Any new RUNNERS?... or wise veterans :)

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Replies

  • JustBia
    JustBia Posts: 18 Member
    I'm re-doing C25K again and am on Wk 7. I've probably done it several times and life gets in the way. No advice just support! This time around I've been doing this on Treadmill instead of outdoors while listening to podcasts.

    This is awesome - good for you 👏🏼

    Definitely let me know how it’s coming along. I can’t wait to be at week 7 ☺️
  • von66mfp
    von66mfp Posts: 22 Member
    Hi

    I also had a dream to run so started couch to 5k last year. Did ok completed program still couldn't run full 5k and very slow. Had gait tested and invested in good trainers but slowly lost motivation think I talked myself out of running so stopped last October.

    Fast forward to present and now gained 2st I had lost and still not running but have signed up for 5k with daughter in June so really need get back at it.

    I suppose my advice is dont overthink it. I put too much pressure on myself with times and distance etc and lost motivation so now I'm back where I started.
  • Claire5520
    Claire5520 Posts: 113 Member
    Hi. I haven't read all the posts, so apologies, but thought I would add my comments. I've been a runner for almost 10 years and started with C25k. I have lost track of the number of would-be runners who start and give up, and the thing that stands out for me is that almost all of them are too ambitious in their goals. When you are beginning to run, it's about starting, and keeping, to a routine. Forget all thoughts about speed/pace. Don't even think about that until you've been running consistently for 6 months. All beginner runners I've known have tried to push themselves too far and too fast, resulting in a few weeks of intense activity before they get injured and/or give up. in the early stages, all you need to focus on is showing up to whatever routine you've decided (C25k is perfect). Do the intervals as fast walks/slightly less fast walks if running is too challenging. Extend your recovery/walking time. Repeat days if the jump up is too quick and your fitness isn't there.
    Lifelong running is about routine and just showing up. Running is therapy for me (it took a year to get to that point!) and it was something I had to force myself to do for maybe, 6 months, but then my fitness caught up and I have never looked back.
    Hope this doesn't sound patronising or preachy. Good luck!
  • Claire5520
    Claire5520 Posts: 113 Member
    Oh, and absolutely get fitted for running trainers from an independent, specialist running shop :-)
  • flynntrader
    flynntrader Posts: 210 Member
    Running is overrated
  • JustBia
    JustBia Posts: 18 Member
    Claire5520 wrote: »
    Oh, and absolutely get fitted for running trainers from an independent, specialist running shop :-)

    All really good advice. Couldn’t agree more. And will be getting fitted for sneakers/trainers this weekend :)

  • JustBia
    JustBia Posts: 18 Member
    Running is overrated

    Interesting. Why’s that?
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,514 Member
    The only thing better than running is talking about running. The only thing better than talking about running is arguing about running.

    That's why these threads are so great!

    Anyway, as a 50+ running newbie, I can recommend

    - joining a running club
    - cross training on elliptical or stationary bike (spin class)
    - resistance training for runners
    - rolling classes

    Have a blast!
  • joanthemom8
    joanthemom8 Posts: 375 Member
    I did C25K when I was 46 (never a runner before that). Ran off and on for a few years on my own. A couple of years ago I joined a running training group called No Boundries at Fleet Feet and it has helped me so much. In the last 12 months I've run a 15k, and 4 half-marathons (I'm 54 now). I also still run with my Fleet Feet friends....it helps to have running peeps, lol. And my hubby also runs with me too .... we do most races together. And he's 57!
  • flynntrader
    flynntrader Posts: 210 Member
    JustBia wrote: »
    Running is overrated

    Interesting. Why’s that?
    You can achieve better results with high intensity training and stay indoors.
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,514 Member
    You can achieve better results with high intensity training and stay indoors.

    Staying indoors is overrated! :p

    (Although HIIT can be great and there are weather and safety concerns.)

    So many approaches to fitness! You have to consider what you want to train for, what suits your body, what fits your schedule, what you enjoy. Of course, runners like running, usually outdoors (but not always). Note that you can definitely do HIIT running workouts!
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    JustBia wrote: »
    Running is overrated

    Interesting. Why’s that?
    You can achieve better results with high intensity training and stay indoors.

    Please define "better".
  • JustBia
    JustBia Posts: 18 Member
    Agree other types of exercise, including HIIT, can be great to incorporate.

