Totally new? The 2013 new runners thread.

Hi everyone

So pleased to hear everyone is doing so well; Its really encouraging for someone just starting (me!) to hear how quickly all of your fitness is improving to the point where you can run for 30 mins!

I've had to take a break from running for the last week as my shins were hurting, so I've been riding my bike instead to try and help get me fit. I've also just had a very disapointing session with my physio regarding my shoulder problems. I mentioned that my shins have been aching a bit and he basically said I shouldn't bother running due to my shins, swimming due to my shoulder or riding a bike due to my hip. I think I'm going to try and get referred to a different physio as personally I don't think being encouraged to sit around doing nothing is good advice from any physio. They should be encouraging you to get out and exercise and be helping you to find a way,anyway to do it! 

On the plus side I have managed to ride 40 miles on my bike over the last week, with 10 of them being very hilly, which can only help my fitness when i get back to running. I know that doens't sould a lot of miles but seeing as 4 weeks ago I spent all of my time on the couch I'm quite pleased with it! If my shins continue to improve the way they have then I'm going to try and go for a run on Mon next week. I've bought a foam roller and have spent many agonising hours on that in the last couple of weeks trying to stretch out my calf muscles which hopefully should help with the running/biking. Its now getting to the point where its a good pain not torture!

 Sharon - I'm also looking forward to trail running! I've booked in for the bedgebury 10k run in June which I'm really excited about running that as I used to ride and train my horses through that forest and love it there! Also perhaps you should try getting a foam roller, apparently its really good for stretching the IT band which can cause quite a bit of knew pain when running.

Jon – have you tried running in the Nike LunarGlides yet? I had a look at them yesterday and tried them on. They seemed very comfortable but was a bit reluctant to buy them as a) I didn’t like the garish pink my size was in and b) couldn’t really try running in them in the busy shop as was a bit embarrassed! Might try and go back when it’s a bit quieter!

Hi Can I join in too? I am a 34yr old mother of a nearly 3yr old and I used to be able to run 5-10k 2/3 times a week before I had my little one!.

I really want to get back into running

1) To keep fit (although I am lighter than I was pre baby!)

2) Have a bit of me time (full time job and terrible 2's lol!!)

3) I want to enter my local 5k Park run and complete it!!

Been reading this thread and seeing how well you are all doing has inspired me to get out there!!

Welcome. Please do join in I know how you feel, I'm 32 and I used to be able to run so much further, althought I haven't had to deal with pregnancy!!

Gamma/Kate: I've just given the LG+4 a 'spin' and they are so so so comfy and I really feel they are supporting me extremely well. It does feel like you're running on air - highly reccommended!!!

Jon UK 80 wrote (see)

Because I have no barometer of how I'm doing, can someone tell me please?

I'm on a C25K plan (Runkeeper which is every other day for 28 days of activity).

Day 6 - (based on a 2.5km run) is averaging 6m38s per km. I know that's terrible based on my friends who achieve well under 4m I know I'm new but it's a little disheartening. Also, that includes 2 bouts of having to walk not jog! Eek.

Jon, try not to fall into the 'new' trap of comparing your early days runs to anyone elses ability! If you try and match someone else who has been running for some time, you will end up injured one way or another. Try and concentrate on building yourself up, and if you feel slow in comparason, so what! you will speed up as you imporove. On the other hand, you will slow down if you get injured by trying too hard

6:38 is 9kph, which isnt to be sneezed at in early days BTW! if anything, its a bit fast. Your friends 4:0 is getting on for 15kph which at your day 6 stage will almost definately wreck some part of you, calfs, shins, IT, hams. You feel disheartened now, wait till you cant run because you tried doing too much, too soon AND too fast! (guity here of that so speaking from experience, took bad advice early last year cos I wasnt as fast as the person giving the advice)

Slow down, do stuff at YOUR comfortable pace and enjoy the journey.

Oh, and Hi everyone else

Hi all.

just started running mid january, after seeing my work coleague in a 10k .stopped smoking two years ago (after 35 years) and i am so chuffed at the way i feel.

Haven't ran since school Soooooooo Loooooooong ago got up to 5k without stopping but, try and speed up at the end its like running through water.....

so just to say Hello to you all..

Go Well.

 Hi Mr.Rider!

