Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

New to running here...probably should have read this thread before hand but have been doing a couple of runs a week for the last few weeks.
Did a few 5k runs and a few people said I had a good pace so unexpectedly did 10k Thursday night and then 10k again this morning at 43m41 according to Strava..quite enjoying it
 
Dreadi said:
New to running here...probably should have read this thread before hand but have been doing a couple of runs a week for the last few weeks.
Did a few 5k runs and a few people said I had a good pace so unexpectedly did 10k Thursday night and then 10k again this morning at 43m41 according to Strava..quite enjoying it
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Must be naturally really fit or you're into other sports :) Best i've managed in a 10k is something like 55 mins and i was busting a gut by the end. I've found as i've got older i struggle with speed work however one of my friends is mid 40's is just getting faster getting sub 40 10k so likely i just need to more dedicated.

I've dropped running right back at the moment, pretty much once or twice a week as i'm knackered doing a bunch of fencing and other DIY stuff so struggling with aches/pains/tiredness.
 
Haha yeah i was thinking that. Really impressive times, but i think it's certainly possible when carrying fitness from other sports. I saw a short video of someone mocking his mates running technique who ran something like a 38 minute 10k (he was a semi pro cyclist i think so huge fitness) and was saying it was proof that form doesn't have to be perfect to run fast
 
JustBen said:
I've dropped running right back at the moment, pretty much once or twice a week as i'm knackered doing a bunch of fencing and other DIY stuff so struggling with aches/pains/tiredness.
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DIY can be a good workout activity - don't get the usual run schedule when visiting relatives - but unexpected opportunity to do some tree pruning the other weekend
was a great upper body workout.

still not convinced by my saucony TR2's I'd never experienced very clear pronation characteristics of shoes before, as an ASICS client, but the saucony have a very
obvious inside foot longitudanal support versus outside edge, so consciously modified foot position to use that.
need some kind of gait analysis or device you put in shoe to detect foot attitude.
 
JustBen said:
Must be naturally really fit or you're into other sports :) Best i've managed in a 10k is something like 55 mins and i was busting a gut by the end. I've found as i've got older i struggle with speed work however one of my friends is mid 40's is just getting faster getting sub 40 10k so likely i just need to more dedicated.

I've dropped running right back at the moment, pretty much once or twice a week as i'm knackered doing a bunch of fencing and other DIY stuff so struggling with aches/pains/tiredness.
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Don't do any other sport at all...but I am a postman if that counts for anything :D although I have slowed down a lot over the last few years I did used to go as fast as I could years ago on delivery.

Just put another 10k in albeit slower tonight, something feels off in my lower left back, don't think I warmed/stretched enough either but still sub 47 mins which was alright.
 
Did my first half marathon at the weekend finished in 2:04 so well happy with that. My legs have finally stoped aching so will try an do an easy paced park run on saturday. Route was a 50/50 mix of road and trail. The trail was pretty uneven with some tight turns which did annoy my right knee which was a little concerning as its been fine all year with the training load. Running on the road was totally fine, i did set off a little too quick pace wise for the first 5 km but putting that down to the excitement of the event. Debating if i need to pay a visit to a physio as 14 years ago on my stag do i tore my acl on my right knee but its recovered and have been cycling since and i took up running again at the beginning of the year. I have managed to do the distance on a training run about 7 weeks ago without any issue other than feeling a little tired aftewards and my longer runs were about the 14-17km range.
 
Great first time effort, especially adding the complicated of trail. The uneven ground might've caused a bit of the knee issue, especially if you're not used to it. I'd try strengthening it with a bosu ball type thing and single leg balancing exercises.

I've started trying a few easy runs again. Did a bit last Friday which killed me since it was still 32C and my fitness is really poor, then today i focused on structure. 90 seconds walking and 60 seconds jogging on the way up, then reversed on the way down. Mainly because it was steep and didn't want to kill my HR, but then wanted to keep it easier on the way down instead of just letting go as my legs likely aren't used to that level of impact anymore

The route is amazing, pretty much straight from the front door, just heads onto a rocky fire road type track straight up the mountain then loops back and straight back down the other side of a valley type dip

www.strava.com

Lunch Trail Run | Strava

View Martyn Thompson's trailrun on 23 September 2025 | Strava
www.strava.com www.strava.com
 
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A disappointing (can’t believe I just wrote that) 42:16 in Glasgow yesterday. I just never really got going to be honest but I had ran a 34 and a 26 plus some recovery work in the preceding week so to be expected. Taper time now ahead of Amsterdam!
 
