The Running Thread (formerly How fast can you run a 5k?)

[SecretPro]

54 minutes ago, Scotch said:

Thanks mate. Very much appreciated. I always planned to get out on the street at some point, I just wanted to make sure I could last a decent amount of time first so I don't end up walking after two minutes. That's why I've been putting in 20 minutes hard graft on the treadmill every day for the last 2 weeks. I don't plan on staying in the Harry Potter cupboard forever. 

When I started back running I was 11st and thought I was reasonably fit - I wasn't, I was blowing out of my arse on a lap around the block and was walking within a few minutes. It's part and parcel and we've all been there. I think even the reasonably fit people taking up running forget how difficult running actually is when they lace the shoes up for the first time. 

 

In a similar state a couple of years ago I was asked to cover for an indoor 5-aside one week (having not played any football for a good few years), I thought yeah, no probs, see you at 7. I was literally ready to throw up after about 5 minutes, felt seriously done in and on the verge of a heart attack, I spent the next 50 minutes in goal, out of choice. 

 

We've all been there. Props to you for getting cracking and putting the effort and dedication in. One thing I will say is don't do so much treadmill that it kills your running spirit before you get a chance to run outside because running outdoors, no matter the fitness level, is infinitely more enjoyable in my book. Mentality more than anything running outside has been a gift for me, even on those runs where I get 5 minutes in and think '**** this, I'm blowing, I'm hating every second' once I've finished I always feel glad I bothered to get it done and feel better for doing it. 

 

Edit: if you are self conscious, go out running in the dark. I run early mornings in the dark and the only other people I see are runners and dog walkers. At night I guess it's more busy out but you'll probably find people tend to keep their eyes on the pavement at night. 

 

Alternatively, when my missus went through a running phase she was worried about running around the local area because she didn't want anybody she knew seeing her huffing and puffing, so we'd drive out to some quite country lanes and gated roads in Peatling and there was rarely anybody about - added bonus was enjoying nature and fresh air at the same time. 

Edited 7 November 2024 by SecretPro

[Scotch]

11 minutes ago, SecretPro said:

 

We've all been there. Props to you for getting cracking and putting the effort and dedication in. One thing I will say is don't do so much treadmill that it kills your running spirit before you get a chance to run outside because running outdoors, no matter the fitness level, is infinitely more enjoyable in my book. Mentality more than anything running outside has been a gift for me, even on those runs where I get 5 minutes in and think '**** this, I'm blowing, I'm hating every second' once I've finished I always feel glad I bothered to get it done and feel better for doing it. 

 

I'm not there yet. Quite the opposite. I really love and look forward to my 20 miles on the treadmill just now. I push myself hard but I know once I've cooled down and gone in a shower, I'll feel great. I also like closing the cupboard door and putting the heat on, the sweating is cathartic although lack of air admittedly is probably not a bright idea. 

[Scotch]

32 minutes ago, Sly said:

I echo this @Scotch

 

I’m in my 40s and when I started running during Covid I was 18 stone. 
 

A decent pair of shoes, some good headphones and Spotify were the only three things I needed. That and a will to get out of the door. As that’s the hardest part. 
 

I managed to drop to 14 stone from just doing couch to 5k. I’m not quick, more so due to the fact everything I’ve broken playing sport hurts when I run. 

 

I found myself doing what I perceived to be major milestones when I restarted.

 

First 5 minute run, 10 minutes, 20

minutes etc. the first 5k was brilliant. I then got into chasing the time down once I’d finished. My first 5k was 40 minutes from memory!
 

For me, it was always about getting the steps in, to burn the calories, to drop the weight. 
 

…… I also cut out chocolate and a few other things (which helped) 
 

 

 

That was step one. First two weeks I cut out snacks and fizzy drinks (except a Friday, I'll have a treat but nothing crazy), I kept my meals pretty much the same (I'm a massive fan of veg so most meals are predominantly veg anyway) but cut my potion sizes, stopped eating after 7pm and don't eat again till 12 the next day (I'm not a breakfast guy) so unintentionally fast and massively upped my water intake. After two weeks I added the running. 

 

I'm a month in and have dropped 1.2 stone so I'm pretty happy with that. It definitely motivates me to keep going. 

[Sly]

5 hours ago, SecretPro said:

When I started back running I was 11st and thought I was reasonably fit - I wasn't, I was blowing out of my arse on a lap around the block and was walking within a few minutes. It's part and parcel and we've all been there. I think even the reasonably fit people taking up running forget how difficult running actually is when they lace the shoes up for the first time. 

