The Annual Running thread - beginners/ultras/whatever

Fort William marathon (my first and last marathon) completed at the weekend. I'd no idea if I could do the distance or how fast so happy with 4:36 (basically mid-field).

I think I'll stick with halfs from now on (or maybe a few duathlons).

Did my first race since the BG yesterday, the Glenshee 9. Felt really bad the whole way round but must've been moving ok because I came in first v40. I must look my age because when I crossed the line the marshall asked tactfully what category I was in!

Well done on the marathon scotroutes.

SDW Amberley To Chanctonbury in the melting/swealteeing weather on Sat.

Should have done it at midnight really 😜🔥

And on Sunday went for a bike ride on the roadie (first time in 2 years)

Cannock Chase 10k yesterday, hilly course, loads of gravel and very hot meant I was happy to sneak under 50 minutes. What I was less happy about was my Achilles going at about 5k and having to limp though the 2nd half. Not sure going round The Money trail afterwards helped it either. Said Achilles is now locked solid and I walk with a gangster limb. Good job i haven't got a half marathon in 2 months and a 220 mile road ride in 1 months to prepare for...

Well done Colin, superb result Spin!. Hopefully just a minor tear Lunge, hope it clears up for you in time mate. Not much running for me this weekend, wedding anniversary on saturday, so Mrs Nobeer and I went to Callander for a couple of nights, nipped up Schiehallion on friday afternoon, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin on saturday, then watched Euro champs 2018 womens road race in Glasgow (brilliant event btw, can't wait to go watch the mens next sunday!) and then a 9 mile easy paced training run together in the evening. Quite thirsty this morning!.

Got a hilly 10k in Dundonald on wednesday night, may do my hometown Prestwick 10k on sunday, I'll see if I can get a babysitter.

Feeling pretty strong ATM, think my goal for the year of a sub 20 minute 5k is very close...

Did the Lochnagar circuit of 5 munros with a couple minor diversions on Sunday, great conditions (perhaps a tad too hot for running when out of the breeze)

I'd always meant to have a crack at this on the bike, but went out from Aberdeen with a coach of hillwalkers who were doing Lochnagar on its own, then I split from them to run. I'd hoped to do it in about 3'30 but eventual moving time of 3'45 and 45m of rest/craic stops. Knees were beginning to hurt by the end, some quite steep descents.

Bravo sir!

Well after having to miss couple duathlon signed up to earlier in year for various reasons, including no training due to touch of depression.

Happy to say I didn't pull out of Gateshead Trail 10km this morning, crossed line at 59:02, not bad for a fat lad. Had continue for nearly 100m after line as garmin said it was short of 10km, mates did too, and nearly double the advertised climbing. Now to find another event to enter to keep training up 😁. Also knocked over 15min off the last 10km I ran so that'll do.

Bravo Niall!

It's great that this thread has continued to be just as populated with us running apprentices, not just the the experienced guys.

Back to running yesterday did 15 miles mainly off road average of 9.01 mm so very especially as that's after a 2 weeks all indulgence:)

I’ve had lower back (just below the ribs) pain.

Descending off the Downs as I try to put into practice what Karibu (Sam) says I ought to be doing has left me with vibration shock in my lower ribs in my back.. bit annoying getting out of bed... that “oooouuuf’ moment.

So, not been out since last Friday ..

Weathers been a pants tho’...

🌬💦🌬💦🌬💦

Cheers nobeerinthefridge, it's been a great thread so far and I've found it encouraging to keep at it.

Seem to be stuck at about average 5:30km, need figure out how speed up - either working on my stride or pace. Yesterday was 1st time I ran a race or in a group and did find having targets/people to pick off or keep up with helped if found self slowing, maybe need try get out with a club.

Just need keep it up. Good work firestarter.

TBH I'm pretty sure the thing that has had the most effect on my speed is just running more, and more regularly. I've never been particularly slow or fast though, my second 10k (and first at sea level) as an occasionally running cyclist was 40:30 mins and my PB 6 years later as an occasionally cycling runner is a mere 3 mins quicker...though now I'm pushing 50 any gains are something to celebrate!