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Haha that training is going well to consider 42:16 a disappointment. Great to see.


I'm still getting out around once a week, twice if i can. Trying to not let it get in the way of the bike, but slowly getting some fitness back. Still lots of walking breaks, especially on hills but feeling a little better and enjoying being out. I'm not particularly rushing anything, just enjoying being back out on two feet in the mountains. Weather is cooling a bit now too so should help.
 
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I have been toying with the idea of trying a bit of a run again. Been doing spin and gym, so hopefully I might be able to do it whilst keeping my mind on my knee and not the breathing and so on. Probably try an easy(ish?) flat 3km to start with and we can see how it goes.
 
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Welcome back to running Martyn. You're in a hot and not so flat area and on the comeback tour so I wouldn't worry about walking. I've watched people walk for a few moments in steeper races only for them to pip me to ~20th place anyway. I wouldn't look down on it if it helps you to your goal.

I'm chasing a 10k PB at the end of the year (Ribble Valley 10k). Hoping for sub 40 (PB is ~43). After taking 20 mins off my Manchester Marathon PB this year I don't feel like it's a big ask.

I really need to start doing strength training through. It's where I'm failing compared to others now as my volume is about 25% up on last year so far so I can't fault that.

I'm also going back for a better go at the Lakeland 100 next year. Had a break this year but apparently I can't stay away. I did tell myself I was sticking to shorter stuff and aiming for speed before I revisit ultras but with the growing popularity and a tough ballot I figured I'd throw my name in just in case.
 
Dup said:
Welcome back to running Martyn. You're in a hot and not so flat area and on the comeback tour so I wouldn't worry about walking. I've watched people walk for a few moments in steeper races only for them to pip me to ~20th place anyway. I wouldn't look down on it if it helps you to your goal.

I'm chasing a 10k PB at the end of the year (Ribble Valley 10k). Hoping for sub 40 (PB is ~43). After taking 20 mins off my Manchester Marathon PB this year I don't feel like it's a big ask.

I really need to start doing strength training through. It's where I'm failing compared to others now as my volume is about 25% up on last year so far so I can't fault that.

I'm also going back for a better go at the Lakeland 100 next year. Had a break this year but apparently I can't stay away. I did tell myself I was sticking to shorter stuff and aiming for speed before I revisit ultras but with the growing popularity and a tough ballot I figured I'd throw my name in just in case.
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I went from 45:54 at the start of May during my HM training block to 41:26 a couple of weeks back during this block - turns out running more does help. Good luck with the PB attempt
 
Dup said:
Welcome back to running Martyn. You're in a hot and not so flat area and on the comeback tour so I wouldn't worry about walking. I've watched people walk for a few moments in steeper races only for them to pip me to ~20th place anyway. I wouldn't look down on it if it helps you to your goal.

I'm chasing a 10k PB at the end of the year (Ribble Valley 10k). Hoping for sub 40 (PB is ~43). After taking 20 mins off my Manchester Marathon PB this year I don't feel like it's a big ask.

I really need to start doing strength training through. It's where I'm failing compared to others now as my volume is about 25% up on last year so far so I can't fault that.

I'm also going back for a better go at the Lakeland 100 next year. Had a break this year but apparently I can't stay away. I did tell myself I was sticking to shorter stuff and aiming for speed before I revisit ultras but with the growing popularity and a tough ballot I figured I'd throw my name in just in case.
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Oh yeah. I was always a walker. Endurance wise i've always been able to keep going but stamina has always been low, even in my peak fitness and walking made up a decent chunk of events. As you say, some people look down on it, but i've listening to enough podcasts from people doing ultras where fast hiking hills is generally faster and requires less effort than people trying to run. Personally i'm just enjoying people out and if my foot limits me to <10km then so be it. Although it's behaving well so far.
Main focus needs to be cycling though to be ready for the Traka in May 26.

