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Cheers @Lunge, I actually have some of those from a previous recommendation on here, possibly from you.
I don’t get on with them as well as you seem to, but they are ok. I’ve still to find any kit as good as X Bionic, I just wish the would tone down the absurd techno babble nonsense in their marketing department.
Surrey League XC yesterday went reasonably well, despite the legs still feeling the previous weekends 43 mile race in them. Started fairly steadily and gradually moved through the field a little bit, feeling like I could have done another lap of 2 (3 for the race) without too much bother. Probably means I didn't wring as much out of myself as I could have done, but considerably more enjoyable than haring off at the start, blowing up and then going backwards feeling like death! Solid 20th and 5th scorer for the club, so not unhappy. Need to start building the mileage up now
XC racing for me as well, sneaked a top 50 and 2nd for the club (in truth, I should have caught him as he only finished 3 seconds ahead). The vomit as I crossed the finish line suggested I did a reasonable job of emptying the tank. A late decision to switch to 15mm spikes meant a shorter warm-up than usual which didn't help, though the extra grip certainly did.
Did a very gentle, ice cold 15 miler yesterday which felt much harder than the pace and elevation suggested it should have. The bacon sarny in the cafe at the end has rarely tasted better,
Right, a slightly sensitive subject.
I get terrible runners stomach/trots when I run in evenings. Mornings are fine, lunch time is fine, but evenings are not good.
At best it's a gurgly stomach and wind, at worst I need to find somewhere discrete to squat/find a pub to pop into, the latter of which happens far more regularly than is ideal.
The usual internet solution of don't eat before you run (I don't, I eat lunch around 12:30pm and generally run around 6 or 7pm no food is taken in the afternoon) and don't use gels (I don't) have not helped.
I also try to "empty the tanks" before leaving the house.
Anyone got any other remedies or am I destined to be the runner that knows where every toilet stop is within a 10 mile radius of my home?
@stox how did you get on at Brass Monkey? I did it as a marathon pace run before London a couple of years ago and felt great, then injured myself before the marathon so it was a bit a waste 😀 Great race though.
@teaandbiscuit Not too bad thanks, 1:27 was the target and I ended up running 1:26:52 (previous PB was 1:29:00 in March ‘20). So I Knocked over 2 mins off my PB.
Considering this time last year I was still looking for sub 90 I shouldn’t moan.
I ought to have been over the moon but I was more disappointed than anything else as I found it really hard going from mile 8 and couldn’t keep my pace under the 6:40/mi that’s I’d been aiming for. I could / should have taken another minute off really. Easier said than done.
I got under the target time because I ran the first 6 miles quick and banked the time. That wasn’t a mistake … well not completely. I intended to go out quick , just maybe not as quick and not for 6 miles but I got running with a lad from my club and went with it until he pressed on and I eased off a bit.
These are my splits .. by mile 6 I was averaging 6:22/mi so yes too fast but then all of my focus was on keeping my average below 6:40/mi ! The second half was Really hard work 🤢 and I’m gutted that those mile splits were over 6:40. Great race. Well organised. Not easy getting a place!
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A race of two halves! Well done. Having done that, what pace strategy would you use next time?
@lunge - I've never had the problem quite that bad (though on occasion have had to get creative!) I found that running on a nearly empty stomach is bad for me and a glass of water or a snack before a run helped. Not likely to be a magic solution but easy to try!
A race of two halves! Well done. Having done that, what pace strategy would you use next time?
Run the second half faster 😂😂
Seriously it’s something I need to work on. I think if I’d stuck to 6:40/mi pace from the off I may have struggled. The 1:27 was always a big ask but I was basing it on my Cambridge 2020 performance where I also struggled mentally and physically in the second half.
I need to work on my endurance …. I am
Struggling in the second half of my half marathons when I’m aiming for these kind of times. If anybody has any pointers I’d love to know how I can improve on that.