+1 for the mix of participants - I like hearing about the relatively talented/ambitious and also those who are starting out at a slower level. I'm looking forward to restarting more serious running over the winter - summer has been more cycling and fun events etc...picked up a vet prize at a local 10k a few weeks ago which was a welcome surprise, the field obviously wasn't very strong and it was very hot and slow...but they all count 🙂

Well after an enforced lay-off due to injuring myself a couple of months ago I've finally managed to get back into some running!

Nothing major for now, just slowly building up again but with much better form after some advice from a physio. I've also got a load of strength and conditioning exercises to be going on with which will hopefully help prevent any future injuries 🙂

Just catching up with this thread here and there's been some pretty epic runs by folk on here recently!

Took my lad to a junior parkrun (2k) this morning.

In a fit of stupidity I decided that it would be a good idea to follow him round.

What actually happened is that he cleared off into the distance, and then had to hang around for four minutes at the finish waiting for me to finish  - took me 11m, 47s.

I knew that my lad would be quicker than me (he's represented Hampshire at cross country), but I thought that I would be quicker than that - I thought perhaps around 10 minutes.

It has come as a bit of a wake-up call, I am far more unfit than I thought 🙁

Does anyone know if there are any websites that are useful for planning off-road running routes?

I use Strava to plan a lot of road riding routes but it tries following roads when I try to get it to follow footpaths or bridleways.

If not then I might have to just try riding the routes first then save the GPX's as running routes.

I use Garmin Connect..

Its shit, but betterer than MapMyRide which is my other planner.

For off-road, footpaths and bridleways etc.

But if you want a definitive map, you Council produces a web based map with all access routes on. It’s da Law for them to comply innit.

Bikehike.co.uk is great, you can use Google map (road following) simultaneously with OS maps and off road routes.

Well todays cheery morning post is that I’m off to the physio this morning to see how long I need to not run for in order to clear this Achilles problem that keep persisting. As I have a half marathon in 9 weeks the hope is 4 weeks or less, we shall see. Decided to enter a couple of winter runs last night to cheer myself up so at least I’ll have a few things to aim for.

It’s funny, 25 years of football and cycling and I was never injured, 2 of running and I almost always feel I have a niggle or a tweak somewhere. This is normal, right?

Yeah, normal.

My switch to trail running had me in bits as my legs and back started to stretch out, hammys and ankles that were tight or short meant pain for weeks (felt like months)

And the rolling ankles on roots and rocks..

And now shock strain in my rear rib cage as I practice hooning down the Downs at full chat instead of Mr Flouncy...

No, I find (road) running has been great, especially for my back which struggles with too much cycling (old injury). Have had one or two minor niggles but rarely anything to stop me running for any length of time. Fell running a slightly bigger risk with rolled ankles and falls.

OTOH one of the club fast men (proper gazelle-like) is almost always broken. Quick as **** when he runs though 🙂

It’s funny, 25 years of football and cycling and I was never injured, 2 of running and I almost always feel I have a niggle or a tweak somewhere. This is normal, right?

Quite the opposite here, My knees and ankles have never felt better, had various injuries over the years playing football. I put it down to running being a lot less 'dynamic' ie running in one direction instead of constant turning, awkward foot placements, riding tackles etc.

There used to be this oft quoted myth that runners have issues with their joints later in life. In my (anecdotal but wide) experience this is not the case. I know lots of older runners, many now non runners, but few of them have issues that would not be typical of people that age.

Thats not to say runners dont get injured (I have had more than my share) but a period of inactivity normally clears that up.

I think the 'running ****s your knees' myth is perpetuated by folk that just really don't want to run! 🙂

For route planning, I use a variety of research methods, but always plot the route in Garmin Connect.  It has improved a lot with the 'popular routing' option which appeared relatively recently.  I always have the Strava Heatmap open so I can see where other people are running, and sometimes OpenStreetMap to check for byways etc, and Google Street View to see if particular junctions etc are difficult to spot.  Sometimes the popular routing option doesn't like to play ball, but switching to freehand assuming you know where to drop the points works well.

I travel a lot so plan and plot a bunch of routes in advance, that way I always know that I'll be running somewhere runnable and popular, hopefully not getting too badly lost either, assuming I can follow the little green line on my Garmin.  Case in point was a week in Bath last week, I ran some fantastic trails I would never have found had I just headed out randomly, and never had any risk of struggling to find my way back, or had to consult a phone for a map.

