Reply With Quoteim training for a long distance walk - 750km
Somewhat rashly I've entered the Reading half marathon next year.
I did it about 6 years ago in just under two hours but I'm now 47 and 10 kilos heavier so this time I'm just aiming to get round :D
Started my training about three weeks ago and so far so good, although these days it's as much about managing aches and pains and staying injury free as anything. Currently running 6k reasonably comfortably if not slowly. The idea is to continue at that sort of level until I can shift a few more kilos then start to up the distance. So far I've lost nearly 3kg.
I'm doing quite a lot of the training on a treadmill as it's gentler on my ageing legs but have done a few runs along the bank of the Thames which is reasonably soft and one on the road which went ok.
Of course, I bough a watch to help :D
It's just a basic Garmin Forerunner 110 but I'm loving it, the fact online I can see the route I've run, heart rates and all sorts of other stuff is great, plus I can use it on the treadmill to monitor and then upload the heart rate data too so I've got a good record of all my runs online.
So, anyone else training for any races, big or small or am I the only one daft enough?!!
im training for a long distance walk - 750km
Good luck everybody. Have a good one.
750km :shock:
How long does that take,and where are you doing it?
I'm practising strap changes.
If I can get to 27 in a day, I'm going to challenge learningtofly to a 'strap off'.
Im allowing 5 weeks , but i suppose it takes as long as it takes - its an old pilgrimage route through the north of spain to santiago de compostelaOriginally Posted by SimonH
Good luck everybody. Have a good one.
Are you training for a race ? ... No I'm racing for a train ! :D
presumably as in 'strap on/ strap off'
Good luck everybody. Have a good one.
What about a strapadicktome off ?
I try and do a couple of 10K training runs every week, so I'm permanently 10K ready, as it were. Half marathon would probably take a wee bit more effort and discipline.
My girth is larger, so we will have to agree on a handicap. Any one of you two would qualify :wink: :mrgreen:
I'm training for a fight. White collar towards the end of November, first time <gulp>
As an ex runner, my advice is to get some good shoes with plenty of cushioning. If you're really happy with them buy another pair whilst they're still available. Go to a specialist running shop and accept you'll pay full price but get plenty of choice (and advice) in return. Once you're sure you like the shoes, buy a second pair as cheaply as possible on the internet to average out the cost. Don`t run the risk of needing new shoes close to the race, or continuing to wear shoes that are worn out.
Try to run on soft ground instead of roads where possible.
Don`t overdo the mileage till you're fit enough and, ideally, have lost some weight.
Train frequently, even if you can only fit in a 15-20minute run (ie when the weather's really bad or you're pushed for time)
Don`t try and run day after day, otherwise you risk ending up permanently tired with permanently inflamed legs. I`m 53 and I need longer to recover from runs; you'll be the same.
The benefits of proper running far outweigh treadmill running; don`t fool yourself otherwise. Treadmill's OK when the weather's really foul, though I`d recommend a cross-trainer machine instead.
Good luck,
Paul
Leeds 10k next July, Ive just started running having previously only run down to the cake shop!!! So far so good, but long way to go to get to 10k, I want to do it without stopping for a walk!! Im doing it for Help for Heros. Good luck with yours
Thanks Paul.
Great advice there.
Just got 2 pairs of new shoes, the updated version of the ones I used last time, and am finding them excellent.
Most outdoor running will be on a river or canal bank. I'll slip in the odd road run just to get used to it.
I'm currently trying to do something every other day, that's as much as my legs will stand, but I'm coping ok with that.
I'm not sure I totally agree re treadmill, at least for the more causal runner. Last time I did 90% of my training on the treadmill and was very comfortable on the day. I'm confident with better race management I'd have been under 1hour 50. It's generally agreed that a 1% incline gives the same intensity as outdoor running but the benefits are less impact, and of course being indoors watching the telly on those cold, dark, wet nights that are to come! Actually the other win for me is the gym I use is 100 yards from my office, so it's easy to slip a quick 40 minutes before I head home. Interestingly I can see from my heart monitor that the treadmill I use works me just a little bit harder than running at the same speed outdoors. Don't get me wrong, I totally accept it's not the same thing as running outdoors especially WRT inclines etc, but for me it works as part of the regime.
Anyway, tonight I did another 6k down the river bank. I'd wanted to do a little bit more today, but by the time I managed to get out it was starting to get dark, and I turned back because it was getting hard to see my footing and I was getting concerned about twisting an ankle or something (not to mention falling in he over :D). Happy enough with that though :)
Best of luck to you too Acky :) I'm sure you're finding already that although it can be bloody hard work at times, the benefits kick in quickly. I'm feeling a whole heap better already :)
Horses for courses, Simon; if the treadmill works for you then make use of it. Sounds like you're setting it correctly and using it 'honestly', the heart-rate monitor doesn`t lie. However, I still reckon your legs will develop better from proper running but, as you've outlined, the attrition is more of a factor.
Be careful running on rough ground in the dark; 12 years ago I sprained an ankle badly by falling off the kerb. V. lucky not to break it and fortunately it recovered 100%.......after 9 months.
Paul
Update for anyone interested.
Last night I did my first hour run, only at 9kph as I have realised that I need to ignore that one upon a time I could go (a lot ) faster. A key milestone nevertheless and I've still go three months to go :)
Today I did a recovery run, just 30 mins. It's a bit of a misnomer, not about recovering but about training to recover.
The reason I post this is firstly the milestone achieved, but secondly, with these two runs, it's the first time I've thought afterwards that I really enjoyed the runs. Progress indeed :)
Good effort, find out where your local 'parkrun' is held, always a host of helpful people at these events and you can run the Parkrun then carry on afterwards or run before it and finish with the crowd, good boost
RIAC
The local park run is when I take my little lad to his football training, but I think after this weekend the football is on hold for a few weeks so I might try to do a few over Christmas :)
PS Many thanks for the encouragement :)
I'm a fairly experienced social runner / triathlete, though work conditions have meant that I can only use a treadmill for 2 - 3 months at a time when training. Whilst the treadmill is far better than nothing, I do find that when I get back to an environment where I am able to run on terra firma for the first few days I struggle. This is despite always having the treadmill elevation at least 1% and doing regular hill intervals and random programmes.Thanks Paul.
Great advice there.
Just got 2 pairs of new shoes, the updated version of the ones I used last time, and am finding them excellent.
Most outdoor running will be on a river or canal bank. I'll slip in the odd road run just to get used to it.
I'm currently trying to do something every other day, that's as much as my legs will stand, but I'm coping ok with that.
I'm not sure I totally agree re treadmill, at least for the more causal runner. Last time I did 90% of my training on the treadmill and was very comfortable on the day. I'm confident with better race management I'd have been under 1hour 50. It's generally agreed that a 1% incline gives the same intensity as outdoor running but the benefits are less impact, and of course being indoors watching the telly on those cold, dark, wet nights that are to come! Actually the other win for me is the gym I use is 100 yards from my office, so it's easy to slip a quick 40 minutes before I head home. Interestingly I can see from my heart monitor that the treadmill I use works me just a little bit harder than running at the same speed outdoors. Don't get me wrong, I totally accept it's not the same thing as running outdoors especially WRT inclines etc, but for me it works as part of the regime.
Anyway, tonight I did another 6k down the river bank. I'd wanted to do a little bit more today, but by the time I managed to get out it was starting to get dark, and I turned back because it was getting hard to see my footing and I was getting concerned about twisting an ankle or something (not to mention falling in he over :D). Happy enough with that though :)
I think one of the key phrases over the treadmill in my local gym when I was training regularly for long distance triathlons was "if it isn't dark - get outside".
That said a treadmill is perfect for monitoring distance, speed and your progress. I would second what other's have said about having rest days and don't be afraid to sub' running for a X trainer or bike on alternate days it breaks up your training and makes for more interest. Also remember 20 minutes of training is better than nothing if time is not on your side.
Finally listen to your body, I didn't on Tuesday night when my calf was twinging and now I am walking with a limp and prob' won't be running again this year while the calf strain gets better. Simply because I thought I could run it off, I'm afraid for me once I passed 40 running it off was a myth!
Best
Den
I am also amateur triathlete today. Try to keep a shape with running, swimming, cycling (when possible) etc.
Some triathlon sprint races and running races up to 10-15 km are planned for next summer.
Longer distances are not for my body type.
How did it go? :blackeye:
Threadmills are great for training but you do need to put a few degrees on it as the belt is effectively pushing the foot backwards rather than the muscles so if you train alot on a threadmill and develop strength then expect to pick up an injury when you transfer your training to the road
RIAC
Well done- I would like to do part of Santiago de Compostela next year. I spent 2 weeks walking half the Lycian way in Turkey in 2009 and loved it.Im allowing 5 weeks , but i suppose it takes as long as it takes - its an old pilgrimage route through the north of spain to santiago de compostela
How's your training going?
WRT treadmill training vs road-running, I'm trying to do one run a week on the road. It doesn't always work out e.g. last weekend I was very busy with kids' activities so I ended up doing a cross-trainer on Sunday night instead (her indoors has a very good one at home).
I agree entirely that treadmill running and road running is not the same thing however for me there are some key bonuses:
- convenience - I use a gym next door to my work and it's easy to pop in there and do a bit.
- usually I can only really run after work at about 7pm. Running outside in the cold and dark at that time just isn't going to happen.
- much lower impact. Given my age and the fact I've done a lot of football and squash over the years I need to be a bit careful.
My knees are ok but I don't want to push it.
- It's easier to set things up such as tempo runs and monitor speed.
I monitor my heart rate when running so I know I'm working just as hard on the treadmill.
The current plan is to continue as I am for now, then when we get to March try to train exclusively on the road.
Bear in mind my goal for the race is to complete it without having to stop rather than achieve any specific time :D
Really enjoyed it. Lost on the decision but I gave 20 years to the other bloke and it was close according to the judges. Next one in May :blackeye:How did it go? :blackeye:
edit:-
And over £17k raised for Help For Heroes
I am 50 and very unfit. I usedto run years ago but haven't done very much for years. My wife started running and got me into the couch to 5k running programme. Very gentle get from nothing to 5k over about 2 months. I can now run 5k reasonably comfortably but the great thing is after a run I feel so good.
I have run too frequently at times just to get my fix. Outdoor running for me is much harder, much better results for fitness and muscle development than running on a treadmill (which I have at home). Haven't been able to run for 9 days as have had a heavy cold and sore throat but hope to get back to it soon. Hope to run in 7 mile race in Penn just to complete it would be great.
Any tips greatfully received.
As a quick update, still plodding on with my training.
Today I did the Goring 10k, and if it wasn't the most miserable experience of my life must be up there. The uphill stretch between 7 and 8k, which was totally exposed to the sideways sleet the weather was throwing at us, was as bad as it gets. As for warming up, forget it, we were all frozen stiff and drenched by the time we got to the start.
But TBH I was sorely tempted to not bother when I saw the conditions this morning, so I'm very pleased with myself that I did it, and feel very virtuous now :D
Time was fairly slow but given the conditions and the fact I was fairly conservative with my pace I was pretty pleased. Main thing is, I was quite comfortable at the end, so with a bit of a push in the remaining month before Reading I'm confident I'll do ok.
I did get overtaken by the bloody camel though. Again :twisted: :D
Hang in there; this morning's experience sounds character building to me :)
I`ve now had to give up running completely; the ankles really don`t like it anymore and I took the decision last December to call it a day. Started at age 13 and managed to keep going (just) till 1 month before my 54th.
I miss it......but not on days like today :lol:
Good luck,
Paul
Thanks Paul appreciated :)
Sorry to hear you've had to hang up your running shoes :(
I haven't run anything like you but have spent my whole life playing sport and it takes its toll, my knees are my achilles heel if you'll pardon the mixed metaphor, but strangely running seems ok. For me though, any sport involves a certain amount of aches and pains, particularly my back, I'm just used to it now!
Anyway, thanks again for the support and advice all the way through :)
I am currently training for the Edinburgh Half marathon.
I have done it before in 1:37 and want to beat that time. I run to work a couple times a week and manage a 8-10 miler once a week as well.
I have been running to lose weight and keep fit since 2005. I think running outside when the world is stuck in traffic is very satisfying
I race.......to the car.....from the car to the pub.......and stagger home , then its a race back to the pub in the morning to retrieve the car .
you'#ll love tracking stuff on connect - I know how helpful it was for marathon training last year for me!
