Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running
- Thread starter platypus
- Start date
What made you go for the barefoot shoes out of interest? I know there are a lot of people raving about them (and similarly not the 'maximalist' shoes (hoka's)). I just can't imagine myself ever running in them though as they just look like they'll do more damage than good. 
Barefoot running is physiologically better for your body. The modern running shoe is terrible. Etc.
I do around 5k a week barefoot because it helps my posture. A few years ago I broke my ankle and tore pretty much all of the ligaments in my ankle, and essentially had to learn to run again. It was pretty painful and very slow but it gave me time to think about what I was doing. I'll admit I jumped on the Born To Run bandwagon, but it really did work for me. I run in trainers with minimal padding, although my fell shoes have huge studs, and I'm able to adapt my footfall to the terrain I'm on without it being unnatural and therefore hurting my muscles.
To be honest, you need to do even less than that, but as Saundie said start wearing them for your normal daily activities. Get used to walking in them, though walking uses your feet better anyway. Start small, start on a soft surface, etc.
I do around 5k a week barefoot because it helps my posture. A few years ago I broke my ankle and tore pretty much all of the ligaments in my ankle, and essentially had to learn to run again. It was pretty painful and very slow but it gave me time to think about what I was doing. I'll admit I jumped on the Born To Run bandwagon, but it really did work for me. I run in trainers with minimal padding, although my fell shoes have huge studs, and I'm able to adapt my footfall to the terrain I'm on without it being unnatural and therefore hurting my muscles.
To be honest, you need to do even less than that, but as Saundie said start wearing them for your normal daily activities. Get used to walking in them, though walking uses your feet better anyway. Start small, start on a soft surface, etc.
- Joined
- 3 May 2004
- Posts
- 17,705
- Location
- Kapitalist Republik of Surrey
I've got a colleague at work who runs in them and he's the same size as me - I've wanted to try it for some time and I'm too tight to shell out for a pair of shoes just for a go so he lent me his to see how I got onWhat made you go for the barefoot shoes out of interest? I know there are a lot of people raving about them (and similarly not the 'maximalist' shoes (hoka's)). I just can't imagine myself ever running in them though as they just look like they'll do more damage than good.
I maintain that they aren't for everyone, despite what the research/theory says. I can do it, but... I think if you naturally land mid or forefoot and you're relatively light, then you can adapt to forefoot running; for anyone who is a natural heel striker or a heavier build then it's going to be a horrible transition, unnatural for the way you automatically run and unlikely to suit you.
I own a pair of Vibram FiveFingers, but I haven't been brave enough to go for a run in them. I went for a walk in them once and they rubbed quite badly. I think I'm probably too heavy still to get away with running in them - maybe when I get under 70kg I will give them another try.
Hey,
Any RunKeeper users in here? Quick question if so please
I am running in a place where the GPS coverage is horrible (lots of trees etc.). I spent ages mapping a "Route" on the Runkeeper website which is inch perfect. I want to be able to force a new run activity to use this route, rather than the app attempting to use the fubar GPS data.
Is it possible to just run with the GPS off, then set the route to my pre-drawn map? Or will this not work properly?
Cheers,
Su
Any RunKeeper users in here? Quick question if so please
I am running in a place where the GPS coverage is horrible (lots of trees etc.). I spent ages mapping a "Route" on the Runkeeper website which is inch perfect. I want to be able to force a new run activity to use this route, rather than the app attempting to use the fubar GPS data.
Is it possible to just run with the GPS off, then set the route to my pre-drawn map? Or will this not work properly?
Cheers,
Su
I've got a colleague at work who runs in them and he's the same size as me - I've wanted to try it for some time and I'm too tight to shell out for a pair of shoes just for a go so he lent me his to see how I got on
I maintain that they aren't for everyone, despite what the research/theory says. I can do it, but... I think if you naturally land mid or forefoot and you're relatively light, then you can adapt to forefoot running; for anyone who is a natural heel striker or a heavier build then it's going to be a horrible transition, unnatural for the way you automatically run and unlikely to suit you.
Ah cool, I don't think I'd ever give them a go as I'm not really a forefoot runner. I don't like to believe all the hype that these things get either, Hoka's are probably a bit worse than barefoot now. At the end of the day it'll always be what's feels best to the individual.
If I knew someone with a pair that'd fit I'd probably still give them a go. Sadly I can't see them suiting
Surrey Half yesterday, looked good up until midway, PB for 5K & 10K then my left ITB went ended up finishing 2:20
What do you think you'll end up doing? And is London a trip you'll need to travel much for or are you local?
If you were traveling for it and paying for a hotel etc if not already booked then I'd be inclined to defer and save potential costs.
