Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

platypus said:
If you haven't read this book, do so :).
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I've just finished the book now, it was a really good read, it's definitely changed my outlook :)

I fancy giving minimalist/barefoot running a try in the autumn, it sounds like a silver bullet cure for all ills and the arguments for it certainly make sense.
 
platypus said:
Well I hope this helps kick start at least a bit of interest in the subject. I'll update it as my experiences mature and move on, and I'll try to include more information as time progresses, I just thought I'd stick something up in the mean time.
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Thanks for that. :)

I started C25K about 4 months ago (in normal shoes) and even at almost 19st I am now up to running 6km 3 times a week, that's from a start point of not being able to run for more than a minute at a time.

I recently bought a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves, which as you'll know are a MR shoe with 3mm of sole and a 0mm heel/toe differential. I've done several 4km walks in these, and a 1.5km run. Even though I normally run forefoot (it was a concious effort to learn to run this way since day 1 starting C25K), it's hard going in MR shoes.

I think they're going to take a REALLY LONG time to adapt to, so I'll most likely mix them in on maximum of 10% of my runs. I'm undecided if MR is for me at the moment, though I'm 100% sure that forefoot running is the way to go. I imagine as I lose more weight, MR will get easier.

MR shoes certainly feel brilliant to run in though, even though my usual shoes are Nike Lunarglides so not exactly lead weights, these are really like wearing nothing at all. :)
 
Starting to get back into running again after a little gap. Have been struggling with various issues, but managed 4, 9 minute miles today. Will slowly add distance. Great to be running again, have missed it :)
 
I'm really struggling after my knee ligament injury a few months ago. Was out for 4 months and now im back i keep having to stop in the middle of a 5k because my shins hurt so much. I can play full games of football with no issues though which is strange.
 
I'm finding my average pace is FASTER if I'm doing interval training - than straight fast as I can throughout the whole race ...

last night I managed to average 4'45 pace for my 8km run - which is good for me-if I can keep that pace upfor another 2k - thats a sub 45min 10k - which would be a PB for me

when I do intervals I do 500m @ around 5 - 5'40 pace -then 500m flat out as fast as I can

thing is I can't seem to - no matter how much I train - go faster than 4 min kms

I've tried longer strides, shorter faster strides etc etc- just seems a barrier I can't get past
 
Hey guys I was wondering if you could provide me with some advice. I've got my first 10k race on the 6th but its the total warrior race so it's got an obstacle course in the middle and it's in the lake district.... but I've got to admit that's not my major concern. I currently suffer from quite bad chafing when running so I've tended to use some wonderful stuff called body glide. However this race has a few water obstacles in the middle which I do believe will wash off my beloved body glide. Any advice for other measure of anti chafing? (it's mainly my thighs that rub) I was thinking some lycra shorts may be?

All answers welcomed including funny ones... :D ta
 
man it up :) and take the chaffing pain as a sign that you've run hard the previous day :)

seriously though I had this for months and months and months - and yes its very painful - I could hardly walk sometimes - looked like a cowboy walking -but as I lost weight it completely went away

I tried all sorts of stuff and nothing helped :( sorry
 
Buckster said:
man it up :) and take the chaffing pain as a sign that you've run hard the previous day :)

seriously though I had this for months and months and months - and yes its very painful - I could hardly walk sometimes - looked like a cowboy walking -but as I lost weight it completely went away

I tried all sorts of stuff and nothing helped :( sorry
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I've always had big thighs though, even when I have been lower weights & thinner, I just seem to carry a lot of bulk around there. :(
 
Aero said:
I've always had big thighs though, even when I have been lower weights & thinner, I just seem to carry a lot of bulk around there. :(
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fair enough :( - I feel your pain then - mine used to look like I'd burn my skin off :(

there must be waterproof products out there -perhaps try Triatahon forums ?
 
me.jpg


Not the biggest of thighs, but it gives you an idea... :( if you look carefully you can even see hints of sunburn and tan :(
 
ah yeah - I take it back then - not the same problem I was having (I was way overweight) - you just work-out lol

I'd try like I said- triathlon forums or Ironman forums :)
 
So I've ended up with shin splits after a 100mile march :(

Its near enough impossible to run through it! Going to pop to the docs tomorrow, but any good stretches that may help battle through the pain?
 
Begbie said:
So I've ended up with shin splits after a 100mile march :(

Its near enough impossible to run through it! Going to pop to the docs tomorrow, but any good stretches that may help battle through the pain?
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You've done a 100 mile march, your shins ache and so you're going to the docs??

With respect are you surprised that they ache and what do you think they'll be able to do, wave a magic wand? More likely to say go take some ibuprofen.
 
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Good guide, thanks. I've been going out 'not very regularly' lately and running one or two km - you've given me a few good ideas for improving technique. I don't suppose having slightly webbed toes would make a difference in barefoot running? :p
 
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