Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

Pretty poor week for me last week. With only hitting around 16 miles. Been smashing out various DIY jobs and never really got time for a long run, and then my planned 15 miles on Sunday was ruined by feeling like crap.

I posted ages ago about having a bad reaction to white sliced bread, but i think that was a wrong diagnosis, when i had that it was as part of a bacon, sausage and egg meal which is all something i eat more often with no ill effects, so assumed it was the bread. However Saturday i had bacon and poached egg on crumpet for breakfast and then went out and had a Chicken and Pork gyro from a greek deli, however it was easily enough to feed 2 people, and a few hours later was in the same weird stomach pain.

I'm now thinking it's some kind of issue with large quantities of processed/fatty meat. For the breakfast i'd had 5 rashers of quite thick bacon as it had been frozen in a big pack and i convinced myself it needed eating, then the gyro was made using the greek kebab style meat where it's all compressed into a donner style rotating thing, so again unlikely to be lean meat.

As such yesterday i managed an uncomfortable 5 miles but couldn't have done much more. Still not quite feeling right today and the weather seems to have changed massively which is annoying!
 
Martynt74 said:
@Dup Free run if you fancy it

https://bookitzone.com/CBRaces/81jF...UEmJw7A0Ph-VPN0Y05GrS3gNZPb3M_qZyf_cC1buYAJnw

Bit annoying starting at 1pm as it interrupts the whole day, but can't argue with free :D
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Cheers for the heads up, I think I'll get myself signed up. My neck of the woods so no reason not to. Short enough to push it all the way round too. Where did you find this?

Manchester yesterday was brutal after the first 2/3, legs are dead today. Had some health issues and time issues which has made my usual training hard. Doesn't help I have zero structure and don't pay too much attention to nutrition. Something I need to get on with ASAP for Lakeland!
 
Dup said:
Cheers for the heads up, I think I'll get myself signed up. My neck of the woods so no reason not to. Short enough to push it all the way round too. Where did you find this?

Manchester yesterday was brutal after the first 2/3, legs are dead today. Had some health issues and time issues which has made my usual training hard. Doesn't help I have zero structure and don't pay too much attention to nutrition. Something I need to get on with ASAP for Lakeland!
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Yeah, not too far for me either, it was shared on a local running facebook group. Unsure why it's free but not complaining!

A mate was trying to get me to take his dads Manchester place, but i just didn't real i had it in me to do it well, and whilst i'm sure i could've got round, given the cost of it i would've wanted to get a reasonable time.

Haha i was wondering about your Lakeland effort as hadn't seen much on Strava from you! You were hoping to get in under the 14hr point this time weren't you? Give me a shout in May if you want me to pretend to be called Dan :p
 
What trainers do you guys wear for quick 5 and 10k runs? I've been wearing a pair of Altra Vihos and absolutely love them, but they've been discontinued. They have an OK amount of cushioning (26mm stack), but are very much on the firm side, and zero drop.

So I'm looking for something similar, and preferably with a reasonably wide toe box.

I've had a couple of pairs of Hokas in the past and find them too spongy for short/quick runs (love them for a longer run), and have also had a pair of Altra Torins previously which I didn't get on with, and Escalantes which I loved but which ripped after 4 months. But nothing in Altra's lineup particularly stands out to me now. Any other suggestions? Apparently some of New Balance's more minimal shoes are very good, and I've been out of the loop on Inov8 for a while but would be open to trying them again.
 
Which Torins did you try?

Run repeat (I think) do good reviews on trainers and often compare to previous models.

I’d have thought for anything fast you’d want carbon plates although it’s not something that particularly bothers me.

With wanting minimal drop you are fairly limited as everyone is moving towards big stacks it seems.
 
Martynt74 said:
Which Torins did you try?

Run repeat (I think) do good reviews on trainers and often compare to previous models.

I’d have thought for anything fast you’d want carbon plates although it’s not something that particularly bothers me.

With wanting minimal drop you are fairly limited as everyone is moving towards big stacks it seems.
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It was the Torin 4 (not the plush one). It had a bizarre plastic bit which wrapped around your feet to lock them in, but as my feet are wide it bruised them really badly. And I just didn't feel like I got anything from the midsole.

To be fair the new Torins look much better. And the Riveras look interesting
 
Ah, i have the Torin 5's and find them fairly comfortable, the only complaint is that the tongue is quite a stiff plastic which can dig into the front of my ankle, although i find that happens more when walking/sitting and doesn't become an issue when running. They're the only Altra shoes i've tried but will definitely look at them again.

I guess if you want fast them maybe consider these, just depends if you want to spend the cash!
https://www.runnersneed.com/p/altra-mens-vanish-carbon-C22AGA0044.html?colour=4525&rrec=true
 
I'm yet to find one. I find my trail shoes (Saucony Peregrine 10s) the most comfortable, even after 500 miles of awful conditions.

My road shoes are Nike Pegasus Zoom 38, my first properly cushioned shoe after 1000s of miles in Nike Free style shoes. They feel no more cushioned or comfortable for me and even though I've just passed 250 miles in them they still rub a little where I haven't had before.