If your local then I'd be inclined to wait even until the day before and see how you feel about it. You can defer the day before and do it next year instead.
Remember that the marathon is always there to be done, if it's your first one or even your first chance at London I wouldn't ruin the experience by not doing yourself the justice I'm sure you know you can.
Either way it's a real shame the half didn't go as expected but all the best and I hope your back to your best sooner rather than later.
What do you think you'll end up doing? And is London a trip you'll need to travel much for or are you local?
If you were traveling for it and paying for a hotel etc if not already booked then I'd be inclined to defer and save potential costs.
If your local then I'd be inclined to wait even until the day before and see how you feel about it. You can defer the day before and do it next year instead.
Remember that the marathon is always there to be done, if it's your first one or even your first chance at London I wouldn't ruin the experience by not doing yourself the justice I'm sure you know you can.
Either way it's a real shame the half didn't go as expected but all the best and I hope your back to your best sooner rather than later.
Thanks
am reasonably local to London as in south east, it's my first London and I withdrew yesterday, I just know that I can't give a shot at a good time and risk becoming a dnf if I do it injured. Physio said basically the same as you, it's always there for me next year and I can do myself justice then, feel rubbish but I know it's the sensible choice.Just couldn't bare the thought of London being an awful experience with either a crappy time or dnf
What are peoples opinions a 1 or 2 leg sessions in the gym per week consisting of squats/deadlifts/lunges. Looking more towards 4 to 5 sets of 16 to 20 reps.
I had acl reconstruction about 4 years ago and still feel that the knee in question is slightly weaker than my other leg, although whether thats just in my head or not is another question.
I've ran half marathons and the London marathon last year and am aiming for a sub 1:30 potters half marathon in June. I'm just unsure of whether for one or two sessions per week my time would be better spent building strength in the gym or spent out on the roads.
I had acl reconstruction about 4 years ago and still feel that the knee in question is slightly weaker than my other leg, although whether thats just in my head or not is another question.
I've ran half marathons and the London marathon last year and am aiming for a sub 1:30 potters half marathon in June. I'm just unsure of whether for one or two sessions per week my time would be better spent building strength in the gym or spent out on the roads.
Soldato
- Joined
- 18 Mar 2010
- Posts
- 4,137
I have just taken up running after a gap of several years with no exercise. I did a 5 mile fun run a few weeks ago in 39min, which I was pleased with as it was only the third time I have gone running this year.
On Saturday I did a 23k cross country run with a friend who is preparing for the marathon. That was a bit of a killer and probably a bit of a stretch for me at the moment, knees and feet quite sore afterwards.
On Saturday I did a 23k cross country run with a friend who is preparing for the marathon. That was a bit of a killer and probably a bit of a stretch for me at the moment, knees and feet quite sore afterwards.
Been aiming for a sub 20 min 5k before the end of March, went for a run tonight not particularly expecting to run very fast but for some reason ran a 3:47 for the first km so went with it and managed 19:54 for the 5k so pretty chuffed.
Next target is a sub 44min 10k by the end of April. Current best is 44:37 but that was last May (would have only run 10K a couple of times since then). Going to have to work on holding back my pace for the first 5k or so though, even on 5k i tend to go out quickly, slow down then have a quick last km.
Next target is a sub 44min 10k by the end of April. Current best is 44:37 but that was last May (would have only run 10K a couple of times since then). Going to have to work on holding back my pace for the first 5k or so though, even on 5k i tend to go out quickly, slow down then have a quick last km.
I am currently mid way through the weak at the knees. 7 marathons in 7 days.
It just goes to show for me that building a sports massage session into training is a must even if not injured. I haven't had enough and my calf's are very tight.
I have some vibrams and inov 8 mid transitions and they tighten my calf's as well. I only go on under 6 mile runs in them once a week.
It just goes to show for me that building a sports massage session into training is a must even if not injured. I haven't had enough and my calf's are very tight.
I have some vibrams and inov 8 mid transitions and they tighten my calf's as well. I only go on under 6 mile runs in them once a week.
Garmin 620 dudes! Or others that may do the VO2 estimation stuff.
I like the techincal side but from previous posts you will see I do not trust random guessing from something on my wrist, so was keen to compare actual properly gathered data versus what this watch ESTIMATES. And I have to say, it is actually pretty impressive how close it gets.
My VO2 Max based on Daniel's/VDOT (taken from 10k PB) = 63.94 ml/kg/min
My VO2 Max based on Garmin FR620 estimation (it gave me this estimate after my first run using it, which was an easy 8 miler approx 6:15 per mile pace average) = 62 ml/kg/min*
*on Garmin connect, it shows a graph with your indicated VO2 indicated with an arrow in a coloured segment, mines is right at the end, so it might be that this only goes as high as a 62 estimate but I'll try confirm that somehow.
