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how good does 'battery powered navigation' need to be before it would be acceptable?
I’m not a fellracing expert having only done a handful but I like the idea. Courses aren’t marked and part of the challenge is route-finding. Using GPS basically eliminates a core part of the challenge.
Yeah, but if you can just check last year's courses on Strava and copy them onto your map... assuming you know how to use a map I'm not sure what the difference is. (It's been years since I last used a map while out in the hills, but I'm pretty sure they're not significantly slower than a GPS when you know what you're doing).
how good does ‘battery powered navigation’ need to be before it would be acceptable?
I don't think it's to do with the 'battery powered nav' being good enough/having enough battery life etc, it's about people having the map and compass skills to cope without it. As I say - navigation isn't rocket science, it's a learnable skill.
I worked on a Coast-to-Coast ultra where one of the runners in the top 10 dropped out at the final feed station, less than 40km from the finish, because the track had dropped out or glitched on his Garmin and he couldn't read the maps that he was carrying well enough to get himself to the finish. I found that quite odd.
Yeah, but if you can just check last year’s courses on Strava and copy them onto your map… assuming you know how to use a map I’m not sure what the difference is.
You're asssuming people know how to use a map, which often isn't the case 😉
Tracing a Strava route onto a map would only give you so much. You can see where someone went, but not *why* they went there. The 'best route' on the day might vary depending on the weather, ground conditions, the racer themselves. You often get a split route choice on MMs with controls either side of a valley - do you go straight across and descend into the valley to climb back up, or do you take a longer, flatter route contouring round the head of the valley? Usually the latter would be quicker, but what if the head of the valley is an endless mire of peat hags?
parkrun scheduled for a return at the end of October. Time to see if all of the summer running will result in some 5k PB's.
https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2020/09/07/return-of-parkrun-announcement/
Magic, I've missed parkrun more than I thought I would.
Edit - bugger, england only. 🙁
A few years ago I did the High Peak Marathon, GPSs were banned but you were allowed to take a unit provided it was in a sealed opaque bag. The kit check at the end also checked if this bag had been opened. So you had the kit for an emergency but you had to navigate yourself around the course.
Some fell races are pretty obvious in the route being followed even with the clag down but on others navigation is part of the challenge. These are indicated as such with "NS" Navigational Skills required - here's an example https://fellrunner.org.uk/races.php?id=6918 . Of course on a clear day on a shortish course for most it's just a case of following the runner in front. Then again runners with local knowledge have been known to deliberately go off-course, everyone starts to follow them and then they hide behind a suitable rock!
There was a local race a couple of years ago that was fully flagged with canes and tiger tape every fifty to one hundred metres as there were some fields that the race normally used that had crops so were out of bounds. All but three runners went wrong and blasted off on the normal route and were disqualified!
Can anyone remind me what the Strava running club linked to this thread was. I remember it being posted lots earlier somewhere, and meant to join.
The 100 days of exercise reminded me.
The Strava club is Runners of Singletrack.
Thank you
I'd say 50% of fell runners can't navigate but 60% of races don't need navigation, so luckily the numbers work.
Any forumites experienced running kit by Patagonia or Arcteryx? I'm looking at their lightweight showerproof tops (Airshed Pro pullover and Incendo Hoody). Happy to consider other suggestions e.g. Ron Hill, OMM etc.
Thanks
What kind of running will you use it for? For hill running in exposed areas, I'd say such a layer is prudent, for anything else, you'll just sweat your tits off in it.
It'd be for longer efforts 10 miles plus on local exposed roads in the non summer months with the odd foray offroad in the Dark Peak. I agree with the sweating argument - I find long sleeved lightweight thermal baselayers suit me in most conditions aside from higher temps and heavy rain. This purchase would maybe provide a more allrounder option.
New guidance in, is that club runs done for the moment? The guidance seems a touch ambiguous as to if that’s the case. I for one will be gutted if it off for a while.
A local walking group get round it by taking everyone's details and keeping them for 21 days, for track and trace.
Makes sense to me, haven't looked into the details tbh.
It’d be for longer efforts 10 miles plus on local exposed roads in the non summer months with the odd foray offroad in the Dark Peak.
Can you take a small backpack? My go-to for those kind of conditions would be arm warmers (easy to pull up/down as needed) + some kind of jacket in the pack.
Oh, and Arcteryx is generally good quality kit IME. Not the cheapest, though.
Arcteryx is pricey at RRP, but I don’t think I’ve ever paid RRP for it. Sport pursuit have a lot on sale at the moment.
For runs on open moors in winter I take my arcteryx alpha fl. 350g for a full on goretex pro hard shell.
Got it at 50% on sportpursuit.
I'm hoping to continue my running through the Autumn into Winter and beyond! What would you recommend as a basic kit list to get through that? Unsure how hardcore I'll be with regard to running in rain or hail, might give that a miss. OTOH not much in the way of sub-zero temps down here in the SE! Pretty flat here, no rocky mountain passes. Could get muddy if I continue off-road, and long wet grass, but could equally avoid it (or the worst of it).
Basic kit for me in winter for normal (non-mountain) running are 3/4 tights, a tight short-sleeved base layer, and a looser one over that. If it's windy I'll use a windcheater, for rain I've got a proper jacket but it gets a bit warm and sweaty so I tend to avoid it unless it's really pissing down. Gloves and a beanie to finish off.
Basically layer up as you would on a bike. The only main difference is nipple rub, which is why I wear the tight-fitting base layer.
Edit: if you've got a Decathlon near you a top like this is excellent for winter running:
@sirromj, a lot depends on how hot you get when you're running.
A long sleeve baselayer is pretty useful, but don't get one too thick or you'll cook.
Arm warmers are good for in-between days.
Gloves are a must for me, I really feel the cold in my hands.
Many will say tights, personally I won't wear them unless it's less then about 4 degrees or again, I cook. Even then I wear thin ones.
Headband or buff to keep your ears warm maybe?
Headtorch if you venture off road.
I've never got cold feet, others do so maybe some slightly warmer socks?
Jackets I don't get. Some swear by the but I've never worn one that I wasn't cooking in within 10 minutes of starting. Even in the rain, a good baselayer keeps me warm enough.
If you're staying off road then trails shoes will help on the mud.
I’m hoping to continue my running through the Autumn into Winter and beyond!
Tbh I run more in the cooler months than I do in the summer, as I'll be biking and hillwalking in those months too, so less time/need to run.
I really like having a pair of goretex road shoes for winter, it's a boon going out running on wet roads knowing your feet stay nice and dry. Also wear compression LS baselayers, hate baggy tops, and also lined shorts as they're far more comfortable.
I only break out the tights if it's ****in baltic and I'm going high.
Cheap Decathlon gloves too, and I've loads of Buffs from events and races.
Thanks.
Yeah I'll be getting hot when running for a few more months yet I reckon. Pretty much drenched in 23+C.
One of my favourite cold weather cycling tops is actually a Kalenji running top from Decathlon, but will need to be cold for that.
What expectation of waterproof shoes? Is it much like flat pedal shoes, your feet get wet regardless? Thin sealskin socks and just continue with my Merrell trail gloves?
The problem with Merrell trail gloves is they're very thin and you run a risk of getting cold feet despite running. I'd give them a go, and if that happens look for something with a bit more padding between you and the ground. I wouldn't bother with Goretex, at least not for running. I'd rather have well draining normal trail shoes than a shoe full of warm water that can't get out and is causing you blisters. Likewise I wouldn't bother with Sealskin socks, just normal (or slightly thicker than normal) socks.
What expectation of waterproof shoes?
I only wear goretex shoes on the road, and yes, feet will stay dry, 100%, not like cycling.
Trail shoes I don't bother, as IME waterproof trail shoes just hold water in (and it will get in, most of my hill runs are pretty boggy at one point or another) and stay heavy. I'd rather have a trail shoe that drains and dries quickly. Feet don't get cold as they do on a bike, as they're constantly moving and not stuck static on a pedal, so cold feet not an issue IME.
