>>197

Slow board, eh? I'll give you a chance, /fat/.

How did you get started? I want to do it, but I tried it yesterday, ran for about 30 seconds and felt like I was going to die right there on the pavement.

>>199

That's totally normal. I had a similar experience my first go. Do you have asthma or any other respiratory condition? If so it might be wise to check with your Doc, see what he says. Otherwise, a few things I'd personally say are really important to getting going:

1) Breathing. Absolutely everything is in breathing for me, to the point where I have to consciously focus on it to keep myself going and usually have to stop if I lose my rhythm. Most people think of their legs or feet hurting when running, but for me it's always been most taxing on the lungs. Controlled uniform breathing will also help keep a steadier heartrate, meaning you won't feel so nauseous. Once you learn to keep the right pace in your breathing, you should find yourself improving fast. And don't feel self-conscious about gasping for air in public when you need to, it's something I had to overcome pretty quickly.

2) Bodyheat. This is probably more a personal preference than anything, but I absolutely have to stay as cool as possible when running. The moment I become overheated, even just a little bit, my heartrate steps up uncontrollably. It's a bit confusing to me to see people running in hoodies or long bottoms, but to each their own, right? I'd say experiment with different clothing, see what suits you best, and set aside a few running outfits. Make sure they're always available for whenever you want to pick up and go.

3) Technique. If you like to do your homework, it might be worth looking up what way you let your feet hit the ground, what you might need to watch out for with your knees, shins, ankles and so on. Mostly, though? I'd say to just get out there and learn what works for you. It feels like a struggle at first, but you'll find what works best eventually. Something I've found to be a common problem in new runners is that they move their legs too deliberately, making it more difficult for themselves by raising their knees too high or trying to stay on the very edge of their toes. This might be good form if you're a 100m track runner, but for a newbie running around the block it's better to be economical with your movements.

Oh, and if you bring a water bottle, make sure it's light enough so as to not inhibit your arm movements, especially if you're running uphill. I've found it's impossible to get uphill if I can't keep the momentum through my upper body.

Hope this helps, chap. Good luck and let me know how you get on.

>>200
What shoes do you need? Will anything do or are top of the line nikes needed to run properly?

>>201

I'm actually not very knowledgeable on this one, and as you can imagine there's lots of debate about it. Some people run in more 'regular trainers', but the soles are a bit too flat for my liking. Those odd, toe-hugging soleless sort of shoes have become rather trendy in the past couple of years, but I can't really comment on what the benefits are.

Personally I just sacrificed all notions of style and went for 'traditional' running shoes like the kind in the OP picture. They'll normally have lots of padding and chunky soles with a supportive arch. They look a bit silly and space age, but they are incredibly comfortable to run in. I've seen them go for as little as a tenner in the sales, but I think you're generally looking at £20 - £40 for a bog-standard pair. Whether they really get 'better' as the price ascends I have no idea, but personally I'm probably staying in the bog-standard range the next time I have to buy a pair. And Pumas are rather pretty.

There's a lot to say in favour of running barefoot.

>>201
Actually top-of-the-line Nikes are often shitty shoes to run in. If you visit a proper running shop (there is a chain called Runners Need in the South which is very good), they'll watch the way your foot moves when you run and recommend shoes to suit. I did the London Marathon many years ago and they recommended Saucony motion-control shoes for me, a brand I didn't know and which were very reasonably priced indeed.

The only time I run is on a treadmill when I go to the gym. I seem to be able to do ok while running there but whenever I try to do the same outside I end up absolutely fucked and I'm not really sure why.

>>205

I've speculated on this. Can't be certain, but I'd say that the pull of the treadmill takes some of the movement away from the legs, whereas without the moving platform the propulsion comes entirely from your body. In the same way many can find they lift more weight with a pully-assisted machine, I think it makes it easier to 'cheat' yourself out of the entire movement, if you like.

That being said it could be entirely mental and you're more conditioned to exert yourself in a gym environment, as opposed to plonking around outside.

