visioN Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 I really need to get back on this. I've started running again so many times only to be hit with knee or ankle injuries. I'm starting to lose hope and think running isn't for me Get some decent running shoes - this helped me as my knees would hurt running on road until I changed.
Sam_Brown Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 Get some decent running shoes - this helped me as my knees would hurt running on road until I changed. Got some a few years back and they definitely made a huge difference. Was managing 10k three times a week last summer with the new shoes. I think I just keep on trying to do too much too soon whenever I start again but I'm almost convinced the world is against me when it comes to running.
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 Kept coming across running groups last week after work during my evening jaunt to Tesco to pick up dinner. How do you go about joining one of these things? Had a Google and couldn't find anything on there about groups in my area. Do I just start marauding about the place after work during the week and collar someone? The treadmill is getting tiresome.
HarryMonkey Posted July 28, 2014 Author Posted July 28, 2014 Start off gradually and work up. Don't go straight in expecting to do 10k straight off. Do some interval training to build up (15-1-15-1-15) running and walking to build up, if you feel that your pushing too hard then slow down a wee bit, gradually extend the 15 min run by a couple of minutes and your legs will start to get used to it again. Make sure you warm up with a 5 min brisk walk rather than going straight into the run. We can become our own worst enemies by trying to do too much too quickly and it's just counter productive. 1
visioN Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 try England Athletics - England Athletics and use the club finder - type run. Not sure how good the finder is though as mine didn't come up :s But when you do join a running club they register you to England Athletics and you get an affiliation number so you get in to races for usually £2 cheaper 1
HarryMonkey Posted July 28, 2014 Author Posted July 28, 2014 @SiliconAlley_Sam, are you looking to start running or are you a runner looking to join a club? If it's the latter then have a look at the Parkrun website ... parkrun UK turn up to your local one and there will be plenty of folks there to point you in the right direction. If you're just starting off then you could do a lot worse that to work through the Couch to 5k program like I did. 1
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 try England Athletics - England Athletics and use the club finder - type run. Not sure how good the finder is though as mine didn't come up :s But when you do join a running club they register you to England Athletics and you get an affiliation number so you get in to races for usually £2 cheaper Found one that starts just down the road and dropped them an email. Thank you! @SiliconAlley_Sam, are you looking to start running or are you a runner looking to join a club? If it's the latter then have a look at the Parkrun website ... parkrun UK turn up to your local one and there will be plenty of folks there to point you in the right direction. If you're just starting off then you could do a lot worse that to work through the Couch to 5k program like I did. I've been treadmill running now for about a month though I'm not sure I'd call myself a runner! I would really like some chums to run with though especially after seeing so many groups out and about last week. I'll check out Parkrun, thank you! 1
visioN Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 My running club is quite large so on run nights we have about 5 different groups. Beginners doing about 3mile very slow. Then 12min mile'ing, 10, 9, 8, then 6-7 for the fast dudes. But always re-group etc so no one is left behind. So it caters for everyone, and they have socials throughout the year
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 My running club is quite large so on run nights we have about 5 different groups. Beginners doing about 3mile very slow. Then 12min mile'ing, 10, 9, 8, then 6-7 for the fast dudes. But always re-group etc so no one is left behind. So it caters for everyone, and they have socials throughout the year That sounds so ideal.
visioN Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 Yeah, it's a really good setup. When you improve you can move up in the groups etc! Or if you had a heavy weekend you can go slower
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 I'm hoping I can find one that suits me - some sort of beginners group would be ideal especially as I'm yet to do anything outside of the comfort (unbearable sauna like heat) of the garage. I'm confident there's one out there, saw so many of them last week, just need to hunt them down!
HarryMonkey Posted July 28, 2014 Author Posted July 28, 2014 I'm hoping I can find one that suits me - some sort of beginners group would be ideal especially as I'm yet to do anything outside of the comfort (unbearable sauna like heat) of the garage. I'm confident there's one out there, saw so many of them last week, just need to hunt them down! Try these links ... CGC Maldon Fitness Club - CGC Maldon Maldonprom parkrun | Maldonprom parkrun http://www.tiptreeroadrunners.co.uk/ 1
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 Unfortunately I actually live about a half an hour drive away from Maldon. Thanks a lot for looking though.
witch Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 You might find running outside very different to treadmill running - I think to replicate the lack of "give" outside you have to put your treadmill on an incline? I'm sure someone will tell me if I am right or not.
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 You might find running outside very different to treadmill running - I think to replicate the lack of "give" outside you have to put your treadmill on an incline? I'm sure someone will tell me if I am right or not. Yeah, if you don't have the treadmill on at least a slight incline it's more or less like running downhill.
witch Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 I used to love running downhill on a gentle slope - it was like flying! But going back the other way was a slog, and many a time I have been in tears when, on rounding the final corner, I realised that the hill continued UP
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted July 28, 2014 Posted July 28, 2014 I used to love running downhill on a gentle slope - it was like flying! But going back the other way was a slog, and many a time I have been in tears when, on rounding the final corner, I realised that the hill continued UP Hehe, I went for the first run I'd been on probably since school when I was living in Cornwall at Uni. Was amazed with how easy I found the jog to the beach, decent speed, not feeling overly tired, feeling pretty smug with my completely unexpected fitness finesse... then of course I had to turn round and was faced with the enormous, steep Cornish hills I'd just cruised down. Not quite so fun. I didn't venture out for a run any time soon after that one! 1
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 I've hurt my knees so running is currently off the cards. So frustrated!
MYK-IT Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 I've hurt my knees so running is currently off the cards. So frustrated! Sounds like you've run too far/fast too soon (and/or trainers aren't suitable e.g. gait analysis). Back down a bit when you feel better, and build up back again 'gradually'. Take small steps, only change one factor at a time (duration, pace or distance) and remember listen to your body, if something doesn't feel right, then rest (as long as you need too). Rest days are just as important, as the training/running days. Follow @UKRunChat on Twitter, great running community for all! You'll get great support, tips and possible meet-ups! Even I'm having a rest day today but I did run a marathon yesterday with Amy (Twitter @53Marathons) who is running 53 marathons in 53 days! Enjoy your running!
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 I really don't like rest days. They make me feel lazy and restless! But yes, I am trying to rest up, especially as it hurts to walk at the minute.
HarryMonkey Posted September 3, 2014 Author Posted September 3, 2014 I really don't like rest days. They make me feel lazy and restless! But yes, I am trying to rest up, especially as it hurts to walk at the minute. I know what you mean but you really need to take care of those knees. I had a problem with mine back in Jan/Feb when doing the Couch To 5k and I found a generous application of Volterol, a support bandage and an ice pack after a run helped, even running in a tubigrip helped but the best thing I did was get a pair of proper running shoes, from that moment on the pain subsided and running became a pleasure again. Like others have said, listen to your body, if it starts to hurt then stop and let it get over the damage before you do even more damage to it. Rest days are frustrating but essential.
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted September 3, 2014 Posted September 3, 2014 Thanks for the advice @HarryMonkey! Do you think it's worth going to one of those running shops where they get you on the treadmill and look at how you run before picking you some trainers (pretty sure that's the technical description of the process ). Mid way through week 4 of Couch to 5k now and starting to find it more challenging and fun! Find that using the 5k app combined with "Run, Zombies!" for entertainment and Fitbit for steps/calories is a pretty good combination. Went on a long country walk with some friends I don't get to see very often at the weekend and they all noticed a difference in fitness and shape. There was some leg groping too, they're feeling pretty solid! Now I just need to turn my attention to all the other jibbly bits.
HarryMonkey Posted September 3, 2014 Author Posted September 3, 2014 Yes, I would go along to a running shop (even though I didn't ... I wasn't in a position to spend a lot on shoes so I just went to Sports Direct). The process is called Gait Analysis and they will match shoes to how you run and can often pick up on things you might be doing wrong. I took a bit of a (enforced) break from running and have now started the Bridge To 10k ... it's hard work but worth the effort. I'm also doing the occasional Parkrun as well and have found my 5k times getting quicker. I've also noticed a huge difference in fitness, I sleep better, feel healthier and happier (although that might be also due to me new relationship lol), I've dropped a size in clothes, I've also found myself looking at food labels now, and my alcohol consumption has plummeted, not wanting to undo all the good work I'm doing. I just need to remove the "middle age spread" now and I'll be happy
SiliconAlley_Sam Posted September 3, 2014 Posted September 3, 2014 Yeah, I can't really justify expensive trainers just yet especially as I didn't long since buy a pair as my previous ones didn't fit very well and destroyed my big toe (made the nail all ingrown, ergh). I might hold out until near-Christmas and see if the boyfriend fancies getting them for me. There's a Park Run very near my house, I just haven't quite worked up the courage to try it yet . I'm hoping another few weeks of the Couch to 5k and I might start feeling ready to run where other people can see me! It's bizarre isn't it? If someone told me 3/4 months ago that I'd be enjoying running or that it'd be having such a positive impact on my life I'd have laughed let alone that I'd be absolutely miserable having to take a few weeks off to let my knees recover!
MYK-IT Posted September 3, 2014 Posted September 3, 2014 (edited) You don't need expensive trainers, just trainers that suit you and your feet! Yes, I admit that I have many (6+) pairs of trainers!! many are expensive. But I've never paid full price, at most half the normal price by just shopping around or buying last season's models. In fairness, my first 2 pairs of New Balance Trainers were only £35 each, which took me through ~1000miles of running/training including GNR and 2 marathons... and the most I've paid is £64 for £129.99 New Balance Trainers; so there are bargains to be had! (As you will note, all my are New Balance, as they just work for me, but everyone is different). Even how you lace your trainers up can affect your feet (e.g. wide/broad, crumpled toes etc). As far as going to your local ParkRun....just do it! Or even volunteer to be a marshal. Its a great way to meet people, and there's no reason at all to be apprehensive about it. It's suited for everyone, no matter size, age, or speed. It's a very social event, and I can guarantee that when you go, you will wish you went sooner! Edited September 3, 2014 by MYK-IT
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