As above; my winter gear is 3/4 tights, compression base layer, Helly or similar over it depending on temp. Beanie and sometimes gloves. Then an Inov8 thermal pullover which does even in rain unless it's properly horrid then an Alpkit waterproof smock. Shoes are Inov8 and thick merino socks, yes they get wet but also drain. Not had a problem with cold feet. But then I only tend to do 4 muddy miles.
I have mixed views on waterproof shoes.
Mainly, I find them to hot which can often lead to sweat and blisters. My Gore-Tex Asics Cumulus run particularly hot, the Nike Pegasus Shields are much better but not quite as waterproof. I'd not wear them off road though, as above, water will get in and so it needs to get out.
What they are brilliant for is the 4 mile run to parkrun and then standing around volunteering for 90 mins before running home. Lovely warm feet!
I think there's more value in a slightly warmer sock.
Thanks for all the great tips, I think I should be able to make do with the shoes I have combined with select cycling stuff and get a gauge of what else I might need as the weather worsens.
Might have to do a STW search for head torch threads...
Petzl Bindi 😁
I’m a big fan of my petzl swift rl, so impressive in the middle of nowhere. Made me feel a lot safer, turning night into day.
Side note - still unable to run, awaiting an mri for hip stress fracture
Ah yes, the Saturday long run. 15 miles, good pace, sunshine, just about perfect...as was the lunch and a beer at the local cafe afterwards.
Happy, content Lunge.
^ 😃
Just 20 minutes for me this morning - coming back from 2 weeks off after being under the weather. Wore my new Hoka sofa shoes - without doubt the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn (running or otherwise) - and they make me feel quite tall! Initial indications suggest shoe success, but I'll wait to see after a few runs.
Sorry to hear it - j4mesj4mes. Get well soon.
First run with daughter (14 months) in the buggy this morning. We sold a bike trailer because we never used it and ebayed a Bob Revolution- quickly coming to the realisation that we should have bought one for when #1 child was younger, we'd have got much more use out of it.
Initial impressions are that it's dead easy to run at near normal pace with, but I was probably working harder than I realised as I can really feel my legs this evening after just a 40 min run. Needs a bit of careful route planning to avoid blocked pavements, kissing gates and such like but we'll get the hang of it and with the 4 year old able to ride 10-12km around the forest on his bike, there's a good chance of getting more weekend miles in than before.
I'm calling it a success so far.
Update from the bloke with shin splints. Stretching, stretching and some more stretching seems to be doing the trick along with a new pair of shoes. I went for a fitting at a running shop and came away with a pair of Hoka Bondi 7's. Bloody comfy but I may be inclined to agree with @wardee on the feedback issue. I feel the softness of the shoe encourages me to run heavier and I have to concentrate on running lighter but given my history I'm pleased with the outcome. I'd be interested in trying a slightly stiffer shoe but I'm not buying two pairs just yet (heathen I know!). Managing about 3 to 4 runs a week of about 4 miles for the last 4 weeks with a total of 60 miles so far. Still get twinges but I spend most evenings stretching so this helps a lot. Going to try for a longer run tomorrow if I can stop drinking tonight, but that remains to be seen! Thanks again for all the advice, it has helped me no end!
Managing about 3 to 4 runs a week of about 4 miles for the last 4 weeks with a total of 60 miles so far.
The frequency you get out seems good for a beginner to me! I've totalled 64 miles for the whole of 2020, beginning lockdown.
I had a slight knee issue so hadn't been out for a run for over two weeks until Wednesday just gone. But decided to push past my usual 4 miles (every 6 days) run to do 5 miles. I was thinking I might be able to try for 6 before the 4 mile mark, but toward the 5 mile mark (where I ended up doing a 2nd circuit of a sports field) I'd had enough!
A run planned for the tomorrow morning (4 days after last run), will play it by ear as to whether I try faster or longer, thinking longer currently... I need to get a 10k under my belt so that Strava stat is filled!
I’m trying for a 10k tomorrow! Combining the two routes I do so I can bail out halfway if necessary! I’ll report back tomorrow if I make it!! Good luck when you try it!
I’m trying for a 10k tomorrow!
Good luck!