>>205
Likewise I do 5km, x3 times a week (average about 25 minutes) on the treadmill. Running on the road kills my joints (can't afford good shoes AND gym membership), I find putting the gradient up to 3.5 or 4 so I land on the ball of my foot not the heel, combined with the softer surface cures all my runner ills.

Heading out again, chaps, just thought I'd check in on the thread.

Must invest in one of those pedometer watches so I can bother everybody here with times/distances.

Any vibram fivefinger users here? I'm thinking of getting a pair but for mostly walking/hiking rather than running.The only problem is that there doesn't seem to be anywhere near me that sells them.

>>249
Please don't, you will look like such a twat.

>>249
That is amazing. It's like a time traveller from the year 2050 came back in time to start a footwear company.

Personally i think this pair is the most fetching. could even wear them to a rave.

>>251
It could be worse, their twatiness can't be compared to half the stuff nike makes.


There's a lot to be said for going barefoot, but most of the other trainers that are meant to simulate barefoot running look like they're not very durable or protective, and none of them allow the toes to work properly.

My interest is because as a child I was flat footed, and given supports to wear in my shoes all the time, and I always used to wear sandals or slippers indoors as well. They never really did much good for me though, but I only noticed an improvement after I reached 18 and was told I didn't need to wear them all the time. Then a year ago I decided to start going barefooted indoors, and just over the year my feet seem to have become remarkably stronger. So now I've decided to try and do the same outdoors too.

Been running on and off for years. Been keeping it up over the last few weeks after taking a few months off. I fucking love it. I normally run around 4 miles but I have to stop just because I should be doing other things as well.

My biggest problem when running is I get incredibly bored. I know it sounds daft but time seems to slow right down.

I can't listen to music, because as ridiculous as it is I find it hard not to run to the beat of the music.

Any suggestions?

>>266

Find some music with a good beat to run to.

Yeah, I find it very boring too. Even on treadmills with a tv in front of me, it feels so pointless. I can do it with rowing machines but not with general running. Got no solutions for that apart from endure it. When I do I always feel pretty damn good afterwards. Whinge seems appropriate.

>>266 >>267
I suppose one solution is to find more involved and enjoyable exercise like mountain biking or judo or something. Judo in particular is an amazing full body workout.

Think I'll go out for another this morning. Haven't posted in this thread in a long time, but since posting in January I've been doing a hell of alot of tradmill running. Interval training, mostly. My lung capacity has shot up and I can now sprint like a mad cunt.

Life is good.

>>268
https://www.zombiesrungame.com/
>>268
Or swimming. Or cycling.
>>1005
Yay interval! You know you're taking it way too seriously when you no longer laugh at the word "Fartlek".

>>266
As >>1007 has pointed out:

ZOMBIES, RUN!

Now for Android. Steep price though.

Good to see there's some fellow runnerlads here. I've gotten into running fairly recently, in the last year or so. I was a fat lazy kid until i was about 18 or 19, but i've been getting gradually fitter for the last 7 years (albeit with intermittent bouts of heavy drink/drug use slowing my progress). Anyway, I finally managed to get a comfortable 8min/mile down in the gym the other day so I feel like I'm finally at the start of the beginning - the point where most average people start from, if you see what I mean - and I can't wait to up my performance all round. I'd love to run the London marathon at some point and i'm kind of working towards that as a goal but I need to put in a lot more distance and endurance work before I could reasonably approach something like that.

I'd also like to do a lot of long distance walking/trekking, but that takes time and money which I'm currently short on. I'd love to do Lands End to John O'Groats on foot before I get too old, I just think it'd be an amazing experience to see so much of the British isles just with my two feet. Anyone else have crazy aspirations like this?

>>1014

Nothing crazy about it. I recall plenty of lads in /eco/ both /emo/ talking about their trips, and I understand LEJOG is a favourite.

In other news, I'll be going out again myself in a bit. I need something to wake up my senses and work up an appetite. Children and dog-walkers beware, I'm going to be sprinting like a mad cunt, uncomfortably close to you.