I also cracked my first ever 100 mile week while down there.  Also 6 weeks over 100km which is a first too.  Hopefully more consistent increased mileage will pay dividends for my autumn marathon.

Cheers, Rich

Consistency is the key. Never managed (or attempted) a 100 mile week and anything over 75/80 just led to exhaustion and a following 30 mile week. Usually managed consistent 50-60 mile weeks but I am a great believer in highish mileage as long as it is not too slow.

100 miles at an average of 3:57/km so not particularly slow.  Nice easy week this week as I have a 5000m tomorrow so want fresh legs.

Cheers, Rich

Hats off Rich, that's quite a pace!

Puy lentils are now on the list of banned substances, was so very close to shiteing myself on last nights run through Old Prestwick golf course...

Got Paisley 10k on sunday, this weeks running has improved after the lentil issue, 5 miles on monday and tueday, 8 miles yesterday, and doing my first proper hill rep sprints today. Then 2 days off before the 10.

Timewise, I think if all goes well a 42 is possible, my brother in law is pacing me, he's a good runner, so that'll help.

Brilliant.

Ive done 0 miles and 10 pies.

Sounds good, I fancy a week of pies.

Ran a 5000m on track Wednesday night.  Historically I've been terrible on track compared to the road, which I think is partly mental.  You know that when the 2nd half of a road 10k is faster than your 5000m time, things aren't quite stacking up right!  In preparation I had Monday off running, so not the biggest taper in the middle of fairly large marathon miles.

However, I decided against spikes this time, as I think due to my slightly delicate heels I've been subconsciously holding back a bit and running rather conservatively, so on with the big fat magic Vaporfly 4%.  I was in race 5 of 7 of the night, with a pacer for 74 second laps, so an even pace for 15:25, however I was in front of him the whole way as I slotted inside a guy who sent off the front from the start.  I rather rudely sat right on his shoulder for 10 1/2 laps until I felt he started to fade slightly with 800m to go, and then hit the front and picked it up.  He was very nearly swallowed up by the chasing pack, but I was well clear on the line to finish in 15:10 which I was absolutely delighted with.  Nearly a minute knocked off my previous PB 🙂

Back to the marathon build now.

Cheers, Rich

That is rapid @turboferret.

My entire running right now is slow and gentle as I'm trying to remodel my running action to stop me getting injured all the time.

Does anyone have recommendations for trail running poles?

I want to try them out in training this autumn and winter, specific trail running poles seem quite expensive, so really what I want is a cheaper alternative to try out the concept, and if I get on with them probably buy a lighter set when I enter a race or 2 next year.

So what I want is something that breaks down small enough to go into a pack side pocket, is quick to assemble (so I actually use them) fairly robust (I am considerably larger than the average trail runner), I think I would prefer the z-pole style for speed, but would also like some length adjustment. What I am not that concerned about at the moment is the weight.

Any ideas?

Jesus H, Rich, that's uber impressive!

Well done Turboferret. Its whats done on the track that is important so thats a proper PB. I have a couple of road ones that I would like to claim but really its the track one that counts.

@MSP I was pole-curious too so bought some Alpkit ones £35 (might have got them with a bit off in a sale actually), these ones  https://www.alpkit.com/products/compact-ultra-II-twins

Z pole and a sliding bit at the top. Not used them loads but pleasantly surprised at the difference they make going up things (last tried them on Snowdon). Still feel a bit self conscious as they're not fell-runner approved but they do seem good. Would be tempted by fancy carbon ones at some point in the future

Those look great colonel, I've been looking for a pair for some walking duties.

What a great thread. Lots of inspiring stuff. My other half has run for years but the injury rate has put me off. But the social/friendly vibe has overcome that for me and I am loving it. Plus I get to appreciate the improvement you get at the beginning which I never did on the bike.

I have entered a couple of duathlons so am running a bit more now. It has been fine as all my runs are super slow but now I am slowly introducing a bit of effort its a tough juggling act.

So far I have tried a few parkruns which have been brilliant (Blandford, Pomphrey Hill and Thornbury) and a duathlon at castle combe which was prob my favourite race in ages. Bombing around the race circuit was very very cool.