I only went and bloody done it! I know it pales into insignificance compared to most of you guys but it’s a wee goal I’d set myself. Shins complained until about 8k then they gave up moaning. Average pace was 8.3/miles and I did it in under an hour which was my other goal! Well chuffed! Now I’m going to spend the rest of the day stretching!
Any advice on constant calf and hamstring pulls and tears. I stretch warm up hydrate massage etc but an ongoing issue. Love running but impossible to properly get in to. Compression sock make much difference?
After advice on here I spend a lot of time stretching. Calf stretches, glute stretches but the key ones (I think) for me have been -
Kneeling on the floor with tops of feet facing the floor and slowly sitting back on my heels
And
Standing up while placing one leg slightly back with the top of yours toes curled under so they touch the floor. Apply downward pressure and you should feel the stretch.
Also
Stand with feet shoulder width apart and roll your feet outward so you’re standing on the outside edge of your feet.
All these were advised by guys on here. I joined this thread on page 127 if you want to look there for advice. It’s helped me massively.
Thanks if much appreciated.
Good work @jodafett!
I can confirm it’s lovely running weather here in the midlands, sunny, not to warm and just a hint of breeze.
After doing 15 miles yesterday I thought I may be a tad tired so went out with no plan at all. 10 glorious miles later I’m happy as Larry with a beautiful ache in the legs.
Happy Sunday all!
Cheers Lunge. I can confirm it was bloody awful in Edinburgh this morning. 40 mph winds made for an interesting run!
well done on the 10k. I went out this morning with thoughts of 10k but just not there yet. was warm and sunny with a breeze. 5 miles.
"Any advice on constant calf and hamstring pulls and tears. I stretch warm up hydrate massage etc but an ongoing issue. Love running but impossible to properly get in to. Compression sock make much difference?"
Zero drop Altra shoes changed the game for me. I found them more natural to run in and and now get injured less.
Zero drop Altra shoes changed the game for me. I found them more natural to run in and and now get injured less.
Yet weirdly, zero drop shoes make a pigs ear of my calf’s and Achilles. Not for me at all.
Well done all the new runners on here with your 10ks and injury avoidance. Keep it up and take it slow - it’s worth it.
I’ve been doing slower runs based on heart rate for a few months now and I’m really feeling stronger. Endurance is much better and I can do a long run and not be shattered.
Longest run ever at 30km today as part of training for 50km ultra in October. Felt good, pace a bit fast at 5:55/km so will be aiming to be slower than that. Legs nicely used, quite tired but still can’t quite believe I ran so far and for 3 hours. Maybe, just maybe I can do it????
As for running clothing. I personally always get way too hot so only if it’s below about 9 degrees will I wear a HH base layer. Pertex good for rain - not waterproof but keeps the wind off.
jodafett - well done on the 10k. 😃
My run this morning was eventful ... got chased by a wayward dog and ended up leaping onto someone's garden wall to avoid getting chomped. I can confirm that Hoka shoes are also good for the high jump. 😉
You've got to love a bit of bounce, Rona!
As an ex-high school high-jumper, I love the look of bemusement on the faces of my fellow club mates when I elect to vault over fences and gates rather than climbing over them. One day I'll bugger it up and land on my arse!
Well done Joda, superb!.
I've been a lazy runner for about 3 months now, lucky if I've averaged about 10 miles a week, but been doing loads of hillwalking instead. Need to get my finger out, was out biking yesterday and felt my fitness was down a bit.
As an ex-high school high-jumper, I love the look of bemusement on the faces of my fellow club mates when I elect to vault over fences and gates rather than climbing over them. One day I’ll bugger it up and land on my arse!
Ha ha - nice to have hidden talents!
I don't think I'll be trying that any time soon - I think the technical term for my stature is 'short-arse' - which may well be derived from the act of coming up short while attempting to vault a gate and landing on one's arse! 😉
Bugger. Just back from the physio - hernia that needs surgery 🙁
@turboferret - next one for you?? https://www.inov-8.com/blog/alison-walker-the-smog-graham-round/
Morning all.
Can I pick your brains on how you're dealing with hydration on your longer runs.
I'm having a crack at a marathon later next month and I'm going to need to drink.
