The Running Thread

[Curls]

Yeah I just eat crap. I guess my running helps me maintain a healthy enough weight, but it increases my hunger and craving for sugar! Also when I’ve been training heavily my leg muscle has built up making me weigh more! But if I had a few extra kg on me to start off maybe they’d burn away from the running. Who knows.

[Afrocat]

After opening my eyes with the gait analysis I've been reading a lot (probably too much) about improving form and what I'm doing wrong:

• I don't bother warming up
• My upper body feels stiff when I run (maybe warning it up would help )
• I run almost exclusively at >90% heart rate after the first km
• My cadence is usually about 150, I think due to over striding

I've tried a couple of short runs with a metronome at 160 and 165, which did bring up my cadence but it felt awkward and increased my pace which implies it's not actually fixing my stride. I think a better place to focus is probably doing some Zone 2 training and hopefully the slower pace will help me work on form.

[Sprouty]

After opening my eyes with the gait analysis I've been reading a lot (probably too much) about improving form and what I'm doing wrong:

• I don't bother warming up
• My upper body feels stiff when I run (maybe warning it up would help )
• I run almost exclusively at >90% heart rate after the first km
• My cadence is usually about 150, I think due to over striding

I've tried a couple of short runs with a metronome at 160 and 165, which did bring up my cadence but it felt awkward and increased my pace which implies it's not actually fixing my stride. I think a better place to focus is probably doing some Zone 2 training and hopefully the slower pace will help me work on form.

It sounds like you know what to do!

Warm up. I admit, I am also terrible in skipping this, but it's achievable and if you know it's impacting you, a short warmup routine is doable before every run going forward. Better to do 30 seconds than nothing, a few routine stretches are a starting point! There's loads of videos on Youtube to guide you.

Slow down! This is harder, slowing your run down goes against your instincts. Do you have a fitbit? I find it much easier to pace check on my watch than phone. But practice makes perfect!

I've ordered a new pair of Saucony Guide 15's, which are 8mm offset. I had the 14's after my gait analysis, but I'd gone a little beyond their sensible lifespan and they were starting to leave small blisters. I did a 3k on them tonight which was fine, but yeah, they're dead. Got a great deal on my new pair though!

[Afrocat]

It sounds like you know what to do!

Warm up. I admit, I am also terrible in skipping this, but it's achievable and if you know it's impacting you, a short warmup routine is doable before every run going forward. Better to do 30 seconds than nothing, a few routine stretches are a starting point! There's loads of videos on Youtube to guide you.

Slow down! This is harder, slowing your run down goes against your instincts. Do you have a fitbit? I find it much easier to pace check on my watch than phone. But practice makes perfect!

I've ordered a new pair of Saucony Guide 15's, which are 8mm offset. I had the 14's after my gait analysis, but I'd gone a little beyond their sensible lifespan and they were starting to leave small blisters. I did a 3k on them tonight which was fine, but yeah, they're dead. Got a great deal on my new pair though!

Thanks, yeah I hope so!

One of the warm-up stretches I found really shows how tight my hamstrings are. When lying flat on my back I can't fully straighten my leg upwards, so that's definitely one to do frequently.

I've got a Samsung watch that will show heart rate, HR zone and current pace, so I'll use that. It doesn't have any kind of alerts which is a shame, so I'll just have to keep an eye on it. I think I'll go for a Garmin for my next watch because I've heard good things.

Always helps when you can get a deal! I have noticed pretty heavy discounts on previous year's versions of the same shoes, so I think that'll be my go to when it comes time to replace mine.

[satriales]

Always helps when you can get a deal! I have noticed pretty heavy discounts on previous year's versions of the same shoes, so I think that'll be my go to when it comes time to replace mine.

Just picked some new shoes myself:
- Mizuno Waverunner (road)
These were my first shoes when I signed up for a half marathon in 2011. They were comfortable and lasted me an incredible 7 years as an everyday trainer with occasional short runs. So I'm interested to give them another go.
- Hoka Challenger ATR (trail)
I usually stick with Altra as the wide toe box helps me avoid blisters but I have used Hoka Challenger before and after the zero drop Altra it's nice to have some padding.