 

In a similar state a couple of years ago I was asked to cover for an indoor 5-aside one week (having not played any football for a good few years), I thought yeah, no probs, see you at 7. I was literally ready to throw up after about 5 minutes, felt seriously done in and on the verge of a heart attack, I spent the next 50 minutes in goal, out of choice. 

 

We've all been there. Props to you for getting cracking and putting the effort and dedication in. One thing I will say is don't do so much treadmill that it kills your running spirit before you get a chance to run outside because running outdoors, no matter the fitness level, is infinitely more enjoyable in my book. Mentality more than anything running outside has been a gift for me, even on those runs where I get 5 minutes in and think '**** this, I'm blowing, I'm hating every second' once I've finished I always feel glad I bothered to get it done and feel better for doing it. 

 

Edit: if you are self conscious, go out running in the dark. I run early mornings in the dark and the only other people I see are runners and dog walkers. At night I guess it's more busy out but you'll probably find people tend to keep their eyes on the pavement at night. 

 

Alternatively, when my missus went through a running phase she was worried about running around the local area because she didn't want anybody she knew seeing her huffing and puffing, so we'd drive out to some quite country lanes and gated roads in Peatling and there was rarely anybody about - added bonus was enjoying nature and fresh air at the same time. 

Great suggestion about running in the dark. 
 

This is how I started! 

[CosbehFox]

I know I’m the parkrun rep here but that’s not a bad place either to start public running. Free event with a whole variety of ability and everyone is supportive. You most certainly won’t be last from what you’ve said too 

Edited 8 November 2024 by CosbehFox

[Guest Lako42]

9 hours ago, Scotch said:

 I also like closing the cupboard door and putting the heat on, the sweating is cathartic although lack of air admittedly is probably not a bright idea. 

This sounds horrific  

[waddadamadda]

On 07/11/2024 at 09:22, SecretPro said:

Anybody ever ran the Rutland Spring Half and if so, how lumpy is it?

I think it’s the same route as the September one and it’s as boring as f**k. The worst part was running past the finish, down a hill, then around and back up the same hill to the finish.

 

[SecretPro]

34 minutes ago, waddadamadda said:

I think it’s the same route as the September one and it’s as boring as f**k. The worst part was running past the finish, down a hill, then around and back up the same hill to the finish.

 

I'll sack that off then

[Unabomber]

12 hours ago, CosbehFox said:

I know I’m the parkrun rep here but that’s not a bad place either to start public running. Free event with a whole variety of ability and everyone is supportive. You most certainly won’t be last from what you’ve said too 

He’d prob be first 

[SecretPro]

After an off week last week I've managed another Parkrun PB this morning of 24:11 which is very satisfying! Temperature was perfect for me this morning.

[Chelmofox]

7 hours ago, SecretPro said:

After an off week last week I've managed another Parkrun PB this morning of 24:11 which is very satisfying! Temperature was perfect for me this morning.

Well done mate!

 

I did 22.41 this morning. Was absolutely gobsmacked as life got in the way of any training this week. Now wondering if I can break the 22 min barrier or not? hmmm?

[SecretPro]

48 minutes ago, Chelmofox said:

Well done mate!

 

I did 22.41 this morning. Was absolutely gobsmacked as life got in the way of any training this week. Now wondering if I can break the 22 min barrier or not? hmmm?

Wow, that's rapid. I'm hoping to crack sub-23 by Christmas. My first part run 6 weeks ago was just under 29 minutes so I think I can do it though I might switch to Abey Park to try and crack it because that final up-hill drag on Vicky Park is killing me! 

[waddadamadda]

On 08/11/2024 at 18:05, SecretPro said:

I'll sack that off then

You might enjoy but it didn’t do anything for me. 
I really like Warwick Half which is February as it’s not like a normal sh**ty RunThrough event where there’s loads of out and backs. There’s a hill around the 10/11 mile mark but the alpacas give you motivation. There’s also a rapid 2 miles pretty much downhill to the finish as a reward. 

[waddadamadda]

On 08/11/2024 at 08:01, CosbehFox said:

I know I’m the parkrun rep here but that’s not a bad place either to start public running. Free event with a whole variety of ability and everyone is supportive. You most certainly won’t be last from what you’ve said too 

I love parkrun as you can choose to ‘race’ it or just dick about. I normally choose the latter 

 

Ran my 132nd parkrun today and 80th different location. 1st in age category and 11th female so can only assume that the fast runners had the day off 

[waddadamadda]

39 minutes ago, SecretPro said:

Wow, that's rapid. I'm hoping to crack sub-23 by Christmas. My first part run 6 weeks ago was just under 29 minutes so I think I can do it though I might switch to Abey Park to try and crack it because that final up-hill drag on Vicky Park is killing me! 

