5k Training thoughts

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Replies

  • pduk
    pduk Posts: 11 Member
    Hi everyone

    Thought I'd chip into this thread. I am on week 7 of the 5k training, and the next run is the 3rd one, probably tomorrow. I've been amazed at how motivational the app is, and I've been really enjoying my runs which is something that amazes me. I have a sedentary job (in front of a computer all day) and this is really helping on the fitness front. Not much weight has been lost yet but I've gone down a belt notch which I guess means that fat is being replaced by muscle :)

    Anyway, I'm getting nervous about the final week and whether I can get through the real 5K run, but I'm also looking forward to graduating from the 5K app and going onto the full app which has been patiently waiting on the phone for a few weeks now.

    Cheers

    Paul.
  • sb4480
    sb4480 Posts: 199 Member
    Welcome and good luck to our latest additions to the group!

    TRX last night was....interesting. The trainer I worked with was great, but man. I sure do feel like I'm being tortured. It made me realize that even though I work hard and sweat a lot doing cardio, it's not a challenge like strength training. OMG, it was a workout unlike any other! Today I'm sore but not uncomfortably so. Which is surprising, because I could barely steer my car on the way home last night. My body was that fatigued. I give it 5 stars for upper body and core and 3 stars for lower body. I just didn't feel like my legs got a serious workout (even with the squats, jumps and mountain climbers) I think it's naturally that way because there is so much of a demand put on the waist up just doing the most basic exercises. I don't know if I'm going to continue it, because I have to do it with the trainer and I'm not sure I can afford private sessions, but if I can get into a small group I'll definitely consider continuing it.

    Still reading NRLFW, hoping to start that next week. I'm going to see how my body feels tonight and if my legs are ok I'll do W4E2.
  • janeensan
    janeensan Posts: 66 Member
    Hiya Pduk/Paul!

    Welcome to Able!

    You're further along in the app than I am (just finishing week 4). I, too, am looking forward to started the next one.

    Cheers!
    Janeen
  • QJ2013
    QJ2013 Posts: 45 Member
    Okay, so I did W4D2 today and turned the accelerometer setting to on. The good news is that I had NONE of the glitch where the prompts or music stop and you have to pause/resume. I was getting those a few times per run before.

    Here are my questions for those of you who have been doing this longer (and are using this on a machine vs. outside).

    1) Even though I have the distance set to miles, it gave me my distance in steps. I guess b/c I'm not using the GPS. Any guesses on what the average distance per step would be?

    2) Even though I used the accelerometer today and got a distance on the app, it still shows no distance on my training log on the website. When I try to edit my runs, it keeps going back to zero.

    The other good news is that I made it a little further today and feel good. I don't know why this app is different than the other C25K or any other exercise I've done, but I love it!
  • dragon1ady
    dragon1ady Posts: 335 Member
    Hi and welcome to Abel, Paul! :)

    I finished the 5K app a little while ago, and for what it's worth, the 5K was not nearly as bad as I built it up to be in my head. I wasn't able to run through the whole thing (for which I have decided to blame my foot injury and inadequate shoes), but I will next time. I have a desk job in front of a PC as well, and I've discovered that y back and shoulders are a lot less tense at the end of the work day since I started this app. Interesting. I'm thinking there may be a connection there.

    Sb and chelle and everyone else interested in lifting and/or strength training:

    Are you interested in a separate comment thread for discussing that? This group is about a running app, but stronger muscles make for faster runners, and if we start a separate thread this one can stay focused on the 5K app, which will make it easier for anyone who is looking for help or advice about the 5K training. What do you think?
  • lizpirate
    lizpirate Posts: 92 Member
    DL, I love that idea! Do you want to go ahead and start it? It'd be great to have a thread to discuss strength training and other ideas for non-running days.
  • lizpirate
    lizpirate Posts: 92 Member
    Hi everyone

    Thought I'd chip into this thread. I am on week 7 of the 5k training, and the next run is the 3rd one, probably tomorrow. I've been amazed at how motivational the app is, and I've been really enjoying my runs which is something that amazes me. I have a sedentary job (in front of a computer all day) and this is really helping on the fitness front. Not much weight has been lost yet but I've gone down a belt notch which I guess means that fat is being replaced by muscle :)

    Anyway, I'm getting nervous about the final week and whether I can get through the real 5K run, but I'm also looking forward to graduating from the 5K app and going onto the full app which has been patiently waiting on the phone for a few weeks now.

