Have you taught yourself to run distance?

I started runing every now and again when i was at my biggest (17st 7lbs) but because i only did it now and again didnt gain anything. Then i started going regularly starting off by doing just 1 mile and then when i could do that, 2 miles etc in about 10month 14miles wasn't especially hard, dont get me wrong it was hard bit i could have done more. Just keep at it and start running small distances to start and just build up
 
Guys what is a good time to aim for 1/2 marathon? im not mega fit, but im working my way up, im currently doing 5km in a very gay 26 minutes on a treadmill, thats not that hard for me really, but i am tired after it. what i would like to do is to get my 5k time down to 18 mins,and then just push my distance.would increasing my distance 1.6k every week be a sensible idea? im hoping to be able to run the GNR this year.

Also sounds silly, but what are the best socks to wear, i dont get that many blisters in my short runs, but i can feel discomfort between my toes.
 
Tinders said:
Also sounds silly, but what are the best socks to wear, i dont get that many blisters in my short runs, but i can feel discomfort between my toes.

Not sure how socks will help with discomfort between toes - try some vaseline.

But back to socks Hilly have a good range - I use duo skins for race days and mono skins to train in.
 
[mini thread hijack, sorry]

Since I've been runing on a more-or-less daily basis I've found that I keep ketting blisters on my big toes right by my nail. See pic for a better explanation.

foot.JPG


It's happened on both sides. Now, I cut my nails regularly, in the correct way so it can't be due to that, but I was just wondering if it's anything to do with my trainers? I've had them around 3 years, but I only ever wear them for the gym. I don't think they're running trainers specifically, I just chose the comfiest pair. Do running hsoes have more cushioned toes, or is this something that's unique to me and that I'll have to put up with? They don't really hamper my running, and heal quickly, but I'd rather not have them at all if possible.

TIA for any advice
 
Might be a long shot, but it could actually be your socks bunching up towards the end of the trainer, which then your toe rubs on. Try wearing 2 pairs.

Running shoe's however, will provide a greater level of comfort and cushion
 
hilly said:
Might be a long shot, but it could actually be your socks bunching up towards the end of the trainer, which then your toe rubs on. Try wearing 2 pairs.

Running shoe's however, will provide a greater level of comfort and cushion
I think it's more my toe pushing on the side of the trainer, which is making my nail dig into my toe and causing the blister. I think the solution would be cushioning. Might have a look around at some running shoes and see if they are any different to mine in that area
 
i am no expert on running, but i go to the gym 3-4 times a week and do rowing cycling and 'starimaster' thru the week. i have now started doing 25-30 mins running every time i go, to try and get my fat level lower. I find it also very hard, my routine is this:

put it on manual, walk for 2 minutes at 5kph ( a brisk walk) then very slow jog until 5 minutes total time at 8kph. then jog at 10.5-11kph until i cant anymore (at 15 or 20 minutes total time usually), then drop down to 5kph again but raise the angle of the treadmill to max, this seems to keep my legs warmed up but allows me to breath better, then after 5 more minutes i drop the angle back down to 0 and jog again at 11kph for 5 more minutes. This seems to work for me as a breaking in period, until i can run the whole distance.

Its also a very very strage feeling going from a steep angle walking to jogging flat! makes the jogging feel really easy.

Hope this helps.
 
When I first started I used a run/walk routine because I was simply horrible at it, like you I could pedal/row/cross-train forever but when it came to running I was breathing out my arse after 5 minutes.
My routine was similar to this which worked really well for me.

I was keen on lifting heavy weights and had plenty explosive strength but when I decided to train for the armed forces I had to change what I was doing drastically. At 15 1/2 stone and 6ft I started running until I was almost sick then walking for a bit, then running again and so on and so forth. And this was on concrete with trainers that were far from made for running.

So after suffering for 8 weeks with shin splints caused by my stupidity I'd recommend taking it easy and getting some good running shoes from a specialist running shop. A good shop has a look at your foot type/running technique and offers you a pair of shoes that you'd be best with. I'd also consider running on a treadmill or grass until your legs are used to it.
 
