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I'm sure it's been asked and answered on here before but can anyone steer me towards a good couch to marathon in 26 weeks type app?
I'm sure it's here but with a 160 something pages, it's not easy to find.
Can't help with that Onzadog but my marathon is only 16 weeks away so I'm pleased to be running sub-38 for a 10k already (Blackburn today). Need to get a lot of miles in the legs between now and then but it's a decent starting point.
Another asking about jackets, anyone used the Montane Spine jacket?
Looking for something that'll cope with foul winter hill running in Scotland.
Have been using a Salomon Gore Tex of some description but the hood is inadequate. Tempted by a lightweight proper mountain jacket if I dont find something built for purpose.
My race jacket is a Gore Active Shell, the breathability is absolutely incredible. My typical winter jacket is an OMM Kamleika which is almost as breathable, but is soft, stretchy and quiet. I've heard good things about the Montane Spine jacket - I think the fabric is the same as my Gore, but it has quite a few more features.
Embarrassment on a Teams call today.
Doorbell goes in the background, "sorry all, just need to get the door, I think it's a delivery".
Walk back to the office, turn video back on, "more running shoes is it, lunge?"
"Err, maybe..."
"You're always getting new shoes delivered, don't you have enough pairs already? Where are you going to hide this pair from your wife."
This from people who only know me through video calls. It appears I maybe do have a problem...
On the upside, Adidas Adios 6 for £60 and they feel lovely.
thats me done for the year, furthest I've ever run in a year by a long way.
1200.2 km.
25867m elevation
177runs.
now a week off and probably less running and more biking next year.
Omm Kamleika for winter in Scotland for me.
Check these badboys!
I Need to get a bit faster though, canny be ambling along in those! 😆
Omm Kamleika for winter in Scotland for me
The old ones of these were great but the newer ones seem to fall apart pretty quickly. I had one that lasted 2 runs, the replacement lasted 4 and I got a refund after that.
Hopefully you all got out for a few miles on Xmas day. Remember our greatest never had an easy day 🙂 True story.
An old classic Christmas tale told by Seb Coe:
"In the winter of 1979, during the lead-up to the Olympic Games in Moscow, I remember training on Christmas Day.
It was a harsh winter (harsh enough to bring down a government) but I ran 12 miles on Christmas morning. It was a hard session and I got home, showered and felt pretty happy with what I had done.
Later that afternoon, sitting back after Christmas lunch, I began to feel uneasy but was not quite sure why. Suddenly it dawned on me. I thought: “I bet Steve Ovett’s out there doing his second training session of the day.” I put the kit back on, faced the snow and ice and did a second training session. I ran several miles, including some hill work.
Not long ago, over supper in Melbourne, I told him the story. He laughed. ‘Did you only go out twice that day?’ he asked."
Just got myself some new trail shoes, Saucony Peregrine 11's. Really nice fit, but garish colourway. Got them from RNW, on sale as the 12's are out in January. Assisted by Mr Dave Norman himself.
Been having pain again in both knees now from tendonisits. Quad type in my right knee, seems to flair up once a week at the minute. The pain in my left knee has moved almost to the inside egde of my knee. Been trying to do strengthening on both.
Planning to up my weekly mileage this year, well time as much as anything to train for my first ultra. I will need to do more hill work I think though. There is a climb up through the woods that is probably 1km long, was just planning on running repeats of that once a week, maybe start with 3 or 4 climbs and build from there. Am I going about it the right the way?
Some good offers on the Nike website - couple of trail shoes (terra kiger and wild horse) half price in most sizes.
I've been getting back into running over the past few weeks, gearing up for a spring marathon.
Did a slightly disappointing 10k race a couple of days ago, but found out that (due to having just had a birthday) it's my highest ever WAVA at that distance! Result!
I can embrace getting older and probably slower, so long as the age beats the slow-down 🙂
Not completely given up on the possibility of any more true PBs but they are going to be tough from here on I think.
Just read that Joss Naylor suffered a stroke a few days back, god I hope he's okay, an incredible man. 💙
Just read that Joss Naylor suffered a stroke a few days back, god I hope he’s okay, an incredible man.
Sorry to hear that. Have you got his new book? It's lovely. https://www.cicerone.co.uk/joss-naylors-lakes-meres-and-waters-of-the-lake-district
Not yet Spin.