My VO2 max as per full equipment treadmill test with sports doctor = 65.2 ml/kg/min*
*Run on 3 days off running with a strained quad, carrying about 4lbs more than usual so I'd like to think I could have been higher, but marginal to say the least either way.
Now, cadence estimation. I am talking without the HRM here as I do 99% of my runs without it but this is now standard on all run data gathered it gives you a max and avg cadence for your run. Again, it is impressive how close it gets, but it's obviously still a little bit out so don't use it as gospel. I have counted manually my right footstrike for 60secs on varying steady, easy and recovery runs over past 3 weeks, so this is varying between low 6 minute mile pace right up to 7:45 mile pace, all on flat and smooth tarmac:
184
180
178
180
The watch consistently gives me an avg cadence of 174-176 on easy/steady/recovery and including 15/16 mile long runs. It has a few times given me a max cadence on a run of say 176-178 where I have personally counted myself as doing 180+
If anything, I think the watch under estimates ever so slightly for myself on cadence, but it's damn close isn't it?
Heart rate I plan to do a bit more testing with next, so far all I can say is that the max it has ever given me which has been 187 twice now, once during 400m reps on track and then again during a hill rep session. My actual max though taken during ECG on the VO2 test was 192. So again pretty close! Resting HR is a funny one, my old Garmin 405CX would give me a resting HR sitting on the couch of 37-41 and at altitude I could not go lower than 45 resting! However, the 620 has never given me lower than 44 resting HR despite being a lot fitter than when I do testing with the old 405CX. So a bit more to be done here to get some averages.
Sorry for the essay, just thought some of you guys might find it interesting or useful to apply to yourself if you are gathering this info from your watch etc.
I like the techincal side but from previous posts you will see I do not trust random guessing from something on my wrist, so was keen to compare actual properly gathered data versus what this watch ESTIMATES. And I have to say, it is actually pretty impressive how close it gets.
My VO2 Max based on Daniel's/VDOT (taken from 10k PB) = 63.94 ml/kg/min
My VO2 Max based on Garmin FR620 estimation (it gave me this estimate after my first run using it, which was an easy 8 miler approx 6:15 per mile pace average) = 62 ml/kg/min*
*on Garmin connect, it shows a graph with your indicated VO2 indicated with an arrow in a coloured segment, mines is right at the end, so it might be that this only goes as high as a 62 estimate but I'll try confirm that somehow.
My VO2 max as per full equipment treadmill test with sports doctor = 65.2 ml/kg/min*
*Run on 3 days off running with a strained quad, carrying about 4lbs more than usual so I'd like to think I could have been higher, but marginal to say the least either way.
Now, cadence estimation. I am talking without the HRM here as I do 99% of my runs without it but this is now standard on all run data gathered it gives you a max and avg cadence for your run. Again, it is impressive how close it gets, but it's obviously still a little bit out so don't use it as gospel. I have counted manually my right footstrike for 60secs on varying steady, easy and recovery runs over past 3 weeks, so this is varying between low 6 minute mile pace right up to 7:45 mile pace, all on flat and smooth tarmac:
184
180
178
180
The watch consistently gives me an avg cadence of 174-176 on easy/steady/recovery and including 15/16 mile long runs. It has a few times given me a max cadence on a run of say 176-178 where I have personally counted myself as doing 180+
If anything, I think the watch under estimates ever so slightly for myself on cadence, but it's damn close isn't it?
Heart rate I plan to do a bit more testing with next, so far all I can say is that the max it has ever given me which has been 187 twice now, once during 400m reps on track and then again during a hill rep session. My actual max though taken during ECG on the VO2 test was 192. So again pretty close! Resting HR is a funny one, my old Garmin 405CX would give me a resting HR sitting on the couch of 37-41 and at altitude I could not go lower than 45 resting! However, the 620 has never given me lower than 44 resting HR despite being a lot fitter than when I do testing with the old 405CX. So a bit more to be done here to get some averages.
Sorry for the essay, just thought some of you guys might find it interesting or useful to apply to yourself if you are gathering this info from your watch etc.
Pretty essential to successful long distance running. By successful I mean for core stability, injury prevention and leg strength rather than successful in a competitive sense.
Not sure about 16 to 20 reps but just following something like Stronglifts 5x5 is pretty good for it.
Associate
- Joined
- 5 Nov 2004
- Posts
- 789
- Location
- Herts
Training for first marathon going well so far. First ever 20 miler, done in 2h 45, so I'm guessing my target of 3h45 is achievable. 7 weeks to go....