I posted around this time last year, complaining about shin splints. I pretty much gave up running at that point – frustrated with it. And focused solely on bike again.

But I’m feeling the urge to try again, because I love running. And keen to hear any tips for new runners, from you very knowledgeable, passionate lot.

I have started out on the Nike Run Club (NRC) 4 week starter plan, today will be the 3rd week of that. So far I’m loving being back on my feet. I would link to it, but it’s only in the app. It’s a mix of easy/recovery runs, longer easy runs, and some basic speed/interval runs.

Last year I did the C25K, which was OK, but I fancied trying something different, and liked that the NRC plan went straight in with some easy running, rather than walk/run for weeks on end.

Brief background; The only sport I do is cycling (and walking), mostly road, 50/25/25 road/gravel/MTB. A few years ago I was quite an accomplished time trialist, I was pretty fit (>4.5w/kg), and have the mentality to turn myself inside out. I have a spaniel, so a lot of walking, all on trails/hills around my area. I’d love to end up in a situation where I can go for hilly trail runs with the dog!

But, this would be my third attempt at becoming a runner, after two previous failures through beginner injuries/mistakes (too much too soon). The attempt prior to the shin splints, I developed runners’ knee, which was agony, and prevented me even riding and walking.

I have accompanied the NRC beginner plan with some basic body weight exercises for stabilisation muscles which probably are weak; clams, single legs dips etc. But I know the bones, tendons and connective tissues take a lot longer to adapt to running, and this is probably where it goes wrong for most new runners.

So, what would your tips be, or guidance for a new runner, who already has good cardio?

I don’t know it’ll make an overnight difference? We’ve been at such tiny levels of growth for so long – flat line, to a touch below…

A whole 20p/ltr more expensive than petrol

Yep, this is what I’ve noticed a lot too.

Wipes out my mpg savings from driving the diesel!

£1.80 ish in Salisbury

MSM LOVE this headline! 😂

It’ll be great. Save a bit on the energy bills, and get everyone off the internet/social media for a few hours!

Another local here.

That bloody A303 ruins one of my favourite gravel loops – when trying to get across from the Woodfords side, to the rest of the byway, you can stand waiting to cross the 303 for what seems like….minutes! I’ve tried really eyeballing the slow drivers, but non will yield!

Get tunneling and spending!

Agree, It is empowering!

Was feel self conscious about receeding hair all through 20s.

Once I had the balls to buzz it all off, I never looked back.

DO IT!!

These (or similar) threads pop up quite often now. I started one myself earlier in the year. I guess people kind of know when it’s too much.

#TOTW Anyone quit the booze?

I was drinking too much in my opinion. I’ve mostly given up since then, bar a few events.

If I’m completley honest with myself, I do miss it. I drink the zero beers quite often now, but always crave proper beer/red wine. But I feel MUCH better without it, and have achieved the things I’d aimed for – making more time for the family and kids without being a wreck hungover!

Yesterday, wake up early doors, out for a lovely hike with the dog, then out for a couple hours MTBing with the boy in the forest. Then still had over half the day to do other stuff.

I think if I didn’t suffer with any hangover (like some lucky people), I’d drink a lot.

Yeah same, I think it was a bulk email. They obviously realised they dropped the ball.

I still don’t want/need BC membership – asked them to cancel.

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/about/article/20220909-about-bc-news-Guidance-for-the-period-of-National-Mourning-0

They have updated it now, along with an apology

(Too late)

I have v3 Al. I bloody love mine.

It’s not a replacment for MTB, but so much fun whizzing through narrow singletrack on it. I use to to do 30 mile loops usually, covering mixed terrain.

I’m considering converting it to a full mudguarded winter road bike soon, big flaps! The gravel riding around my way is pretty rubbish once it gets wet and muddy, so more likley to take the hardtail out when it’s grim.

Feel embarrassed to be a BC member! They can shove it.

I don’t have anything against the Royal family really. I don’t care. But if I have to choose between respecting them or riding my bike, then I think I just became a republican!

Love it! Definitely #bemoreBob!

I’ve never done it but watching them makes me want to try fly fishing.

I’m being told that the earlier vagueness from govt has now been removed

Where did you find this? I can’t see an update.

My bosses aren’t sure they’ll let us have it off if it’s discretionary 🤬

I ain’t doing the 5 mins army shower.

I started doing it. Heated water has to be one of the biggest costs. I think they’re called “military showers” – quick blast of hot water all over, water off whilst you do the lathering up, hot water back on to risne off. Probably using 3 mins of hot water. That’s got to be at least 50% reduction in energy used to shower.

Re. the one cup kettle thingys, how are they/are they more efficient than just boiling a normal kettle with enough water for one cup??

@dirksdiggler

Or when they get bored of squished painful toes, bunions do look fun though.