Just read about Joss - sad news.
That’s me fine for the year too:
1,004km
30,134m ascent.
Same distance as last year but 3x the elevation.
Sadly done for the year, due to walking into the corner of a stool yesterday and now my leg is shagged!
784 miles
125 runs
137 hours
64,245ft ascent
Not bad with 3 months out injured and then 4 months of trying to get going again. New Year, start afresh.
Distance 1262km
Time 113h
Elev gain 25098m
Runs 169
And that's with 2 months off with Covid & Asthma. Was hoping to go for the 1000mile /year but I stopped enjoying running and was just chasing distance. So stopped.
The stats are in:
2,779.1 miles ran
106,296 ft elevation
515 runs
PB's in 1 mile, 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon
Would have easily hit the 3k mark had I not got injured and ran a mere 24 miles in May.
And, in order to keep my reputation as the resident shoe geek, the top shoes of the year were:
Nike Pegasus 36. Not new, not exciting, but the best Peg yet and still my go-to shoe for knocking out the miles. I think I'm on to my 4th pair this year.
Nike Vaporfly V1. Again, not a brand new shoe, but having run in most of the super shoes this is still the benchmark for fast shoes. I prefer the upper on V1 to V2, most others would disagree.
Adidas SL20. My default fast/tempo training shoe. A pretty basic shoe, but it's great for faster efforts and club runs.
Adidas Adios 6. A late addition as I've only had my pair a month, but by gosh they are awesome. Fast, well padded, brilliant grip. I can see me owning a few more pairs of these over the coming year.
The end of my first year. Started running in January when the lockdown kicked in and the mtb trails were washed out. Haven't run since school and that was a long time ago and I was at the back of the pack then.
Started with the Nike app and did some slow build up runs to get to up to 5k. Usually doing around 3 runs a week. Dropped off a little in summer as I got more riding in. In autumn I started the 100 days of exercise challenge, also tried running a bit a slower to keep my heart rate lower. That led to upping the distance and doing quite a few 10k runs. Also lets me run with the Mrs who likes a slower pace. She's had a good running year too.
I only bought a Garmin watch in march so don't have full year stats but I've done 605km since march, probably around 700km over all. 101km per month for Nov and Dec.
It's been good. Not as dull as I thought it would be. The 10k runs have let me explore a bit more. Also done a few off road runs and some night runs with a head torch. I've been using Citystrides to track local runs and try new streets.
Well done all.
872 miles with 47972ft of up over 170 runs. Comfortably the most miles I’ve done in a year as I seem to ride less and less. Will aim for 1000 in 2022.
Realized toward the end of the year it was potentially possible for me to run 300 miles but a minor knee ailment put that idea to bed. Got to 283 miles, last run today, but another run where my calves and ankles felt tight/unwilling. Maybe I need to start doing calf raises regularly? I was starting to up my distance toward the end of summer and was enjoying running but through autumn I feel it's started going south, I've been trying to run slower more to fend off aches and pains, but all that's happened is I feel slower, and there's more aches & pains! Probably half psychology, winter etc. I've been cycling far less, wonder if the mainly low/steady effort commutes were beneficial, then without them an increase in sitting at desk WFH.
Well done on your achievements everyone. That was my first proper full year of running as I had Covid in December last year and had a month off. Reached my 1000 mile target on 30th so could rest on NYE.
Distance: 1000 miles - PB
Parkrun: 19:15 - PB
5k: 19:35 - PB
10k: 39:33 - PB (never again)
Marathon: 3:47 - PB
Ultra: 63km - PB
Ascent: About 12000m - PB
Been up and down for me running this year, with Covid, a super stressful house move and a very demanding toddler. Managed 114 miles over the year which is obviously a long way off most on here, but I've had big chunks (like over a month at a time) with no running at all.
Went out yesterday for a 10k which was my first run in a couple of weeks, and I'm definitely feeling it now. Brutal headwind for a mile or so, and some steps to run up too. Brilliant to be out though, really enjoyed it.
(no idea if Insta link will work)
Aim for 2022 is to run more regularly. If I can run at least once every week I reckon I'll be happy. I'm not a fan of specific goals as I just get stressed about achieving them, which sucks the fun out of it.
