My Forum

I'm well over 6' and was overweight when I started running in a pair of neutral shoes. I was in agony in no time - but thought (stupidly) it was a case of 'no pain no gain'. After visiting a proper running shop I was sold some Mizuno Wave Nirvanas and I was in running heaven - it's like they're made for me. I've stuck with them ever since. Recently, the shop had no Nirvanas in and I tried another structured shoe by a leading brand - the result was agony: blisters, calf and shin pain - I ordered another pair of Nirvanas and I'm right as rain again. For me there's no argument - the shoes make every bit of difference, and whilst I might not like paying a lot for them, I love running, so that's the deal. I think the number one advice is always listen to what your body is telling you - not the BBC, not Murdoch - just get on and enjoy your running!

I'm consoling myself I've been up Steep Hill twice tonight - most people give an incredulous look if you say you've run up it at all - and safe in the knowledge I think the other hill is worse: I'll be aiming to try and get one or two more in next week - I figure if I'm knackered by the end of it, it must be doing some good. My last effort tonight became pitiful little steps towards the end and you're right to say it's horrible!

I will take on board what you say about the slow painful ascents being the ones that pay off, and see if I can spur myself on further next week!

 "Should". Hard to imagine doing it 20 times though!! I actually think Motherby Hill is the worse one (a little cobbled pedestrian alley). I'm encouraged by your use of the word 'inclines' - I think I can find one of them on a patch of common ground nearby so I'll work that in next time. Thanks for the reassurance. Are you training for anything in particular?

Thanks mathschick, that's the kind of thing I wanted to hear! I've been covering the rest of my schedule easily up to now, so this has wrong-footed me a bit. Thing is, in Lincoln there's only really the one hill to choose from! Having said that, I could probably play around with pace a bit as well - having long legs means I have a tendency to cover more hill more quickly! Would you be running up anything like Steep Hill as part of a hills routine?