I just need to factor that into my training, and do some strengthening (weights) exercises too.
Run the second half faster 😂😂
Good plan!
I find this really useful: https://runsmartproject.com/calculator/
If you type in your 5k pace (or whichever distance) it'll show you the times you should be able to hit if you're equivalently trained.
My 10k pace is actually slightly faster than my 5k pace, my half marathon is 2 mins behind and my marathon is about 15mins slower 😀 I'm lacking the aerobic endurance from mileage and clearly need to be like a few others on this thread and log an extra thousand (or two) miles per year!
@teaandbiscuit thanks….
If I put my BM half time in (it’s the only race I’ve done in over 12 months) it’s spitting out 18:56 5k which I reckon I can do. I think I’ll be having a good go at parkrun in the next week or two so I’ll see how it compares.
It’s showing 3:01 for a marathon. I’m aiming to go sub 3:05 end of May .
Although by mile 9 of BM I was never running another half ever again let alone going through with my marathon plan 😂
I've gone thru the FRA race calendar, first fell race for me will be the Ilkley moor race later in march
I'll be doing the buckden pike champs in June and hopefully Langdale horseshoe in September
The new Thornton in craven race near me like good but clashes with my son's birthday in May
A question for the experienced. I'm doing one long run and 1 or 2 shorter runs each week. For the longer run is it best to just keep increasing the length gradually and maintaining a consistent pace, or worth breaking the run into 2 parts with a short rest/cafe stop in the middle?
Ilkley is a brilliant fell race - the narrow path at the start encourages you to take a flyer but the race doesn't really start until after the climb back up Backstone beck (after the v slippy footbridge). Start steady and you'll pick up places later!
I'll either be at Ilkley or maybe Black Combe. Keeping an eye on pre-entry numbers!
Ilkley is a brilliant fell race – the narrow path at the start encourages you to take a flyer but the race doesn’t really start until after the climb back up Backstone beck (after the v slippy footbridge). Start steady and you’ll pick up places later!
I’ll either be at Ilkley or maybe Black Combe. Keeping an eye on pre-entry numbers!
Good advice thanks. I can't wait to get into fell racing. I'm tempted with the heptonstall race on 20 march, but 15 miles racing on steep terrain is a bit much right now
A question for the experienced. I’m doing one long run and 1 or 2 shorter runs each week. For the longer run is it best to just keep increasing the length gradually and maintaining a consistent pace, or worth breaking the run into 2 parts with a short rest/cafe stop in the middle?
@mjsmke, either up the distance or up the pace, I’d not be adding a stop in. Distance is what I’d aim for, ease up gently, maybe a or 2 mile per week whilst trying to keep the pace even. Accept that some weeks will feel better than others as progress isn’t linear.
Managed my fastest 5k in over 2 years yesterday on my lunch run, 22:16. Still almost 3 minutes off my PB, but I'm starting to see some improvements. Will start upping mileage soon and just keep hoping my injuries stay away.
I need to work on my endurance …. I am
Struggling in the second half of my half marathons when I’m aiming for these kind of times. If anybody has any pointers I’d love to know how I can improve on that.
This is now an
Official request for advice! 😁
it’s looking like I’m going to do another half in 6 weeks. I’ve had an easy recovery week this week after Sundays half and then I’ll be picking the training back Up this weekend.
I think I need to run long runs quicker (don’t do them all at easy pace). Maybe start some long runs easy and finish them quicker.
I Plan to do a little swimming and some S&C work in the gym.
Oh and watch what I’m eating.
Seem reasonable?
@stox,
Personally I think that, unless you're at the upper end of the field, the key to a fast half is just to run more and run faster. S&C, swimming. etc. has it's place for top athletes but for us plodders I think your time is better spend on your feet.
So my specific advice would be to get some longer runs in, 15 or so, and going slower than your half marathon pace. I'd also add a speed session in each week, this can be dedicated track work or just some sprints.