Awesome stuff roots, and well done everyone else too!.
A poor 500 odd miles for me this year, less than half my usual. Back on the horse is this year's target, hoping for a place in the jura fell race, that would give me the boot in the baws I need!.
Thought this was best place to ask rather than starting a new thread. New Year so decided to start back running and I can't find my old tom-tom watch so looking at replacing with a new one. Around the £100 mark and I've found the following, anyone able to help make a decision with real world feedback?
Garmin forerunner 45 for £120
Garmin forerunner 45plus for £130
Garmin forerunner 55 for £130
Or an Amazfit Trex Pro for £130???? (I know nothing about this just liked the name)
Plenty of 2nd hand watches around bur I'd rather buy new for peace of mind. Watch will purely be for running so no need for multisport functions
Most consistent year. Several Long races in lakes and peaks re definitely helped provide a training focus.
Distance: 1,000 miles
Elevation: 17,000m
36 mile ultra: 11 hours
50 mile ultra 15 hours
Off road marathon 6 hours
Good effort all 👍
rocco - the 45 is enough for me. You can programme intervals either on the watch or via the app, which syncs with it. I’ve found the GPS tracking reliable, the wrist heart rate monitor less so. Battery life could be better too but for me these are fairly minor negatives.
The wife has the 45s and its a great watch for the basic running functions. I went for a fenix as it has a few nice extra features and great customisation but these are nice rather than essential (although I wouldn't want a watch without them now). I wouldn't write off second hand. That's how I got mine and its been great for a fraction of the new cost.
Anyone here want a pair of Jalas Chamion studded orienteering shoes for postage costs only?
Size 9.5 uk, narrow fit. Tough as nails.
I've had a really good year running. I've hardly ridden any of my bikes!
2157km
122500m of ascent
I completed my first two Ultras. Lakeland Trails 55k in just over 8 hours and Lakes In A Day in 14.5 hours. I've signed up for Lakes In A Day again, it was fantastic.
What's everyone entered for next year?
What’s everyone entered for next year?
Let's get this year out the way first 🙂
I’ve entered my first ultra, it’s a Pegasus ultra running event. It’s September so a bit too far away to start planning. Just going to up my mileage for now. Focus more on trail running and put some hill running nights in. Winging it!
I think I will try and enter some trail races just to fill some gaps between now and my ultra
Anyone have experience with New Balance shoes? They seem to fit my duck feet better than other brands but don't know how well they last? Would go for Altra but don't really want a minimalist shoe.
@piemonster I'd be interested to try those orienteering shoes if they're still available
@mjsmke I have a few New Balance shoes and most have been good, one pair fell apart prematurely but on the whole I'm pretty happy with them. I wouldn't describe Altra as minimalist - just because they're zero drop doesn't make them unpadded.
According to Strava in 2021 I ran 4915km (had I realised how close I was to 5000 maybe I would have made more of an effort towards the end, but I've been nursing a slightly dicky hamstring)
Elevation gain 33,761 - very flat compared to most - under 7m of climbing per km
323 runs
Pretty happy with some PBs
Mile: 4:31
5k: 14:32
Marathon: 2:23:06 (a whole 2 seconds shaved off from 2019 😀 )
100 miles: 13:42:43 - UK trail record
This coming weekend I have Country to Capital - Wendover to Paddington, over the Chilterns then along the canal. Not sure what shape I'm in, but I knocked over a minute off one of my parkrun bests on NYD so hopefully that bodes well, although my training volume is well down on what I would have planned.
Well done! That's very impressive! Definitely earned that username!
On a different planet tf!
And here's me delighted at running 14 miles so far this year! 🤣
Kudos Turboferret. That’ll be some run. I reckon I could do Wendover to Tring at a push 😉
Turbo, you've got mail
What’s everyone entered for next year?
Dukeries Ultra in May
Snowdonia Marathon in October
A few halfs and 10 milers before then.
I'd like to do more off road stuff this year, last year was road heavy and I do much prefer the trails.
