If you're thinking of stopping jogging/running for a while... DON'T!

[Kristoph]

Managed to get myself out of the house today for a small run.

Only 2.4km/1.5miles - but it killed me. I lost motivation about 2 months ago, and this was my first bit of exercise since then - if you can call it that.

I divided the 2.4km up into 4x0.6km sections and aimed for 3 minutes per section.

I went out too quick and by the time I was reaching the 6minute half way mark I timed myself at 5minutes.

I managed 11m 42s (1minute of that I was walking after I'd realised I was 1minute too fast) which I was fairly happy with, but I'm aiming for 10mins.

I got home and coughed my lungs up, feel good now though.


So yeah, the point of this thread is - if you've recently stopped running, or plan to stop for whatever reason - DON'T DO IT! It's pretty demoralising trying it again after a couple months to get back from a run and feel like this.

It can only get better though.

 

[Kristoph]

It'll feel good in a few weeks though. Try two runs a week, one gentle run for distance and one short one of alternating fast and recovery sections.

I've just completed my first half marathon this morning; 1hr 56m in terrible conditions. The weather was fine, but after yesterdays rain it was like running in a bog and as it was along a tow path overtaking was difficult if you didn't want to end up in the canal. Enjoyed it a lot but it was hard work. I wanted to kick at 12 miles but I just had nothing left. Running in the mud is sapping.

I'm going to reduce my running in the winter but now I've reached half marathon level I'm not stopping. I have no plans to ever run a marathon though.

This afternoon I will mostly be drinking beer and watching the football as I deserve it.

Ah cool, I don't know how I'd cope with anything over I'm doing currently.

I've got 6 out of 7 days a week where I can run - do you think it's ok to do 3 short fast runs (1.5miles with an aim of 10mins) and 2 medium runs (5 miles with an aim of ???)

I'm running on the pavement so don't have much of a problem with mud.

 

[Kristoph]

Annoyingly I didn't follow to the advice earlier, but will be doubling my distance and seeing what sort of time I can come out with.

I went out in the wind and rain, an hour after eating a bag of crisps and a pint of cider - and ran my best time so far.

Paced myself a bit better and didn't walk once, managed 10m48s.

I'm guessing I should be aiming for 25-28mins for 3miles?