Hi /fat/fucks >>1014 here,

Finally did a mile in 7:50. How hard is progress supposed to be? Because I find even upping my pace by 0.5kph is fucking torture. There seems to be a threshold where my body just kind of panics and I can't keep my breathing controlled. Even getting down from 8 mins to 7:50 was bloody hard work. Distance work helped a lot though, I think it just makes you more oxygen efficient or something so you can sustain speed easier

>>1040

I've gone the total opposite way to you. I'm the interval trainer from further up the thread, and while I'm totally comfortable with sprinting my balls off for however long necessary, the slow plod of controlled pacing for long distances is just agony for me.

I will say interval training is fantastic for boosting oxygen efficiency/lung capacity. I'll come back to this thread when I see how fast I can do that mile.

Gonna do 5k after my lifting session today lads, wish me luck.

Hoping for 30 minutes or less, but we'll see, I may not have the energy left.

>>1050 reporting in

did a 31.something my first attempt at 5k, pretty disappointing. Then yesterday, I had no energy for lifting at all, but for some reason I had plenty of energy for running. Did my 5k in 29.43. I could probably have shaved a good 30 seconds off that as well if I'd been brave enough to start my final sprint a bit sooner. oh well, live and learn.

It's weird, but very satisfying actually making measurable progress. I used to just go to the gym to burn off calories and I'd never look at how fast or how strong I was, just how many cals i'd burned. The other strange thing, is that as i've gotten faster and my endurance has increased, I haven't lost any weight at all. It's kind of frustrating and probably fairly amusing to watch an unwieldy, slightly chubby man moving reasonably fast. Maybe it's that thing of gaining lean mass and losing fat at the same time, I don't know, it doesn't feel like that. At the beginning of the year though 10 minutes of jogging would have absolutely ruined me, I'm not sure I could have done a mile without slowing down into a walk or pausing to catch my breath so I guess that's something to be thankful for. Still, I'd like to be less of a landwhale, but I guess that takes time.

>>200

Wow, I agree completely. I've only started running recently, in a vague attempt to get into shape. Its amazing how quickly you can improve. The first time I went out running I felt like I was going to die, couldnt control my breathing, wild footfalls etc. The second time was much the same, but I managed to get over the breathing problems mainly. The third time was much easier, and now I quite enjoy going out running. I couldnt even bear the thought of it beforehand.

The worst part is getting home and sitting down and seeing how ridiculously sweaty you are. Or when a cold breeze dries the sweat into your back.

But it really does feel brilliant to know you've done a run which you wouldn't even consider in the past.

I haven't been running in about 2 weeks, how do I motivate myself? First I was busy and the the weather started getting colder. Poor excuses I know, but I'm not a logical person. I'd rather run miles in the blazing sun and sweat all the liquid out of my body than feel a bit chilly for the first 5 minutes.

It was working well too, I lost like 10lbs, I always get lazy at about this point though, I don't know why but it's a fucking annoyance.

>>1104

That's weird. I'm the total opposite. Cold weather is an absolute joy to run in for me, it feels like I can't overheat at all (or have much better regulation of my temperature, anyway). Have you considered trying a different kind of exercise/running when it's cold? Even just warming up with a sprint should get you up to speed most days.

Just letting you lads know, we've been found out (>>/b/319731). I suggest disbanding immediately. That is all.

>>1105
well i finally got off my arse and went for a half hour whip around my neighborhood. The cold air is horrible to breathe. My lungs just hurt and I end up wheezing and panting like some kind of asthmatic lard-arse and feeling like I'm not getting any oxygen. I tried breathing slowly through my nose only to give the air a chance to warm up slowly before it reaches my lungs, but my nose was blocked so that didn't work. man, fuck winter, fuck any weather that isn't scorching sun.

I'm late to the party but I'm about to take up running again after an 18 month break and I'm dreading it. I used to do 3 miles in about 30 mins every other day but my health has gone to fuck now (thank you fags and lager).

Any advice on how to get back into it without too much pain?

>>1131

There are three ways to get yourself running well and that's by increasing the strength of the muscles involved, upping your VO2 max and pushing your anaerobic threshold up. Now my training was focused around MMA but the principles are essentially the same and following it would let you have that explosive power and endurance.

The most important part is increasing your anaerobic threshold so your muscle fibres can use oxygen for longer rather than switching to lactic acid as this is what causes you pain in your legs. Now the best way to do this is to go for a mile run at a steady pace and then start doing 400M sprints after a 5-10 minute rest. Rest for a couple of minutes inbetween those sprints and do as many as you can until you genuinely want to vomit.

Now to increase your VO2 max, the volume of oxygen your body can use for respiration, an interval training routine is the most efficient, HIIT would be the most effective, follow something like the image I've posted.

The other less important point is strengthening the legs themselves, this is best done through heavy squats, following a 5x5 programme would be the most efficient way to get your central nervous system fired up enough for growth and power. If you don't have access to a weight room, another handy way to increase power is through one legged squats. Make sure you get the full range of motion as you should be going as low as you can. Chin ups would help too, not many people realise it but the power of your hands is used a fair amount in running. In fact, any weight training whatsoever in the legs is good because it activates more of your muscle fibers so after running lots your brain is able to use these extra fibers whilst the others rest.

>>1131
Sorry for the double post but some of these would help too.

>>1132

Leg pain has never been too much of a problem for me, I think my leg muscles are the strongest part of my body anyway. The stomach feels worse, although I can take that, but my main problem is just running out of breath.

I'll try the interval training that you posted.

>>1132
>>1133

Just to check in, I've made it back to three miles, but not concurrently. Basically jogging 2miles, walking 1/2 a mile then jogging another mile. I'm trying to cut that 1/2 mile down to nothing.

Anyway, I wanted to ask about ankle pain, It's an absolute cunt and is the only thing stopping me for going everday, any solutions?

>>1158
Have you been running with good form? It'd wreak havoc on your ligaments if you aren't. Some tip toe cardio can often strengthen the joints, try jumping around on your toes for a few minutes when the pain subsides. Make sure you stretch your ankles every now and again too. It'd help you avoid sprains and other injuries too.

Late night run around the park tonight. Checking in with everyone, how is it going? Any other evening runners? I'm also thinking of purchasing something that measures distances, a sports watch of some kind to make these sessions a bit easier to record.

Back in a few, .gs.

>>1545
If you have a smartphone you might be interested in www.runningmap.com/

Have a good one, run-bruv.

I've avoided pretty much all cardiovascular activity for the last four or five years, so I decided to start running about a week and a half ago. The rate of progress is incredible, first time I was flagging after four minutes at 6.5mph, today I did two five minute bouts of 7.1mph and 2.5mins of 6.5mph with two 2.5min 3mph walk mixed in between them, first goal is twenty minutes solid running and then start upping the pace. Time to get mildly fit!

Anyway, I only have shitty adidas shoes and it's ruining my right knee. What running shoes do you lot have?

>>206

Sorry to dig this up from the past, but I hadn't seen it before and wanted to point out that your hunch is right. The fact that the treadmill is pulling your foot backwards essentially takes your hamstrings out of the equation and puts the focus on the quadriceps. Whether or not this allows you to run further is debatable but it can lead to some nasty muscular imbalances in the long term.

Regardless, a lot of other things contribute to treadmill running being easier - including lack of wind and a pleasant ambient temperature in most gyms.

>>1549

Nowt wrong with Adidas. Check the form image a few posts up, middle-strike on the foot is invaluable advice.

Otherwise it's all experimenting with what's comfortable for you. I've become accustomed to my own thick-soled Adidas, but I'm considering getting shoes with a thinner tread like these. Plus Pumas look cool as shit.

>>1551
You misunderstand - they're not running shoes.

But anyway, yes. Tomorrow's job I think. I have really fucking wide spade like feet so it'll be a bit of a struggle. Never mind.

>>1549
>What running shoes do you lot have?

Saucony. I over-pronate and the Grid Stabils are excellent motion-control shoes.

>>1550

When running in the real world, you exert a considerable amount of energy in keeping yourself stable and balanced. Even on seemingly smooth pavement, you're having to make constant adjustments to deal with undulations and kerbs. In most cities, you'll be varying your stride length and shifting your balance to manoeuvre around dawdling pedestrians and dog shit. Off road, you're working even harder to maintain your grip on slippery and uneven surfaces. On a treadmill, you're just making consistent strides on a perfectly smooth surface.

>>1549

I wear the cheapest pair of Mizuno or Asics I can find. I usually pay less than £30 for something on sale. You'll find that a lot of very strong amateur runners do the same. There's no scientific evidence that expensive trainers do anything to prevent injury. Running shoe soles lose their cushioning after a few hundred miles, so you should buy something you can afford to replace regularly.

Well after zero research and with zero discipline I went and bought some of these for £67. The guy in the shop was very helpful.

Anyway, they seemed pretty solid when I ran in the store with them. I'm about to head to the gym and try them out now.

Bloody shin splints.

>>1564
Even the words 'shin splints' makes me shudder.

This feels like a long overdue bump. I've extended my route for the first time in three months, and it's absurd how excited I am about running around an extra block of flats.

It's cold as hell. I'm starting to find it difficult to run around in three Celsius in a vest and shorts.

What to do, lads?

>>1847
Man the fuck up.

>>1847
Stop running?

>>1849
Eat burgers everyday

>>1850
I suppose not. Anyway, I really hate the pretentious bastards I see everyday, with their sunglasses, weird tops and shorts, running around, while breathing heavily. One of these days, I will stick out my leg, let them trip and I will kick their teeth down their throat. Maybe steal their Ipod and bin it somewhere to make it look like a mugging. Fucking cunts.

>>1847
Clearly you're not running hard enough. I'm always burning up by the end of mine, so the cold isn't a problem.

>>1847

Equip yourself with the traditional British winter garb of the serious long-distance runner - a pair of Ronhill Tracksters with a hole in the crotch and a stinking Helly Hansen top that was once hi-vis yellow but is now just piss-coloured.

>>1851

Why would you want to make it look like a mugging? Giben the choice between being charged for assault or for robbery I know which I would go for...

>>1854

*given

>>1851

I want to ask why you feel such contempt, but am also aware you're probably just pratting about a bit. Just in case, though, for me running has been an extremely humbling activity. It's really easy to make a bit of a fool of yourself in public like this, but people do it to keep fit. I admit the weird running gear can be a bit much, but indulge us, eh? As far as hobbies go, it's one of the more beneficial.

>>1853

You've described exactly one person I've seen in my area. Frightening accuracy. He even has the rail-thin figure of a long-distance runner. I just don't think I could pull off the look I'm afraid. I'm not that hardcore.

>>1852

I wouldn't mind something to warm up my hands. Thing is, a vest with any kind of running glove would look awful. I'm a bit stumped. As the other poster put it, I may just have to 'man up' and let my digits go a bit numb while the rest of me generates heat. And you're right, I did end up going out today and had no trouble at all, within the first few minutes I was thankful of the cold weather like I normally am.

Actually lads, nevermind. I just had a flash of brilliance.

>>1856
Pratting about? I don't know. Don't pay it any mind. I suppose I am just a hateful person, and you know what they say about misery and companionship.

>>1858

I'd offer to take you out running, lad. It's refreshing and we're not all wankers, I promise.

I don't mind if I'm the only one bumping this thread. In short: lighter on my feet than ever in my life. Really good one tonight.

Still, I'm surprised no one else has come in, what with new year just rolling by.

>>2038
Go on then I'll bite.

I have been running on and off for about 4 years, mostly off. I usually end up with sore / blistered feet afterwards but nothing too bad, I need some proper shoes for it.

My main problem seems to be with running long distances though, on a couple of occasions after 3 or 4 km my left foot started swelling up and numbing. Any suggestions on what this could be from?

>>2039
>My main problem seems to be with running long distances though, on a couple of occasions after 3 or 4 km my left foot started swelling up and numbing. Any suggestions on what this could be from?
I had that when I started, but when I began running regularly it stopped being an issue. I think it's just your feet reacting to a level stress they're not normally under.

Unless it's causing you serious discomfort, I'd suggest you do what I did: go for a run and pretty much immediately afterwards buy a pair of trainers that fit. That way there'll be enough give that you won't ever be forced to limp home like a twat when your trainers get too tight.

Is jogging in high top Converse a good way to end up crippled/look like a knob?

I'm pretty sure Rocky did it and he was fighting well into his late 80's.

>>2685
ToeJam and Earl used to run around in them all the time.

>>2685
As long as your form is good, then in theory converse should be closer to running barefoot and should be better in the long time.
However if you're running badly you'll probably fuck your knees up because the heel support is crap. You'll have a good chance of getting blisters on your ankles from the rubbing too.

The biggest problem you'd have with converse though is that it'd cost you a fortune because a pair would fall to pieces every few months or so.

>>2685

I wouldn't really recommend it. The converse sole unit is extremely soft and offers little in the way of stability control.

The cheapest Asics, Mizuno or Saucony trainers will do an excellent job of looking after your feet and set you back less than £30 if you shop around. If you're on a really tight budget, I've had perfectly satisfactory experiences with Aldi special buys and with More Mile branded trainers, which you can find for less than £15.

>>2685

They're Alan Partridge's lap dancing shoes.

https://www.youtube.com/v/itq5iXz1hcg

>>2689

Haunting.

>>2687
As someone who runs barefoot in good weather and in Nike's Free Runs the rest of the time, it's nothing like running barefoot.

Seriously, avoid it at all costs.

>>2691

Speaking of running barefoot, Christ do I miss having a proper beach to run on. Nothing like finishing a 5km run through sand. And then going for a beer or ten.

>>2691

>>2687 here.
I apologise, of course you're right I've no idea what I was thinking. Problem is I quite like converse for walking a long distance in because it gives me a better feel of the floor. I made the silly assumption they'd feel the same as for running.

Actually I am planning to take up running. I've never ran at all in my life, except when forced to by PE teachers, and I spent most of my childhood wearing orthotics to correct my flat-footedness. I still over-pronate now, but not as severely as I used to. Despite this I'm now in a position that (were I not a bit out of shape this past year due to owning a car) I can effortlessly walk 10 miles a day in shoes with no support.

I considered getting some basic trainers with support for over-pronaters, but I'm fairly sure even if I had some custom orthotics made again I'd end up having nothing but problems. I've decided to start straight away with barefoot running. For the next few weeks I'm just going to do some exercises to strengthen my calf and achilles, then I'll get some proper minimalist shoes and start working my way up gradually from 1/2 mile runs.

Any recommendations? I'm drawn to the freet because they have most of the benefits of the fivefingers but without the fiddly little-toes and the hefty price tag. Most of the minimalist shoes like the Nikes don't appeal to me because they seem like an unnecessary compromise, all the big brands are trying to make a minimalist shoe which looks and feels like their traditional designs.

So, is there anything comparable to the freet and fivefingers that I've missed? Or would anyone recommend something else entirely?

>>2706

Interesting, I'd not heard of Freet until reading over this thread again. I don't know much about running shoes, actually. I'm still using the same pair from when this thread was started and probably won't buy another until they're utterly knackered. Someone earlier in the thread recommended Saucony shoes for over-pronation.

Me, though, I'm going out tonight to try and ruin my hideous space-age Adidas a bit more. I realised lately that I've been completing the same two set runs for the past 6 months, happily plodding along making no progress. I'm now trying to make the decision of whether I should try running the same routes faster or just run longer routes.

