeaaaam

[leowyatt]

Originally Posted by lostkat

mmmmm ice creeeeaaaam

mmmmm sandwich

[petemc]

By the end of my run I'd have 2 mushy wafers

I do start running with closed fists but open them up after a few minutes. Just feels easier.

I'm going to train for the Liverpool half marathon next March. Part of me is quite tempted by the full marathon in Liverpool in Oct 2011 if they get it. Just to see if I can do it. Never been one for physical activity but I'm curious to see what I can really do.

[Kitten]

OK, well I ran 3.5k last night without stopping and was fine. Had to stop though because I got pins & needles in my foot and it went dead :/ I had my new runners on (4th or 5th time out) but it was the first time I've run on a treadmill & not the road in ages.

I checked they weren't too tight (they weren't) but the muscle in the back of my leg (my calf?) was very tight. When I stretched it out the pins & needles went away. Do I need to do something before I start running (i usually do a 2/3 minute walk to get myself going and then start to run). I think I'd have been able to carry on a little longer had that not happened. Any advice?

Actually, just googled it, seems a lot of people having the problem, in my case think it's my calf not being stretched properly (I don't really stretch before, just after?)

Also, for anyone who's taking up running or wants to sooth achey running muscles (or any others, from gardening or DIY or anything) get on the power plate at the gym, works wonders! I've got a vibration plate at home and my legs have been ace from just 5 mins on there when I've walked home from the gym/stopped running.