I'd also add some intervals into your long runs, don't need to be out and out springs, just picking the pace up for sections and making sure you finish the last mile fast.
Cheers @lunge.
I followed a Ben Parkes plan for last weekends half so I’ve been doing interval sessions, tempo runs, long runs … track work… the lot.
I just need to get stronger in that second half.
I think you’re right about the long runs. I did miss a couple so I think I need to make sure I get those in and I need to be upping the pace in them too .
My totally unprofessional coaching advice would be plenty of speed work sessions so that you run "lightly", mixed with some tough double run days so you're used to pushing through on tired legs.
I am not a coach.
My advance it to make sure that your training is polarised - easy is really easy, hard is really hard. The exception to this can be the long run, which is harder by nature of the length. Very easy to do the majority of your training in the middle ground where you get tired but don't get a particularly significant training impulse. I've been guilty of this in the past, but seen significant improvements by running much slower for my easy runs. I had a major breakthrough over 5k late last autumn where I had done almost exclusively really easy miles, and a few hard track races which constituted my only speed work.
Might also be worth considering having a gel after the first 45-60min of your half marathon, if you didn't last time.
+1 what turboferret says. I do one or two hard runs a week, not more. All the rest, just jogging. Currently I'm sometimes doing a hard bike ride too but that's a bit accidental and I'd prefer not.
Vets AC XC Champs today. It was a cool afternoon, but not as cold as when I ran a course recce on Thursday morning to determine the most appropriate footwear, when it was frozen underfoot. I decided that trail shoes would be quickest overall, with the majority of the new route being on hard stony paths, so the small sections where spikes would be advantageous would be outweighed by where they would be slower or less comfortable.
Having listened recently to an interview with the great Dave Bedford, his tip was if you have the legs, to go out very hard from the start, and press on. I made the mistake of taking it too easy the last time this race was held, and despite being quite fresh at the end, didn't have the finishing speed to clinch the win.
With Dave Bedford's words in my head, and earlier experience, I did indeed take it out hard from the off, and had company until around halfway around the first of 2 laps, where the course drops down to do a lap of a small lake. I made a gap on the descent and this grew gradually to around a minute by the finish. I think the guy who was with me for the start of the race regretted going with my early pace as he was reeled in to finish 3rd.
Now to arrange engraving on the cup for the 3rd time in 4 outings!
Nice one - well done!
Top work @turboferret.
I’ve come to the same conclusion about shorter races - hit it hard from the start and try to hang on. All my best times have been when I haven’t had much sprint at the end as it’s been a consistent effort from gun to tape. It’s fun having a big finish in the legs but not sure it’s the fastest.
I took turbo’s advice over the last year and had a (slower) breakthrough in 5k and 10k in the autumn by making easy runs really easy. After ultra and marathon training the shorter distances just got faster. Not easier, just faster. I’m just an average runner so if it works
For me it should work for most.
Awesome effort TF, very impressive indeed.
Err, don’t suppose ant of you lot have done Snowdon marathon? It appears I have a place and could do with some advise!
Congrats @turboferret that’s some good going!
I’m trying to make my runs easy, concentrating on being out for an amount of time for example not a mileage target. Hoping it’s going to help as ultra time approaches!
Yes make sure you are running hard or easy. Avoid in between as that compromises the quality hard sessions which provide the real value. 80/20 by Matt Fitzgerald is a good book to read.
Well done TF!
Good run today - first time up a mountain this year after picking up an irritating shoulder injury just before Christmas. Only 15km, but that included over 1000m of climbing, most of it in the first 5km... There was a fair amount of ice around but fortunately we all made it back with nothing worse than the odd scratch. Next week it'll hopefully be a longer run, as I've got an ultra at the beginning of April and need to up the mileage!
Congratulations TF, that's a great effort.