I have to say, that's so encouraging - thank you very much. I will do what you say and slow right down rather than trying to hit the same targets as my friends who've been running far longer. Today was run 7 of 28 and that Runkeeper has upped the stakes! On the 60s run 90s walk (x8) now I have to run "fast", and as you say Mon Ami, it's like running through water after a the 4th fast bout.

My knees, and thighs are aching (a nice "I've worked out" ache though) so I'm not too worried. 

Absolutely! They are support shoes and designed for those who over-pronate. Apparently around 85% of people over-pronate (according to sportsshoe.com anyway) so this shoe would actually be suitable for most

Morning all.

I’m totally new to running and this site.  Am starting my running journey this weekend as I could do with losing a few pounds and get back the fitness after giving up football a couple of years ago (in which time I’ve done little to no exercise).

Have downloaded C25K on to my iPhone, got some decent footwear and am prepared to take it slow and steady respecting the importance of rest days and not trying to do too much too quickly.

You all seem a supportive bunch so thought I’d say hi and check in now and then to keep motivated and maybe share any successes/milestones.

Any tips on starting out gratefully received!

Si

Evening all

Went out this evening and had a real stinker of a run ,my first bad one, put it down to it being bitter cold and mentally not with it. got to 1.5k mark of five and just ran out of steam. tried to re-group but to no avail. my last atempt was to. time myself  running back 1.5k at speed half way back earphones fell out jiggling about and then my watch stopped for some reason. so went home trying to think positive for my next run on sunday....

Thank you for listening boo, hoo,. 

Go Well.

Mon Ami, sometimes, you just have to file these things under 'Sh*t Happens' and look towards your next run. It was bloody cold tonight, just come back from a night forest run, windchill was -6 and yes, it was quite hard, especially near the end, I reckon it takes almost as much energy not to freeze as it does to run, so you dont get as far .... well thats my theory anyway!

Look to the next one

hi everyone, hope you all still training 

between my life sucking 14.5 shifts (2 hour break makes them legal)  i still manage to get out when i eventually drag myself out of bed on days off - i have had a rotten cold  - gosh  - how can a cold knock you off your feet for days? evil little germ they are  - i look a right treat, runny and puffy eyes, sore red nose  get the violin out 

anyway  having worked last 2 w/ends am hoping to go to park run in the morning , my longer runs on days off i got up 13k, very slow pace though, my girl cycled next to me for company  - she quite enjoyed it as shes off school this week 

Hi all!

I've been a little bit absent this week ... first run today since last Sunday. I wish I could blame work but I can only blame myself and a shockingly busy social life - suddenly everyone was around! All will be back to normal now I'm sure. 

And to keep up my motivation I did manage 5k for the first time today! In 33.32, which is close enough to 30 mins to make me think it's possible soon! I've used one of the follow on NHS c25k podcasts which gets you to run at a steady pace for 35 mins. I;d really recommend it, though the first ten mins were hard then the last 5 my legs were about to drop off!

Good to see some new faces here ... and welcome back Kate! A bit of rest and repeating a session or two should get you right back on track!

Mon Ami - sorry to hear about your dodgy run. Managed to get out again to slay those demons yet?

Si - my best tip is to have confidence in the c25k programme as it seems to make miracles! With me at least.  

Sophski - how's the injury looking now? 

Good luck this week everyone! I'm going to struggle as away with work for two nights then visiting friends for another two ... first time packing the kit to run when I'm away. Wish me luck and motivation!!

Hi All..

went out today and slayed that demon..Maisie77..back on track with a 25.05 5k.

CheesyRider. i think your right, about fighting the cold saps ones energy i work out-side so have been fighting to keep warm all week and friday was especially cold.

XCURLYTWIGX . power to your spirit "13k" dare i dream...

Well good luck for the week..

Go Well..

i made it to parkrun, but was 40 seconds slower than 2 weeks ago - how annoying ! i blame my cold and i have to mouth breathe in and out, i went though, just sub 30 .

this morning i ran 5k  with my dog, the dog loves running and is rather useful on uphil bits as her lead is tied around my waist so i'm hands free, she gives me no choice but to keep pace or she'd pull me over - for a cocker spaniel shes pretty sturdy and full of beans  - my husband takes her to parkruns as she is better behaved for him and i don't trust myself controlling her with the crowds - there were 260 people this week - and 3 dogs she loves the attention 

hoping to get out tomorrow for a little run, then boot camp before work  - i have a half day 

i have got the hang of steady pacing and have some good regular mileage now , i need a plan to start working on gaining speed  , and actually booking an event ....