Does anyone have recommendations for trail running poles?

Urgh, something else to carry??

Why the need ? Are you climbing hard or steep sections?  I can see the need for them in that environment, but not for the running I do..

Let is know how you get on, there are a few folks I know who go over to the Alps who run with poles, but they only use them on the steeper climbs then just strap them together for the descents..

Interested...

Poles aren't going to be much use running round parks down south I guess, but help on long steep uphills in proper hills and mountains. Or if you've got a pack or running a long way.

They are something else to carry and I suppose you need to weigh up how much use you'll get from them - you're not going to use them running down hill so will need to find somewhere to stash them.

Dunno, I think they are beneficial to performance (not a huge advantage at my level!), but not essential. Wouldn't take them fell running in the Peak District, or for ParkRun or my jog home from work but would in Snowdonia/Lakes etc.

Urgh, something else to carry??

Why the need ? Are you climbing hard or steep sections? I can see the need for them in that environment, but not for the running I do..

Let is know how you get on, there are a few folks I know who go over to the Alps who run with poles, but they only use them on the steeper climbs then just strap them together for the descents..

Interested…

That is kind of the plan, I can add some steep stuff to my runs around here, although the height gain will only be a couple of hundred meters, that should be more than enough to make use of them, but perhaps not enough to tell the how much affect they have in saving the legs, I would like to do some alpine races next year, so getting used to them or at least experimenting with them seems a good idea.

Old friend of mine is off to start the GB Ultra, the 214 rough bounds of the southern upland way. She's an inspirational lass, and will smile the whole way, I'm really looking forward to watching her live track!.

Nice tailwind at the moment!

I'm a total convert to poles for proper mountain running. I wouldn't bother for regular trails but for big steep ups and downs I find them a massive help. Never raced with them but I will be using them in next month's Glencoe Skyline.

Oh and I've got Black Diamond carbon distance z. Lovely poles but the wrist loops are rubbish.

Interested to hear where you run with poles?

Are you guys in the mountains then ? Lakes/Wales/Scotland ??

Im off to Lake Lugano in a couple of weeks, looking forward to get some clear mountain Swiss Air in my lungs. Driving down, stopping off in my mates Challet in the Vosges for a few nights and can’t wait to get lost in the forests..

Gonna be awesome 🤠

Did the Ochils 2000 race yesterday having ridden to it from inverness over 6 days on a bike packing tour. I then rode to Perth and got the train back to Inverness because I liked the idea of getting to and from a hill race without a car.

Not surprisingly I'm now pretty busted!

Last weekend I went and ‘ran’ (in the loosest possible sense of the word) the ring of steall route for the skyline mid race next month with a friend

A brutal day out, not helped by not getting enough distance runs before or food in on the day. But very much aiming for an average time of 6-6.5hours if I do race next month! Was considering taking poles which should make a huge change.

Was considering taking poles which should make a huge change.

I'm sure you know this but make sure you get lots of training days with them before the race. It's a great day out, I did the race 2 years ago.

Paisley 10k this morning, far from ideal prep, we staying at friends, forgot my usual breakfast, carb free dinner the night before, slept in and not very well hydrated, and had a mole at the counter within the first 3k!.

Still, managed to knock nearly 2 mins off my PB, and managed a 5k PB too!.

Lesson learned, if I want to go sub 40 I have a lot of work to do.

Winner was a young local lad from kilbarchan in 30.40 - fantastic.

May as well pop my head into this thread having decided to have another bash at running.

I tried to do some running 2 years ago and in true beginner fashion did too much too soon and injured myself.

I’m a little wiser this time around I think. I’ve finished my XC racing for this season so it’s not the end of the world if I do injure myself again. That being said I’ve been to a reputable running shop and bought some half decent running trainers after a lengthy analysis and fitting session.

Ita early days yet (literally 4 runs so far). I’ve decided to listen to my head and follow a steady couch to 10k plan. My lungs want me to carry on but my tendons and ligaments will take a little more work!

No issues so far other than some / a lot of expected DOMS. I’m lookig forward to being able to run and not have to worry about being able to walk the next day!

Best of luck r8jimbob88.

