Running thread

Struggling like fuck at the moment, 5k is over 2/3 minutes slower than I’d like, 10k worse and just don’t seem to have much energy for it. 15 miles in total this week and just got to keep plodding on but at times I just want to throw my trainers in the bin.
Guess I need to sign up to something to get me motivated.
Had the same sort of issues that you seem to be having, was particularly disappointed with my efforts at the thunder run in July which I was around 8 minutes a lap slower than last year feeling really tired and only managed 3 laps whereas last year I managed 4. Started going to strength and conditioning session at a local club then joined up. They only do one real tough session a week combined with a couple of social runs but it’s definitely having a positive effec. Since starting with them I’ve managed to get a park run pb, improved 10k time by around 4 and half minutes and also done Edale ridge fell run. Definitely got the bug back.
 
I'm at home in Northern Ireland visiting family and my friend runs a fitness club who meet on Tues and Thurs. He invited me to join them for circuits tonight. I jogged there (1.5 miles). Set up a run round forest, circuit of skipping, kettles etc, run, circuits, etc for an hour. Then I jogged home. Not done circuits for about 30 years and it almost broke me lol. Really enjoyed it, I was a bit nervous going but knew about 5 people there out of group of about 30.
 
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Did some hill reps tonight.
Thought I would struggle as my running mojo isn't ace.
But....desapite being quite tough, I absolutely loved it. Even managed to run a few k home afterwards.

And I think it's because it's cooler and it's far easier on my engine (think I always preferred running in the winter and in fact that's where I first cut my running teeth a few years ago).

This may mean I can start pushing over 10ks again and that's where I always got those sublime runners highs.
Good to hear. Sounds like you are over that long covid?

Meanwhile, no cycling for me today so I tried a run for the first time in least a month. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it went and how enjoyable it was. All that cycling in the hills over the summer certainly enhanced the cardiovascular system !
 
I was looking through my Parkrun statistics today and in particular my annual PBs.

e0ef9d67813b22f563d379c6ca8a6652.jpg


I only managed four Parkruns in 2020 due to COVID, but it's noticeable how much slower I was in 2021. This was down to a drop in my iron levels. These have now been restored and I'm now running close to my 2019 times, which is encouraging. I'd love to break that Parkrun overall PB.
 
Just done a steady 3 mile recovery run. Got home and the bloody church bells were ringing constantly for an hour. Thought having a run had set my tinnitus off, before I realised what it was.

Did 15 mile on Friday. That was alright until the last mile.

Been running 3 times a week and doing weights and core exercises on the other 4 days. Not something I did, when i was running a lot 2 years ago. Can feel it starting to pay off though. Especially in my legs.
 
Great North Run - 2:26:11

Long day, set off at 6am, got home at 11pm! I think the biggest event I have done prior to this was the Manchester Half in Oct '19, but this was on another level. Walked past the elite runners and then all the waves in front of me to find my place probably about 2/3rds back. Race started at 10:45, and it was about 11:20 that I actually got underway. Felt good early on, but struggled during the second half so was probably 10-15 mins over what I would have liked to run.

However, enjoyed the day, support around the course was incredible.... unfortunately didn't get to see my girls who were waiting just after the Gateshead stadium at around the 5km point, I had a message to say they would be on the right hand side of the course just prior to me starting, but missed the next message to say they would actually be on the left hand side!! They also intended to then make there way to the finish to see me, but tram services were that busy they didn't actually get to the finish till about 20 mins after I crossed the line. It then took 3 hours to get from South Shields back to Newcastle where we were going to eat before driving home. I ended up doing 40,000 steps yesterday, and only 22k ish was from the run! I was walking like John Wayne by the time we were back in Newcastle!

The whole 21km was packed during the run, I never felt that comfortable as you were constantly dodging around other runners. I had to walk a few times, but always made sure I got over to the side of the course, whereas other times you were forced to take evasive action as people would suddenly stop right in the middle, or groups of 3 or more people were just walking in a line right in the middle. So I did find that side of the race a little annoying.

And obviously I get that certain parts of the race were amended in light of The Queen passing away, the Red Arrows being grounded due to national period of mourning was a shame, would have been good to see them. It was annoying though walking through to the start line where they were playing sad music and having a biography of the queens life coming through the speakers, kind of made the occasion feel like a funeral at the start.
 
Great North Run - 2:26:11

Long day, set off at 6am, got home at 11pm! I think the biggest event I have done prior to this was the Manchester Half in Oct '19, but this was on another level. Walked past the elite runners and then all the waves in front of me to find my place probably about 2/3rds back. Race started at 10:45, and it was about 11:20 that I actually got underway. Felt good early on, but struggled during the second half so was probably 10-15 mins over what I would have liked to run.