Both are slightly older versions and so they were half the price of the newer shoes. Shoes don't change much year to year so older ones are always worth the saving, if you can find them.

[BTB]

After opening my eyes with the gait analysis I've been reading a lot (probably too much) about improving form and what I'm doing wrong:

• I don't bother warming up
• My upper body feels stiff when I run (maybe warning it up would help )
• I run almost exclusively at >90% heart rate after the first km
• My cadence is usually about 150, I think due to over striding

I've tried a couple of short runs with a metronome at 160 and 165, which did bring up my cadence but it felt awkward and increased my pace which implies it's not actually fixing my stride. I think a better place to focus is probably doing some Zone 2 training and hopefully the slower pace will help me work on form.

Nice, I've been doing similar since getting the galaxy watch and seeing more of the data. Need to work on my stiffness (oi oi no context) and I also spend the majority of my runs in the max heart rate zone. Did a jog this morning and it was nearly all zone 4 so progress there.

If you don't have one I'd recommend a foam roller, had no idea how tight my quads were until I got them, but using it regularly has helped! Also annoyingly Instagram has really latched onto me watching a few running videos and is now constantly suggesting running influencers who show what they eat on race day, following them on a 14mile run or their weekly running schedule.

I was planning to do the Swansea half in June, but due to my family who live there being away that weekend decided against it as it would have ended up being a full weekend on my own. But think I need to get some event booked in to keep me motivated. Looked nearer to home but most London ones around the same date seem to be multiple loops around a park (e.g. Finsbury Park/Crystal Palace) which don't really appeal too much. Would rather do a more interesting route. Anyone got any recommendations?

[poshrule_uk]

After opening my eyes with the gait analysis I've been reading a lot (probably too much) about improving form and what I'm doing wrong:

• I don't bother warming up
• My upper body feels stiff when I run (maybe warning it up would help )
• I run almost exclusively at >90% heart rate after the first km
• My cadence is usually about 150, I think due to over striding

I've tried a couple of short runs with a metronome at 160 and 165, which did bring up my cadence but it felt awkward and increased my pace which implies it's not actually fixing my stride. I think a better place to focus is probably doing some Zone 2 training and hopefully the slower pace will help me work on form.

Nice, I've been doing similar since getting the galaxy watch and seeing more of the data. Need to work on my stiffness (oi oi no context) and I also spend the majority of my runs in the max heart rate zone. Did a jog this morning and it was nearly all zone 4 so progress there.

If you don't have one I'd recommend a foam roller, had no idea how tight my quads were until I got them, but using it regularly has helped! Also annoyingly Instagram has really latched onto me watching a few running videos and is now constantly suggesting running influencers who show what they eat on race day, following them on a 14mile run or their weekly running schedule.

I was planning to do the Swansea half in June, but due to my family who live there being away that weekend decided against it as it would have ended up being a full weekend on my own. But think I need to get some event booked in to keep me motivated. Looked nearer to home but most London ones around the same date seem to be multiple loops around a park (e.g. Finsbury Park/Crystal Palace) which don't really appeal too much. Would rather do a more interesting route. Anyone got any recommendations?

Is this local to you? https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/e/swansea ... 10k-187528

[Victor Mildew]

Still haven't bought new trainers

[BTB]

Is this local to you? https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/e/swansea ... 10k-187528

Sadly not, I'm in SE London

The Swansea half was mostly a nice combo of going to see some family that live there and run along the beach on what looks to be quite a kind route. I'll probably try to do it next year (assuming my family aren't on holiday again ).

[Victor Mildew]

Took two of the energy gel pouch things before going out this morning rather than the one I'd usually have (instructions say you can have up to 3). Felt no different to normal, and I had to walk for about 10 seconds to get my breath back on a steep bit, yet when I got home I'd set a pb for that route. What's that about?