Lunge, I haven't done Snowdon but have done an equally hilly marathon (about 900+m ascent in two main climbs). Some find the descents as hard as the climbs, I suggest including a few long hills in your training runs. I was able to train on the course as it was a local event.
Great effort TF, on point as usual.
What is everyone up to this weekend?
Blowing a hoolie here tomorrow and I’d already postponed the long run from Wednesday due to having unplanned dog care to deal with. So everything hinges on Sundays long run.
Actually, does anyone use an OMM Halo jacket/smock.
My current winter jacket seems to have stopped falling apart but is a bit much for more benign summer conditions. Something lightweight would free up valuable space for critical equipment in the form of fig/cheese rolls/haribo etc.
Im assuming there’s a few compromises involved at this weight point, hood looks a bit feeble and I’d question durability. But then, most of the time it’s going to be sat at the bottom of a pack and not worn.
Well I've now managed to get to the point were I have ran every week for the last 5 weeks. That's pretty big progress for me. Mileage is still only between 5-10k, and I'm starting to feel a bit stronger on my legs again. Progress! Enjoying my new Peregrine 11's, even though they lack a bit of grip at times.
What is everyone up to this weekend?
Couple of long training runs for me. Probably a half tomorrow at a reasonable pace, slow 16 Sunday I think.
****ing shin splints! Week 2 of C25K after a bit of a lay off and I've been afflicted.
Has anyone had any luck pinning shin splints on a weakness elsewhere in the kinetic chain and sorted them by strengthening there?
@onzadog I was taught a fantastic stretch by the XC captain at university, many years ago when I was having issues, I've mentioned it a few times in this thread and seems to have helped a few others, so hopefully will do for you too.
Stand with you feet shoulder-width apart, and try and lift the inside of each foot upwards as much as you can so you are just standing on the outer edge of your feet. I've always done this wearing shoes. Hold for 20s or so before your run and you should hopefully see benefits. Do it before each run for a couple of weeks and you should stop having to do so.
@piemonster I like my OMM Kamleika. It's lightweight but soft, comfortable and waterproof, so with some layers underneath should be sufficient for winter running exploits. It's my default shell for training when it's chilly or cool & wet, with varying amounts underneath depending on temperature. Thumb holes for keeping sleeves over gloves, a nice peaked hook. Either smock of jacket, I have a smock.
Cheers, I'll give it a go.
What is everyone up to this weekend?
2h on the dreadmill first up tomorrow (a zwift thing) and then 32km on Sunday, outside before the rain arrives hopefully. None of that will be fast!
As for lightweight cover, I have run in the cheapest Mountain Warehouse pertex shell for years, I'm on my second now. Cheap as chips, weighs nothing, hi-vis yellow and provides just the right level of protection for a cold wind and the odd shower. Not something for a long trip on the high fells.
I think it's this but I never paid anything like 40 quid, I think it was 12 the first time I got one in a sale and maybe 20 the 2nd time.
I’ll have to revisit the Kamleika, been a while since I looked at it.
Cheers Captain, but it definitely needs to be water proof. Don’t fancy the Cairngorms in a shower proof even in summer.
I’m hoping to get up the hill for a bit later, nothing big only a 10k or so. Wanted to fit in a half tomorrow but pretty busy so it might just have to be something shorter. Planning on riding the bike tomorrow afternoon, pain in the ass to fit it all in!
I’ve got a higher state stretch waterproof that seems ok for the money. Although I since have tried on a montane minimus stretch jacket and wish I bought that now!
Think I’m settling on an early start and 18 miles in the Ochils to set up some 20+ mile runs a few weeks later. Run might be stretching it a bit admittedly.
Montane minimus stretch. It's light waterproof and doesn't rustle like the non stretch version. The wife has a kamleika and she kept using the Montane over that so I ended up having to buy her her own!
It's a great jacket, can recommend.
Well got out for an 8 mile loop up the woods last night, caught the last hour of sunshine which was very nice!
