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Followed some advice on this thread and just did my first sub 20 for 5k.
19.54. Very happy with that.
Bloody hell, some of the km splits on here are mad.
Was happy yesterday with my 22:30 5k. Going to have to work harder now
Good work vanilla.
I’ve till not broken 20 mins for 5k!
And at the opposite end of things from all these people running fast 5 and 10kms...
I've had a fairly pleasant week off work including three days of jog/hike/shuffling round the Leeds Country Way - just under 100km circuit around the outskirts of the city. About 18hrs trotting in total, 37km/6:30-ish, on Wednesday (Golden Acre to Woodlesford), 29km/6:10-ish on Thursday (Woodlesford to Morley) and 31km/5:30-ish on Friday (Morley to Golden Acre). First day was lovely, great trails through Harewood and Bardsey, fallen to Barwick to refuel at the shop then round St Aidans to the finish. Blister problems on Thursday slowed me down a bit, and the constant drone of the motorways was a bit of a crap soundtrack for a tough day. Sorted the feet out overnight and had a great day through the nicest pieces of trail through Cockers Dale, up Pudsey back and round Fulneck, with some cheeky climbs late on but a lovely downhill finish. The normal guide splits it over four days, but three worked better for both my training plan and getting trains back home each evening. The slightly uncomfortable 5km walk back home from the finish line was enlivened by stripping at the local shop to pick up a can or two of liquid anaesthetic!
Yep - another one here that isn’t going to run <20min 5ks but still - did a nice (but windy and hilly)6 miles today at 9.15m pace - happy with that and happy I went out when I could have made many excuses to do something else.
Seems to be struggling with what I think is a very mild sprained ankle. Doesn't really 'hurt' but I know its not right and feels uncomfortable. Usually goes the next day after a run. Seems to have been a few weeks now, even with blocks of no running. Not suite sure what to do, grr
Not sure if this is appropriate for the group, but does anyone want a pair of brand new Nike Vaporfly's Next% 2 in a Uk size 12?
I bought a pair when they were released last week and despite all the reviews saying they were the same as version 1 with a slightly roomier upper, but they don't feel quite as good as the first version to my feet. For the cost I want them to be pretty much perfect and they're not.
DM if you're interested?
Anyone else doing the virtual Royal Parks half next week? Managed 2/3 distance today, so the extra 1/3 distance is gonna be a struggle but doing it in aid of MS Society, so will be impetus to drag my sorry arse around. Hoping for sub 2hrs 🙏
Those sub 20 5k times make me sad and jealous!
I’m currently 5 weeks post Covid and it’s destroyed me. Just totally empty and struggling.
Had managed to get myself back down to 23 minutes for my 5k but on Monday ran a 36 minute and had nothing else to give. HR through the roof compared to before.
Hopefully get back soon. I’ve got the 4 day Tour of Tameside booked start of June and don’t think I’d complete it right now. Will be gutted as it fell right with work days off last year but got cancelled and has fell on my leave this year. Fingers crossed.
Good luck @Dickyboy
Less than 2 weeks to go 🙂
Good luck TF, looks hard work that does.
I'm still managing to do semi-regular runs. Still with the Merrel Trail Glove shoes, happy with them, fairly well adapted to them now provided I don't over do things, like say suddenly deciding to do 10k back toward the end of February. The 10k felt ok but the next time I went out to do a run 6 days later, and having not taken it too easy on the bike, I barely managed two miles before needing to walk. Discovered how slowly it's possible to jog though, haven't had the need to try that before. The past two runs I've been warming up with a slow jog instead of jumping jacks etc. Today decided to try for a fast 5k after 8 minutes jog to warm up. Managed ~ 23 1/2 minutes, a minute over my best 5k.
it's that semi-regular post again where I urge those of you that aren't to think about joining a running club. Had an absolutely amazing club run last night, 10 miles as the sun goes down with a good group that finished with a proper smash-up for the last 2 miles. The only thing missing was that the bar was closed when we got back. Just lovely.