However, enjoyed the day, support around the course was incredible.... unfortunately didn't get to see my girls who were waiting just after the Gateshead stadium at around the 5km point, I had a message to say they would be on the right hand side of the course just prior to me starting, but missed the next message to say they would actually be on the left hand side!! They also intended to then make there way to the finish to see me, but tram services were that busy they didn't actually get to the finish till about 20 mins after I crossed the line. It then took 3 hours to get from South Shields back to Newcastle where we were going to eat before driving home. I ended up doing 40,000 steps yesterday, and only 22k ish was from the run! I was walking like John Wayne by the time we were back in Newcastle!

The whole 21km was packed during the run, I never felt that comfortable as you were constantly dodging around other runners. I had to walk a few times, but always made sure I got over to the side of the course, whereas other times you were forced to take evasive action as people would suddenly stop right in the middle, or groups of 3 or more people were just walking in a line right in the middle. So I did find that side of the race a little annoying.

And obviously I get that certain parts of the race were amended in light of The Queen passing away, the Red Arrows being grounded due to national period of mourning was a shame, would have been good to see them. It was annoying though walking through to the start line where they were playing sad music and having a biography of the queens life coming through the speakers, kind of made the occasion feel like a funeral at the start.
Great effort mate, hope getting chance to rest today
 
I was looking through my Parkrun statistics today and in particular my annual PBs.

e0ef9d67813b22f563d379c6ca8a6652.jpg


I only managed four Parkruns in 2020 due to COVID, but it's noticeable how much slower I was in 2021. This was down to a drop in my iron levels. These have now been restored and I'm now running close to my 2019 times, which is encouraging. I'd love to break that Parkrun overall PB.

you taking any supplements to boost?
 
Great North Run - 2:26:11

Long day, set off at 6am, got home at 11pm! I think the biggest event I have done prior to this was the Manchester Half in Oct '19, but this was on another level. Walked past the elite runners and then all the waves in front of me to find my place probably about 2/3rds back. Race started at 10:45, and it was about 11:20 that I actually got underway. Felt good early on, but struggled during the second half so was probably 10-15 mins over what I would have liked to run.

However, enjoyed the day, support around the course was incredible.... unfortunately didn't get to see my girls who were waiting just after the Gateshead stadium at around the 5km point, I had a message to say they would be on the right hand side of the course just prior to me starting, but missed the next message to say they would actually be on the left hand side!! They also intended to then make there way to the finish to see me, but tram services were that busy they didn't actually get to the finish till about 20 mins after I crossed the line. It then took 3 hours to get from South Shields back to Newcastle where we were going to eat before driving home. I ended up doing 40,000 steps yesterday, and only 22k ish was from the run! I was walking like John Wayne by the time we were back in Newcastle!

The whole 21km was packed during the run, I never felt that comfortable as you were constantly dodging around other runners. I had to walk a few times, but always made sure I got over to the side of the course, whereas other times you were forced to take evasive action as people would suddenly stop right in the middle, or groups of 3 or more people were just walking in a line right in the middle. So I did find that side of the race a little annoying.

And obviously I get that certain parts of the race were amended in light of The Queen passing away, the Red Arrows being grounded due to national period of mourning was a shame, would have been good to see them. It was annoying though walking through to the start line where they were playing sad music and having a biography of the queens life coming through the speakers, kind of made the occasion feel like a funeral at the start.
Nice work mate, all that dodging around folk is a pain in the arse, did you start in the right wave? I did the Knutsford 10k last year and got there after it had started, so started way back, in fairness it kept my mind alert dodging folk. And I ended up with a semi decent time
 
Trying to get get back into running. Did a 5k with my 10yo lad yesterday evening. 30.22, not bad considering I haven’t jogged for 2 or 3 years. Trying to do this a couple of times a week if possible..

Edit. That was his first 5k, he did great imo.
That's a cracking time for a ten year old, one of my 9year old twins did the manchester junior run 2.5k in 15mins so to keep on for the same again is great going
 
Nice work mate, all that dodging around folk is a pain in the arse, did you start in the right wave? I did the Knutsford 10k last year and got there after it had started, so started way back, in fairness it kept my mind alert dodging folk. And I ended up with a semi decent time
I think I was one of the people you dodged that day!!

Yeah, probably in the right wave as it turned out, and I probably went out a little too quickly to start, but after waiting in my wave for about 45 mins, and with the adrenaline going, its hard to pace properly with all the support and the change in momentum as you work your way past people. Like I said before, every km was just packed, so never found a good rhythm and ultimately need to get more miles in over a longer period to build the fitness up to tackle a HM properly.
 
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5 miles this morning before work. Easy 4 then little faster for last one. Just over 3 weeks until HM going away next weekend on a trip that's been planned and cancelled twice due to covid restrictions so hoping to do my last long run this weekend. Can I ask some advice re fuelling before and during race please. I currently have a banana and coffee before going out then take 2 saltchews and water while out. If doing 9 or 10 miles usually about the 3 mile mark then about 6. Plus during those hot days took on water at times as well. I have read about eating jelly babies during the run helps. I don't like the SIS gels but wondered what else I might want/need so can test. TIA
 

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