I hate running, but...

[Lady Cavendish]

Fab Foodie, that's a good first effort Won't be long before you get under the 30 minute barrier.

The guys taking 3 hours over the GNR that often get slagged off deserve huge amounts of respect in my opinion. I maintain its harder for those running a half at that pace than for those of us done in less than 80 minutes. I was once one of those overweight runners trying to haul myself round a Race for Life, and I went on to lose loads of weight from running and actually get to a pretty good standard at it. It takes all sorts, and I've always found runners a happy bunch- certainly a very sociable lot.

Walk-running is totally fine as a starting point, don't be afraid of walking, or running slower.

[giropaul]

I've used a few strategies back in the days when I was still racing (and therefore wanted to have some fitness) but also in hotels for, often, 5 nights a week. It's much easier if you're in the same hotel for some weeks.

I've taken a turbo trainer and a bike - hotels often have a conference room or, if all else fails, a car park where you can set up. Just develop a thick skin about passers-by. Usually though I found that they are interested really, and a chat whilst on the turbo can relieve some of the boredom.

Local gyms are often interested to negociate a temporary membership for spin etc. I've found that the 1st line dask staff may not see the possibilities, but if you ask to chat to the manager they can usually come up with something. A good spin (sorry!) - off is that you may meet a few people and make some (albeit temporary) friends.

My advice to anyone working out of hotels for any length of time is to "live where you are staying", in other words find places to go, theatres, gigs, bars, cycling clubs or whatever you might do at home, and develop a life there rather than work/hotel restaurant/bar/bed.

[citoyen]

Good effort, Fab Foodie!

10/10 for the smiles!

I made a point of smiling for the cameras yesterday, specially for Ham.

I'll post a link when the pics are up.

I see that great minds think alike: wear a bike-related top. It's like a sign-saying:" I'm actually quite good at my main sport ... "

I wear cycling shorts to run in, mainly because I don't own any running-specific gear (apart from my running shoes) and partly because I cycle to the start. I sometimes wear a cycling top half too, mainly because it has pockets to keep my phone etc in. Otherwise, I have to carry stuff in my hands while running or leave it unsecured at the start. Maybe I should get one of those belt-bags I see some people using.

Talking of running-specific gear, I strongly recommend buying a decent pair of running shoes, properly fitted in a decent specialist running shoe shop. It makes a world of difference to both comfort and performance.

d.

[Fab Foodie]

Fair enough, 10/10 for the smiles!

I see that great minds think alike: wear a bike-related top. It's like a sign-saying:" I'm actually quite good at my main sport ... "

I see you've seen through my strategy!  Apart from the fact that I can't find ant T-shirts that aren't cycleing related ... dullard that I am.
Regarding Smiling, because of my cardiac stent I can't push myself too hard anyway, so I might as well plod along and enjoy the scenery as I can no longer than force myself into the pain barrier.  Accepting limitations is the way to inner peace!

[Fab Foodie]

I hate running, but do it (badly) as a way to get my exercise fix quickly. 

If you're back at the hotel by 5.30, you've time plenty of time to spend exercising, so why not avoid injury and go for a brisk walk?  You can do the same distances but it'll take a bit longer.  Much less risk to knees / shins / hips / feet, and you can still work up a bit of a sweat.   

and get hold of a copy of 'convict conditioning' by Paul Wade, loads of exercises that can be done in a hotel room (or prison cell...)

Thanks for the recommendation.

[SteveC]

Well, I did a brisk 5k walk tonight. Data according to Endomondo is: 5.45 km in 53' 55"
That will do as a start.  Meant didn't have to bring special clothes and could go straight to the pub instead of having to go back to the hotel to change.  Making it a 5k also gives me an idea of what running a 5k would be like. Tonight is the only night away this week. 

S

[SteveC]

And tonight I finally got round to actually doing some running.
I'm giving the NHS couch potato to 5k podcasts, but I'm going to be doing two days a week instead of three and they'll have to be consecutive (Mon & Tue). I'll still be cycling on Thursday (and Friday when possible).

And the best bit was that I actually enjoyed it!

S

[Fab Foodie]

Did the parkrun last saturday ... terrible!
I met my mate Dez at the start (he's 80) and set off with him, I was feeling good, the pace was a tad faster than previously, but I felt OK.  I needed a wee though and had to stop    About half way round my legs started to sieze-up, really solid, not like cramp but just siezed rigid.  I walked a bit ad then ran a bit and completed the second lap in this fashion.  Since I've been really stiff.  Even an average paced (14mph/40 miler) ... on the bike ... didn't help.
Just wondering if I overdid it at the start, or whether it was just a bit colder or what but I've suffered a while since.

[Andrew Br]

Even an average paced (14mph/40 miler) didn't help.

Average paced ? I think 15mph is 4 minute mile speed.
When I was young and fit and running was my main sport I set a hotel treadmill at 15mph.
I hit the "Stop" button after ~3 min 20 sec.
After staggering back to to my room, I had to lay on the bed for 2 hours before I could consider standing up long enough to have a shower.
The next day was very difficult.