You get to meet so many diverse people. Our group last night had a guy who 10 miles is long run to, and another who has no only a 100 mile PB but also a 200 mile PB.
Awesome stuff.
And another semi-regular post - Lunge's latest shoe reviews.
First up, the Nike Vapor Fly Next% 2.
Well, what a disappointment. The internet seems to be absolutely raving about these, saying how the new upper and laces take an already good shoe to the next level, and I just didn't get it. The new upper is stiffer than the old one and has some more structure around the toes, the toe box is also a touch roomier. But for me, this didn't work. The extra structure added some inflexibility around the little toe and the increased volume meant the fit wasn't quite as good. I did 40 or so miles in mine after I posted about them about to see they'd bed in, they didn't and are now on their way back to Nike.
The midsole and outer are the same as v1, so no comment needed there, they're brilliant and really this is what the shoe is all about.
It's still a very comfy, super fast shoe so it's by no means a bad shoe, I just don't like it as much as v1. It has dropped a few £££ in price mind you.
Next, the Adidas SL2.
No this, this is a hell of a shoe, though note this is for the SL2 not the newer SL2.2.
Light weight, fast, bit of cushioning, lots of pop, these make you want to go fast. They feel under foot like a slightly beefed up racing flat. They're not the shoe to reach for if you want max cushioning but they're a great every day trainer if you want a lighter shoe. The upper is stunning, so well made, really comfy, very impressive. 50 miles in and they're fast becoming my go to shoe, I have another pair on order already!
Only complaint is they size small, go half a size up if you can.
Bear in mind to begin with you can pick these up for £50 or £60, that's a proper bargain.
@lunge is this the adidas shoes
i can only find a SL20, in need of some new shoes and I have been please with my terrex
Might have to join a club at some point. Did 15km yesterday in 1hr 25 which i was happy with. Legs feeling it a bit today but i clearly need to run more to get used to it.
Didn't help that my run was half road half trail and i wore my minimal cushion merrells. Ordered some brooks cascadia 15 as brooks like my feet
Big fan of running club too, lunge. I'm average, enjoy my running but never going to break any records etc. I was always a bit nervous about joining as I thought it'd all dead serious folk. I now love a good club run - meet a few likeminded folk, bit of chat and then always that "will it / won't it" pick up the pace for the last couple of miles 😉
@karnali, yep that's the one. Cracking shoe and it can be had cheaper than that in a few places.
@dhased, agree. We have a huge range of paces at ours, slowest being over 12 minute miles, fastest nearer 7's which means all can be involved. Runners seem to be generally nice people, there are few morons there. And it's even better when the bar is open for a post-run pint.
@lunge - do those Vaporfly 2's still have a fixed / glued footbed in them? I need to use a more supportive footbed in my running shoes (plantar fasciitis). Want to give a pair a try but can't get on with flat footbeds.
@dashed, yep, still the same stuck in one I'm afraid. I suspect most race shoes are the same as a sewn in footbed will be lighter. Plus Nike don't want another episode like the below.
Runners seem to be generally nice people, there are few morons there.
Most clubs get rid of the idiots pretty fast, and it's probably pretty self-selecting too: if you don't get on with people you probably won't join a club anyway...
And I had a good run with my club last night: an inverse pyramid, 3000m + 2000m + 1000m, all at 5K pace. I wouldn't want to run on a track everyday, but a couple of times a week is great.
Catching up on the thread here...
Well done @vanilla83, missed your sub-20 time 🙂 And sorry to hear about your covid woes @RDL-82, hopefully they won't last long.
Those "Trailflys" look great for parkruns, but I don't think I'd want to take them up in the mountains - not enough padding/protection underfoot or for the toes, and that's ignoring the chance of a turned ankle. Ideal for Richmond Park of course!
if you don’t get on with people you probably won’t join a club anyway…
Club membership is necessary to run in some of the regional leagues and national races. Some races accept guests but even the most solitary runners join clubs so they can run in for example regional cross country leagues and selection races for the inter counties (or historically) the National XC. Same with track leagues and regional and national road relays. there are open track events but you wont get many chances to race unless you are a member of a club and can race in those leagues.