    Cheers

    Paul.

    Welcome, Paul! Great job on almost being done with the 5K app! I'm in the same place--going to start week 8 hopefully tomorrow.
  • chellebublz
    chellebublz Posts: 568 Member
    I think thats a great idea DL, just let me know where it is so I can find it :D

    I have my final mission either tomorrow or Sunday. I'm pretty nervous too, I've not ran 5k without stopping or changing to walking yet. I always find myself looking forward to the walking or stretching parts, so I'm not sure how I"ll do. I might be even slower than I have been lol. I bought some Nike Dri Fit running capris today so I don't have to worry about my pants tomorrow LOL
  • dragon1ady
    dragon1ady Posts: 335 Member
    DL, I love that idea! Do you want to go ahead and start it?

    Done. I called it "zombies aren't that strong either". :bigsmile:
  • chellebublz
    chellebublz Posts: 568 Member
    Not doing the run today. The bottom of my foot is still sore, I think I would make it through, but I feel safer giving it an extra day to rest. Plus I have a grad party for my cousin to go to in 2 hours so eh, it all works out lol
  • FakingFitness
    FakingFitness Posts: 325 Member
    Week 5 mission 2 complete!
    Distance: 3.61 mi
    Duration: 56:14

    I still cannot run 5 minutes in a row.
    I really wish that would change!
  • Flab2fitfi
    Flab2fitfi Posts: 1,349 Member
    Been feeling awful the last few days with a bad reaction to something and cold like symptoms but got cabin fever today and thought I will try even if I walked it.

    But instead I had my fasted run 9.18 min Km (W2D3) and did the whole run. I also found that my little targets on the free run (normally the next lamp post) I was running past and it was like my body almost did not want to stop.
  • AlexT29
    AlexT29 Posts: 43 Member
    Hi - sorry to cut in on the thread, but looking for some advice. I'm on week 4 of the 5k training. I've been having problems with shin splints, and as the runs get longer, they have been getting worse. My last run was Monday, and after the 5 minute free form, I had to walk home because it hurt so bad. I haven't ran since, hoping that my shins would heal. Today, I got fitted for new shoes (Asics Gel Enhance Ultra 2.0). I got the right arch height and found out I've been running in shoes one size too small (oops). I was so excited to get back out there, I went for a run as soon as I got home. And after the five minute free form, my shins started to hurt. I've been told that some people just can't run, but I don't want to accept that. So - anyone out there have any advice? Should I try another type of shoe? Or could it just be that I need to get used to these?
  • dragon1ady
    dragon1ady Posts: 335 Member
    I think a part of it is probably that you need to get used to your shoes, but I also think that you need to look hard at your running form.

    Slow down, and pay close attention to how our foot hits the ground and moves through the stride. You should never hit the ground heel first in full force. Picture your foot rolling through the step, your heel touching but the impact being absorbed by the rolling movement. You'll want the feel of your stride, and the way your ankles and feet move, to feel as if you are jogging, if that makes sense. It's easy to assume that running means your heel hits the ground, and your toes kick off for the next step... that is not the case. It's a single smooth rolling motion, and it isn't unusual that it takes conscious effort to get to that point.