Aye, best of luck, keep us posted on your progress.

Good luck. It takes a bit of care starting up when you've got the lungs from cycling but not quite the legs/ligaments for running.

Complete pole convert here, at least for distances over 25km. It's pretty mountainous round here, and they make a huge difference for any kind of uphill - I'm not so keen on them for the downhill bits, but I have to admit my French mate uses them on the downhills and usually beats me to the bottom...

Good afternoon fellow runnists 👍

As I’m a little bored I thought I’d update you on my ON Running Shoes experiences to date.

I took a little jump of faith changing to ON from Salomon, but felt the time was right to try some other runners.

As you maybe aware I only run trails, rarely on road and if so it’s just to link up trails on a loop.. therefore I only look for grip and whether the shoe will last whilst covered in mud or backed on mud. I have cleaned these a few times with mild detergent and a scrub from a kitchen sponge but not thrown them into the washing machine (though I have with my SpeedX3’s)

Wear rate is looking good, these have covered just under 1300ks and are not showing much wear yet (treads still pretty good) Wasn’t 100% sure about the clouds design at first, I did think they’d fill with mud and become a squeak fest or I’d loose the cushion effect.. but nope so far the mud has just cleared out of the clouds and they’ve remained stable and spongy.

The shoe has a large toe box, and open heal cup. This means there is plenty of space for larger socks, and yet the heal cup is very effective even though there is a large cut away.

The dry spell we had showed just how breathable the upper is, as it’s mostly thin mesh with inner straps that lead from the sole to the laces, this provides lots of breathing but does mean the sweat that’s escaping gathers dust and they do go grubby quickly.

The sole grip is interesting in itself, the clouds tend to mould to the terrain but they’re not the best grip on damp roots or rocks.. and honestly pretty dangerous on damp decking 😜

Hope you find my lunchtime musings interesting whilst tucking into your lunch..

Well I too am back on the wagon - have been for a couple of weeks, and only just cleared phone to get strava back on there to keep a record. The nice bit is I still have *some* fitness, so the target by Christmas is to run to work, which is near as dammit 10k, over a gert big hill...

Did 30k at the weekend up in the hills n moors near Dunkeld, dreich and poor visibility, made a few navigational errors which led to an hour of bludgeoning through bog and deep heather, eventually emerging soaked and legs all cut to hell, could barely stop to wring out my socks or eat a snack as there were crazy swarms of clegs. A definite 'type 2' fun kinda day

At the other end of the distance spectrum I will be running my first race for a year this evening. Just a 5k and I dont expect to go much under 20 mins but with a couple of months training under my belt, enjoying being injury free for a bit.

Set a marker tonight then look to bring it closer to 18 mins over the autumn/winter. Then look to get in some O/50 scraps 🙂

O/55 only 14 months away :0

I think I'm going to rock up at my local 5k park run this weekend.  What's the worst that could happen...!

I'm really just looking to set a benchmark as a newcommer.  Something I can guage my progress against over the coming months.

Parkrun is great for benchmarking your progress.

1st 5k Parkrun done this morning. Also happens to be the first time I’ve ran more than 2 minutes without walking for a bit!  My 7th run in 2 years. So much for taking it steady.... guess my inner racer kicked in! Slowly reeling in other runners was great fun.

Set off quite conservatively and picked up the pace throughout. Eventually managed a 22:27.

So that’s the benchmark set. Looking forward to seeing that come down over the coming months.

Had great plans to parkrun this morning. Woke up at the back of 9 so didn't

Rode 30k to coffee shop for lunch and 30k back

Found there was no food in the house so decided to run into the village via the farm.

Managed a solid 10k. Not fast but also not hard. No pains in my calves feeling really good running recently. Put it down to new shoes(nothing fancy just decathlon specials)

My planned parkruns outnumber my actually ran ones 2-1 :-/

Did the Aberdeen half marathon today, first race in a while that didn't go to plan, started too far back and had to work through slower crowds, then once clear banged it but overcooked it (ended up setting a 10k pb) then the wheels fell off at around the same time there was a lot of head wind and had to really hang on and grind through the last half hour, pre-crampy twitches and jolts in all kinda leg bits. Still a reasonable result at 1'34 but had hoped to break 1'30

The Ben Nevis race is next Saturday, anyone else doing it?