In my opinion Long Eaton is faster and better than both Abbey Park & Watermead 

[Bellend Sebastian]

Did a slow 10k earlier but very pleased to have no discomfort at all after some physio last week.

 

I tell you what, it's miraculous what a good bit of treatment can do. A week ago I was feeling decrepit and wondering if I was damaging myself running, and here I am now completely pain free and really up for it again.

 

Makes you wonder how many people don't get active just because something hurts a bit. Always makes me think of my mate who wouldn't exercise because it made his knees hurt and when he eventually went to the doctor with this found it was because his leg muscles had almost wasted completely away through lack of use

[Chelmofox]

3 hours ago, SecretPro said:

Wow, that's rapid. I'm hoping to crack sub-23 by Christmas. My first part run 6 weeks ago was just under 29 minutes so I think I can do it though I might switch to Abey Park to try and crack it because that final up-hill drag on Vicky Park is killing me! 

If you fancy, come to the Market Harborough one. Its completely flat.  Ill drag you round sub 23!

Edited 9 November 2024 by Chelmofox

[Scotch]

So, yes. I'm a knob. After closer inspection I realised my treadmill measures in km and not miles which makes far more sense. So I'm currently topping in at 3km in 18 minutes which given I'm 39 and 18st and have only been running for a fortnight I'm still pretty chuffed with. 

Edited 9 November 2024 by Scotch

[CosbehFox]

14 hours ago, waddadamadda said:

In my opinion Long Eaton is faster and better than both Abbey Park & Watermead 

I’ve ran long Eaton and i would agree it’s in the top ten Parkrun national quickest tracks, 

 

ran Poznan Saturday morning, beautiful single lapper with all minor peaks and dips. Felt like as I was repping the UK after the cliched six pints the night before 

Edited 10 November 2024 by CosbehFox

[09bballer]

8 hours ago, Chelmofox said:

If you fancy, come to the Market Harborough one. Its completely flat.  Ill drag you round sub 23!

I'd be up for this too if a few of us do it. Normally do Vicky Park but been wanting to try Harborough. 

[fox_up_north]

On 06/11/2024 at 11:14, CosbehFox said:

What's the worst hills folk run up? 

 

Back when in my Birmingham based days, I did a lot of hill running by default due to being next to Cofton Park. One side of that I had a right harsh winding increase and then another 'wall' back into Longbridge. 

 

Now being local - Enderby/Croft/Huncote have a couple which are energy zappers. The hill either side of Countesthorpe/Sth Wigston can take it out of you. The Seine Lane little rise coming off the Whistle Way is a pain in the arse. Never felt Croft is too much of a problem. 

 

The worst hill I ever run up was Ashon Court Park Run in Bristol I think I mentioned on here after spending Good Friday drinking alcoholic apple juice. 2.5k up, 2.5k down.

 

When I was a lot younger it was Groby Rd/Anstey Lane - and the hill coming past County Hall is horrible too. 

Snake Pass. 

From the bottom of my end to the summit, Plotaroute tells me it's 3.2 miles steady incline of 1033ft. 

 

Looking at an average mile time of 11 mins being good.

 

[CosbehFox]

New all time record clocked yesterday for Park Run 13:44 😳

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Did a breezy 10km last night and my left calf today has had it, more so when going up and down stairs, just a dead sharp shooting pain. Rest of the leg is fine and assume its just pulled but anyone ever had similar?

[LcFc_Smiv]

15 hours ago, Miquel The Work Geordie said:

Did a breezy 10km last night and my left calf today has had it, more so when going up and down stairs, just a dead sharp shooting pain. Rest of the leg is fine and assume its just pulled but anyone ever had similar?

Id suggest that a pull would be more of a dull ache, from my previous experience. In saying that I'm not sure what a shooting pain would be! Hope it recovers soon!

[LcFc_Smiv]

12km ticked off at run club last night coming off the back of 3 consecutive days in the gym and a speed session Sunday. First 10 mins the legs felt like they wouldn't get past the half hour mark but after that I felt pretty good. Now for a couple of rest days coinciding with a massive drop in temperatures