[Fab Foodie]

Even an average paced (14mph/40 miler) didn't help.

Average paced ? I think 15mph is 4 minute mile speed.
When I was young and fit and running was my main sport I set a hotel treadmill at 15mph.
I hit the "Stop" button after ~3 min 20 sec.
After staggering back to to my room, I had to lay on the bed for 2 hours before I could consider standing up long enough to have a shower.
The next day was very difficult.

  Edited for clarity!

[Andrew Br]

Clearer now 
Still, at least as far as I'm concerned, 14mph for 40 miles on a bike is a good effort 

[mark]

A number of people mentioned knee injuries and injuries in general. I'm convinced that running off pavement whenever possible, keeping the knees warm (tights/long pants in cold weather) and a decent set of footbeds in one's shoes will go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of knee damage.

[SteveC]

Well, I didn't get out last Tuesday, mostly due to the weather, so today was supposed to be the second of my 'week 1' runs. So I'm all ready to set off and go to the podcast app.  Where is 'week 1'?  As I'd already listened to it, iTunes had removed it from the phone!  So I did a week 2 run instead. Definitely harder work, but I managed. We'll have to see how I feel in the morning and I really must try to get out tomorrow and preferably Thursday or Friday as well.

S

[LindaG]

Did the same circuit as last week, but this time I lengthened my stride and increased my speed for the final 50 metres or so.  The start of the jog was a bit dodgy, I suddenly remembered how bored I used to get when I was running regularly, but the sun was out and as my body warmed up and I got into a rhythm I started to enjoy it.  I might take it through the woods next time, just to vary the terrain and the 'scenery' a bit.  That'll involve a bit of walking and mud though and I don't want my trainers getting too stinky.

We'll see.  A result, I think.

[mark]

tres or so.  The start of the jog was a bit dodgy, I suddenly remembered how bored I used to get when I was running regularly, but the sun was out and as my body warmed up and I got into a rhythm I started to enjoy it.  I might take it through the woods next time, just to vary the terrain and the 'scenery' a bit.

Taking it through the woods has made running far more pleasant for me, although you do have to watch where you put your feet.

[LindaG]

There are fewer people in the woods too.  I saw three people I know when I was out.  There are advantages to running at night!

[Fab Foodie]

Did Parkrun #4 last week with my daughter (who now zooms off into the distance) and I'm still slower than my first ever run .... how can that be?
This Saturday, I must get a new PB!
Still chuffin hurts though ....

[Ewan Houzami]

Did Parkrun #4 last week with my daughter (who now zooms off into the distance) and I'm still slower than my first ever run .... how can that be?

You sound like me. Three years of attempting this running lark and I still can't go for more than half an hour without something starting to hurt (hips, calves, feet - everything except my knees, funnily enough). And then I have to wait a week before everything settles down and I can have another go. I think it's age.

[Fab Foodie]

Did Parkrun #4 last week with my daughter (who now zooms off into the distance) and I'm still slower than my first ever run .... how can that be?

You sound like me. Three years of attempting this running lark and I still can't go for more than half an hour without something starting to hurt (hips, calves, feet - everything except my knees, funnily enough). And then I have to wait a week before everything settles down and I can have another go. I think it's age.

This, the age thing ... that must be it 

[mattc]

This, the age thing ... that must be it 

How long ago was this PB? Your local ParkRun is less than 2 years old!!!

[LindaG]

Well, tonight's run was the first one where I did a real 'run', as opposed to a jog, and it was great.  My body likes running.  I feel really free when I'm running.

Except my gut.  My gut does not like running.  That was the final straw when I used to run before - the need to do a Paula Radcliffe after about three miles.  My mate Alex the serial marathon runner recommended a dose of immodium prior to setting off.  Seems pretty drastic though.  Things were starting to 'happen' as soon as I upped my pace tonight.  Hope it doesn't kick off again, I'd really like to run a fair bit over the winter.

[SteveC]

I may have to change the title of this thread!

I am now just over half way though the NHS couch potato to 5k scheme.
And I am actually enjoying the experience. 
I'm still not very fast but that will probably come in time.

Thanks to everyone who has posted suggestions and encouragement.
Particularly BrianI--we're both doing the scheme and have been sending supportive PMs back and forth.

Steve

[citoyen]

I am now just over half way though the NHS couch potato to 5k scheme.
And I am actually enjoying the experience. 

 

[Jasson]

Running is my favorite exercise. I love to do it because it is good for legs,bones and muscles strong. Running is best cardio exercise so if someone have legs issue then he should do regular workout.

[urban_biker]

Interesting thread.  I've been keeping an eye on this as I have just about never run and its something I always hated at school. However I now find myself doing around 2 hours of dog walking a day which is cutting into my cycling and I don't see why I shouldn't run some of that instead of walking it.

Must buy myself some proper shoes - don't think I could really run in walking boots. Which is what I wear right now.