Mile: 4:31
Fkcing hell! That's the odd thing about STW. Everything from tubby middle aged men waddling about (aka 'us' 🙂 ) to Turboferret's level of performance. Good on you. I don't think I could do a 4:30 even in free fall 😀
I am feeling pretty frustrated - having started to up my weekly milage again after various setbacks this year (I was aiming for three runs a week), I was knocked sideways by a cough/cold (not covid - tested a trillion times) and haven't been able to run since 14 December – even going for moderate dog walks is leaving me feeling a bit short of breath. Hopefully I will finally get over it in the next week and I can restart (again) and try to get back to where I was heading in December. It is all very frustrating as I had been looking forward to getting out for some long runs over the Christmas break.
@johndoh Yeah it can be annoying. You see yourself with linear progress stretched out into the near future - no bumps, no glitches and no setbacks. And then...
Just do what you can when you can and 'build back betterer' (that really is joke 😛 ).
It's mildly annoying but not really life changing. It's supposed to be fun and if we wring the joy out of it by being too target fixated, there seems little point and I'm the world's worst for target fixation.
Get better and start plodding around for FUN!
Yep agreed - either way I should be better than I was at this time last year. Hopefully!
Don’t forget it’s Spine time. Fun run started today and the main event tomoz.
What’s everyone entered for next year?
Couple of ultras: Sierra Nevada in April (in Granada), and Ehunmilak (Basque country) in July. 100 and 168km approx., respectively.
Couple of ultras: Sierra Nevada in April (in Granada), and Ehunmilak (Basque country) in July.
Nice, I imagine the weather will be better than Lakes In a Day in October! 😉
Stunning weather and I see a Strava feed full of long runs. 18 for me this morning, all off road to avoid the icy roads. Absolutely beautiful running conditions.
Horrible in West of Scotia this morning, sideways freezing rain.
Had a good start to the year, 30 miles, a tough hill walk on Tuesday, and a couple of kettlebell sessions too, so struggled a wee bit this morning.
Good to get back in the groove, entries to my target race open tomorrow, fingers crossed.
Feel a bit silly posting this with the discussion about ultras and 4 min miles going on up there but it does say beginners in the thread title so here goes.
I was a reasonably fit cyclist, capable of 100 mile road rides until the end of last year until some medical problems mean I can't really ride at the moment, in a desperate attempt to retain some fitness and get some exercise and after a lot of umming and arghing and procrastination I have decided to take up running.
Currently on week 2 of couch to 5k and running for a grand total of 90 seconds 6 times, with a 2 min walk in between and I'm suffering a lot with lower leg pain. It was calf muscles in week 1 that I have now found out how to stretch out and the pain has moved to just below the knees at the front this week. They hurt especially when going up or down hill. Is it a case of just using muscles I haven't used for a long time (if ever) and it will get better with time or should I just accept that running is not for me and continue my rapid progression to couch?
Any advice would be gratefully received.
It's always one of the hardest decisions to make, when to push through a niggle, and when to accept other more than a niggle.
I'd be tempted to push on with yours tbh, as you say, you've not really ran before, and just keep an eye on it.
Have you got some nice cushioned shoes? The impact of starting running later in life can be helped massively with decent shoes IME.
Best of luck, as you say, this thread is for everyone. 👌🏻
im looking forward to doing a season (hopefully, touch wood) of fell races. I've joined Barlick Fell Runners and will join the FRA in a bit. Anything in the 3- 10 mile range. Some good races if we take in Dales, Calderdale and the local races. I'll start upping the training in a few weeks, with intervals etc. Just need to stay injury free. Can't wait
Nice, I imagine the weather will be better than Lakes In a Day in October!
Dunno, I tried to do the second race back in 2018, but they had to suspend after we'd only done 55km due to a massive storm - it really was quite scary up high with lightning striking about 500m away... And the Sierra Nevada in April could be pretty snowy, too. Still, all part of the fun I guess 🙂
Is it a case of just using muscles I haven’t used for a long time (if ever) and it will get better with time or should I just accept that running is not for me and continue my rapid progression to couch?
As above, it’s tough to decide what is a problem and what is not.
Certainly some discomfort is to be expected, new muscles and new impacts will do that. When discomfort turns into pain, particularly prolonged pain, is when to stop.
To minimise, make sure you’re not going to fast as, if you have some running fitness it’ll be easy to do so. Also try and run on soft surfaces, that’ll help with the impact.
Jonno - I would be my house that your issues stem from weak glute muscles. Although your calves/knees may hurt, it may not be the cause of the pain.
In my opinion, by far the best videos in the net are Jeff Cavaleres Athlean X on YouTube.
Try this, and then the videos within
I’d be interested to know if this helps so keep us posted
Currently on week 2 of couch to 5k and running for a grand total of 90 seconds 6 times, with a 2 min walk in between and I’m suffering a lot with lower leg pain. It was calf muscles in week 1 that I have now found out how to stretch out and the pain has moved to just below the knees at the front this week. They hurt especially when going up or down hill. Is it a case of just using muscles I haven’t used for a long time (if ever) and it will get better with time or should I just accept that running is not for me and continue my rapid progression to couch?
I had similar recently. New to running too and thought it was IT band issues. Tried a few new stretches and the pain moved to below my knees, and kept moving from inside to outside.
I was doing some hilly runs and not fully warming up. Over Christmas I tried some flater routes and made sure to do a 10 min walk first, then a few stretches before running slowly for the first few mins. Still have some pain but no where near as much.
Now I'm back at work the pain has come back a bit so putting it down to sitting at a desk on cheap chairs all day.
Thanks for the comments, plenty to think about. Probably guilty of trying to run to fast and have been running on a tarmac cycle path so it's hard ground, would love to do trail runs but it's a boggy mess out there at the moment so have been avoiding it.
Have a pair of asics gel trainers, they were bought a few years ago (last time I procrastinated about running) but never used, they feel fairly comfy but weren't advised by an expert or anything.
My runs have been fairly flat so far but thinking about it I did try a hill the run before the pains started. I'm just finding it hard to take it slowly, desperate to get that feeling back that I'm missing from cycling.
I started March 2020, and found it difficult, just is. Toward the end of this year I decided to make more effort to do slow runs. Had to say to myself slower than that, and that, slow down again, slower. But been struggling the last month or so with lower leg/ankle pain even just plodding along. So mixed it up today and did some intervals running as fast as I could, just based on feel, no timing element to them before slowing right back down to a plod (despite 'sod the plod' coming to mind). On the plus side, made it much more enjoyable and less focus on lower legs. On the negative, aching hips/buttocks! Best to enjoy it and not just make it a test of endurance every time.
I will mostly be catching up with the races I missed because of the pandemic or breaking my ankle last year. 2022 has to be better than the jobbie sandwich that was last year as far as racing goes. On the plus side I have 5 halfs and a marathon this year and haven't had to pay for any yet.
First 20-miler of the season done, the last one of those I did was back in Feb 2020 when I remember listening to a podcast talking about the fatality rate from the new coronavirus disease…
Nice work Captain, I managed a 15 on the hill last week with a view to 20 in a few weeks time. At my current pace more jogging than running.
Before I go and buy either a Petzl or Silva of some description that has a good balance of lumens/burn time/weight.
I'm in the market for a head torch, it's to be used (on occasion) for running in the Scottish Highlands/Lakes in all seasons (snow permitting).
Priorities are
Build quality
Battery not too badly affected by cold weather
Long burn time, enough to get through a Spring/Autumn night
Enough light for "jogging" on technical terrain with some occasional sighting for nav/scary noises in the dark.
I'm currently using a now no longer used on the bike Lumenator that I have a head torch harness for, but it's a bit on the weighty side.
I'll pay for build quality/reliability over being a bargain.
I'm guessing NAO+
I've got a NAO+ which is pretty good. Recently got a fenix hp25 (link) though and it make the NAO+ seem pretty rubbish. Pretty hefty if you're carrying it but feels light on the head as it's so well balanced. Kicks out a huge amount of light and it's properly regulated unlike the NAO+ which dims noticeably.
I also found running slow difficult to do. In a way its more of a mental challenge. Due to bike fitness, if I run slow it feels really slow and way too easy but been doing more of this at the start of a run and it does help warm up properly. I've not properly pushed myself yet as I know my knees and hips are not use to the new movement of running.
Planning to build up to a half marathon by the end of the summer so need to get into a more regular routine as well as 2 or 3 rides a week.
