Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

macmodder said:
Recently started running in the evenings. Some of the 5k pbs are a little daunting, mine is currently around the 25 minute mark, with my one and only 10k at 63 minutes.
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don't - you'll find you get better and better and better

I started running about 4 years ago - and I was near 14 stone @ 5 foot 4 - and couldn't run 500m let alone 5k

never been any good at any sports - just plod away and you'll get PB after PB - you'll find you have ups and downs, periods when you don't get a PB for a while, and the running feels over-difficult - but keep training through those periods and it'll come good again

I'm in a "its not working" period atm - but been here before and know it'll turn around - I keep putting weight on even though I'm exercising like 5-6 times a week - I just need to stop eating all the time!

my biggest boost initially to my running was buying a running watch - first a Garmin 305 - which cost me less than £100 and then when I wore it out (battery) after 3 years or so I got a 310XT - with the running watch I found it gave me real incentive to go further, go faster, its a great training device
 
Macmodder, as has been said stick with it times will come down, just take it easy. As buckster above I find collecting data with my garmin (I've had a 305, 310xt and now a 610) helps me stick to set training plans and achieve specific targets.

As an aside I've only ever done one 10k race, during prep for a marathon and so I know and recommend that running longer will help you cut down the shorter distance times. Not sure I'll ever better my current 10k PB as I hate the distance as it hurts and I'm getting on a bit :p
 
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Good stuff.

Went out for ~8 miles tonight. Left home with in some drizzle which was nice (having spent the past few weeks drowning in sweat with the temperature). Last 4 or 5 km turned in to a full on downpour though. Bizarely, I seemed to feel really good for them. Though my HR didn't drop, it seemed to feel easier to keep the same pace.
 
Looking for some trainer advice, asked on runners world but didn't get much or a response so hopefully there are more minimalist runners on here
So been running for a while and got fitted for Brooks Rivvera 3 as I slightly needed the control.
I have since been training myself to run more forefoot. Neutral / Chi running after attending a running biomacanics event. I bought some newton Energys which I love and feel they have helped me loads.
I few months ago I had a OP so am just getting my fitness back up. In the newtons I can do 5k no problem with good running form however when I go further I get tired and lazy and tend to start healstriking more when I get over the 8k mark.
I'm upping my millage as I have the GNR im comfortable with the distance. But think if I do them in the Newtons my heals will be smashed by the end.
So im looking for something that will compliment my new style and wont damage the work I have done so far going to the newtons. But would like something that I could start putting in the miles with that isnt going to hurt while im still unfit and unable to hold the form.
Thinking Nike Free 3 or 4 ?
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Not sure about training yourself to run a specific way, I've always just gone to a store like Up and Running, they stick you on a treadmill and performa GAIT analysis, then recommend a shoe. Seems to have worked for me, is there anywhere that offers a service like this near you?
 
hargi said:
Looking for some trainer advice, asked on runners world but didn't get much or a response so hopefully there are more minimalist runners on here
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I'm all for this mallarky if you are fairly spritely as then you tend to run the way all these chi/free/forefoot/minmalist/barefoot evangelists say you should run. ;)

How quick are you? You say you are comfortable with the GNR distance but what are you aiming for? What's your 5k time? If you fade at 8k why not just slow down so you don't??

Being comfortable with the distance and worried about smashing your heels does not compute.
 
Got my great north run pack today. Couldn't remember what time I put when I signed up, but it looks like I entered something ridiculous as I'm in zone C. I'm hoping to finish around the 2 hour mark so this is way beyond my capability. Anyone know if I can change zones? Don't want to annoy/hinder the runners who can actually hit the pace in zone c
 
SAM81 said:
Got my great north run pack today. Couldn't remember what time I put when I signed up, but it looks like I entered something ridiculous as I'm in zone C. I'm hoping to finish around the 2 hour mark so this is way beyond my capability. Anyone know if I can change zones? Don't want to annoy/hinder the runners who can actually hit the pace in zone c
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I've been a Marshall the Manchester 10K (same organisers) three times and it was never an issue with people dropping back a wave if they wanted too, either to join friends or simply because they wanted too.
 
SAM81 said:
Got my great north run pack today. Couldn't remember what time I put when I signed up, but it looks like I entered something ridiculous as I'm in zone C. I'm hoping to finish around the 2 hour mark so this is way beyond my capability. Anyone know if I can change zones? Don't want to annoy/hinder the runners who can actually hit the pace in zone c
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I ran the GNR in 2010 and dropped back a wave to stay with the person I was running with.
 
PermaBanned said:
http://www.strava.com/activities/179223379

About 7 minutes down on my last attempt, happy with that! Pacing seemed a lot more consistent too.
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Good effort, always a nice feeling to get more time knocked off.

Your second route looks much better as well with it being more continuous than the first one seemingly involving going down a few streets and turning back around to make up the distance?

And consistent pacing will do you much better than starting too fast and then slowing down.

Keep up the good work. :)
 
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