    Also, are your new shoes padded for pavement, or whatever hard surface you are running on?
  • AlexT29
    AlexT29 Posts: 43 Member
    Thank you for the advice and encouragement dragon1ady. My shoes have a good amount of cushion. My husband has similar shoes, has done over 50 miles a week and has no injuries. I also try to stick to grass and gravel. When it's warm, I walk to the park then do loops. When it's cooler (and the rattle snakes are hibernating), I run a dirt road in the desert. I've been working on my form, but perhaps it's time I get some professional advice. Thank you again for the reply. I don't know anyone who gets shin splints and there is only so much I can glean from the Internet.
  • dragon1ady
    dragon1ady Posts: 335 Member
    I used to get shin splints all the time, and they stopped once I got shoes with enough cushioning. One of the other regulars here, bjhac, has a collection of YouTube links to running videos that might help you.
  • chellebublz
    chellebublz Posts: 568 Member
    I tried to do my run today, but i had to turn around at a mile. My foot still really hurts. Not sure what is wrong. For those who have tendonitis, can you explain what it feels like? From what I've read, I'm thinking it maybe that or a stress fracture. Or just some freak thing lol. But it sucks! I was on pace to beat my time. I was at half mile in 4 minutes ughhh
  • Flab2fitfi
    Flab2fitfi Posts: 1,349 Member
    With shin splints get plenty of rest and take a step back in your training. I ended up with severe shin splints last year (even after fitted shoes) that got to the point that even walking was impossible.

    This time round I've had no problems - I also started off slowly on the treadmill for a few weeks before out running again and also do lots of walking.
  • pinkraynedropjacki
    pinkraynedropjacki Posts: 3,027 Member
    I had shin splints to the point walking was hard to do, even from bed to the toilet. I ran them out. I ran on grass till it went away. Bugger resting them, if I did that I'd still have them. Did not change shoes, did not change distance (still ran 10 km with it) and didn't change anything except running on grass rather than the road. I ran daily. Simple. Gone in about 2 weeks & has never come back.
  • FakingFitness
    FakingFitness Posts: 325 Member
    I used to get shin splints all the time, and they stopped once I got shoes with enough cushioning. One of the other regulars here, bjhac, has a collection of YouTube links to running videos that might help you.

    Hi Guys, I changed my username. LOL
    (hoping if I keep Faking being fit, one day I'll actually be fit)

    Anyway, AlexT It does sound like you're running on your heels; not that I'm an expert.

    you may benefit greatly from the Chi Running technique to achieve proper running form:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkUqkdPQHis (this video is a jump off point)

    Here's a great video on helping the pain you have:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8RN_C95xeg (this video is by the same person who solved my Achilles issue and Dragon's arch issue.)

    This may help too:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1cpl9luAcs

    I'm throwing this one in because is't an awesome warm up!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcnAXw47nMw

    Happy Memorial Day everyone! :)
  • dragon1ady
    dragon1ady Posts: 335 Member
    For those who have tendonitis, can you explain what it feels like?

    It's very painful. :tongue:

    Tendonitis means there is inflammation in the tendon or tendons (the clue is the suffix -itis). It will get worse when you ask the tendon to work a lot, such as in my case, when I run on my foot. The impact when my foot connects wit the ground is very painful, though much less with proper arch support. It feels a bit like the constant super-soreness you get in your muscles after pushing them to the very limit and just beyond in a lifting workout, but more angry, if that makes sense. Stressing the tendon by working out makes it way way worse, and for a long time, depending on how hard you were on it.

    Gentle massage seems to help with the pain, but not with the underlying problem. The can-roll exercises gently stretch the tendon, which also helps, but I'm starting to reluctantly accept that nothing but rest will make this go away. Damn and blast, and all that.

    (Mandatory disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, or even an expert. If you want an opinion from one of those, ask one of those. :wink: )
  • chellebublz
    chellebublz Posts: 568 Member
    LOL.yea i dont want a doctors opinion. Although i may get looked at tomorrow, who knows. I'm really frustrated i cant finish my.last mission. I wasnt even exercising when it happened, just in the grocery store. It hurts like a bruised bone, when i put pressure on it. I can walk on toes without pain. I'm taking aleve, using capsaicin patches and resting. Jist going to use exercise bike at the gym til it feels better i guess :(
  • FakingFitness
    FakingFitness Posts: 325 Member
    LOL.yea i dont want a doctors opinion. Although i may get looked at tomorrow, who knows. I'm really frustrated i cant finish my.last mission. I wasnt even exercising when it happened, just in the grocery store. It hurts like a bruised bone, when i put pressure on it. I can walk on toes without pain. I'm taking aleve, using capsaicin patches and resting. Jist going to use exercise bike at the gym til it feels better i guess :(

    Are you icing it? You should be!