That makes sense on the PB goal, i've noticed some pretty rapid runs from you recently which was unexpected! I'm similar to you on strength. I'd got a decent habit building, but then moved house into another rental and my home gym setup got taken down due to space. I probably need to pick up a kettlebell and just do a bit of a circuit with that. Anything has to be better than nothing.

If you fancy an alternative to the Lakeland, i was always hoping this would be my first 100, although they've dropped it to 75 miles. The route would be incredible
beautifullybrutal.co.uk

The Classic 75 Miles 2026 - Beautifully Brutal

Midnight Fri 3rd July - Sun 5th July 2026
beautifullybrutal.co.uk
 
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Anyone able to recommend some alternative support trainers to the asics kayano ? I’ve upped my weekly distances through this year and am waiting to get a rotation going rather than just sticking with the kayano which is all I’ve known really for the last 10-15 years.

Maybe I’m best going to a running shop but I just feel they’ll steer me in the direction of whatever holds the best profit margin.
 
Goodie said:
Anyone able to recommend some alternative support trainers to the asics kayano ? I’ve upped my weekly distances through this year and am waiting to get a rotation going rather than just sticking with the kayano which is all I’ve known really for the last 10-15 years.

Maybe I’m best going to a running shop but I just feel they’ll steer me in the direction of whatever holds the best profit margin.
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I’ve had a few pairs of the saucony guides which have been pretty good. I’ve had the 10’s, 14’s and the 18’s.

Also got the asics fujitrabuc 6 gtx, new balance 1080v14 in the rotation as well

​

I have found my local runners need very helpful. Last time i went around February had a chat about my running load and where I run as what shoes I’ve had in the past and what I currently have.

They brought 4 different shoes to try on and work out what you like best. They offer a gait analysis but you usually have to book that in advanced.

Providing the shoes you got haven’t been run outside you can usually get a couple of treadmills runs at home or in a gym and take them back if you don’t get on with them.
 
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I changed from lifelong asics to saucony tr2 pwrrun+ sole unit,
very distinctive feel - haven't re-ripped my calf yet, maybe it's down to them,


jpaul said:
still not convinced by my saucony TR2's I'd never experienced very clear pronation characteristics of shoes before, as an ASICS client, but the saucony have a very
obvious inside foot longitudanal support versus outside edge, so consciously modified foot position to use that.
need some kind of gait analysis or device you put in shoe to detect foot attitude.
Click to expand...

I never run indoors, or outdoors on an even path, so for me you have to pony up on a new pair to really understand how they feel.
 
Shoeyuk said:
I’ve had a few pairs of the saucony guides which have been pretty good. I’ve had the 10’s, 14’s and the 18’s.

Also got the asics fujitrabuc 6 gtx, new balance 1080v14 in the rotation as well

​

I have found my local runners need very helpful. Last time i went around February had a chat about my running load and where I run as what shoes I’ve had in the past and what I currently have.

They brought 4 different shoes to try on and work out what you like best. They offer a gait analysis but you usually have to book that in advanced.

Providing the shoes you got haven’t been run outside you can usually get a couple of treadmills runs at home or in a gym and take them back if you don’t get on with them.
Click to expand...
Nice, thanks mate, I'll have a look into those that you've recommended. There is a running shop not to far from me that seems to get good reviews so perhaps I just need to bite the bullet and pay them a visit.
 
Goodie said:
Nice, thanks mate, I'll have a look into those that you've recommended. There is a running shop not to far from me that seems to get good reviews so perhaps I just need to bite the bullet and pay them a visit.
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Looking online it looks like the asics gel-kayano newer versions on the asics site shows its a netural show where the saucony guide is more of a support shoe. The new balance 1080v14 was classified as a neutral shoe. I only seem to use the asics fujitrabuc 6 gtx in the autum winter on the local parkrun when its been wet and muddy as they are covered in gortex and managed to run though deep puddles and have bone dry feet at the end.
 
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