Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

how close would you feel you need to be race distance wise - to have confidenceof completing strongly?

I did a 10 mile 2 weekends ago - and I'mhoping to do a half marathon (Southend) - week Sunday - but haven't had time to do long runs as I had hoped - so I'vedone about 7 8-10ks the last 2 weeks - tonight I managed a 17k undulating (250m total ascent) - wouldyoufeel thats near enough to the 21k of a half marahton or so I try and get in a nearer to race distance run between now and week Sunday ?

the half marathon itself is totally flat - so it should be a lot easier than my 17k tonight
 
Can anyone recommend me a running backpack? Looking for one with adjustable straps (to make the bag smaller/bigger), zip pockets and be able to carry some shoes and some clothes (not too much) considering using it for running to the gym and back.

Also having it breathable through the back (mmmmm sweaty back =/).

Cheers, Craig.

edit: Currently like this is coming up top: http://www.achillesheel.co.uk/runni...apor+running+backpack/cheyanna_bag_ba3126_427

Can check it out in that local store too
 
Last edited:
Buckster said:
how close would you feel you need to be race distance wise - to have confidenceof completing strongly?

I did a 10 mile 2 weekends ago - and I'mhoping to do a half marathon (Southend) - week Sunday - but haven't had time to do long runs as I had hoped - so I'vedone about 7 8-10ks the last 2 weeks - tonight I managed a 17k undulating (250m total ascent) - wouldyoufeel thats near enough to the 21k of a half marahton or so I try and get in a nearer to race distance run between now and week Sunday ?

the half marathon itself is totally flat - so it should be a lot easier than my 17k tonight
Click to expand...

When training for half marathons I rarely go over 10 miles. However, I do make sure that I've been regularly running 10 miles (ie more than once a week and for at least 6 weeks). You should be able to complete the distance but given that you've only done 2 runs of 10 miles or more I doubt you will complete it strongly and given the race is only a week and a half away I don't think you've got time to improve that. Doing another long run may help give you confidence but its unlikely to have a big training effect and you need to be careful that you don't over do things too close to the race.
 
Thanks for the reply

Was probably more pessimistic in my post than reality - before the 10 mile race which took place the weekend before last - I was running 2-3 runs a week each of 12-16k - its only the last 1 1/2 weeks where I've due to time constraints and having a really bad stinky cold I've been running shorter distance 8-10ks but at higher intensity and pace.

Last nights 17k was a very gentle 5'17 pace - heart rate averaged about 138 or so - at that pace I'd manage the half in about 1hr50 - which I'd be ok with. *At last nights pace - I think I could have kept going till I got bored basically or ran out of energy -it felt very comfortable and quite pleasant really.

At the 10 mile race the other week I managed average pace of 4'50 but working much harder @158 HR average - so I'd hope for in a longer flatter race 5'0 or 5'05 or so without trying too hard - or burning out.

I'm finding running quite addictive - since I bought my Garmin 305 - According to my logs on Garmin Connect I'm up to 350k run now - and 25k calories that's over a period of about 3 months. *I run without headphones on and I find once I'm in the zone - I sort of completely switch off and its quite relaxing.

I've got to see a sports Physio at some point, as although I don't really get any un-toward pains when running other than normal aches and stuff - I've started getting bad cramps randomly in my right leg (or could by the nerves instead of cramps) - if I've stood still for more than a couple of minutes doesn't happen every time I stand still - just randomly. *This is in general day to day activities not running.
So I'll be waiting for traffic lights to change at a crossing or
something and suddenly the leg just cramps up - its very painful when it
happens and you can't walk on it - after a minute or so it goes away.

I'll let you know how I get on with the half - I think I'll give it a go as long as I finish I'm not too bothered about the time - its just something to work towards

cheers
 
Last edited:
Buckster said:
Thanks for the reply

Was probably more pessimistic in my post than reality - before the 10 mile race which took place the weekend before last - I was running 2-3 runs a week each of 12-16k - its only the last 1 1/2 weeks where I've due to time constraints and having a really bad stinky cold I've been running shorter distance 8-10ks but at higher intensity and pace.
Click to expand...

Between now and the race I wouldn't do anything longer than you've already attempted. If anything I would reduce mileage but maintain intensity ie run at race pace.

Good luck for the race.
 
Does anyone here have pain in the their feet while running? I mean around the heel arch area? I am wearing appropriate shoes but this starts at the 2k mark for me.

Do people pay as much attention to their socks compared to the shoes? i.e. any particular ones I should be looking to get.

I'm up to the 10k mark now but hesistant to really push as I do get pain the foot arch and ankle.

sid
 
sid - not had that - but I do get it afterwards - the morning after - where it hurts both on mytoes and my heel area (almost feels "broken" at rear of heal) as I walk down the stairs.

Tescos do some great padded trainer liner socks - which I find very comfortable- they've quite a lot of padding in the right place. They're so cheap you can chuck them after say 5 uses and buy new ones.
 
Hi gents, it's been a while since I've been out running regularly, I've done a few 3k runs now and again but nothing regular, however I've just signed up for the Prague 10k in September.

Do any of you know of a good training schedule that you can recommend for someone starting out?
 
Tripped over a damn rock today running, think I've sprained it!

Gutted, hope this doesn't take too long to heal am devastated!
 
Col_M said:
Hi gents, it's been a while since I've been out running regularly, I've done a few 3k runs now and again but nothing regular, however I've just signed up for the Prague 10k in September.

Do any of you know of a good training schedule that you can recommend for someone starting out?
Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of Hal Higdon's programs. http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10kintro.htm.

Edit: Saw Richie's link as I clicked post :p.
 
Richie said:
http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10kintro.htm

That should do you.
Click to expand...

platypus said:
I'm a big fan of Hal Higdon's programs. http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10kintro.htm.

Edit: Saw Richie's link as I clicked post :p.
Click to expand...
Cheers guys :)

Just a quick question though, I completely understand that the week before the event you can take it slightly easier so you're completely recovered. However how come you don't run the full race distance in training? surely that would give you a psychological benefit of knowing that you can complete it. Now I know you have to be careful not to overdo it and injure yourself but I've always been a fan of the saying "train hard, fight easy", or run easy in this case. Maybe it's more a case of not running the full distance until the event so you feel a sense of accomplishment?
 
I don't think I've ever run a race with a training plan that does the full run in one go. It's more about training pace and building mileage into your legs.
 
platypus said:
I don't think I've ever run a race with a training plan that does the full run in one go. It's more about training pace and building mileage into your legs.
Click to expand...

If you're talking beginners schedules or marathon schedules then agreed. But for something like a 10k I would expect to be running that distance and in fact over that distance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom