Running

[Andrewlang]

"It's not fair that you lose fitness so much quicker than you gain it!"

True, though I find that once you've had it it's easier to get back than when you first started. I was doing nothing but walk when I broke my shoulder but found it pretty quick to get my fitness back once I could run again...it's like your body remembers how good it feels.

Andrew

[cambcam]

Aug 21, 2015 7:03:16 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Does anyone use a running watch or fitness tracker?

I have a FitBit Charge HR but want to upgrade to a GPS one so I don't have to run with my phone in order to get accurate data.

Just wanted to grab a few thoughts from people regarding the FitBit?

I vaguely remember a brief conversation with my good lady about these things a few months ago and kind of put it in the memory bank as a possible Christmas gift. Anyway, my daughter who's becoming a bit obsessive about her gym stats happened to ask me for one as a Christmas gift just he other day.

I'm not into these things myself, so before I shell out for two, anyone got a FitBit and are they any good? Should I go for the bells and whistles etc?

Thanks in advance for any tips.

Cheers, Cam.

[Russ Greaves]

The FitBit HR has served a purpose for me and I'd say it's provided value for money.

It tracks calorie burn, steps, distance and heart rate, which is great for anyone who exercises without taking it too seriously.

If I could justify the expense right now I'd get the Garmin Forerunner 620, which does a few extra tricks, but the FitBit HR is a good starting point and the app is quite good.

As with all this technology it can throw up some anomalies with any and all of the data, but it's generally indicative of your exertions. It is not a GPS device, so to accurately track and map your runs you need to take your phone with you with the app on.

[nutsaboutamber]

Well folks you'll be sad to hear but on various pieces of advice I've retired from running, in view of the knee problems. Instead I'm walking very briskly for half an hour a day, every day, and all seems to be fine. I don't know what these 'experts' know really but a lot say it's just as good as running, and in my case without the concrete impact/joints ramifications.

[Dylan]

Considered rowing (or erg-ing) nuts?

[nutsaboutamber]

Dec 13, 2015 18:45:21 GMT Dylan said:

Considered rowing (or erg-ing) nuts?

My mate does it, he lives near the Thames mind but wonder if I'm too old! The doc did say I should consider something else too though. You comment from experience?

[cambcam]

Dec 10, 2015 22:04:34 GMT Russ Greaves said:

The FitBit HR has served a purpose for me and I'd say it's provided value for money.

It tracks calorie burn, steps, distance and heart rate, which is great for anyone who exercises without taking it too seriously.

If I could justify the expense right now I'd get the Garmin Forerunner 620, which does a few extra tricks, but the FitBit HR is a good starting point and the app is quite good.

As with all this technology it can throw up some anomalies with any and all of the data, but it's generally indicative of your exertions. It is not a GPS device, so to accurately track and map your runs you need to take your phone with you with the app on.

After a bit of thought have bought a couple of FitBit Surge's. As previously mentioned, I don't know too much about these things so went with the FitBit brand that has been mooted and went for a good spec.

The reviews suggest the technology can throw up some anomalies with the data as you say, but I like the sound of the GPS and some of the other features seem like they could be fun, if not particularly relevant or useful.

Was also surprised how difficult it is to get hold of these things, everywhere gets their new stock sold immediately so was pleased to get a couple after a short while on the waiting list at John Lewis. That I suppose, is no bad thing. Good to see the public are happy to shell out £100's for fitness aids and not just consoles.

[Russ Greaves]

GPS is definitely a desirable feature and it has to make the data generally more accurate. If I'm out with my HR and don't have my phone, it'll calculate a run that I know to be 6k as being around 4.5k - which makes me wonder if the calorie-burn data is also skewed. Not sure what measurements it takes into account to calculate calorie burn, but distance travelled might factor in.

Anyway, I hope the female cambcams enjoy their Surges, so to speak.