Had a plan to run today but I’ve got an itch to get out on the bike, trails looked good condition on the run yesterday.
I need more days in a weekend to fit it all in!
Anyone run in Hoka Speedgoats? I’m still searching for the perfect long distance trail show and these have got good reviews. Never run in Hoka shoes before so no idea what to expect.
I tried Speedgoats but found them really narrow in the forefoot and toe box, and very loose around the heel. Although they have a reputation for being narrow, I've moved on to La Sportiva shoes and found them to be roomy and very comfortable straight out of the box.
Off out for 10ish k now the wind has calmed down... It actually looks quite nice out now.
I trail run in hoka mafate shoes, they are wider at the toe than my hola Clifton road shoes. Which admittedly are too narrow.
Only thing I have noticed is the ease of rolling an ankle compared to my merrel shoes I had previously. The hoka sole is quite high but I find them so comfy!
Oops just booked an ultra in June, had my first ultra booked for September, it has 4500ft of climbing in the valleys in wales! I was a bit worried about the elevation for a first ultra
So noticed someone I follow on Instagram is putting on an ultra around bishops castle in Shropshire. It will have a little less elevation so looks like I’m doing two ultras this year! Kind of panicking now 😂
Really enjoyable morning out on the Ochils today, just shy of 18 miles and finished with plenty in reserve which sets up 20 milers nicely in a week or 2. I did purposefully pace the run as I would for something twice the distance, more about getting some miles in and practicing stuffing my face with flapjacks whilst descending Ben Cleuch.
My fairly elderly Forerunner 225 now only has a 3hr run time, anyone replaced the battery on their watch?
Montane minimus stretch. It’s light waterproof and doesn’t rustle like the non stretch version. The wife has a kamleika and she kept using the Montane over that so I ended up having to buy her her own!
It’s a great jacket, can recommend.
Thats looking like a front runner for me, and also avoid me and MrsPiemonster having his and hers matching jackets as she has a Kamleika.
Montane minimus stretch. It’s light waterproof and doesn’t rustle like the non stretch version.
I've also got one of these, really pleased with it. the only lightweight waterproof I've had much success with. A year in and it still works as advertised. I'd definitely recommend.
Anyone run in Hoka Speedgoats? I’m still searching for the perfect long distance trail show and these have got good reviews. Never run in Hoka shoes before so no idea what to expect.
I had two pairs of Hoka Torrents where the sole came off, the second after 50ish miles... I wouldn't buy Hoka again. The Speedgoats also felt very narrow.
Inov8 Trailfly are my current go to. Nice wide toe box, lots of grip on varied terrain. Cushioning lasts well, I'm over 400km on my current pair. Only downside is they are not cheap (there is a code in the members area to save some money). Or Inov8 Terraultra for a faster, lighter option. These are my most used shoe, zero drop if it matters?
Decided today was the day to finally give marathon distance a go. Trail with 300m ascent. Was hoping for sub 5 hours and managed 4hr 45 so quite chuffed. First 15k was enjoyable then slowly but surely fatigue set in, with the last 3k walking.
Given the longest run I've managed in the past 6 months was 20k....and some time ago, it wasn't a bad result.
Glad to have ticked it off the list but zero interest on repeating it
Longest run today. 11 miles off road. Not particularly fast at 9:20m/mile. But still happy with that considering I'm a novice runner. First run with a hydration vest too. So much nicer having stuff within reach. Bit of a sore knee but probably just DOMS.
Well done @69er_Gav!
But:
Glad to have ticked it off the list but zero interest on repeating it
Most of us say that when we finish, but then that little demon pops up on your shoulder and starts whispering ideas about how you could bring that time down, perhaps you could do another one, be a good excuse for a long weekend in XXX, etc 🙂
Anyway I had a fun, shorter run today. 16.5km up a local mountain with mates, about 1800m climbing in total. I seem to be getting my fitness back after a month off, just hope I'm not hobbling around tomorrow with DOMS like I was last week.