    When mine was at it's peak, rolling, ice and rest were all that helped it.
    I agree with dragon, the only thing that will really solve the problem is staying off it... for now, I'm happy with the dull roar.
    I can't stop running for a month. I'll never start again... but I had no choice in taking the week off, that I did.

    I just read someplace else about a girl just coming back after a stress fracture. She was off running for 7 weeks and her doc only gave the OK for her to run on grass.
  • sb4480
    sb4480 Posts: 199 Member
    Hi - sorry to cut in on the thread, but looking for some advice. I'm on week 4 of the 5k training. I've been having problems with shin splints, and as the runs get longer, they have been getting worse. My last run was Monday, and after the 5 minute free form, I had to walk home because it hurt so bad. I haven't ran since, hoping that my shins would heal. Today, I got fitted for new shoes (Asics Gel Enhance Ultra 2.0). I got the right arch height and found out I've been running in shoes one size too small (oops). I was so excited to get back out there, I went for a run as soon as I got home. And after the five minute free form, my shins started to hurt. I've been told that some people just can't run, but I don't want to accept that. So - anyone out there have any advice? Should I try another type of shoe? Or could it just be that I need to get used to these?

    Getting fitted is the first step to resolving the problem. It really helped me. Now, my shins ache after a run, but the ache is gone within a few hours. I mix up my training so I'm not always running on the road. Sometimes I'm on the treadmill (which I actually like because I can more easily pace myself and monitor my distance), sometimes I'm on a dirt trail. I find it helps a lot.

    Another thing I like to do is stretch out my shins right after warm up and then after my runs. I do this by simply kneeling with my butt touching my heels. This position gives the BEST shin stretch. Also make sure you stretch out your hamstrings and lower back. I've heard it's all related.

    Once you've got the pain treat it like any other muscle strain. Ice and anti-inflammatories.
  • FakingFitness
    FakingFitness Posts: 325 Member
    hey guys! hey guys! hey guys! Guess what... I did it!

    I was like the little engine that could today, for some reason.

    It's pouring here, so I went to the gym.
    I hopped on the treadmill and ran 1.10 miles in 14 minutes Without Stopping!
    (I went further, but who cares about the rest)
  • sb4480
    sb4480 Posts: 199 Member
    Faking, that's great!! I find the treadmill is so much easier, but I feel like I accomplish more when I run outside. I too do the mini goal approach and it really works.
  • dragon1ady
    dragon1ady Posts: 335 Member
    hey guys! hey guys! hey guys! Guess what... I did it!

    Wohoo! Well done! :happy:
  • AlexT29
    AlexT29 Posts: 43 Member
    Yah! Congrats! I've only been able to get up to 8 minutes - 14 is a huge accomplishment. And thank you for the video links. I have an appointment to analyze my running form tonight and will start incorporating some of those exercises into my routine.
  • FakingFitness
    FakingFitness Posts: 325 Member
    Yah! Congrats! I've only been able to get up to 8 minutes - 14 is a huge accomplishment. And thank you for the video links. I have an appointment to analyze my running form tonight and will start incorporating some of those exercises into my routine.

    Thanks guys, I'm still excited. lol

    sb, I like running outside better too. If it weren't for mini goals, I'd likely give up.

    AlexT, you're welcome. Good luck tonight, can't wait to hear how you make out. :)
  • chellebublz
    chellebublz Posts: 568 Member
    Was another day off for me. I woke up feeling good, put my shoes on and ran a few errands with my fiance and son, and by the time we got home the side of my foot and ankle was killing me. ahhhh this may be a long recoup period.....