Running is a solitary sport mostly and I ran in many team events where people would turn up on race day, compete then disappear. You knew who they were from results sheets but they didnt turn up for club training sessions and many were just normal blokes just did their training mostly alone.
The number of non Harrier/competitive clubs has grown a lot over the years and its typical to see large groups of quite slow runners now when we were younger it was mainly just "odd" people who ran in clubs and they did it almost exclusively for the competitive side.
What @lunge said - joining a running club 3 years ago at the age of 41 is hands down one of the Best things I’ve ever done.
If you’re thinking about it, just do it. Go along and give it a try.
Parkrun is brilliant Vanilla, it’s where it all started for me (sort of). Always friendly, loads of support, it’s awesome. A few clubs use it as a recruiting ground too.
Not all clubs are the same, so you may change clubs a few times until you settle. I joined my current club as they were local, have a lot of heritage and a lot of status. At first I was a bit put out by the lack of structure and organisation, based on how other clubs operate. Also it seemed to be 6 clubs in one. However over the years it's the lack of structure and expectations of members that I love. I rarely go on club runs for various reasons, I'm one of those that turns up for key races, run for the club and occasionally take part in the odd club event.
I’ve signed up to Parkrun due to this thread
Don't forget to warm up beforehand! 10-15min with a few sprints towards the end or similar, get the blood flowing and wake your legs up.
Rather pressing question:
Can anyone recommend a small running backpack? I need one for an upcoming ultra but don’t need to carry much, 1 litre of water, a phone, a map and a some light food is all that’s needed.
Went for a run with my current one and it’s not quite comfy enough.
Ideally any such pack needs to be delivered by next weekend so I can use it in my last shakedown run!
Harrier seems to be getting decent reviews and aren't overly expensive, their Curbar 5l should cover what you're thinking of.
https://harrierrunfree.co.uk/collections/race-vests
Gutted my half marathon didn't go to plan today, achilles tendonitis hit me just 3 miles in, pretty sure its because I'd not been doing my normal warm up & warm down walks recently, I had been managing between 7.5 to 10.5 miles every Sunday for the past 8wks, so a proper pisser that it should happen so quickly today ☹️ at least I have a qualified physio in the house to get me better.
Can anyone recommend a small running backpack?
not cheap at RRP but I really like my Patagonia slope runner.
not cheap at RRP but I really like my Patagonia slope runner.
You're not wrong, RRP is not cheap is it?
What are you getting with that compared to something like this for 1/3 of the price?
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/unisex-trail-running-hydration-gilet-5-l-flask-holder/_/R-p-307934
Why buy any outdoor gear anywhere other than decathlon...
I got the 4L version for ~40% off, and it came with two hydrapak ultra bottles. I don’t do ‘ultras’ but works well for carrying jacket, gloves, buff, camera etc on moors runs.
Why buy any outdoor gear anywhere other than decathlon
Well, yeah, that's what I'm trying to work out.
As proved in my many shoe posts, I don't mind spending money if there's a good reason why, hence asking the difference.
Like everything, depends what fits! I've tried a couple of the Decathlon running packs and they didn't work for me fit-wise. Same with the - way more expensive - Salomon vest packs, I think I'm just awkwardly in between sizes. I have a small Mountain Hardwear pack and a couple of Ultimate Direction ones, and they all fit me fine. I'd have no problem with using the Decathlon stuff (have loads of other great from there, is fine build quality wise etc) but the fit just didn't work for me.
There is the alpkit artlu.
It is 10l though so not sure if too big. Mine is really comfy though
Well, yeah, that’s what I’m trying to work out.
As proved in my many shoe posts, I don’t mind spending money if there’s a good reason why, hence asking the difference.
no idea, sorry. But at a guess, it’s better made, with better QC with better quality materials. But you are probably paying a decent % for the label.