Before I go and buy either a Petzl or Silva of some description that has a good balance of lumens/burn time/weight.
i really like my actik core.
may not have the burn time you want but the core batteries are tiny (3xAAA), could be stashed in a pocket or you can use AAA's instead.
I was a reasonably fit cyclist [...] I have decided to take up running.
I'm in the same boat. I too have tried to start running. Having cycled everywhere for 20+ years and never ran anywhere, I have good stamina but sooo many niggly pains whenever I run.
My experience (still very much a work in progress):
I started with really short runs (2k ish) then worked up to 3, 4, 5, 8k ever a month or so. I always want to run flat-out, though. I probably should have listened to what plenty of people said about going slow.
I still don't know whether I should be doing longer / shorter strides, leaning further back, bending my knees more, heel strike vs forefoot strike etc.
It's easier to concentrate on form / minimising impacts when you're not sprinting. So slower is probably better for joints, at least until I can learn what my form should be like and 'lock into' a usable gait.
After pounding the streets for a couple of months, I ran up a hill (off road) the other day and OMG it felt so much better! Because it was uphill I was running at somewhere near my cardio-respiratory limit which felt good. Trail running somehow seems gentler on my joints, perhaps because I have to think about where / how I'm placing my foot on the ground. Plus, it was much more like what I want to ultimately achieve - long trail runs.
I wish there was a resource for the experienced cyclist taking up running. Anyone got any tips?
It was several years into my running before I managed to enjoy steadier runs. I used to think that unless a run was moderate to hard it had no benefit, but that's completely wrong, and training in the zone of neither easy nor hard gets you tired without significant gains in fitness. Slow runs are great for adaptation and recovery, but take discipline.
Race on Saturday was fun for the first half - Country to Capital, 43 miles from Wendover, over the Chilterns on a mix of trails and road, then onto the canal to Paddington. I had a perhaps ambitious goal of knocking over 10 minutes off the course record, which didn't entirely go to plan. Little video from the end here:
I've just been made aware of the 100km Anglo Celtic Plate race in April which forms the GB trial race for the 100km World Champs in August in Germany. If I'm ever going to snag a genuine GB vest this is probably about my best chance, so I'm going to throw my hat into the ring 🙂
Fair play @turboferret , may as well try for it!
I’ve just booked a 25km trail race in July, figure it should slot nicely into training being 2 months before my ultra. Im not there to race as such though!
Started the year a lot stronger than last year which is a good start! Going to aim for consistent time running weekly until ramping things up towards summer. Might try for a couple other shorter trail events if I fancy any in the southwest.
I’ve always found running slowly real difficult, it’s so easy to settle into that average comfy pace! Would like to start paying a little more attention to my runs so I can get the best training from them. Where do I start though?!
What is it specifically you prefer about the Fenix? It does look a bit heavier than what I was hoping for but still lighter than what I have.
i really like my actik core.
may not have the burn time you want but the core batteries are tiny (3xAAA), could be stashed in a pocket or you can use AAA’s instead.
I'll take a look at that, I think you can buy spare batteries for the Nao too.
Went with this for a head torch https://www.myfenix.co.uk/product/fenix-hm65r-t-trail-1721
On paper has the right balance of weight/lumens/burn time and an additional battery would be 50 grams.
Anyone got any running plans for the weekend?
I scuppered mine yesterday giving a pair of Salomon S Lab twin skin style shorts a last chance short run to make sure I didn’t get on with them. Turns out the run wasn’t short enough and removed enough skin from somewhere personal and hairy that I’m not even sure Zwift will work this weekend so my plans now consist of a ritualised spite filled burning of the aforementioned shorts.
Barstad things.
@piemonster, these are good and cheap from decathlon. No chafing and keep everything where they should be. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-breathable-running-boxers/_/R-p-121488
Plans this weekend are:
Short morning run on the ice his morning and then XC racing this afternoon.
Sunday will be a slow long-ish run, a half or so I reckon.
First race since March 2020 for me tomorrow!
The Brass Monkey half marathon in York. Been following a Ben Parkes plan so be interesting to see how I get on since I’m planning to use his marathon plan for Edinburgh this year.
Anyone running Feel the Burns in Selkirk tomorrow?
Myself and TrollingZooFighter will be.
Today I will be mainly manspreading, I’ve no need for any further burns thank you