Well I did the Reading half today :)
Very slow time, but I ran the whole distance which was the objective so I'm pretty pleased with myself :)
I decided I'd wait till after the race to decide what next, in case it didn't go well. Actually I was quite comfortable (albeit I'm a bit sore now and places I didn't know exist are chafed to hell :D ) so I'm going to look for another half marathon in 6 months and probably a few 10ks on the way to keep things ticking over.
All in all very happy with how it went :)
And very sad to discover someone died after finishing today.
We all know it's a risk but you hope it's not going to happen. Thoughts are very much with his family tonight :(
Congrats 8)
As you were quite comfortable, you could look out for a local 15 miler - you'd probably run it no problem. :)
Well done on the half - I'm training for the full thing here in Washington DC in October. It will be my second marathon, I "survived" NY in 2007, but now I'd like to get a respectable time close to 4:30 maybe (I'm the size of two Kenyans so I figure that's word record pace considering relative weight).
Re footwear I'm a total convert to minimalist running so I'd suggest the opposite of the "get well-cushioned shoes" advice above, but to each their own!
Cheers guys, Windsor half now booked :)
Re distance, I think the half is as far as it goes with me, in terms of my knees etc and the investment of time in training but TBH I'm more than happy with that.
Re footwear, I have a friend who did the London a year or two ago who switched over on advice after getting injured and raves about the minimalist stuff, he's been injury free ever since. I've used Nike Pegasus shoes for as long as I can remember and have always been fine so being conservative I guess I'll stick with them.
:)
Not quite a race, although I suppose against myself, but running in the Relay GB event next month. It's 2,600 miles and it's chasing a new world record, and involves relay marathons around the UK.
I've not been able to run for 18 months since a major smash of arm and shoulder and so it'll be a bit more grit and determination than racing excellence.
Fair enough, but I was injury free before apart from minor niggles and it's mainly the feel of running minimalist that I love about it. Use Saucony Kinvara Pros and Vibram Five Fingers Bikila ;)
Yes, I'm training for the Stockholm Marathon this summer! :bounce:
A friend did Stockholm last year (his brother-in-law is Swedish), he said it was great :)
I did Reading 1/2 a few years ago - caught out a little by a few hills.
Big into cycling now, but only minor races this year.
Riding a singlespeed off road is my secret to getting fit.
Nowhere to hide on the hills.
Should be easy to keep a good pace with so many Swedish babes to chase for 26.2 miles :mrgreen:A friend did Stockholm last year (his brother-in-law is Swedish), he said it was great :)
Completed my half in Edinburgh yesterday, finished in 1:35 and 30 seconds.
Plenty of good advice on here. I'm training for a 28 mile trail race in Devon next February. I say training but what I really mean is trying shake off the latest injury and get my miles back up again to weekly long runs of 20 miles. I did the same race in 2011 but had to bail out this year due to injury. I will do some 10k, half marathons and possibly a marathon between then and now as training.
As mentioned before, have 2 pairs of shoes on the go.
Increase your weekly mileage by no more than 10% from the week before. Your longest weekly run should be no more than 50% of you weekly miles.
Ease up on your training every third or fourth week to give your body a chance to recover.
Once I go over 60 minutes of running, I start to carry fluids and use energy gels .
Injuries are the devil and usually occur through wearing the wrong shoes, over training or increasing your mileage too quickly.
Have fun.
If you are increasing the time out make sure you carry fluid, or top up somewhere and maybe some gels.
I should have known better and went for a 2 hour run yesterday and did none of the above! Ending up VERY thirsty - lost about 2 1/2 kilos - mainly in sweat :shock: :shock:
Cowes - Dinard-St Malo race in about 7 weeks. Different sort of race, though.
Wifey has always run and I thought for some mad resin three weeks ago I would start.
Finding 5k ok and down to 27:30 on Sunday morning so aiming for sub 25 by the end of June.
Goal...... Would be good to enter a 10k event by the end of the year.
Is picking the distance up say 1/2K per week the prefered to knock 5k time down and pick up to 10?
Ta
Pitch
I've accidentally signed up for Tough Mudder with some guys from work.
I thought it was 10k and semmed fun...
...Then they told me it was 12-14 miles. :shock:
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