Running

[cambcam]

May 12, 2019 18:16:17 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Leeds half is an enjoyable one. More hilly than I had expected!

Good spectator turnout and the weather was nigh on perfect.

So come on then, spill the beans.

You strike me as a comfortable 1:45 man.

[Russ Greaves]

Ha. You're not wrong - 1:45 would be comfortable.

But my 1:27 was not!

[cambcam]

That’s mightily impressive, Maintaining that sort of pace over 13 odd miles, it’s really some going.

Well done for sure.

[Russ Greaves]

Cheers. I was happy with it. Can’t imagine I’ll ever knock much more off that as a PB, but I’m doing a half in Manchester a few weeks after I’ve done a full in Hull, so that could be the one!

[cambcam]

So a view from right at the other end of that spectrum - after the positive comments on here about parkrun signed up and had a first run on Sunday.

In terms of parkrun iteslf, the concept is brilliant. The execution of it brilliant too. I loved the simplicity of the barcode and token at the finish, and the results were available online very quickly and were surprisingly detailed. The volunteers were extremely welcoming and helpful too, and the runners a friendly mixed bunch.

And my run? Bloody hell, I had a shock. As mentioned previously (getting the excuses in here) I haven’t run for a couple of years, nothing, zilch. Generally used to do a treadmill 3 or 5k with the very occasional 10k but never more - the fitness level always felt good but the joints would get too sore realistically to consider a half marathon etc much to my frustration.

So, I’ve never been much good but that ‘averageness’ always came quite easily (if that makes sense?). I reckoned on throwing on a pair of running shoes and getting round comfortably in under 30 mins - wow, welcome to the real world. Was shocked at the rapid decline in fitness in that time. Got through the first third in 9 minutes (on schedule for a 27) but just ran out of steam and bombed from there. That had never happened before and certainly not that early. From that point it was a grinding plod to the finish which couldn’t come soon enough. Finished in 31.45 and was absolutely knackered - and stiff as a board the next two days - just wasn’t expecting that at all.

I suppose that’s a warning as you get older the decline is very rapid if you don’t keep on top of it. Oh well, it’s taken 30 odd years to realise I’m no longer 25 so that must count for something. So the goal now has to be to just run at around 30 mins but comfortably. That, in my mind at least, would represent a decent level of base fitness and one to be content with. Feeling unfit is a horrible thing and quite alarming when you are not used to it.

And that probably is why parkrun suits so many. You can set your own goals in a supportive environment which represent a level of physical and psychological health that works for you.

Well done to everyone involved in making parkrun work. See you next time!

[cambsno]

May 12, 2019 18:16:17 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Leeds half is an enjoyable one. More hilly than I had expected!

Good spectator turnout and the weather was nigh on perfect.

The Cambridge one is very good, have done that 3 times now, signed up for Histon Half too in June

[lionel]

Sub 90 half marathons are a beautiful thing!!

[lionel]

Wearing my white Cambridge training top for Edinburgh marathon today.

On 16 miles- hearing somebody from the side shouting - Go -Cambridge United-
And then got a chant of Yellows, Yellows, Yellows.

That's why Cambridge supporters are brilliant.

[lionel]

May 13, 2019 10:19:54 GMT cambcam said:

So a view from right at the other end of that spectrum - after the positive comments on here about parkrun signed up and had a first run on Sunday.

In terms of parkrun iteslf, the concept is brilliant. The execution of it brilliant too. I loved the simplicity of the barcode and token at the finish, and the results were available online very quickly and were surprisingly detailed. The volunteers were extremely welcoming and helpful too, and the runners a friendly mixed bunch.

And my run? Bloody hell, I had a shock. As mentioned previously (getting the excuses in here) I haven’t run for a couple of years, nothing, zilch. Generally used to do a treadmill 3 or 5k with the very occasional 10k but never more - the fitness level always felt good but the joints would get too sore realistically to consider a half marathon etc much to my frustration.

So, I’ve never been much good but that ‘averageness’ always came quite easily (if that makes sense?). I reckoned on throwing on a pair of running shoes and getting round comfortably in under 30 mins - wow, welcome to the real world. Was shocked at the rapid decline in fitness in that time. Got through the first third in 9 minutes (on schedule for a 27) but just ran out of steam and bombed from there. That had never happened before and certainly not that early. From that point it was a grinding plod to the finish which couldn’t come soon enough. Finished in 31.45 and was absolutely knackered - and stiff as a board the next two days - just wasn’t expecting that at all.

I suppose that’s a warning as you get older the decline is very rapid if you don’t keep on top of it. Oh well, it’s taken 30 odd years to realise I’m no longer 25 so that must count for something. So the goal now has to be to just run at around 30 mins but comfortably. That, in my mind at least, would represent a decent level of base fitness and one to be content with. Feeling unfit is a horrible thing and quite alarming when you are not used to it.

And that probably is why parkrun suits so many. You can set your own goals in a supportive environment which represent a level of physical and psychological health that works for you.

Well done to everyone involved in making parkrun work. See you next time!

That's why parkrun is great.
Parkrun is not judgemental and takes pride in all achievements.

I was a comfortable sub20 runner- did a sub 20 the day I broke my leg . Returned after around 18 weeks and completed it in around 37 minutes. I got the same level of support, respect etc.....Nobody looks down on anyone for not coming first.

[Russ Greaves]

Ran the Humber Bridge Half Marathon today and it was a great route - a few hills, two crossings of the bridge and good number of people out cheering the runners along.