@mogrim - you're not wrong, that demon has already appeared now the knees have recovered a little. I'm sure I'll do another at some stage.....with a bit more effort.
16.5k is a huge effort considering that incline! Though I'd imagine plenty of fast hiking on the ups as opposed to running per se
16.5k is a huge effort considering that incline! Though I’d imagine plenty of fast hiking on the ups as opposed to running per se
Yeah, lots of fast (and not so fast!) hiking on the climbs, which is fairly usual and good training for upcoming trail races.
Noticed today that when I had a slight ache on the outside of my knee, if I lifted my feet more while running, the ache went away for a while. Seems odd but think it's tightness from yesterday's ride where I did push quite hard on a few hills.
Does make me wonder if I'm dragging my feet a bit though.
18 miles for me today, mostly trails and no to many hills, took me to 73 for the week. The trails were in great condition, like summer running.
I maintain that the full ache in your legs after a long run if one of life’s better feelings.
In my continuing efforts to bankrupt myself with a “simple and cheap” sport
Anyone here use either a Coros Apex or Polar Grit X? (Currently watching DC Rainmaker reviews)
Friend has the Coros and likes it, though no more than the Garmin he had before. Battery is good, functionality fine, no issues.
@lunge the first Speedgoats were a strange shoe but some people liked them. The 2nd version was universally hated, far too narrow, various other flaws, which put people off them. I think I have the 2nd version which are well past their best, but have been ok, if narrow for me. The 3rd version is supposed to be way better, and folk who have hated the 2nd, have liked the 3rd, so might be worth trying on a pair. Good cushioning and grip, assuming they're the right size for you. I think I ran the Red Bull Steeplechase in them, yes, checking the photo I did
I ordered some Nike ZoomX Invincibles reduced from £160 to £98 the other day which arrived this afternoon. Not run in them yet but they are super squishy, so looking forward to seeing how they fare on long runs and if they leave the legs very fresh afterwards. Got a couple of days in Austria now where there is snow on the ground, not necessarily the ideal testing ground!
@turboferret,
Thanks for the thoughts on the Speedgoat, I might try them and use the Hoka returns policy if needed.
Re. The Invincibles, I quite like mine but they are a strange shoe. Super soft and very unstable, particularly at speed. I guess they’re designed for slow recovery runs and for that they work well.
@lunge - I had a pair of Speedgoats v2; they were extremely narrow! I've had multiple pairs of Hoka road shoes so was a bit surprised by how different the fit was! Now using, Saucony Peregrines which are a nice mix of low-weight, protection and grip!
Does anyone have experience of The Lap - Windermere, I'm entered for September!
Also, going to try to go 'fast' at my local 10k ( https://affrunningclub.org.uk/flitwick-10k/), never like short events!
Has anyone had any luck pinning shin splints on a weakness elsewhere in the kinetic chain and sorted them by strengthening there?
Through the recent parkour thread I came across this video about shin splints. The premise - if I understand it correctly - and please excuse my summary - is shin splints are caused by wrong hip position and bodyweight back rather than forward; legs step too far forwards and not far enough back to get enough ankle plantar flexion which would allow the muscles along shin to relax as the ankle propels us forward.
Would be interested to hear what others think?
I went for a run Sunday bearing some of this in mind but found it difficult to control my speed and was done by 5k.
Thanks for that, I'll have a look. For some time now, I've been working on forefoot to midfoot striking and shortening my stride (from my previous over striding heel striking style). It's possible I'm not getting enough forward propulsion via the glutes.
Has anyone had any luck pinning shin splints on a weakness elsewhere in the kinetic chain and sorted them by strengthening there?
My fix was to run off road, when I restarted with c25k I did it round the local park on the grass, now run mainly off road.
Two parts to the theory, softer ground gives more, uneven ground makes your stride uneven and you think about placement more, it also makes you run more with the forefoot.
