Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

Only 4k but today's muddy run was purely all mental because I sure as hell had nothing left in the legs after squats and deadlifts yesterday at the gym.

Also had my last meal at 7pm but still felt so full starting run at 8:30, I've happily ran 10k on empty stomach first thing before.

I'd still run first thing in the morning but I bloody start work at 8am which is too early for me as it is!
 
From my first 5k, I managed a 10k few weeks later bur honestly depends on what you're after. In my case I preferred shorter more frequent runs and just getting into good routine.
 
As I enjoy the park run I've done lots of 5ks and in training done loads of 10k runs and had a go at one 10k event. I think for me one reason I think I want to try longer distances now or go trail running is to get away from the pace aspect of 5/10k.. If you look at what is required to get training to a faster pace in 5k for example its a **** load of speed work (as expected) and for me I find myself getting more small injuries and also from a mental point of view stress about timing. When you look at marathon distance most people I suspect have a main goal of completing it and enjoying the event which sounds more fun.
*quick edit - some people enjoy park run 5ks and do them similar pace each week, no need to improve if you just want to run. I'm just competitive with myself at this distance

For those who have access to unidays you can get some nice discount at Garmin., fenix 7 x solar edition is 500 n something. Looks great battery life and is around 160 of retail. I'll have to wait until next pay day as Ive spent to much this time around
 
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Buddy said:
To add to above there's also blue card discounts up to 20% off.
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Shall have a look as my partner has a blue card, i like the idea of directions on the watch and long battery so probs get the fenix x solar. Nipped out yesterday for a run, first since last weekends 10k . Did just under 10 miles and was really enjoyable, mixture of pace and gradients.
Its nuts how legs feel after running at different pace, after 10k of putting effort in the whole way around (mostly under 9 min mile) my thighs were tender and achy for a few days. Yesterday 10 nearly (9.6) was a doddle at a around 11 min miles i only came back when i did as the mrs wanted to go out so i needed to look after the kids, i woke up this morning and the legs are soo fresh. Could do the same today.

I have got a copy of Hal Higdons 50k plan and amended it to suit and to a year by duplicating the weeks and moving some days around. I like the idea of back to back running days to get used to running on tired legs. So first week is 5miles at race pace then 10 miles easy the next day, by week 20 you're doing 10 miles run and then the next day 20 miles. There's a few marathon distance runs in the plan and also some runs or 4 or 5 hours which i'd say is around marathon at my current easy pace.

Things i need to figure out at the moment is nutrition - i have some SIS gels but they're minging so going to try torq gels and electrolyte drinks
My Salomon vest i can feel on my arm pit so contacted them for advise, its the right size going of their guide and fits fine across the chest. it might be the brand and i just need to try something roomy around there. I think the 5litre should be enough for mandatory kit.

I need to make sure one of the long runs is on trail even if its every 2 weeks. We have the hoad near me which we can run up so might use that. (https://www.britainexpress.com/coun...elatively steep,minutes to reach the Monument.) A colleague is an ultrarunner and is undertaking courses so he can be a qualified coach so may see if he can help with the trail aspect.
 
@JustBen I'd recommend the epix sapphire gen 2. It's got everything the fenix 7 has plus a bright amoled display. I was able to get it for £649 new from an online retailer after a code.
 
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Buddy said:
@JustBen I'd recommend the epix sapphire gen 2. It's got everything the fenix 7 has plus a bright amoled display. I was able to get it for £649 new from an online retailer after a code.
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Epix can be had for £615, i think the battery that the fenix x sapphire battery life does it for me. Barely have to charge it and allows me to not worry about music killing the battery.
 
Minusorange said:
What are you supposed to do when you complete 5k ? Double to 10k or aim for 5k in half the time ? I hate it but I figure if there's a goal to aim for, it's not as terrible
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Entirely your choice really. Some people enjoy just doing a 5k a few times a week without any requirement to improve. Others progress to longer distances and others challenge themselves to be faster.

I’d suggest if you don’t enjoy it though to find something you do enjoy. Life’s too short.

JustBen said:
Epix can be had for £615, i think the battery that the fenix x sapphire battery life does it for me. Barely have to charge it and allows me to not worry about music killing the battery.
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I don’t think the battery is too big a difference. Although that may be as I was looking at the 51mm Epix Pro and the 7X pro and they’re bother not that different which was a surprise.

I guess the standard Epix doesn’t have the size for the bigger battery though.
 
JustBen said:
What aspect of going outside is it? If its people / traffic get out early it's peaceful or go off the beaten track

Guy i work with did the lakeland 50, 9hr 50 mins. Insane what some people are able to do.
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Other option is something like an indoor bike with Zwift or a rowing machine. Although I believe being out is hugely beneficial for mental health.

That’s a cracking time.
 
Also. Unlucky @Dup went to check on you but saw you’d called it.

I’d actually been thinking in the day conditions were ideal weather wise down here in Preston but then saw a few people I know had retired. Including one who won the good for age category in the 50 last year and trained hard for the 100.
 
Rained a lot so couldn't resist and went for a 5k walk in the new Inov-8 X-Talon 212 V2 trainers I got, even ran a few km.

Never really used an off road shoe like that before and grip in the mud is very good but on a deadly side on certain surfaces. Sized up to 12 and fit ok, although still wish we're a touch wider.
 
I had a quick look and they don't look "too" agressive, but maybe the picture was bad.

I need to order some trainers. I'm leaving Vitality soon so need to stock up on the cheap trainers whilst i can and my policy renews today to allow me to buy this years allowance.


My goals of beating previous monthly bests was a bit of a damp squib. I just beat my running total of 48 miles which around 52 miles which is my first month over 50, however i was expecting to hit much higher totals for that. On the bike i did 75 miles which was well below the 170 i needed.
The weather being a washout ruined the cycling and i don't really know what the issue was with running. Just seems like motivation is failing because of my foot.
 
I have given up until after holidays etc. I would like to think that am going to give it a much better go in Sept, but if you keep posting photos of Spain, then I might just have to take up comfort eating as my sport of choice!
 
Ian_Eb said:
I have given up until after holidays etc. I would like to think that am going to give it a much better go in Sept, but if you keep posting photos of Spain, then I might just have to take up comfort eating as my sport of choice!
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Well i'm not there till the 3rd October so you can have all of September to get some consistency going!
 
I think this IT band issue is going to take me much longer than anticipated. 2 weeks so far.

Think I'll leave running now for another 2 weeks frustratingly. Going to tone down the various rehab/strength regimes as well - maybe I'm overdoing that and it's irritating it.
 
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