Martynt74 said:
Yeah, not too far for me either, it was shared on a local running facebook group. Unsure why it's free but not complaining!

A mate was trying to get me to take his dads Manchester place, but i just didn't real i had it in me to do it well, and whilst i'm sure i could've got round, given the cost of it i would've wanted to get a reasonable time.

Haha i was wondering about your Lakeland effort as hadn't seen much on Strava from you! You were hoping to get in under the 14hr point this time weren't you? Give me a shout in May if you want me to pretend to be called Dan :p
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I signed up, too close to home not to. Manually timed but looked up the organiser and it seems he's done a few similar cheaper events. Seems to be sponsored so assume it'll be decent. I know the area so I won't get lost anyway :D

Yeah, October I had cramp and fell over and dragged myself to the finish, this time I knew I was gonna be slow so aimed for 3:45. At 18.5 miles I was feeling absolutely fine then I had a sudden feeling like I was gonna faint completely out of the blue. It lasted a couple seconds and then went, heart rate was only 150, butby stopping I noticed my legs were like concrete so from there I was slowed right now and occassionally had to stride out a walk then carry on. Another guy was doing similar so for the last couple miles we decided to push it to the end. My lungs could have done it 3 times over, my legs just not done enough long miles.

I really need a plan and to learn about nutrition but it's annoying. I just want someone to tell me what to eat and to not suck :D

Plenty of time for Lakeland mind you, got Ullswater 20 in June then I plan to hit the Yorkshire Three peaks a couple times after that to cover a marathon distance. I'll just do as many hills as I can in my normal runs otherwise as this is what I didn't factor in last year until it was too late.
 
Dup said:
I'm yet to find one. I find my trail shoes (Saucony Peregrine 10s) the most comfortable, even after 500 miles of awful conditions.

My road shoes are Nike Pegasus Zoom 38, my first properly cushioned shoe after 1000s of miles in Nike Free style shoes. They feel no more cushioned or comfortable for me and even though I've just passed 250 miles in them they still rub a little where I haven't had before.
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Yeah, I still go out in my Inov8 park claw on the roads from time to time and really enjoy them.
 
Dup said:
I'm yet to find one. I find my trail shoes (Saucony Peregrine 10s) the most comfortable, even after 500 miles of awful conditions.

My road shoes are Nike Pegasus Zoom 38, my first properly cushioned shoe after 1000s of miles in Nike Free style shoes. They feel no more cushioned or comfortable for me and even though I've just passed 250 miles in them they still rub a little where I haven't had before.




I signed up, too close to home not to. Manually timed but looked up the organiser and it seems he's done a few similar cheaper events. Seems to be sponsored so assume it'll be decent. I know the area so I won't get lost anyway :D

Yeah, October I had cramp and fell over and dragged myself to the finish, this time I knew I was gonna be slow so aimed for 3:45. At 18.5 miles I was feeling absolutely fine then I had a sudden feeling like I was gonna faint completely out of the blue. It lasted a couple seconds and then went, heart rate was only 150, butby stopping I noticed my legs were like concrete so from there I was slowed right now and occassionally had to stride out a walk then carry on. Another guy was doing similar so for the last couple miles we decided to push it to the end. My lungs could have done it 3 times over, my legs just not done enough long miles.

I really need a plan and to learn about nutrition but it's annoying. I just want someone to tell me what to eat and to not suck :D

Plenty of time for Lakeland mind you, got Ullswater 20 in June then I plan to hit the Yorkshire Three peaks a couple times after that to cover a marathon distance. I'll just do as many hills as I can in my normal runs otherwise as this is what I didn't factor in last year until it was too late.
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Just wait till you try the Peregrine 12's, they're brilliant :D So lightweight it even makes me feel lightfooted! Only concern is durability for me, but given i change around 300 miles it's less of an issue than someone like you.


It's a weird one, as you say it's sponsored by New Balance, yet if i try and google New Balance trail race, absolutely nothing comes up!

Shame about Manchester. I definitely find my legs my weak spot. Am hoping that my recently found enthusiasm for gym work and cycling this morning can continue and increase that side for me. In Spain it was the steep climbs which killed my legs so improving strength there will make a huge difference.


I was eyeing up Ullswater, but with Howgills 2 weeks earlier i decided against it. Would like something between June and October though. Might do the Lakeland 5 Passes ultra at the end of June as it's a reasonably priced event. Maybe a good option for you given it's in the Lakes with a huge amount of ascent, although maybe too much only a month before Lakeland, depending on how much you put into it.
 
You could try looking at the new Timp 4 perhaps, I have the Torin 4 so know what you mean, people do say the Timp is a bit lackluster.
There is some kind of tempo shoe coming out, that'll be worth a look I reckon.
Trouble is Altra shoes aren't all that fast, bar the new carbon plated one.
I do love my Takumi Sen 8, but it's a marmite shoe that divides opinions. But I'm pretty quick in the things, did the Bideford half but legs did get a hammering for it
Puma liberate nitro, now that would be a good one for you to look at, light fast and fun to run in.

