Started running....I think I'm addicted.

Wow Peter, that's a great time!

I have had a couple of rubbish runs recently, not sure if anyone else has experienced those yet? Last Saturday went on a 'long' run, which was rather curtailed by most of the footpaths that I planned to run on being shut by the NT for some reason (on the beautiful Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire), and I just couldn't seem to get into any sort of rhythm, ended up doing 4 miles, but walking too much of it. This had been preceded by a solo 3 miler where I went out much much too fast and ended up completely knackered by the end of it.

Anyway, undeterred, I stuck to my 'plan' (running three times a week wherever possible), went out with the beginners group on Monday night, and it was great! Settled into an easy pace, covered 4 miles, and could have gone further. I suppose it's like anything, we'll have good days and bad ones.

If it's any consolation, Tina, I've had a few bad ones too - the sort of runs that make you think you might not be up to the task. Heavy legged, too slow, tired and covering very little distance. Hate those type of runs. I guess the great thing about running, though, is that you can just go out the next day and try again. Thankfully.

Back on the treadmill at lunch today. 5k - not my best run, but it ironed out the creases after Sunday. I think I've actually got to the stage where I need to run and if I don't my day feels incomplete. I make sure I have two days rest a week, but on the other days I need the fix. It's unbelievable. I thought I'd have tired of it by now, but here I am, six weeks after starting this thread, 11 weeks after taking my first tentative steps. If anything, I am even more enthused than I was six weeks ago. Joy!

yup, me too! Missed two runs last week as knee playing up, and was a right grumpy old woman! Back out tonight with beginners, 3.8 miles and smiling again

Amazing, isn't it? Back in July I was well overweight and a bit miserable. Now I'm always thinking about my next run and how to improve. Have a great run tonight.

Hi !

Thanks for the kind words Tina ! Hi Jae and everyone. Did not think my time was brilliant but pleased to do what I had to do, so to speak ! Ran a terrible 5k Parkrun on Saturday  two minutes slow which is a lot. Left leg needed stretching so splashed out on Physio yesterday - have been given excercises to do daily  which I will stick to ! As you say, you get good days and bad.. next run about 9/10 miles no more at end of the week. It's going to be wet and windy - nice ! Get very moody now if I don't run - isn't that odd ?

Hey, Littlehelen28

I had a throat infection a couple of weeks ago. It dragged on for days and turned into a head cold. Hopefully this won't happen to you, but do take a break. You'll feel better for it. When I returned to running after 10 days' out I found I hadn't lost anything really in the way of fitness, so don't worry about any of that, just rest and get better. You'll be out again before you know it.

Get well soon, Littlehelen28 ! Do take it easy for a while - you won't really lose fitness but rest is important ! Sound like a doctor now, oh dear...   

Bloody hell Jae wasn't quiet for long!Perhaps everyone was out running.Well done on the 10k effort mate

Yep - I'll put it down to everyone getting some serious running in. Thanks, mate.

Ok, ok - so it was on the treadmill and therefore doesn't quite count in the same way that running outside would, but I ran my best 5k today - under 30 mins (would have been faster but I started slowly). Also got my mileage down to 8.49 per mile. This is quite a drop from my usual plodding at over 10 mins.

The reason for the change was the higher turnover rate of my legs. I was running at around 160 per minute before but today I ran at 182. The thing is, I didn't up the speed of the treadmill, I just ran faster on it (if that makes sense).

Anyway, it felt great, very comfortable and as for the endorphins after. Best drug there is!

Obviously, I'm cautious and there may be a few words of warning on here, but today is still a good day.

My excuse is I'm overweight and 38 next week. Not much of an excuse, but I'm sticking to it. Besides, you're not slow - this is the first time I've managed this pace. When I run tomorrow I may not even manage a 12 minute mile. Hope not, though.

Under 11 minutes per mile is fine... In no time you be sub-ten ! For long runs, over 8 miles, say, doing about 10.2 minutes per mile - not fast by any means. getting nervy now waiting for HM on the 11th. Last long run last night in wind but no rain.. never slept so well. Jae - let us know how you got on.. Littlehelen28 - feet up recovering, I hope ! Have you done Parkruns before ?

Beat my previous 5k best again today, coming in at 27.11. Ok, I know it was on the treadmill so I'll probably be slower outside, but just changing a few things with my form has paid dividends so far. Upping my footfall and not looking at the ground so much, trying to keep my shoulders relaxed too. Has all helped. My best mile was 8.40, which was nice. 

Having a rest day tomorrow and then a long run Sunday - 6-7 miles depending how I feel. I could feasibly run tomorrow as I feel quite strong at the moment, but a recovery day will no doubt do me good. Oh, and I'm meeting a few old mates for a beer tonight. Well earned.

Have great runs, all, and don't forget to post how you got on. Times aren't important - I only posted mine because I was quite pleased and sharing them with work colleagues doesn't usual bring much in the way of a response, unsurprisingly.