The Decathlon models are fine, no real difference between them and a hyper-expensive Salomon model. As mentioned above, fit is key. Try it on and if it fits it'll (probably!) be fine.
@lunge I wore a 3l Decathlon vest for my Jubilee Greenway - holds a pair of 250ml flasks on the chest, couple of pockets below the flasks, and a larger zipped pocket on the back. Snug fit on my scrawny chest for the small size, but worked perfectly for what I wanted. No chafing or movement. For my Capital Ring I wore my Inov8 Raceultra 10l which was bigger than required, but also fits great and is my default pack when required, as it can hold a pair of shoes etc.
For my upcoming ultras however I decided that I wanted something between the 2 and didn't like the look of anything available commercially, so I've made my own 🙂
Matches my running kit, and is based on the Decathlon vest but with larger chest pockets to hold 500ml flasks and a bigger back pocket. Fiddly to say the least....
In other news I've got another pair of shoes resoled, my Next% which have about 50km on them
I will admit that these and the 4% aren't going to be ideal for super gnarly terrain, stability and protection being something they don't excel at. South Downs Way 50 will be the first proper outing for the 4% this weekend and the Next% will get their first race in their new iteration for the Thames Path 100 in May.
First race in 6 months was the Sunday just past, a 5k with a decent hill in the middle. Wasn't sure how I'd go on a short fast race based on the volume of slow grinding I've been doing recently, but was very pleased to only be 8 seconds slower than my last outing there in 15:21.
Frustratingly I seem to have done something to my left hamstring/calf so am in a lot of pain while running since obviously going too hard/not warming up properly/wearing different shoes on Tuesday 🙁 Seeing a physio this evening to hopefully sort it out, otherwise this weekend's 50 miler won't be fun...
Also noticed what is apparently an epigastric hernia a couple of days ago, only protrudes a little occasionally when contorting, fingers crossed it'll sort itself out
2 injuries popping up just before 150 miles of racing spread 3 weeks apart - ideal 😮
Interesting post TF.
I got delivery of a Decathlon pack yesterday that more of a vest where you store 2 500ml bottles on the front pockets. Did a quick test on the road and that is going straight back, felt horrible to run in, weirdly like I imagine a large chested woman would feel. I think I'll stick to my current backpack. It's not perfect but it'll do I think.
Those VaporTrails/TrailFly's are intriguing, I'll definitely be doing that once I've used up their road miles.
Running with chest water does indeed feel pretty strange to start off with, they need to be strapped down tight to stop them wobbling, otherwise you'll lose a load of efficiency. The nice thing about the Inov8 pack is that the bottles are much lower, under your armpits, with long straws to your mouth, and they're much less obvious.
My DIY pack was missing easy adjustment of the chest straps, so just printed some little fittings like you might see on tent guy-lines
work a treat 🙂
Ferret, I sympathise with the calf strain. I was running on Monday, had just finished an off-road flinty climb and was on the flat when my calf went ping. It felt like I had been shot by a sniper - no warning, just went.
What was your physio's recommendation: I am assuming rest, mild mobility exercises until free of symptoms and then strengthening allied to a gradual return?
I didn't see a physio, although potentially maybe I should have done. I saw a top sports massage therapist who tortured me for an hour. Today not only do I have a sore calf/hamstring, I also have sore quads 😮
Today is my 2nd day of rest, surely that's enough going into a 50 miler? The issue is that if I don't finish this race I can't start my 100 miler which is the bigger target, so let's see how things go. Fingers crossed after I'm warmed up it'll be fine and I'll be fully recovered by 8th May...
How did the 50 go @turboferret? Did the injuries hold up?
I did a 27 miler on Saturday to give a final test of the marathon kit and to get my head round running long at the right pace as well. Largely, a very enjoyable run bar the odd challenging bit where I stupidly decided to go up a big hill at 18 milers. Pleasingly, the kit all worked well, no chafing or blisters which bodes well.