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PF runners thread?

300K views 11K replies 53 participants last post by  Mum2Ozzy 
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#1 ·
I know @Boxer123 is training for a marathon, and several others on the wellness thread are running, plus our members who run with their dogs...

How 'bout a runners thread?

Talk gear, goals, fun stuff, not fun stuff... Any takers?
 
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#7 ·
I haven't signed up yet, but I'm shooting for a 50K in October. It's got crazy elevation gain, but it's a beautiful trail. Good luck to you on both those races!

I've shied away from vests because I've yet to find one that doesn't annoy me, but my nathan hydration belt is annoying me now... I wore it today with a different pair of shorts and it chaffed the front of my hip. Not bad, but it was one of those that I noticed as soon as I got in the shower. It's getting to be that time of year where it's all about battling the chafe LOL! I may have to go the vest route.
 
#9 ·
I have thought of a running vest.. mainly for the stuff I take for Dief. I take coconut water for him because I know he will drink it so I know he's hydrating. Me... I drink from puddles. I was looking at cheaper ones on Amazon because the Salomon's are so damned expensive. Serious respect to all you peeps doing Ultra's.. especially with elevation.
 
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#11 ·
I was looking at cheaper ones on Amazon because the Salomon's are so damned expensive.
Yes, Salomon really do like their gear don't they :eek:

I'm looking at a Nathan vest on Amazon, but really I need to be able to try out for a few runs, and I don't feel right returning something I've obviously used. I'm going to have to get something sorted though because summer is right around the corner and I'm going to need more than just 16oz of water which is all my belt holds.
 
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#14 ·
Okay, quick question for those of you who run in the afternoon/evening.
I am definitely a morning person and much prefer morning runs. For short runs I go on an empty stomach, for longer runs a plain bagel or bowl of oatmeal about an hour before sits perfectly and sustains me for most of the run.

I'm trying to do some doubles as I add the miles in, and evening runs have been really hit or miss food-wise. I almost always spend the first mile or two with a cramping stomach that eventually resolves but it just sucks for those first few miles. The other thing is timing the meals. I don't like eating right after a run, and when I get done with my run late, it then gets too late to really eat. What do you guys do?

I'm also working around kid schedules so I can't change the time of the evening run that much. Like right now, 6:30pm to 8:00 is my window for running.
 
#15 ·
Okay, quick question for those of you who run in the afternoon/evening.
I am definitely a morning person and much prefer morning runs. For short runs I go on an empty stomach, for longer runs a plain bagel or bowl of oatmeal about an hour before sits perfectly and sustains me for most of the run.

I'm trying to do some doubles as I add the miles in, and evening runs have been really hit or miss food-wise. I almost always spend the first mile or two with a cramping stomach that eventually resolves but it just sucks for those first few miles. The other thing is timing the meals. I don't like eating right after a run, and when I get done with my run late, it then gets too late to really eat. What do you guys do?

I'm also working around kid schedules so I can't change the time of the evening run that much. Like right now, 6:30pm to 8:00 is my window for running.
I'm a morning bird as well I'm afraid can't really help when I run in the evening I struggle and can't eat before hand also I find I'm dehydrated. Bizarrely in the morning I can eat and run ! I guess it's better to have a bigger but healthier lunch.
 
#17 ·
I have only done this a few times and I am a beginner runner but I had a big late lunch and then a banana about 30 minutes before hand. I tend to not be hungry for a while after exercise but found a mug of soup worked OK. Not too filling but nutritious enough to keep me going till the next day.
 
#20 ·
Good luck .
What pace do you run at ? Jogging used to be popular years ago when Uk marathons first started but they've upped the ante and people seem to set much faster paces now.
I don't go fast at all, I am new to this so don't want to push myself too much .... but then I am also quite lazy so do need to make sure I am challenging myself . I saw some 'proper' runners when I was out doing some training with my dogs yesterday & they seem alot faster than me, maybe I should start looking at times .....

My running app shows that yesterday (5 mile run) - my average speed was 9.38km/h with a top speed of 12.48km/h. I have no idea if that's too slow (I certainly doesn't feel like it at the time).

(Also this was including X3 5min walks (warm up/midway break/ cool down)
 
#27 ·
Spoke to my sister this evening & she suggested we do the Bournemouth half marathon in Oct!!

Not sure I can as it would mean putting the dogs in kennels as it's not near to me (& Roxy is getting on now so not really an option) ..... but I can't believe I am even considering it!!
 
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#28 ·
Ah but you're considering it @Cleo38 :D That's the first step (in to insanity LOL!)

I like having something to work towards, and my last half marathon was sort of a gift to myself (it fell the day before my birthday). I had let running go, and I really did miss it and how I feel when I'm running regularly.

Speaking of feeling good, I did an afternoon run today after wimping out from the cold this morning, and no stomach issues! I ate an early lunch around noon, and then ran at 5pm and that worked. So yay!
 
#33 ·
I just got back from my run, 5 miles today but with a 3 min walk break halfway, nice day but windy & that made it alot more difficult, especially the last mile. My legs are killing me now but I can't sit down for too long as I have to take the dogs out again.

Was thinking about the half marathon when out, most of me thinks I am mad to consider it but a tiny part thinking I might actually do it. But I know nothing about this sort of thing so do some people walk during the run? Is this ok? I don;t think I could do it all without a walk break.

