Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

Hmmm. Just been for a 4 mile run with the intention of trying to run around 11min miles as I think that’s the best strategy for the marathon to start really slow (and add some walking as per DP’s advice)

Had to stop and tie my shoelaces twice. Got home and yep failed in my goal massively and the last 3 miles were 9:21, 9:17 and 9:13. Probably works out as my fastest 5k in ages!
 
Also have you tried a running club? That avoids the whole being solo element.

Although I do enjoy the time alone. I think with work and family etc it’s great to just have time to yourself.
 
D.P. said:
I have a pair of escalantes. I normally use maximal cushioning shoes. The escalantes offer a comfortable ride, nice and springing despite being fairly minimal. I need more of a show for every day running though.

The upper is very comfy but I fjndvthe tongue can easily become folded over a little and if you don't keep it pulled up then it bruises the topic my foot and I get acute pain. This doesn't sound like I'm selljngnit well but I actually really like the shoe. I mentionthis tongue issue just as a warning of you buy them, not to dissuade you. Most running shoes have a big padded tongue that stays in place, escalantes is minimal inbthis department.

Shoes look quite smart so I often use them when travelling.


They supposedly last a long time without degradation.


The toe box is wide as with all altra shoes which is great. But The shoe itself is not wide. However, the top if very stretchy like a glove so it doesn't seem to be a problem for mybsquaee feet.

There is zero drop, so you would want to transition slowly in to them. Zero drop does help force a natural position
Click to expand...

Thanks! I tried the Torin in store yesterday on a treadmill and loved the fit, so ordered the Escalante as I prefer a little less cushion. I've run in 4mm drop shoes for 5 or 6 years now, so should find the transition ok
 
Haven't really been running this week, only did a brief 3km on Tuesday morning. I've felt my right shin being a bit sore while walking, wasn't feeling great during the run either so rest for me, in preparation of hiking up Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains on Saturday.
 
Great news @Dup

The weather forecast for Sunday when i checked it the other day showed a nice cloud and sun and temps around 12C. Much like the Sunday just gone and i thought ah, thats perfect.

Checked again and it's ****ing it down!


Also contemplating entering the Lytham Half in July, figure that gives me motivation to carry on after the marathon rather than abandoning running for ages and hopefully gives me a good chance to break 2hrs if i carry on training.
 
Marvt74 said:
Great news @Dup

The weather forecast for Sunday when i checked it the other day showed a nice cloud and sun and temps around 12C. Much like the Sunday just gone and i thought ah, thats perfect.

Checked again and it's ****ing it down!


Also contemplating entering the Lytham Half in July, figure that gives me motivation to carry on after the marathon rather than abandoning running for ages and hopefully gives me a good chance to break 2hrs if i carry on training.
Click to expand...

Haha, Met Office disagrees at the moment however so long as the temps are lowish I'm not bothered. I just hope betting there early and parking at Old Trafford won't be the hell I imagine it will be.

I thought you meant break 2hurs for a Marathon then. If so, watch "Under Two" on YouTube. Interesting little docu. I've got Liverpool marathon next month and might put in for Blackpool in between. Lytham will be a good half, nice and flat and plenty time to push yourself until then.
 
Yeah the report i saw was suggesting rain and 17C which is a failry horrid combination.

I think all hope of a sub 2hr marathon is destined to dreams and whilst driving only for me!
 
Dup said:
Haha, Met Office disagrees at the moment however so long as the temps are lowish I'm not bothered. I just hope betting there early and parking at Old Trafford won't be the hell I imagine it will be.

I thought you meant break 2hurs for a Marathon then. If so, watch "Under Two" on YouTube. Interesting little docu. I've got Liverpool marathon next month and might put in for Blackpool in between. Lytham will be a good half, nice and flat and plenty of time to push yourself until then.
Click to expand...

Is that the National Geographic documentary you're talking about if so, it is a highly entertaining watch.
 
@Marvt74 enjoy yourself tomorrow, remember all you need to do is finish, worry about time for the next marathon but sure you'll get round in a decent time.

I can't wait, I should be sleeping but excited.
 
Cheers and you.

I’m like that too. Forced myself to bed quite early but didn’t really sleep much.

Am nervous I’m gonna do a Paula Radcliffe though. Eaten loads last night and this morning and just had breakfast and no sign of a poo coming!
 
Last edited:
I fell off quite a bit as ended up at 4:56

Despite telling myself that I’d take @D.P. ’s advice I got caught up in everything and my first 5 miles were all under 10 min miles and it hit me later on.

What I did find weird was that normally I can do 10 miles and my legs/feet feel absolutely fine. Today they were aching from 8 miles onwards even though I was slower than I normally would be.

Not sure marathons are my thing. It’s a little long and got a bit boring. Especially a long stretch with no support. I think I’ll focus on half’s for now.
 
Marvt74 said:
I fell off quite a bit as ended up at 4:56

Despite telling myself that I’d take @D.P. ’s advice I got caught up in everything and my first 5 miles were all under 10 min miles and it hit me later on.

What I did find weird was that normally I can do 10 miles and my legs/feet feel absolutely fine. Today they were aching from 8 miles onwards even though I was slower than I normally would be.

Not sure marathons are my thing. It’s a little long and got a bit boring. Especially a long stretch with no support. I think I’ll focus on half’s for now.
Click to expand...

Well done for pushing on and finishing. The anguish from mile 18 on for me is almost unbearable. It takes a lot of mental strength to keep going, especially when support is thin on the ground. Kudos.
 
Cheers.

DP will be very disappointed. My first half was 2:15 and then the second half was 2:40. That’s an awful split!

Oh a positive side note that actually beat my previous half marathon attempt!

Also got home to be told by my wife that my top was on backwards. It felt like it was strangling me all the way round. Now I know why!
 
Last edited:
Marvt74 said:
I fell off quite a bit as ended up at 4:56

Despite telling myself that I’d take @D.P. ’s advice I got caught up in everything and my first 5 miles were all under 10 min miles and it hit me later on.

What I did find weird was that normally I can do 10 miles and my legs/feet feel absolutely fine. Today they were aching from 8 miles onwards even though I was slower than I normally would be.

Not sure marathons are my thing. It’s a little long and got a bit boring. Especially a long stretch with no support. I think I’ll focus on half’s for now.
Click to expand...

Well done for completing it mate! Shame that you didn't meet your goals, but its an achievement none the less :)
Edit - just seen your comment about wearing your top backwards... :D
 
Well done @Daaaavvveee. Great work.

On a side note, for anyone who does use music for races. Make sure you download stuff before hand. I got to the start line and the Spotify playist i'd spent about an hour the previous day creating wouldn't load for me. Had to resort to just shuffling music saved on my phone which isn't ideal when it's mainly singer songwritey stuff!
 
Have decided to set myself 2 new goals for running

Sub 2hr Half Marathon
Sub 25min 5k

I think since i've done duration and length i'd like to work on speed a little more rather than just running at comfortable pace. If i can do that, then i can start doing longer runs which will increase the variety of routes i can take.

I think the biggest driver for this however is going to be weight. Whenever i've tried speed work before it really causes issues with my knees/ankles. Here's hoping!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom