The Loneliness of a Long-Distance Runner

[Honeybadger]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement guys

As recommended, I chatted to Danny at DTD last night. He told me he got from zero fitness to running 5k in nine weeks. Running three times a week. I am going to have an extra five weeks or so more than that. But it is an extra 5k!

Still undecided... but think I am going to go for it. What's the worst that can happen?

If I run three times a week for 14 weeks that's only going to be 42 runs in total. Doesn't sound like a lot, especially as the first 10-15 'runs' will actually be mostly walking.

I won't be having a running partner, it'll all be done on my own. I am going to have to squeeze runs into my family life, so will have to do them at funny times... like 1am and stuff like that.

I'm gonna think about this some more and will post again in a few days. Hopefully to say that I've bought some running shoes and started my training.

[kinboshi]

Do it.

[Honeybadger]

Do it.

I did it

Day one of couch to 10k is complete. 14 weeks to D-day.

[kinboshi]

Bollocks, forgot to send you those links. If I haven't by tomorrow afternoon PM me with a reminder.

[kinboshi]

Oh and congrats for getting going. One small step for a man, etc.

[wazz]

Do it.

I did it

Day one of couch to 10k is complete. 14 weeks to D-day.

GL Stu. Start your own, separate diary for it?

[Honeybadger]

The Couch to 10k app says I should only run 3 times per week. This seems sensible as I injured myself four years ago running 5 times a week. So advice needed on what else to do as regards exercise...

When I woke up today I did 12 minutes on a stepper machine that I still have from back in the day. My provisional plan is to do a bit on this every non-running day. But is this exercise too similar to running, and will it result in me getting injured if I do this sort of cardio exercise every day?

I will try to go swimming once a week too I think. I presume that is completely safe as regards injuries?

Finally, I have some weights that I thought I'd like to start using. Any advice for some simple stuff to do with them just to improve arm strength a little? How many minutes a day do I need to use weights in order to feel a noticeable improvement within a couple of months?

Oh yeah, another thing. I would really like to be able to do a few push-ups and sit-ups. At moment I cannot even do one push up! So that is going to be another target... by October I want to be able to manage 30 sit-ups and 20 push-ups.

[Honeybadger]

Also Daniel, will you please PM those links? I need to buy some proper running shoes ASAP, and I will be trying to get some this weekend.

Anybody else got any advice on buying running shoes? And anything else I need?

[kinboshi]

Stu, it's very much a contentious area with everyone having an opinion on it.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/general-running/heel-strike/forefoot/225912.html

as you can see on that small thread.

I'd say go for some running shoes that are comfortable, but don't have a ridiculously large midsole that prevents you from mid/fore-foot striking.  As you're going to be doing low mileage to start with, it's unlikely you'll pick up injuries from your technique - more likely you'll hurt as you'll be using muscles that have been dormant for a while.

Get some good running socks - I go for the 'twin-layer' socks and can count the number of times I've had blisters on one hand (should that be foot) since I started running.  Also get technical t-shirts to run in, that don't rub when wet like cotton does, and some under-layer shorts help stop any chafing in the thigh area (you'll thank me for that bit of advice).

Other than that, it's up to you.  I love my gadgets, so love my Garmin GPS stopwatch thing.  Other than the shoes, socks and the right material for your t-shirt, there's nothing else that's essential that springs to mind.

[kinboshi]

This is a good read Stu:
http://www.williamsichel.co.uk/documents/Running_Fast_and_Injury_Free.pdf

Loads more by doing this search:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=forefoot+running+vs+heel+strike

[Honeybadger]

Bought some proper running shoes today. Cost £100. I just went into a specialist running shop and they made me run on a machine whilst filming my feet and then selected me a pair of shoes.

Gonna try them out in an hour...

[kinboshi]

What did you get?

[Honeybadger]

The make is Brooks.

[kinboshi]

Do you know the model?

[Honeybadger]

Brooks Adrenaline GTS13

They are bought and paid for now so no point in you telling me I got the wrong ones!

Off out for Day 2 of the Couch to 10k now. GL me!