I sort of have a mental picture of me doing it but being so slow that it's dark when I finish & only a couple of the organizers left (because they have to be there) swearing under their breath at me :Arghh:Shamefullyembarrased:Jawdrop:D
 
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#34 ·
Was thinking about the half marathon when out, most of me thinks I am mad to consider it but a tiny part thinking I might actually do it. But I know nothing about this sort of thing so do some people walk during the run? Is this ok? I don;t think I could do it all without a walk break.
Yes!! Lots of people walk during a half (and full) marathon. In fact some people walk the whole thing! It's worth looking at cut-off times. Some courses have a cut-off time, especially if it's through a city and they have to close off streets. Others are much more generous with the cut-off times or don't have them at all. I promise you won't be the last one! And even if you are, you're doing better than the guy sitting on the sofa right? :D
 
#35 ·
@Cleo38 some people do them using the walk run method. And from what I can tell it doesn't slow them down particularly much as the walk breaks between the running mean that the running bits can be done at a steady pace.

As @ouesi says the trick is to find a race that doesn't have a cut off time or if it does it is much longer than you need. Many races post previous years times so you will get an idea of how long everyone takes.
 
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#41 ·
My most embarrassing piece of running gear is my snot rag :oops:

*TMI alert* I produce copious amounts of snot when I run, especially when it's cold (my eyes tear like crazy too). The only good solution I have is a bandana I use as a snot rag. I don't know how other runners do it, I'm sure I can't be the only one who's nose turns in to a faucet, but I don't see anyone else farmer's blowing or wiping their nose?
 
#55 ·
What do you think about trying running as a really, really big person??
Im considering giving it a go but not sure how I'll do:Shy. I mean is it hard to get into?
Don't give up because you can't run a 4 minute mile on the first attempt.

Find a group of people to run with. Banter and encouragement.

Run off-road. I've never really done road-running but so many people say they find it boring.

If you can't get out do something else to get the heart rate up. I have a running machine and a bike with Netflix in front. Currently half-way through season 4 of Arrow :)

I don't think I'm really a natural runner... but the canicross is just soooo much fun.
 
#56 · (Edited)
Definitely give it a go @catz4m8z .... honestly if I can run then anyone can! I was talking about it the other day & even at school (many, many years ago!) I used to skive off from cross country so never did that, I always had an excuse for the 1500m so never did that either. The only time I have really ever run in my life (I am 47 now) when was I used to be a hunt sab in my late teens/early 20's & then I had a real purpose for running.

Measuring yourself any way is a really good idea, I use an app on my phone & I started with a session where I ran for 60 secs then walked for 90 secs, repeating for approx 20mins .... I could barely manage the 60 secs initially. Over the weeks after I have built up & now I can run for 30 mins.

I am also not a natural runner & I am never going to find it easy but I have found that my fitness has improved dramatically over the past few weeks, I have lost weight & I feel so much better.
 
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#57 ·
Today's inspiration:



Knocked out a good 5 miles yesterday, and then did a strength building video on youtube, squats, lunges, planks etc. Felt great.... Until this morning and I realized those muscles definitely needed the work! Knocked out a pitifully slow 3.5 this morning on *very* sore legs LOL!
 
#59 ·
well. I 'attempted' running!:Hungover
Given that Im about 90Ibs overweight and getting over a cough and cold I wasnt expecting miracles but sheesh....how unfit am I??:Bag
I picked the easiest plan I could find (run 1min, walk 4min x6) and I couldnt even do that!:Shy I managed 2 1min 'runs' and the others I had to give up after 40seconds. well, I call it running...if I had been going any slower I would have been running on the spot!

Im so fat and slow.:( Come the zombie apocalypse I'll be the first one eaten!:Hilarious
 
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#60 ·
Hey! Give yourself credit!! You went out there and ran, which is more than you did yesterday, fitness does come, way slower than we would like, but it does come :)

But I get it, there is nothing much worse than confirmation of how unfit you are. When I first got back in to running, I was a good 30 pounds heavier than I am now, and I was gasping for breath going downhill. I felt awful, ashamed/annoyed I had gotten so out of shape, and frustrated at the seemingly insurmountable work ahead of me.
It DOES get better. Try not to compare yourself to anyone else, and just celebrate every step you make towards positive change :)
 
#62 ·
Thanks for the encouragement guys! I have to admit I did quite enjoy how I felt afterwards that I had actually made the effort to move my body, even if it wasnt much!:)
Did make my hip hurt abit but thats more due to the extra mileage I was walking then the running part I think. Achey joints just happen when you get really big. New goal is to build up to being able to actually run enough to start a run/walk program!LOL:Hilarious
 
#67 ·
That's fantastic @catz4m8z - well done you!!! I think for people like me who have never, ever run it really was quite an achievement when I did actually run for 60 seconds without feeling like I was going to die! :D

Please post how you are getting on as for newbies like me it;'s nice to read of others who are starting out :)

But for the more experienced runners what are your warm up/cool down routines?
 
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#68 ·
But for the more experienced runners what are your warm up/cool down routines?
Warm up = walking quickly and/or running slowly until I literally warm up and take my jacket off :D
Cool down = walk Bates up the driveway until I stop breathing hard and he has done his thing.
When I shower I stretch hamstrings & lower back, also hip flexors. That's it.
3X a week or more I do a full body yoga stretch & workout.
I generally don't feel the need to do any particular stretching or foam roller stuff that is so in these days. On really long runs I'll be more vigilant about stretching what feels like it needs it but most of my stretching is through a regular yoga practice unrelated to when I have gone for a run (or not).

Some people are all about the stretching and foam rolling and spend hours every day on that part. I don't have that kind of dedication or frankly time. If I have 2 hours to kill I'm out running, not stretching after the run.
 
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