Lostkat said:
I think it's more my toe pushing on the side of the trainer, which is making my nail dig into my toe and causing the blister. I think the solution would be cushioning. Might have a look around at some running shoes and see if they are any different to mine in that area

My first reaction would be that your shoes are too small. What shoes are you using?
 
firstborn said:
My first reaction would be that your shoes are too small. What shoes are you using?
Just some adidas trainers I got ages ago. They're definitely not too small. I am a size 6-7 depending on which shoes I buy, so I always try on several pairs. I often get issues with the backs rubbing on my heels too, so I have to be careful about which trainers/shoes I get. I'm not one of these people who tries to get in shoes too small for my feet. There is, however, absolutely no cushioning on the toes.
 
Lostkat said:
Just some adidas trainers I got ages ago. They're definitely not too small. I am a size 6-7 depending on which shoes I buy, so I always try on several pairs. I often get issues with the backs rubbing on my heels too, so I have to be careful about which trainers/shoes I get. I'm not one of these people who tries to get in shoes too small for my feet. There is, however, absolutely no cushioning on the toes.


I get similar problems when I wear trail shoes which have harder material around the toe area. Your toes will be forced foward into the shoe when you run so if the material in the front doesn't have much give then. or there's not much room in the toe box you'll suffer. Time for a new pair of trainers i guess.

But saying that I can still bruise/blister my toes, to the point of losing a nail, in a pair of well fitting relatively new shoes on a long run.
 
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These are they. They look very clean, because I've only ever used them in the gym or in the dry, but they're at least 3 years old. Any idea what 'type' of trainer they are? Just had a feel inside, and I appear to have worn out the very thin layer of fabric around the toe area. Looks like you're right. New trainer time!

trainer.jpg
 
Kate, I have those very trainers, only in less girly colours :p. They've been fantastic but are well past their best. If anyone can name them I'd not hesitate in getting the same again. 1 hour 32 minutes for the Great North Run in those things :cool:
 
They were very comfortable and had a nice bouncy sole. I just think I've killed them and need a new pair as these blisters are only a recent thing. I never got them when I was running before.

Thanks for the advice guys :)
 
I wouldn't know a running shoe if someone kicked me with one.. :(

Anyone care to post some pics/suggestions? Half decent ones for gym only for me (although I'm sure lostkat wouldn't mind a road going suggestion also?).

Might get to the gym tomorrow and try run-walk-run etc and see how much I can do without feeling like I'm about to die.

(if anyone wants to prepare, my next exersize thread is going to be "best exersize to get rid of love handles ;))
 
Asics, Saucony, New Balance and so on... all do a good range of running shoes for support, cushioning or any of your needs. I use Saucony grid omni or Asics Gel 1090 which give some support.

Run slow. Increase mileage by about 10% each week. Go torunners world who have some great runners in the forums and some top advice. They also have some routines pre-made.

Have fun. Running is bliss!
 
matt100 said:
Anyone care to post some pics/suggestions?

well, i'm no expert but...

got these last week, as recommended by the bloke in the shop. a proper running shop that is, not a fashion outlet masquerading.

i used to do a bit of running as a kid, and then again when i was at uni to supplement my kickboxing training.
but since i left uni i'd turned to the dark side of the couch. ;)

started running again last year as the missus had taken it up and it was getting annoying that she was getting more use out of our treadmill (bought in an attempt to coax myself into getting fit a couple of years ago) than i was.

the treadmill thing was good, certainly it was having the desired effect, but it had started to get a bit boring, so we've

a) entered a 10K in April
b) started training outdoors as well.

hence the need for some new shoes, and these Saucony Grid Jazz were what felt the best from the running shop blokes recommendations.
i'd said that i usually run both on tarmac, and sometimes a bit more off road / gravel etc, and as you can see, they've got a bit more grip than some pure road shoes..

only been out in them a couple of times and they're very good.
a bit more solid / less flexible than stuff i would have picked in the past.
i'd usually have picked something like a cross trainer.

think they are probably not the "this years" version of this model as they weren't mad money. think they cost something like 30 to 35 quid.

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