Edit - wide fit yeah I'd avoid the Takumi, ok then how about umm new balance rebel v2, those are pretty darn quick and comfy, and iirc they have a wide fit option.
I get a feeling you'll love those, just longevity isn't all that great in them.
 
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Still not running, physio department at work got hit by COVID so have only limited appointments and me having a desk job puts me on the bottom of the list in terms of priority.

Speak of the devil, it also finally got me a few weeks ago. Was never in any danger of dying but did hit relatively hard, but worst of all started getting all these "long COVID" symptoms after.

Forced myself for a run yesterday and finished a 5K just 2 seconds shy of 30 minute mark which isn't great and that was me pushing with all I had, really struggled. Had a pretty bad head after, didn't hurt per se but just a heavy feeling at the back of my head, maybe that "brain fog" people talk about after recovering from the virus.

Ankle not great today but still feels good enough to try another run tomorrow, really need to get grips with the fitness side of things, used it as an excuse to have a bad diet on top so really piled that weight on.

Needless to say I'm not even attempting the 5K run in Lake District this May but hopefully can soon start properly training for September events and beyond.
 
Long covid does indeed suck, I spent several months having little to no energy.
Back to normal now, but took a while to fully get the bugger out me system.

Don't hammer yourself, it'll only put you off when you stop enjoying it.
I'm nipping out for a double tonight, partly as next week looks grim, plus there's someone on Strava who thinks they're clever getting 11k up on my 93k this week, she's about to be in for a shock :D

Other than that things are good, sorted the gear it or near as, got my ultra coming up in three weeks time and training is going good.
I'm not much slower with the pack on, got the weight down as low as I could.
 
Did the Zurich marathon this morning, forst marathon since May 2018 due to injury and then Covid.

i had a very long training cycle, over 6 months. But i couldn't find the fitness i had in previous years. It was good, but just couldn't get in to that sweet spot where i could get massive training weeks and still feel ok, and get that feeling of improving fitness. No injuries, no sickness, things just seemed to plateau, and changing training regimes seemed to make no difference. No opportunity for a tune up races, but i dod get in a good LR with 14 miles at about 6:35 a miles so set that as a goal.


Within 5km it was clear that 6:35 was too much, so settled on keeping under 6:40. This was a battle and i way extremely worried about hitting the wall. But i held on, pretty much perfect pacing. Last 2 miles were the fastest. 20s positive split but 2nd had a couple of hills which cost about 20s.


End time was 2:56:09. Decent enough and a tiny PR. The last few years i am sure i could get under 2:52 , now i feelnlike i am fighting age a little (40).

Also, not saying i will never run a marathon again,but thede things are just bot fun. They really hurt, you can't really relax Constant focus, always fighting I way prefer ultras, the place is usually enjoyable, you can stop and enjoy the view to catch your breath. You appreciate the journey. Marathons you sre are just praying you finish without walking
 
Speaking of Ultras, I just happened to be hiking in Lake District on the same path as people doing the SILVA Northern Traverse, 300km race from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. I honestly don't understand how anyone can be this fit, I'll be happy if I ever do a 10k somewhere on a mountain :D
 
hehehei am signed up for the SwissPeaks 360km again.


Honestly, fitness is a relatively small part. i dont train any harder for a 360km with 30,000m of climbing, thsb i do for a marathon. And plenty of people complete these races with half the training i do.

It sounds cliché,but it is largely mental. Not just fortitude, but handling yourself in difficult situation, or managingthe suffering, being preventive in escalating issies or changing circumstances - this can be as simple as knowing to stop below the summit and putting on extra layers knowing it is cold and windy up top and you won't generate much heat going down the otherside .

I have seen people in their 70s who only run 3mi a week suceed, people who have never rsn but are comfortable in the mountains at night push on through, and yet people who average 100mpw give up very early on. strength is not just speed.


I really reccomend ultras, even if you think the concept of running 50k-200km -350km just deems utterly insane now. The fitness barrier is a lot lower than you think. But ypu have hsve to enjoy a sufferfest, mentsl battles, tactics, a roller coaster of emotional well-being.
 
I had a pretty full on week last week with a 10km on Sunday then 7km on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to finish on a 38km week which I'm pretty pleased with. Just noticed as well that I've broken the tracked 1000km mark since 1st September 2021 when I bought the Garmin. Again pretty pleased but I'll be needing new shoes again soon at this rate.

My pace still sucks but I've just put that down to being 49 this year :p
 
Yeah you have to be pretty stubborn to do an ultra, but as said it's a mindset thing, plus I'll be bringing some modafinil should I get the urge to quit early on.
Well i did the run, not only did I jump 8km ahead of that smug lass, but smashed my previous 6km tempo with a 27.39, I'm quicker on tarmac as this is always a trail run, but it's local so meh what can you do.
So that's 109.3km done tonight, won't be repeating it for a while as I've been on holiday this week.

I don't think my body is best pleased with me.....

@LOAM I'm 48 ;)
 
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