[Dylan]

Dec 17, 2015 6:31:08 GMT nutsaboutamber said:

Dec 13, 2015 18:45:21 GMT Dylan said:

Considered rowing (or erg-ing) nuts?

My mate does it, he lives near the Thames mind but wonder if I'm too old! The doc did say I should consider something else too though. You comment from experience?

I've never rowed on the river but I use the machines in the gym. I had to give up running when I broke my ankle.

Rowing is great but you must get the technique right. Covers all bases from long stamina pieces to high intensity interval training. Great to challenge yourself as all your performance data is in front of you.

Obviously helps if you're lanky long limbed like me.

[Andrewlang]

I see plenty of old gits rowing on the river so I doubt you're too old, nuts.

Like Dylan, I've not rowed on the river, but I do have one at home that I try and use a 2-3 times a week. I'd highly recommend it as an alternative exercise...rowing on the river doesn't appeal to me so much, it's a bit too linear and always looks so manic. At least if I'm at home, though it can get boring, I can crank up the radio and let my mind wander without having to worry about ploughing into the side of some poor chumps boat.

Andrew

[Rico]

There's one legendary guy who regularly runs in the stourbridge common area who looks in his 80's or even 90's and absolutely canes it like he's running for his life. And he does it all wearing rather dapper hats.

I'm sure you'll know who I mean if you've seen him. I'd love to know his story, wouldn't be surprised if he was an athlete when younger.

[cambcam]

So, with the New Year and the excesses of Christmas behind us, I wondered if anyone's back in the shoes with any targets for this year - weight loss, general fitness, events?

The last couple of weekends at the gym got me thinking as the place has been absolutely rammed. Lots of new faces there and it's good to see people of all shapes and sizes giving it a go. No doubt the numbers will ease off in a month or two but at least people are giving it a try.

Personally, after 6 months off injured I'm back on the treadmill. Had some physio and finally got round to having the gait analysis done at D.L. - really pleased (and surprised) that the results of that are generally very good, with everything pretty much aligned and neutral. Subsequently splashed out on some good shoes and so, off we go again.

Inspired by the FitBit, the Mrs Cambcam has signed up to the Cambridge Half Marathon again this year, so we will see what happens there too. What a cracking little gizmo that is by the way.

So, anyone running?

[belly77]

I am doing the London Marathon in April. Had to go down the charity route as I can't ever seem to get a ballot place. I'm trying no to over do the training so running 3 times a week, (long run, easy run, temp/hill run) and cycling / swimming inbetween. Doing 13 miles tomorrow. I've decided I am going to run from Saffron Walden to the Abbey as one of my longest runs.

I've also just bought a pair of Adidas Ultra Boost and they are without doubt the comfest ride I've ever experienced.

[shubs]

Top stuff Belly and very best of luck. Have you done marathons before? What is your target time? I read somewhere that your long run should be up to 15 miles by the end of January if you are training for an April marathon, so sounds like you are spot on. When I was training for the Brighton marathon a couple of years ago I was guilty of overdoing it. This led to a knee injury and 6 weeks of missed training. Still did it but it was touch and go if I was even going to get to the starting line. It always nags me that I could have done a better time but not sure if I have the mental strength or motivation to go  through all the training again.

[belly77]

Thank you Shubs. I'm going to work towards running every mile @ 08:45 in the hope that I can sneak in under 4 hours. On Saturday when I did my 13 miles I came in at just under two hours. I ran 8 miles at my Marathon pace and it felt ok. I've given myself the challenge of attacking any hill I come across which happened a few times on Saturday.

I'm quite happy plodding away at a comfortable pace but need to get my speed up. The problem I face is that as a freelancer my work takes me all over the place. I am aslo out the house for the best part of 14 hours a day so trainging is going to be very organic.

I am definetly in the mindset to not over do the training. At the end of the day it's about gettin ground my 1st marathon so I'm only going to do 3 runs a week.

If you have any other advice please pass it on.