Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

Soldato
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That's a shame after you've got back into it so enthusiastically.

Had the session with the running coach this morning. Did a few drills to assess form etc, apparently there's nothing stopping me being a very good runner and my form was generally good. Particularly on hills.

The main things to work on are mainly mental, there's an element of a lack of confidence so not using a full range of movement by staying in a bit of a shell and also that i give in too easily to tiredness rather than pushing through it.

The mental side i knew about and have mentioned it on here a few times. She did get me to change my technique on a short hill and it felt a lot better, along with getting me to drive with my arms more and by doing that lifting my knees/feet higher. Although will be interesting to see how those things hold out when i'm tired.

I think i now need to make the decision about what i want as a runner. I enjoy just getting out and not thinking about things much and just running. If i feel good i go a little longer/faster, if i feel rubbish i go slower/shorter. But by doing more sessions then i will have to have a lot more structure to my running and "think" about my running for sessions, rather than sticking my headphones in and just pottering off.

On the flip side i'm a little frustrated by lack of progress and would definitely like to improve on both speed/endurance, which specialised sessions will help with.
 

SPG

SPG

Soldato
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I do not think running is quick for results as you get older really.

I started running in May last year at 48,and 10k is a nice comfortable distance for me now, in such i can bash it out in a hr and recover from it in about 30-40 mins.

I remember my first 5k last year in July and i was spangled and couldnt get off the sofa for the afternoon :) and walking the next day was sore. Now my legs just feel a constant state of tired :)
 
Associate
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I think i now need to make the decision about what i want as a runner. I enjoy just getting out and not thinking about things much and just running. If i feel good i go a little longer/faster, if i feel rubbish i go slower/shorter. But by doing more sessions then i will have to have a lot more structure to my running and "think" about my running for sessions, rather than sticking my headphones in and just pottering off.

I'm not so sure you need to go this way for most runs. I run every day, and yet there is only one session a week I need to think about in advance and plan a little - my interval session. And after a few weeks of those I had several loaded into the watch and I'd just pick one, edit target times if required, and off I'd go.

Outside of intervals, 5 of the 6 other run days are easy runs, and the length depends on the time I have and how I feel but no planning required. And the final run day is a long run at the weekend - again, the distance depends if I'm training for anything specific or not.

Probably spend 5 mins a week planning in total :)
 
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I do not think running is quick for results as you get older really.

Absolutely! I think there are so many things that you end up having to deal with over the years that it will always be slow going at higher ages. It's one of the reasons I am trying to get the kids to keep doing something active now.
 
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I can get the oldest onto her bike, but she isn't predictable enough yet to risk her on the road. She is probably more an MTB type of girl!

8yo has only just done bikeability level 1 so we have a way to go. She does like gymnastics and dance though :)
 
Soldato
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Just back from my first run in about a week. Still having to split working and looking after the kids due to all this self isolation situation and nursery being closed, but finally managed to find time to get out for a run!

I'm unashamedly going to admit it was far from a true easy run. Don't get me wrong I could have held a conversation, but it would have been comparable to talking to an 8 year old who'd just been told they're going to Disney. Remember to breathe....!!

10k in under 50 minutes and felt pretty good.

Back to something a bit easier tomorrow though, hopefully!
 
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I struggle to hold a conversation at the best of times ;) Mainly due to people being annoying rather than not being able to breathe. Wonder if there's a new category of run in there?

"Easy Run (L3):- You should be able to throttle a person until they become unconscious without breaking a sweat"
 
Soldato
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Haha, I think one of the things I like about running is just switching my brain off and not having to engage at all. Pretty sure I'd be same as you if I actually had to hold a conversation on a regular basis.

Managed to get out again today, was a much more leisurely pace tonight.
 
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My own running has dried up completely just now. Kids nursery is closed so trying to juggle some working from home and watching two kids through the day, whilst getting rest of work done before they get up and after they go to bed. Doesn't leave much time for anything unfortunately.

This is exactly what I'm finding and expecting for the next few months. Shame as I was just getting back in to the swing of things after an injury. Most likely be running at night if this continues for any length of time
 
Soldato
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Had a great weekend running.

Yesterday I got a 5k PB at 26 minutes exactly. It was quite windy too which wouldn’t have helped.

Then today I got out and did a lovely 14 mile route. Just me up in hills with very few people around. Felt good on hills and still felt strong for the last few miles.
 
Soldato
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I haven't run since last Sunday, I'm hoping to find the motivation for me to go running this evening, not sure when it'll be. With everything going on, I've generally not wanted to leave the house :(.

If we go into lockdown next week, will that include no running?
 
Soldato
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I’m not sure as in general even people self isolating are allowed out to run as long as they socially distance themselves.

In France I believe there’s a form people can fill out with exercising in case they’re stopped by police.
I think governments are mindful of how beneficial exercise is at boosting immunity.
 

SPG

SPG

Soldato
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Had a nice run today as well, felt really good too, was nice to feel the sun on your back. Making a conscious effort to keep a little distance but still say hello to people.
 
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Did an easy 5k last night whilst the mrs watched Belgravia. This will probably be my time to get out. Once they are repeating all the period dramas, I will be like Steve Cram with all the time I will have to run!
 
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