I've run before, but hydration has always been part of the event, water tables every 3 to 5 miles so it's been looked after by others and I've not worried.
Now, the marathon I'm going to do will be social distanced, on my own, so I'll have to look after my own drinking. I guess it means I'll be carrying water in a camelback or running vest and I'm looking for recommendations for what people use and find comfortable to run with?
I've read that normal running requirements are around 400 to 800 ml per hour. Can't see myself taking less than 4 hours so that would mean carrying around 2 litres. Does that seem reasonable?
I suppose Another option could be too run laps passing back past the house ( or even car) every 5 to 10 km, but I think I'd rather run somewhere nice and try to get into a rhythm going further. Multiple shorter Laps always feel longer and harder in my head , so I'd rather not.
Ideally I'll get something soon so I can try it on a could of longer runs before the day and get used to it. I've seen a few nice vests from Salomon, and sports pursuit have raidlight and UD on offer at the mo, so any experience or recommendations welcome.
Thanks in advance, loum
You’ve a few options @loum.
1. Don’t drink. Be really hydrated before you start and just crack on. It’s very doable but not ideal, I’ve done 20 miles that way, never more but it can definitely be done.
2. 2 13.1 mile laps via your car/house. My preferred option. I change direction for the second lap which normally freshens things up. You don’t actually even have to do laps, 2 different loops work too, as long as you pass the central point.
3. Shops. Even in the hills you can tweak your route so you go via a shop. Crap a bottle of water and a Mars bar and you’re sorted.
4. Hydration packs. There a reason I put it at 4, I don’t like them at all, particularly when they’re full. But many wear them and have no issues at all so I accept I may be in the minority. I have a fairly cheap Decathlon one that I can’t fault, it’s comfy, doesn’t rub, no issues, I just don’t like having a bag on.
Thanks @lunge. Think it's out of options 2 and 4 for me.
Option one is above me. I've run a couple of half marathons this week and it's convinced me that I'm in no shape to do a full one without water and fuel. Both were "fill up on water and go as far as you can" style. First was Monday, and it went well, was actually speeding up towards the end. Thursday I tried again for bit further, 25k , and was hanging at the end. Last 5k we're rough and slow. TBH, there's still a bit more training needed to do before I'm happy to go for the full 42k. Probably need 3 long runs, getting up to somewhere round 35 , then get through the full one on excitement and bit of grit.
Option 3 is off the cards too. I've ran light like that before, just a tenner and key, and I like it. But this time I'm effectively shielding, no shops allowed for me, so unfortunately it's out. The run is going to be solo, distanced, and probably early Sunday morning before people are up and shops are open.
I think I'm starting to get a bit of a plan together where I'll park the car somewhere nice, go 10k out then back one way, then 10k out then back the opposite way, and finish back in the middle. Just got to work out of that second half is doable on a big drink in the middle and perhaps carrying something small.
But then there's always a side of me thinking this is a lovely excuse for new running gear. I'd actually forgotten decathlon, so that's a nice reminder. Their stuff always seems to work and is decent value.
Cheers anyway for the advice.
I’ve got a decathlon evadict running back pack and I think it’s brilliant. I carry phone, bars, nuts, bananas, water in the front pockets in soft flasks or in a bladder at the back, sometimes a wind proof. As long as you get the air out of the bladder I really don’t mind the thing. Yes, my back gets sweaty but I only notice it when I take it off. Quite like the security of having everything with me. Very versatile and well made pack. I sometimes carry a 500ml soft flask on runs longer than an hour in hot weather. They compact to nothing as you drink. Many options.
Thanks root, that's good news for me. two votes say the Decathlon one's good, and that's a good price too to take a chance. I can handle sweat, I'm already a sweaty oik, but was worried about bounce and chaffing. How's the sizing?
I'm usually L but always seem to need XL with decathlon - slim euro fit. Will have to be online delivery.
I think running with a pack opens up the " ideal" route I'd like to do, following a river path point to point to the coast. Gives that feeling of "getting somewhere" that's better motivation when tired. Future exploring runs too 🙂
Thanks all.