I ran the Ben via the race route on Friday and amazed myself by doing 1:58 which is only a minute slower than my pb set in the 2016 race.

Bodes well for the race but of course it could all still go tits up on the day!

The Ben race marks the start of what I'm calling Mad September. Glencoe Skyline 2 weeks after the Ben and 3 peaks cx 2 weeks after that.

first race in a while that didn’t go to plan,

Ive given up a little on trying to plan and predict a good race. Other than a general feeling that more racing (up to a point) tends to lead to good form.

Trapped nerve in my lower rib cage in my back 🤮

I knew something wasn’t right after Thursday evenings hack. Sore on Sat, sore yesterday and this morning a bit of a lump and the shudders in that area.

It will work itself out, happened many times before.

So feet up for a week or so, and a beer or two.

Enjoy the Autumn 😜🍁🤣

Doing the Hull Marathon as a relay team of 4, I’m 59, wife is 56, then we have two old lads who do Parkrun with us. One is 79 and had never run till two years ago and is now running sub 30 mins 5k. The other guy is 77 and is at the other end of his running career having done a sub 3hr marathon in his time.

i reckon we must be the oldest team there, I bloody hope so anyway and as long as we don’t get overtaken by a giant banana jobs a good un!

You know those days when everything just comes right?

Took about 9 mins off my Ben Nevis PB and came in at 1:48:20 (watch time, no official results yet). Delighted 🙂

Sorry, never seen this yesterday Spin, brilliant time, you must be proper chuffed! bravo sir.

Wee question - Anyone joined a (whisper it) running club? There's a fair few locally, I'm not really a club type person, local biking club really reinforced my views a few years back - full of eternal commitee type folks, snobs and the odd person that was actually awrite.

But.... I reckon my running would really improve in a club structure, training and track nights etc, especially through the winter.

Thoughts?...

Anyone joined a (whisper it) running club?

Yes and no... I'm in a mountain running club, but mainly for the insurance and the discount you get for races. We do meet up every now and then to go for a run, but it's not what you're presumably after. I'm also in a (whisper it) triathlon club - and that's a lot more like what I'm guessing you want. We do a proper training session twice a week, run first then swim. The running bit has definitely improved my running - apart from the motivational aspect, don't underestimate how useful the technique part can also be. So yes, I'd recommend it.

Good effort Spin, I couldn’t do that in a month of Sunday’s with 2yrs training 😜

Running Club ? Yes, I run with a few guys out of Karibu (Sth Downs based) Sam is amazing, he’s got a link to Salomon so if you turn up unprepared you can use some of his gear..

And now I’ve picked up a hernia 😜💪

Felt a bit “off” since I whacked my groin with a windsurfing boom a week last Sunday, woke Saturday to find a lump on my abdomen and feeling all bloated and sorry for myself.

Doc says “ultrasound Sonny Jim” so hey..

I’d like it sorted quickly, if that’s ok 🥀🤷‍♂️🤣🤣

And now I’ve picked up a hernia

Aye, me too, a wee inguinal lump since about late february. Doc has told me to leave it if it's not bothering me, which it isn't.

Well done Spin, fabulous time. Out of interest, what was the split up/down?

Hmm.. it’s the size of my fist on my abdomen.

Which is going to be an interesting journey 🤷‍♂️🤔🤘

Well done Spin, fabulous time. Out of interest, what was the split up/down?

Cheers. Curiously, I was pretty much exactly half the time going down I was going up. 1:12 on the ascent and 36 mins on descent. I made up a lot of places on the descent.

brilliant time, you must be proper chuffed!

I'm delighted, I think it's probably my best performance in a classic fell race.

Re the club thing. I've been involved with both cycling and running clubs and have found the running club to be much more open, inclusive, friendly and less focused on internal politics. Which isn't to say they're all like that!

Bouncing today. Been nursing a very dodgy Achilles for what seems like months and got the nod from the physio to do a touch this week. 2 miles on the canals yesterday and I have woke up with no pain or discomfort, absolutely chuffed. This also means that I can do Parkrun tomorrow. 6 weeks until Birmingham half marathon so it's just about doable to get fit for it.