Didn't have high hopes of a PB when I saw the warm forecast and relatively high winds, in addition to the horror stories about the climb at mile 9 which is called 'Cardiac Hill'... but I needn't have worried!

[jamiecox86]

Love running and used to run long distances. Keen to start doing it again but my knees are shot from football and work.

[cambcam]

Aug 8, 2019 21:41:31 GMT jamiecox86 said:

Love running and used to run long distances. Keen to start doing it again but my knees are shot from football and work.

Yeah, can relate to that one.

I think it’s a very tricky one to be honest. Brilliant that you want to get back into it and keep fit etc, but if you are already aware of knee wear and tear I’d stay well away from running. I’m hardly a medical expert, but I’ve been in and out of running like a yo-yo for years and years. Different shoes, staying away from hard surfaces, different warm ups, warm downs, massages, you name it, but if your joints are simply getting tired and wearing out I’m not sure it’s wise to aggravate that with impact. Sometimes you just have to listen to your body and accept things.

All that is pretty cruel if you really enjoy running. Especially if it’s the only exercise you really enjoy. You don’t want to get lardy and hate the feeling of being unfit but all other exercises are a chore. Trust me, I’ve been there. That might not be very helpful and others might well take a different view, but if you can enjoy a low impact exercise that doesn’t become a chore I’d protect your joints and go that route.

I always watch distance events and get frustrated I can’t participate - particularly when you are confident the fitness wouldn’t be a problem but the joints are just no longer robust enough. You have to give credit to some of the oldies taking part as it’s testament to their dedication and lifestyle etc, but they have to be fortunate biologically too.

I guess if you exercise less it amplifies the importance of a good diet, but that’s hard. It always seems easier to eat healthily and ‘think’ healthily when you are in fact exercising regularly and in that mindset. It must be very hard pulling yourself back to fitness for anyone that’s let things slide for a while.

That’s probably why I’ve always admired those that have done that ‘couch to 5k’ thing, and of course it feeds right into the parkrun movement and why that is so popular.

Sounds like a difficult decision to make but if you decide running isn’t the exercise for you, one word of advice: Don’t do nothing!

[lionel]

Aug 9, 2019 9:45:59 GMT cambcam said:

Aug 8, 2019 21:41:31 GMT jamiecox86 said:

Love running and used to run long distances. Keen to start doing it again but my knees are shot from football and work.

Yeah, can relate to that one.

I think it’s a very tricky one to be honest. Brilliant that you want to get back into it and keep fit etc, but if you are already aware of knee wear and tear I’d stay well away from running. I’m hardly a medical expert, but I’ve been in and out of running like a yo-yo for years and years. Different shoes, staying away from hard surfaces, different warm ups, warm downs, massages, you name it, but if your joints are simply getting tired and wearing out I’m not sure it’s wise to aggravate that with impact. Sometimes you just have to listen to your body and accept things.

All that is pretty cruel if you really enjoy running. Especially if it’s the only exercise you really enjoy. You don’t want to get lardy and hate the feeling of being unfit but all other exercises are a chore. Trust me, I’ve been there. That might not be very helpful and others might well take a different view, but if you can enjoy a low impact exercise that doesn’t become a chore I’d protect your joints and go that route.

I always watch distance events and get frustrated I can’t participate - particularly when you are confident the fitness wouldn’t be a problem but the joints are just no longer robust enough. You have to give credit to some of the oldies taking part as it’s testament to their dedication and lifestyle etc, but they have to be fortunate biologically too.

I guess if you exercise less it amplifies the importance of a good diet, but that’s hard. It always seems easier to eat healthily and ‘think’ healthily when you are in fact exercising regularly and in that mindset. It must be very hard pulling yourself back to fitness for anyone that’s let things slide for a while.

That’s probably why I’ve always admired those that have done that ‘couch to 5k’ thing, and of course it feeds right into the parkrun movement and why that is so popular.

Sounds like a difficult decision to make but if you decide running isn’t the exercise for you, one word of advice: Don’t do nothing!

Triathlon is the way to go. As Works all the body, less stress on specific areas of the body. U still get the running kick but with less damaged knees.

[soulhalshall]

I have spent the last 15 years intermittently trying to be successful (by my own standards) at distance running with frequent, frustrating and lasting injury issues occuring as a result of overuse, I think. Every time I have been getting into form, something has struck me down, frustrating IT band injury once followed some years later by a posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and muscle issues in between. I have been able to run well over distances up to 10k and occasionally half marathon in between but haven't been able to put it altogether to put in a good marathon performance. My next aim is the Athens marathon, my third attempt at it, this November. My cause is not helped by the fact that my father was able to run it in just over 2.30.

I agree that triathlon is a good option. I had been swimming a good bit and as I live in Greece there are lots of open water swim events but I got into the cycling as a result of my running injuried and I have found it extremely rewarding doing triathlon and aquathlon events. I had entered a half ironman in Greece which was scuppered after the birth of my daughter but aiming to try again this spring.

[Russ Greaves]

I was just hitting my peak running form (in training for my first marathon) when a car crash stopped me firmly in my tracks.

This happened back in August and it's taken until very recently for me to get the running bug back. I'm not close to the level I was at in terms of the times I'm running, but I have that desire to be out there again and that's a good feeling.

I've refrained from signing up for another marathon just yet, but will run the Humber Bridge Half Marathon in June as I really enjoyed it last year. If that goes well I'll cash in on the training for that and look to upgrade to a full marathon.