@loum I used one of these Decathlon vests for my Jubilee Greenway FKT - a pair of 250ml soft flasks on the front were barely noticeable. Good value too, and very minimal, your shoulder blades for example are left uncovered, which means more exposed skin for heat/sweat dissipation. Flasks aren't included, but these or similar work well and are cheap. You may be surprised at how much you actually need to drink while running - for the 60km Jubilee Greenway I drank about 300ml, which took about 3:45, so potentially similar to your needs, assuming you're well hydrated before you start.
@dashed I have looked at the Smog Graham before - the route was devised by Rick Pearson the editor of Runners World who I know from pacing the Big Half. It looks quite scenic in places and I know a fair chunk of it from other runs. Without family commitments I'd probably be tempted, but to be out running for a solid ~48 hours seems a little antisocial and unfair on the missus!
Thanks turboferret.
That looks a good solution.
Did my longest training run so far yesterday, 32k , so I've far more confidence that it's possible .
Pace really dropped after about 20, and it was tough and painful, but made a decision at 24k to keep going for another 8k loop and get the 'big' run out the way. Won't go past 21 now until the "race" and I'll try to work on form and speed.
I'm not targetting a "time" (will be around 5h) but imo, it's the time taken running past 3hours that's the sore bit. so the quicker I can get- the shorter that bit is.
Pace really dropped after about 20, and it was tough and painful
Did you eat anything? I'd be taking a couple of gels or whatever to eat after about the 20km mark, along with water of course.
Following from my slightly dark thread yesterday, I decided to join the marginally faster than I am group on last nights club run.
It turns out that absolutely thrashing yourself trying to hang on is seriously good for the mind.
Who knew?!
Yeah, if I'm out for a hard 20 miler I'll take a gel with me, maybe scoff one or some energy drink before heading out. Once your glycogen stores are depleted, which can be between 2 hours and 20 miles roughly, then you switch to burning fat, which the body does at a much slower rate. Keep yourself topped up to stave off that switch and you should be able to keep going at a decent pace for a good bit longer.
Also had a good club run last night doing intervals, there's nothing like trying to keep up with the faster guys to make you feel good. Afterwards, of course 🙂
It turns out that absolutely thrashing yourself trying to hang on is seriously good for the mind.
When I moved to where I now live, about 25 yrs ago, I jumped in to the fast group for the local club. I was in good shape but it was absolutely furious and was getting faster (their 10 mile route) I knew we only had about 10 mins running left but it was dark and i didnt have a clue where we were so hanging on was painful but I knew if I lost touch I would die of hypothermia... I was wise after the first week but those 10's were always sub 60 mins and after an easy first few miles the next 6-7 were ruthless
I seldom drank during longer runs, my runs were seldom more than about 15 miles but they were at a reasonable pace. I am old school so I do harp on about "in my day" but.... In my day nobody ever carried fluids or food. I honestly never recall any of the runners in all the years I ran (when I was training properly) carrying anything. We did know the location of a couple of taps for when it was very hot but we would often not bother. I was lucky to train with a lot of fast lads (28 min 10k, 61 min HM with a lot of national and int vests)
begin hydrated and expect to end thirsty.
I agree it becomes more important over around 15 miles and TBH we were running around 6-6:30 miling so it does mean you are not out for as long which helps.
In short for runs up to about 90 mins I wouldnt bother. Over 90 then maybe as you suggest run a loop and have a quick drink after 90 mins. I would never carry anything on runs like that it would drive me mad.
@surfer. Sounds proper old school. I think Youth helps too, but if you are running fast like that it is hard to drink! Like you say, at a more leisurely pace you are out longer and the heat has an effect.
I always carried water when cycling for over an hour so do the same running. Each to their own. When you take the vest off it feels fast!
Enjoyed a club session last night. Long hill reps of about 650m, 90 second rest then run back down. Surprised myself with how good I felt and was able to keep around 3:40-4:10 min/km up and down, despite not doing much high intensity stuff lately. The more personal evidence I gain, the more I think this low intensity, slow running really has a lot of benefits.
In short for runs up to about 90 mins I wouldnt bother.