Tonight I'll go with a longer route, if only because I like sprinting too much and neglect any sort of endurance work.

Pic is not what I look like.

>>2754
Weirdly you posted that the exact day that my freet arrived in the post.
Just been for a 5 mile walk in them so far, and apart from a few spots on my toes which were rubbing, they were outstandingly comfortable and easy to walk in.

Build quality and materials aren't really the best quality, but are what I expected for something <£40

Freets website is a bit misleading, their website implies that they're designed by the husband and wife team in the peak district who own the company. They're actually just distributors, the Chinese manufacturer Aparso owns the patent and makes them.

Running uphill after deadlift day is like a whole different world of pain. Merciful fuck.

I apologise if I'm using this thread as a bit of a blog, but this is my second time around on a longer route. It feels amazing to be pushing myself again, but the thing is I live in a hilly area and the downward slopes are killing my shins. It's hard to keep good form when you're knackered, too, but I suppose it's all part of the learning curve. I'll probably leave it at until at least Sunday before my next plod around, as I'm heading to the gym Thursday and Saturday anyway.

Another thing: long distance gives a totally different buzz to intervals/resistance training. It's interesting. After weight training I feel mentally sharp, but very relaxed with a deep pleasant kind of ache. Running for a long period of time gives me more of a spaced out, pain-killer type of feeling. Both are quite nice, I'm just surprised with the different effects you can achieve with just a different kind of training.

Running at 10pm on Christmas Eve in the rain because I'm addicted and weird and also fuck Christmas anyway.

>>2829

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/ron-hills-running-streak-hits-50-years

>>2830

I can never develop a streak, simply because I only run 5 times a week. I find I have to take time off otherwise my shins are yelling out in pain.

In other news, the human body is amazing. I am swimming in endorphins right now. I could catch fire and still remain relaxed.

>>2926

A streak?

Blimey, as someone who never ran that much before last October, I think 7-10 kms, twice a week is pretty good. Just back now and like yourself, the feeling of glowing endorphins is amazing.

This really isn't to do with running/jogging, but I didn't want to waste a thread on it. Since about 10PM Sunday, my right knee has started making a clicking sound whenever I bend and straighten it. It doesn't happen when I am seated, or when I don't have any weight on my right leg. It happens whenever I bend it close to 90 degrees and then straighten it, while I have my body weight on it. So it has been happening since then while climbing the stairs, when getting up and when I sit. There is no pain but I am apprehensive about it. What could this be? Should I run to my GP tomorrow?

>>2928
My knee has sort of clicked weirdly for years. Sometimes it just feels *not quite right* and I straighten it and it makes a small click and I repeat until there's a much bigger click and it feels normal again. It doesn't click after that.

Never worked out why.

>>2929
Thank you mate.

In any event, it stopped. But then again I have been scared of putting any kind of weight on it. I avoided walking anywhere today.

I've started running again, with the aim to do the Hackney half-marathon at the beginning of May.

Well I say I've started, I had to stop after my right foot started getting a pain on the top-left side of it.

Thinking this might be related to my day-to-day footwear, as recently that's been (slightly too big) bovver boots, plus my running shoes are a bit knackered from last summer when I was running a lot.

So - two questions.

Can I get up to a half-marathon pace in 2 months of training? I can comfortably run 5k in 25 minutes, 3 times a week (top time is 21 minutes for a "competitive" 5k last year).

Should I buy some cheap Asics/whatever to replace my running shoes?

>>2960

Going from 5k to a half marathon in two months is perfectly achievable. At your current level of fitness, you should be able to manage a half marathon in about two hours if you get your pacing right. If you're not watching your splits, it's very easy to get carried away with the flow of other runners; You can completely wreck a run in the first few km by going off too quickly and ending up in oxygen debt.