I should probably replace my vapour gloves

@sirromj I loved my Vapour gloves, but they didn’t last anywhere near as long as Vivos. I have been wearing a pair of Vivo Gobi boots to the office for about a year, I do a 3 walk nearly every lunch in them too. They’re still holding up fine.

Because, most shoes aren’t foot shaped, weirdly!

Take any regular shoe/trainer insole, and stand on it barefoot. It demostrates how the foot is forced into the shape of the shoe.

I switched to Vivobarefoot some time ago. Look weird, but very comfortable. And foot can do it’s thing.

Oh, and make sure you look at XL sleeping bags too.

Something else I’ve always struggled with as a tall bloke with massive feet!

What bags are you all using. I’d like one with low temp ratings for winter and ideally rectangular for foot and shoulder room.

I find mummy bags so tight I just don’t sleep

6’4″ here.

Wild Country Hoolie 2.

Absolutely perfect.

Suffered with pretty major chronic low back pain, all pretty much resolved now.

Had MRI, I have herniated disc and hip impingment.

Saw chiros, oesteo etc etc (they are quacks). Read a bunch online, loads of books. Then stumbled upon John Sarno.

John Sarno: Healing back pain. Changed my life! It’s quite dated now (he’s since passed away). There’s newer approaches to this from other authors I can recommend if anyone is interested.

This is more for reoccuring / chronic sufferers. But seriously, it is amazing.

Just a dead cat story.

God I hate this “government”!!!

Just back from a few days family camping. We we’re on one of these “nearly wild” campsites.

I use a combo of Anker power bank, for night time tops ups (works very well)

And I got a couple of these for the car so whilst driving some where during the day (we don’t just stay on campsite), I could charge 4 devices to near full pretty quickly.

Some garages 199.9 in Salisbury this morning. Just passed a Tesco in Poole, 188.9

Oddly, seems a bargain!

I’ve got Renegades. Love them.

Was worried about the no returns business (that is weird tbf). But I contacted them directly and they agreed I could return.

I don’t think my head is huge, but I’m 6’4″, so it’s normal/large. They fit me fantastic, and they don’t slip.

I use them on the bike as well as out and about, they fold flat so can stash in jersey pocket when I don’t want glasses on for a while.

In a similar predicament..

We’re going to Croyde camping with the kids. I SUP quite often, but on rivers, and I used to be a very keen bodyboarder (still have a nice NMD in the loft somewhere). Agreed with above, without doubt bodyboards are the way to go in this scenario.

Anyone have recommendations for kids bodyboards?? They sell these inflatable bodyboard/surf mats in Decathlon, they might be good for kids messing about, plus take up less space in the car.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/beginner-inflatable-bodyboard-compact-25kg/_/R-p-325044

Surf mats used to be a thing years ago

until autumn?! Seriously?!

Fourth vote for Specsavers.

Changed contact lenses recently due to discomfort. The optician was excellent, and had similar problems.

The lenses he put me in for a trial are amazing, and Specsavers prices are actually slightly better than available online, which suprised me.

I did have issues with getting them, delays. But looking online (I was going to just buy from Feel Good or whoever could supply) all stores were showing 3-5 days wait minimum. Specsavers gave me a whole bunch of freebies to apologise for the delays!

I switched to minimalist shoes for the office a year back, Vivobarefoot leather boots. My feet have definitely changed shape. Toes have spread, foot is wider, and look healthy – whereas before my toes were always a bit red/sore and occasional blisters.

I want to get some more Vivos for general out and about, to the pub etc, but wife really hates them!

One other benefit, I now have much better balance. Probably useful eventually.

what would be the harm/benefits in holding it in a couple of days?

I’m guessing doing it with immediacy creates a bit of chaos and/or prevent opponents being organised.

BUT everyone knew it was coming soon, so you’d hope opponents are more than ready!

First year taking Allevia (fexofenadine) for me. So far seems pretty good. Combined with eye drops.

It’s hard to tell, condistions make it variable/somedays worse. But mine normally kicks in now and gets progressively worse through June.

@reeksy cheers, will have a look. I get terrible hayfever

Interesting!

I’ll give it a go. Despite being equiped with a good size nose, I always mouth breath at high intensities and I’m usually having to “clear” my nose frequently.

Nose breathing whilst exercising?

That would jsut ensure you remained in zone 2, below LT1?

Looks great

Yes a fox will get in and kill everything, and come back later.

I moved from a large town to the countryside 2 years ago. Have yet to actually see a fox since moving there, and I spend a lot of time hiking and biking out there. Huge contrast to town where they’d be sat on your driveway!

Don’t tend to carry cable cutters on a dog walk!

Horrible! And as a Spaniel owner, that’s quite concerning ☹