At the height of summer here I probably would take something, but then it gets proper hot here. In the UK I can't see it being necessary - make sure you're fully hydrated before heading out and you'll be fine. Beyond 90 mins it's definitely worth taking something, and if you're going to be out for over a couple of hours I'd add a gel or similar. (Not to mention if you're training for a marathon you're going to be drinking + eating something anyway on the big day, so you should be training that aspect too, and of course checking that your chosen food doesn't have "explosive" effects...)
Whilst I'm still unable to run, I'm reading through some running training or form books. Any recommendations other than Daniel's running formula, Faster road racing and lost art of running?
@j4mesj4mes if you are contemplating running a marathon, I've had good results from following the programmes in Advanced Marathoning.
@j4mesj4mes - any interest in fell running? If so, Feet in the Clouds Richard Askwith and Steve Birkenshaw's account of his Wainwrights attempt are both good.
I'm still managing to run a bit despite hernia. Ok running but awful when I sneeze 😉 Surgery in a few weeks but trying to get the kms in as I was going to comfortably break my target of 1000km this year. Looking touch and go now!
@j4mesj4mes - I've read the science of running by Steve Magness. It's very detailed in the science behind what goes into training and improvement and is quite technical and detail heavy but there are some good concepts and ideas if you can digest all the science and technicalities.
If you fancy something motivational try
"Zatopek" as well as "today we die a little"
Both about the greatest athlete of the 20C, Emil Zatopek.
Thanks for the recommendations, will check them all out. I've read Feet in the clouds and really enjoyed it; the rest are new to me though.
Winter is here.
First club run on a winter route, all roads, loads of hills and going somewhere that's pretty is not even in the considerations.
There's are argument that the arm warmers need to come out soon as well.
Agreed! Frosty this morning - wished I'd had gloves and a hat!
I’ve been wondering about getting arm warmers or putting up with the cold until it’s base layer weather. Is there a big temp difference between the need for one or the other?
Thanks to you all for all the tips and advice on the previous page, much appreciated. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be alright on the day.
Ran a lovely 10k this morning, bit muddy, bit hilly, rain shower too. Everything else has been longer or shorter, but this wasn't anything to do with training- just enjoyment.
Think that's about my favourite distance.
Late into this thread as I wasn't really running when 2020 started!
Background: I grew up orienteering in the Lakes, that's pretty much my only running background. I've run on and off over the years, had a long gap 2004-2010 after a nasty ankle injury, got back into it through doing Janathon in 2011, ended up running the Grand Raid des Pyrenees 50-mile Ultra the same year, then struggled with niggling injuries in 2012 and pretty much gave up again until a couple of years back. Got vaguely back into it, then tore (and re-tore, and re-tore again) my soleus over a couple of winters, then finally got a decent physio and have sorted that lot out.
I hate 'running for the sake of running' - I can't just go out for a run and pound pavement, it does my head in - but let me investigate some nice bits of trail, or give me a map and a set of checkpoints, and it takes my mind off how much my legs hurt. Pre-Covid our local orienteering club were doing 1hr night score-format events over autumn and winter, and I'd been gradually improving my distance and point scores through those - turns out my navigation is still pretty good after all these years. Through Covid they've introduced the same 1hr Scores as well as some linear courses through the MapRunF app, and they've kept me going nicely - enough that in conjunction with riding for myself a bit more I've lost 10kg and am back to the weight and fitness level I was when I ran my first Ultra, nearly a decade ago. Last weekend I did a 3hr mini-Mountain Marathon event in the Peak District on the same app, covered just shy of 21 hilly km over the time and somehow ended up in the top 25%, which I thought was a decent result for a 13 stone shortarse who's pushing 40...
I've got one major target to work for over the winter, which is driving the MM running: The Great Lakeland 3-day. Managed to get an entry, hoping things are settled enough for it to run in May next year. I've an even longer-term target, but that all depends how the first intermediate goes!
Welcome to the thread Pyro!
Perfect running conditions here in the midlands this morning, cool, clear and lovely winter sun. Went out to do 10 miles, legs felt good and it was just the kind of day to keep going, 16 miles later I arrived home feeling awesome.
Some days running is brilliant.