Could be absolute tosh
Well I'm still not fast or fit but improving, right up to 6.7km into last nights run when I went over on my ankle. Proper sprain (hopefully). Still not comfortable but easing.
Was aiming for running up the 3 brethren by Easter which I think was doable if done slowly.
Completef my first 5km run last night. Surprisingly, it was OK. I managed 29:06, which I'm pretty happy with as I finished pretty strongly and the next time I want to get under 29 minutes.
Gone and entered the Allendale Challenge to focus my mind, 8 weeks to prep for 26 mile off road. Yikes!
Looks like a decent route, I've always quite liked the North Pennines, quiet, empty, boggy and miles of tussocks.
Not sure what I'm doing this weekend, weather may make going for a 20 miler somewhat laborious and may take a punt on Wednesday next week for that run. Heavy rain and strong winds all day Saturday, strong winds and low temps Sunday. But then, the long range for Wednesday next week isnt great either so I could easily end up low level somewhere just to get the time on my feet. Almost feels like cheating to do something without lots of climbing.
Think I've also settled on getting a Polar Grit X, I'm reluctant to buy another Garmin as I've bee disappointed by all 3 products I've had from them, Forerunner 310XT (which was actually the least annoying), Forerunner 225 (which never syncs to my phone so have to plug it into my laptop, plus I can only get the charger to stay on with electrical tape), Oregon 700 (which syncs perfectly but I've never achieved the battery life a friend gets despite copying his settings and using the same batteries). Plus, my main battle on long efforts is eating/drinking, and I'm tempted by the adaptive fuelling wotsit along with some basic back up nav features.
If anyone sees a good price on a Montane Minimus Stretch (large) let me know.
Start Fitness LOVE10 gets 10% off at the moment. Just bought my first running pack, went for the Innov8 race ultra pro 5. Sick of looking at every review know to man on Salomon, OMM etc.. Hoping it serves me well for the Allendale Challenge and whatever else I sign up for.
I haven't run for about 10years due to various injuries and other training stuff to be getting on with, but it's reached the point where my daughter is in the cross country team and I can't face being a dad cycling while she runs next to me.
So I bought some mega expensive running shoes and logged into the Garmin couch to 5km run with a hope to be able to do a 5km on March 12. I am lucky enough that we have a treadmill at home so I've been doing it all on that, but somehow after my last run I recalibrated so by the time I finished my 4.8km run on the watch is done 7.1km on the treadmill. I'm not breaking records but I'm pretty pleased to be this far in without breaking down and to be able to run for 55mins without stopping. Gonna be sore in the morning (already sore!), but going to bed pretty pleased with myself.
Wife doesn't give a crap so come on here to "brag" 😂
Running is tough! I started from nothing almost two years ago. Late last summer I attempted a 10 mile run (but lost the footpath in a ploughed field and much trudging ensued), and got a 5k in under 22 minutes at my first park run. Then this Winter I've been struggling below the knees. The discomfort in shins/calves/ankles no longer lasts long after the run (like it used to when I started) but seems to come on quite easily during. Currently trying shorter runs around 10 minutes, but more frequently - 2 days on, 1 day off. Probably will turn out to be too much as well, but hoping not!
I did my first proper race (done a couple of local cross countries back end of last year) since my London debacle/fail/non-starter calf injury. I am obviously race rusty. My mate persuaded me to do the Stamford Valentines 30K last Sunday. It was pretty windy (well very windy) and it rained for much of the last part of the race. I felt comfortable at the start but clearly went out way too fast and struggled a bit towards the end, but it was a good challenge to push to the finish and come in first V45 and average under 6min/m after such a long layoff (about 5 months). Clearly I have some work to do on race craft and managing my effort, but fairly pleased with getting back out there.
The course was also a tough roller coaster without the added hinderance of the weather. I need to decide if I am going to do a spring marathon now and also what is available and not completely booked out.