Use a stopwatch (or a fancy GPS gadget) and work on running consistent splits. Based on your 5k pace, you should be aiming for about 6 minutes per km (9:30 per mile) over the half marathon distance. Find a local loop of about 500m, measure the distance on Google Maps and work out the correct time for each lap based on your target pace. Once you've settled in to a comfortable sub-threshold pace, it is surprisingly easy to just keep going. Mix in some faster runs and interval sessions to build your aerobic capacity, but concentrate on just ramping up the distance at a solid pace.

Don't worry about cosmetic wear on your running shoes. Pull out the insoles and feel the sole from both sides. If the sole unit has compressed and lost its springiness beneath the heel or ball, or if the sole generally feels floppy or lumpy, it's time for new shoes. Most people need to replace their shoes every 500 miles or so, but it depends on your weight and your running action. Cheap trainers are just as good at preventing injury as expensive trainers if they fit well, so feel free to go for the cheapest pair from Asics or More Mile.

>>2961
> If you're not watching your splits, it's very easy to get carried away with the flow of other runners

Yeah, that's what happened during the 5k last year and I ended up shaving a minute off my personal best. I realise this is not sustainable for longer distances though.

I use Runkeeper, so I'll try and find somewhere to work on my splits. My target is to complete the run in under 2 hours, so ideally I want to get to 5:30 per km.

As for shoes - I'm a bit worried about my gait so I'm probably going to try somewhere like Runner's Need, get their advice and then grab something cheaper online.

Thanks for the info!

It's that time again, lads. Three years, now. I've had many setbacks due to persistent knee trouble which I I've sorted with several breaks from running, a bit of research and what is hopefully now a proper programme.

While I still do other physical stuff, I really truly miss running. I miss the regularity of it, being outside, how easily I could get up and go.

With this in mind I'm going to start up regular again. Though I do intend to focus on short distance stuff, in the coming weeks I intend to post a proper one mile time. Strangely, decent fitness charts comparing average running times seem to be all over the place.

How have you lads been doing? Any progress?

>>3715
>Three years, now.

Fucking hell. Actually, coming up on four.

>>2962
>Runner's Need, get their advice and then grab something cheaper online.
Oh, so you're that guy ?

>>3725
Why let a little something like integrity or shame get in the way of saving a fiver mate?

>>3726
>a £5er in the hand is better than supporting the shopping facilities on the high street you actually may need.
You're alright Jack; so that's all good.

>>3727
Ooh look, it's this nutter again.

>>3715

I'm new to this thread, I whacked out a 15km run in about 1 hour 30 a couple of weeks back, but generally run 2-3 times a week for about 4km- longer distances to spice it up. I find it a bit tough because I refuse to use a gym and am at work/travelling for about 12 hours a day. It means I have to run in darkness around London, which is fine. If I worked closer to my house, I'd run more.

I don't bother about what shoes I'm wearing, I just wear a t-shirt, shorts, and my default Nike trainers from Sports Direct. Sometimes I think I should go further into it (find better shoes, etc) but I feel like it's a can of worms.

While I love the energy and exercise, running really calms my chronic over-thinking. Some earlier-lads said they found it boring on here. While sounding a bit weird, taking a meditative approach might help. I get emotional when I run, I cry and get really happy.

I bullied myself into posting every run on Facebook as helps me stay motivated.

>>3728
Yeah totally crazy, perfect refuation there chum

I've hurt my Achilles tendon. I've laid off running for about two or three weeks now in favour of swimming, but it is a ballache not just being able to lace up my shoes and go whenever I feel like it.

Sage for nothing interesting.

>>3729
>>3850

Cos you had shit shoes!

Cycling's better.

>>3852
I thought the exact same thing on seeing this thread, but didn't see the point in de-railing the thread for an apples-and-oranges comparison.

But still, the main things I like about cycling is how much further you can go. Running might be alright if you want a quick half-hour session during your lunch break but with a bike you can go for miles out of town and see all sorts. I find cycle maintenance strangely satisfying in all its oily glory too. Plus, if you go offroad on trails there's a good element of skill/balance instead of just being tedious exercise.