Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

waterproof socks are a must i presume?

I've seen a few people recommend them recently, but it's not something i've considered as in my head if any water gets in then it's trapped in the sock and can't drain out. I imagine it'd be more important to have a few changes of socks.

Although it's why i'd prefer to look for something in Spain in the cooler winter months. Still generally dry but not too hot. It's a shame some of the more well known races are so bloody hard to get into, especially for people like me that're slow.
 
I have Sealskinz for MTB and they have these weirs rubbery cuff seals that (a) stop them from falling down and (b) stop water getting in. Not sure how they would be during a run, but maybe there is a thinner version for that kind of thing.
 
I've seen a few people recommend them recently, but it's not something i've considered as in my head if any water gets in then it's trapped in the sock and can't drain out. I imagine it'd be more important to have a few changes of socks.

Although it's why i'd prefer to look for something in Spain in the cooler winter months. Still generally dry but not too hot. It's a shame some of the more well known races are so bloody hard to get into, especially for people like me that're slow.


yes, avoid waterproof socks. Just have to take changes of socks with you, both bin your folloer bsg snd even on person.


when i did my 320km i saw a few people with sock attached to their running pack with clothes pegs Basically every few hours they change socks and dry out their 2pair.



I have no issues until day 4 when it warmed up a little. Wasn't tjat hor but enough to get damp sweaty feet. Then the whole sole of my foor when soft and rubbery, all swollen. Wasn't pleasant and hurt, took a couple of months to heal.


Their are loads of races and i think the smaller ones are best in general. They can be hard to find, often no English and no attempt at SEO so you almost need to be told about these races.
 
I have Sealskinz for MTB and they have these weirs rubbery cuff seals that (a) stop them from falling down and (b) stop water getting in. Not sure how they would be during a run, but maybe there is a thinner version for that kind of thing.

The problem is running you will sweat in the socks, so you have to have something very breathable.
 
Their are loads of races and i think the smaller ones are best in general. They can be hard to find, often no English and no attempt at SEO so you almost need to be told about these races.

Might try and spend a bit of time researching. It'd certainly be more enjoyable than a 100miler in the UK, where it's likely to be raining!

Although this one is tempting me, fully sign posted too which is a bonus for someone like me, plus i saw an interview with the organiser who said he'd never consider increasing entries because he believes it makes a better event for people to run for miles without seeing anyone.

https://www.centurionrunning.com/races/south-downs-way-100-2021
 
I wouldu worry too much about rain. Rain showers and cold tend to be much better than hot sun. Of course running 48hours in incessant rain is a real downer, but cool blustery showers is pretty good.
 
Yeah, that's why i'm thinking winter months.

I don't mind running in the rain, i live in the UK, i'd be shafted if i did, but it's so much more enjoyable on a nice crisp wintery day and the chance of getting one of those days in the UK is so unreliable. Whereas running in Spain/France would give more reliable weather and it'd be great to get a chance of scenery over such a big distance.

http://ultratrailelrincon.es/

This looks great and is near to my parents place in Spain. It's a lot of ascent though.
 
Not sure if it was sensible or not.
Yesterday my legs were still a little tired from Saturdays run.

Went for a nice easy run in my dinner as didn’t think my daughter would want to go out. Turns out she did so did another 3 miles with her which to be fair is done at a very nice slow recovery pace.

Today still felt a little stiff but finished work and did 15.5 miles. Figure it’s good practice to do some longer runs on slightly tired legs as long as I don’t push it too much to cause injury.

Think trying to aim for 2 longer runs a week will be better long term than just the one at the weekend with short 4-5 mile runs in the week. Closer I can start getting to 40-50 miles a week on a regular basis the better.
 
Me again!

During last nights run, i considered the idea of trying to do a marathon on Sunday around a local playing field. It's around 450m in length, so would take around 90 laps. A big part i need to improve on is mental strength during some runs and i wonder if attempting something like this might help to build up that mental fortitude.

90 laps feels do-able :p
 
Lol... A mate of mine did an everesting thing on the bike back in lockdown. He did say that it was a really big mental challenge doing the same hill, 100 times. That was probably the hardest part from his description.
 
Ran down to Halfords last night, as I needed to take something back and order a replacement, it's about 3k. Went the long way back and felt 'okay', so kept extending it until I got to just over 10k. Not at any fast pace (like, 1:10 perhaps), but glad my knee doesn't feel too bad this morning. Jogged to the gym (1.5k) with no issues.
 
And I'm done. Finished the Lejog challenge today :) Not that it maters as such, though it apparently does to me, places 294th out of about 3800 odd participants, but it's not all runners as there's plenty of folk walking it off over the year they give you to do it in.

Took 146 days and 104 runs to do the 874 miles. During that time I did my first marathon distance and got my 2nd fastest 1/2 in a virtual event. It really did help keep me moving when no "live" races are really happening. Very much looking forward to winding the miles down a touch though over the winter, but need to make sure I don't completely drop off and lose the hard work I've put in over the last 9 months where I've brought myself back to near my previous peak.
 
Threw a 10k in today as looked and last one I did was almost 3 months ago :eek:

On the underdressed side for the cold so took a good 10 minutes for the body to get warm and was very muddy so some sliding involved. Got it under an hour so not bad result in the end.
 
Woohoo, got my 5k under 25 minutes. It is something i managed a while back, but that was down a hill with around -400ft of descent so it never really counted in my head. Wasn't really aiming for it, just felt like increasing the pace a little after a lot of slower runs recently.


My dads decided to sell his car, he lives over in Spain and so it gets very little use and i've been suggesting for a while that he gets rid and just hires something during the few times he's back over here.

Obviously i can drive home, so i've created a route to head over to my sisters to pick up the keys

https://www.strava.com/routes/2771429475502958492

Going to ask a few people who're local to see if there's any tweaks i should add in, but ultimately i'm really happy with the Strava route planner tool. It's well worth the subscription fee.

I know it's just under 20 miles and most people would adjust to get over that, but there's a few more miles after than to run to where the car is so it's not an issue :p
 
Well, I have apparently got some early signs of osteoarthritis in my foot. Not quite sure if that answers my questions yet, but the doctor says that I can run etc. as there are no bone/joint issues.

Will have to see how far things have lapsed in the last 20 years off (it feels like it anyway)
 
It's obviously not been a particularly good year for people entering races, but after several years of barely running at all, it's been a great year for me getting back into running.

I've not even tried to set any decent times all year, but I am on target to complete 2020km in 2020 (completely arbitrary goal). Really enjoying just being back running and able to head out for the occasional 3hr+ run in the hills when time allows.

How's everyone else's year been?
 
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