Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

[platypus]

In a word? It's horrific. It used to be fantastic, then they updated the interface, and my god. It's slow, buggy, and navigating it is horrible in comparison to the old one. Don't get me wrong, the watches are good, but if you're a stat junkie like me they ruined one of the best features.

That said, if you just use Strava for example then no dramas. Basically I want a watch for ultras, and mountains. It came down to the Garmin Fenix 2 or the Ambit two and the Ambit seems to knock the socks off the Fenix.

 

[platypus]

Have you considered the new Forerunner 920XT? I have pre-ordered one, it should hopefully arrive within a couple of weeks. The battery life is claimed at 40 hours compared to 25 hours of the Ambit watches. On the downside, it's expensive. I will be selling my Forerunner 620 in order to recover some of the cost.

Hum it's certainly an option (now ), thanks! Would be interested to know how you find it.

 

[platypus]

Yeah let me know. I've had the ok for the A2 Sapphire, so its that kinda price range I'm looking at anyway, I wont be ordering until late October, but need it before november as its only then a month to my ultra, when I'd want to be 100% comfortable with my gps watch.

 

[platypus]

I'm not .

 

[platypus]

75, it's the overnight part that is going to be really challenging.

 

[platypus]

I've been running for ages, only took up long/ultra distance running when I broke my ankle ~4 years ago. I had to learn to run again, and the slower pace of ultras suited me.

 

[platypus]

I've only worn a cap with visor in a very rainy marathon to keep the rain out of my eyes. Otherwise it just traps more heat. For easy runs in the spring I sometimes where a cap to stop the sun but in the summer its just too hot and I try and head out before sunrise anyway

Use the visors without the cap, a la poker hats. They're brilliant in all weathers.

 

[platypus]

Also, just out of curiosity, since the thread is named after him @platypus do you still run?

I do .

Ultras mostly these days, the odd marathon. My next run is https://www.darkside.run/sunset-ultramarathon/.

 

[platypus]

Yeah, Ive done it before and am going with a friend who is a first time ultra-er, should be really enjoyable .

 

[platypus]

Hmm... That kind of thing is what could convince me to give an ultra a try. Its the hills that put me off

Not all of them have hills! =]

 

[platypus]

My lovely forerunner 645 battery is dead, and of course it’s not replaceable so I’m looking at options. I do not need all the features of the 955, and solar is definitely not worth the expense in the Uk, so I’m looking at the 255. They do a music option of course, does anyone use this? Is there seriously anyone that runs without their phone these days? I’m not allowed to for safety reasons . I just am not sure why Garmin music really exists.

Anyway that aside, do we have any happy 255 users? I appreciate they’ve been out 2 weeks…

 

[platypus]

The 255 does look great spec wise but what on earth are they thinking with the bezel? It’s ginormous!

I have to take my phone everywhere as my wife demands it so I just guess I’ll never need Music.

 

[platypus]

Good luck to everyone getting out today. That’s the warmest I’ve ran in so far this year!

Was a gorgeous day for a good training run, will taper down for my ultra now.



Pretty chuffed with it considering I didn’t feel like I was pushing it. It’s faster than I’ll run the Sunset at but, feel really good.

 

[platypus]

Anyone else doing the virtual Spine? Not going to pay the sorts of monies involved to do the official race, nor could I finish it , but I entered the virtual race with a friend which is the equivalent distance (268 miles), but over January rather than week the race gives you. Its an average of 10 miles a day, but since I can't run every day due to family commitments, I am having to get in what I can when I can, plus I've had this week off work .

Ironically, on day 6, I'm just about where my wife was born!

I expect to tail off with returning to work and I'm still not sure I can finish it - the time rather than the distance is what worries me.

 

[platypus]

That’d be a heck of an achievement. My best month was around 170 and that felt tough. Doesn’t help I’ve always been slow though!

I'm ticking over nicely, maintaining a good daily average at the moment. I passed the 100 mile mark yesterday .

Got my first run today in weeks. Man the increased weight and fitness loss has made a big impact

Good luck with it - take it slowly .

 

[platypus]

Going very well .

Just in town to check my eyesight .

 

[platypus]

All done:

not quite sure about the differing distances but I finished 3rd overall.

 

[platypus]

Amazing effort. Hilarious you questioned if you could complete it and then made it with 2 weeks to spare! 15 miles a day is some effort.

I don't really know what happened, legs felt great and kept getting stronger. I'm pushing on now for 400 miles this month .

 

[platypus]

What a gorgeous day for a run. I hope everyone got out today .

 

[platypus]

Weather here is always good



Yeah. Took the day off for time in lieu from year end.
Did 8 miles for the first time in as long as I can remember including around 2400ft ascent on some really technical stuff.
Sun was shining and it felt amazing. My foot held up and whilst fitness was lacking and I walked a lot I felt as happy as I’ve been in a long time.

Strava link with some photos

https://strava.app.link/ufjwzoLyGGb

I'm lucky in that I work optional Fridays - I was looking out of the window thinking "man it looks gorgeous out, wish I was running", so I did . Turned off the computer and threw my trainers on.

I hadn't actually looked at your location, that permanent? I am exceptionally jealous of where you are, and that run looks amazing. Wish I could do that every day! Congrats on the foot holding up, you must have felt incredible.