Running thread

BlueHammer85 said:
Brighton Marathon 5:30

By far my slowest ever, but still happy to have done it.
Been on antibiotics for kidney infection, lower back pain for last month so have not trained at all recently - got to 13/14 miles and was cramping up both legs.
Sat in shade to book a uber but was no service- so managed to walk/jog the rest of the Marathon, it was brutal.
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Well done! My goal is to run a marathon one day, but for now, I’m taking it slow and starting with 10 miles a week. I’ve been following some great tips in this article https://betterme.world/articles/running-10-miles-a-week/, and it’s helping me build a solid foundation. I don’t want to rush or overdo it, so focusing on gradual progress is key for me. Hopefully, I’ll be ready for a marathon in the future
 
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staffsblue said:
Yeah, it was a tad congested, especially at the start. I still find it fun starting and finishing on the running track though. Makes the event quite unique.
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It’s a good course.

Are you planning on going Stretford again this weekend ?
 
After too many years of being a fat disgrace and smoking too much, looking to get into a bit of running

Any advice, or just lace up and go? Couch to 5k any good?
 
mike1923 said:
After too many years of being a fat disgrace and smoking too much, looking to get into a bit of running

Any advice, or just lace up and go? Couch to 5k any good?
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Lace up and go !
Just try a mile/2 miles. Walk/jog, see how you get on.
Take some headphones, enjoy the air.
Then I would really recommend a Parkrun walk/jog so you get the feel of it all. Wouldn’t worry about times or thinking negatively that it’s not for you etc. just don’t give up and stick at it.
When you get the bug there’s no better feeling.
 
mike1923 said:
After too many years of being a fat disgrace and smoking too much, looking to get into a bit of running

Any advice, or just lace up and go? Couch to 5k any good?
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Depends how fit you are.

It's probably worth going couch to 5k, which is essentially just a structured plan of running and walking.

Don't overdo it to begin with, not trying to break world records, just easy running, keep your breathing and heart rate as comfortable as you can.
 
mike1923 said:
After too many years of being a fat disgrace and smoking too much, looking to get into a bit of running

Any advice, or just lace up and go? Couch to 5k any good?
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Good man!! You won't regret it, I started off running in pretty much the same shape, was 16stone and smoking 30 a day.
To be honest I wouldn't just lace up and go, it can seem hard at first especially with smokers lungs, and if you try and can't do it then you might just fuck it off, at least that's what I used to do on my first few attempts to get going.
Download a couch to 5k on your phone, pretty much everyone nowadays starts off with that, and I can't recommend it enough.
Stick around on this thread as there's a few on here that a really helpful with running advice.
Good luck, you can do it, it just takes patience and a wee bit of belief
 
mike1923 said:
After too many years of being a fat disgrace and smoking too much, looking to get into a bit of running

Any advice, or just lace up and go? Couch to 5k any good?
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I started couch to 5k during COVID aged 58 and hadn't ran for over 30 years. Lace up and take it easy. Enjoy it the outside, the fresh face, the feeling of achievement. Lots of great advice and inspiration on this thread which has helped me so much. Good luck
 
MCFC1993 said:
You running Manchester?

I've been watching friends and family go through the marathon training block, the long runs alone are making me think I'm crazy for entering my 2nd marathon in October, such hard work for 1 day! Happy in my 5k, 10k, HM blocks at the moment.

I'm supposed to go and spectate them at Manchester, but I want to get to the semi-final as well, decisions to make. I could do both if I don't stay to the end of the race, bit hectic though.
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Yes! Although I did my last ‘long run’ yesterday and my knee is killing today…. Typical.

I reckon marathon + semi final is doable if they start in the earlier waves. Remember it’s the London Marathon on the same day. So going to be busy everywhere!
 
mike1923 said:
After too many years of being a fat disgrace and smoking too much, looking to get into a bit of running

Any advice, or just lace up and go? Couch to 5k any good?
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Do the couch to 5k…

One of the big mistakes new runners make is over training and getting injured.

Ease yourself back into it. Stay injury free. Then reap the benefits as your fitness increases. I’d recommend researching 80/20 running (Mat Fitzgerald wrote a brilliant book on it).

If you stick to it, running will be the best lifestyle choice you’ve ever made. Trust me!
 
mike1923 said:
After too many years of being a fat disgrace and smoking too much, looking to get into a bit of running

Any advice, or just lace up and go? Couch to 5k any good?
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Further thoughts on this that came to me on my run this morning, go as slow as you possibly can when starting, make it feel really easy and slowly build over weeks/months, the only person your 'racing' is yourself.
Take no notice of the ones that look like they are from the olympic running team, everyone is running their own race and you have no idea how far they have run.
Controlling the ego is a big one, don't let your head tell you you can't do it or are not going quick enough, the mind plays all sorts of games on the body when running.
Also maybe get down to parkrun, you don't have to run all of the run, there's always a good few who walk it, maybe a run/walk kind of jazz will help as it's motivating having people in the same boat around you.
I always say at parkrun it's not the fast cats that are zipping round that are putting in the hardest work, it's the folk that turn up week in week out at the back that have my biggest respect
 
Yeh i can't advocate Parkrun enough, if you have time Saturday mornings and you're unfit and new to running, turn up and walk it, few weeks later maybe jog a bit at the start etc, either way 5k is a big distance and you'll feel good for it.
 
mike1923 said:
Thanks for the advice gents (and ladies, if any of you are of the gentler sex), much appreciated
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IMO rest days are just as important as running days, especially at start of your running journey. Slow and steady is what I'd recommend
 
Stuuuuuu said:
I've decided to create a YouTube channel in order to give me a bit of focus with my running, to get me motivated and to hopefully support my mental health whilst giving some tips based on what I've learnt over 30 years (on and off!) of running.

I'll try and get the odd video on there, covering different aspects of running and prep for distance events etc.

Let me know if you'd like me to have a go at covering any particular topics.

youtube.com

Finish Line Focus

A supportive channel and community for ANYONE who wants to run! Whether it's for fun, fitness, health or to take part in - and complete - an event, this is the place for you. Find me also on TikTok and Facebook.
youtube.com youtube.com
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I've added a new video with a few thoughts about running to support good mental health, especially in green environments. I thought it would be a good time to do this as the weather is improving. I hope it's worth a watch!

 
Just finished Keep on Running (the highs and lows of a marathon addict) by Phil Hewitt. It's not about Snickers. Basically almost like a diary/blog of him running and training for marathons. Really enjoyed it. Anyone wants a read drop me PM with address and I'll post it off. Only cost me £2 in charity shop and happy to pass on for free. First come first served
 

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