    Personally running/jogging I am seeing as more of an activity I want to enjoy and get the added benefits of fitness. It seems like a perfect way to get fresh air, clear the mind, and get a great workout all at once. Plus it’s free 🙌🏼
  • JustBia
    JustBia Posts: 18 Member
    I forgot to mention I also do spinning and love it. But spinning seems easier overall, though still challenging and a great workout.
  • littlegreenparrot1
    littlegreenparrot1 Posts: 694 Member

    [/quote]
    You can achieve better results with high intensity training and stay indoors. [/quote]

    I've been a runner on and off for 20 years. Nothing does as much for my mental and physical health as trail running.

    I will go out for hours, in all weather and feel better for it, since starting to train for an ultra both my weight and physical fitness have dramatically improved. My half hearted, bored witless gym efforts never did that.

    I understand it's not for you, but that doesn't mean it's not for everyone.
  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    edited February 2020
    The only thing better than running is talking about running. The only thing better than talking about running is arguing about running.

    That's why these threads are so great!

    Anyway, as a 50+ running newbie, I can recommend

    - joining a running club
    - cross training on elliptical or stationary bike (spin class)
    - resistance training for runners
    - rolling classes

    Have a blast!

    pejfh763a9sl.png



    But seriously... the suggestion to join a local running club can be a great one... there's so much benefit to being part of a larger running group/community.
  • emmamcgarity
    emmamcgarity Posts: 1,593 Member
    I started c25k in February last year and completed in the planned 9 weeks. I had some trouble the first 3 weeks and learned that I was running too fast which was giving me hip and knee pain. Slowing down and taking extra rest days when needed helped a lot. You’ve received great advice. I’ll just highlight what has stood out to me over the past year.

    1. Slow speed - Conversational pace for the running segments. What I didn’t realize starting out was that conversational pace is what’s recommended for most of your training runs even after C25k. As your fitness level improves this pace will improve naturally.
    2. Shoes - being fitted is important. At a running store. By someone who actually runs.... The local running stores are often connected in the community as well and can tell you about running clubs in your area.
    3. Parkrun - once I was ready to actually run around other people I went to my local Parkrun to run. These people are amazing! I wish I had gone sooner. They are encouraging and walkers are welcome. If there is a Parkrun site near you, check them out. This was how I got connected with the local running communities.
    4. Running clubs - I ended up joining a local club after visiting Parkrun several times. I really enjoy it more than I thought I would. I still do most of my training runs alone, but I find that meeting with the group semi-regularly has benefited me.
  • ADSigMel
    ADSigMel Posts: 1 Member
    My 9-year-old daughter has recently joined the running club at her school, and they're doing a 5K in April. Unfortunately, this means that I'm apparently also doing a 5K in April, at her pouty-faced request. Did I mention that I hate running? Like, I would rather do wall sits for 3 hours than run for 3 minutes, I hate running so so much. I've always wanted to like it (and I'm really jealous of the people who love it), but I've just never been able to get to that point. I'm doing a Couch to 5K, though - I'm on week 2, and it's ok, I guess. I mean, I still hate running, but I'm trusting the process and hoping to be able to make it through the 5K in April without embarrassing my kid, at least.
  • JustBia
    JustBia Posts: 18 Member
    ADSigMel wrote: »
    My 9-year-old daughter has recently joined the running club at her school, and they're doing a 5K in April. Unfortunately, this means that I'm apparently also doing a 5K in April, at her pouty-faced request. Did I mention that I hate running? Like, I would rather do wall sits for 3 hours than run for 3 minutes, I hate running so so much. I've always wanted to like it (and I'm really jealous of the people who love it), but I've just never been able to get to that point. I'm doing a Couch to 5K, though - I'm on week 2, and it's ok, I guess. I mean, I still hate running, but I'm trusting the process and hoping to be able to make it through the 5K in April without embarrassing my kid, at least.

    Ahhhhh! I hear you. But in a way it’s a great thing too. 🙌🏼 on the dedication to your daughter and rooting her on. I hope your reunion with running, and the training consistency, makes you fall in love with the sport this time. It is coming slow for me but I may just be finding it.

    Let us know how it goes. ::reminding myself to research 5ks this weekend::