[Tomous]

Was on holiday last week in Turkey in a resort near the beach and got a few 5km runs in. Absolutely love running along the beach with the sun shining and the sea sparkling

[Sprouty]

Was on holiday last week in Turkey in a resort near the beach and got a few 5km runs in. Absolutely love running along the beach with the sun shining and the sea sparkling

Well done! I have a holiday planned in a few weeks and I want to do the same, but as of yet, I've never stuck to that plan when on holiday! I managed 60k last month. My goal was 100, so a little disappointing, but I have lost 5 kilo to get back to my ideal weight, so I achieved that goal at least! I switched my focus to weights at the end of the month (had monthly goals for those too), so overall it was probably one of my most active months for some time, since last summer at least. I'm now in the best shape that I've been for a long time, so I need to keep up the runs to maintain it.

[Drumstick]

Was on holiday last week in Turkey in a resort near the beach and got a few 5km runs in. Absolutely love running along the beach with the sun shining and the sea sparkling

[Tomous]

Was on holiday last week in Turkey in a resort near the beach and got a few 5km runs in. Absolutely love running along the beach with the sun shining and the sea sparkling

Well done! I have a holiday planned in a few weeks and I want to do the same, but as of yet, I've never stuck to that plan when on holiday! I managed 60k last month. My goal was 100, so a little disappointing, but I have lost 5 kilo to get back to my ideal weight, so I achieved that goal at least! I switched my focus to weights at the end of the month (had monthly goals for those too), so overall it was probably one of my most active months for some time, since last summer at least. I'm now in the best shape that I've been for a long time, so I need to keep up the runs to maintain it.

60k is pretty solid work though I wouldn't be disappointed with that! My normal routine is now to only do 1 run a week as I play football and do weightlighting on other days and then yoga/walking on rest days. I tend to go out for a 10km every Saturday which I really enjoy, so I guess on average I'm doing 40k a month which is working for me.

Also, well done on getting to your ideal weight! I was on all inclusive and I put on 3 kilos-imagine I hadn't gone running while I was there:slol: Back on the diet plan this week to get back to where I was.

[Tomous]

Was on holiday last week in Turkey in a resort near the beach and got a few 5km runs in. Absolutely love running along the beach with the sun shining and the sea sparkling

[Rubix]

Last minute sign up to the Bristol Half and a few days after I pick up some new injuries including my knees, left heel and hamstring.

Yay

[Sprouty]

6km in to my run I heard the rattle of a trailer on the road and thought nothing of it. After hearing it a couple more times, I realised it was actually thunder and decided to make a quick detor towards home! I managed to loop around the local park to finish off the run, and got home with a couple of minutes to spare before it reached me and l'm now enjoying a bath whilst the sky is falling down outside. Turns out that outrunning a thunderstorm is good for pace!

[Rubix]

6km in to my run I heard the rattle of a trailer on the road and thought nothing of it. After hearing it a couple more times, I realised it was actually thunder and decided to make a quick detor towards home! I managed to loop around the local park to finish off the run, and got home with a couple of minutes to spare before it reached me and l'm now enjoying a bath whilst the sky is falling down outside. Turns out that outrunning a thunderstorm is good for pace!

A notification saying your amazon parcel will be delivered in the next 8 stops also works well

[Victor Mildew]

6km in to my run I heard the rattle of a trailer on the road and thought nothing of it. After hearing it a couple more times, I realised it was actually thunder and decided to make a quick detor towards home! I managed to loop around the local park to finish off the run, and got home with a couple of minutes to spare before it reached me and l'm now enjoying a bath whilst the sky is falling down outside. Turns out that outrunning a thunderstorm is good for pace!

A notification saying your amazon parcel will be delivered in the next 8 stops also works well

Or you need a massive gooseberry fool at the turn around point and are in danger of pulling a Paula Radcliff

[Rubix]

6km in to my run I heard the rattle of a trailer on the road and thought nothing of it. After hearing it a couple more times, I realised it was actually thunder and decided to make a quick detor towards home! I managed to loop around the local park to finish off the run, and got home with a couple of minutes to spare before it reached me and l'm now enjoying a bath whilst the sky is falling down outside. Turns out that outrunning a thunderstorm is good for pace!

A notification saying your amazon parcel will be delivered in the next 8 stops also works well

Or you need a massive gooseberry fool at the turn around point and are in danger of pulling a Paula Radcliff

Don't say that, it's one of my biggest fears during a race.