The official running thread™

I've pretty much given up on running since I'm now cycling 2 hours a day to work and back. I still get passed up by 50+ year old tannies though so it's not as impressive as it sounds.
 
Nobody Important said:
Hopefully the pro's will recommend some good free apps. I used mapmyrun when I went for a short jog the other day to see if I can manage. It didn't ask for payment, but then again I used it together with my Samsung gear, I think they have some sort of sponsored partnership, not sure. Try that out.
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I've downloaded Runkeeper, will give it a shot tonight weather permitting.
 
gamer16 said:
Makes 2 of us.

I also started running a week or so ago as my weight was mentioned in the worst place possible, anyway what I want to know is I see some apps used for tracking, are there any good free one's I can give a shot? Probably don't even run 1km now but I want a benchmark to keep improving.
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Good Luck!

I use Strava for my running. It might sound like a very silly reason, but Strava has segments on the routes that you run (you can also setup your own). I gives you a great sense of accomplishment when you have a PR on a segment or two after a run. It gives you a very real measure of progress. I also like to run a specific route every now and then to see if I am at least making some progress.

Just remember, you cannot run a PR every day. I went out for a 5KM run this morning and it was my slowest run this year, the tank was just empty and the legs were moaning.
 
gamer16 said:
Makes 2 of us.

I also started running a week or so ago as my weight was mentioned in the worst place possible, anyway what I want to know is I see some apps used for tracking, are there any good free one's I can give a shot? Probably don't even run 1km now but I want a benchmark to keep improving.
Click to expand...

Do you have an Apple Watch? I found it's a good tool to keep track of progress. It's quite motivating to sync it with Vitality and get the health benefits from the points.
 
cerebus said:
Do you have an Apple Watch? I found it's a good tool to keep track of progress. It's quite motivating to sync it with Vitality and get the health benefits from the points.
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+1 for Vitality points. I gym for free because I run :p
 
cerebus said:
Do you have an Apple Watch? I found it's a good tool to keep track of progress. It's quite motivating to sync it with Vitality and get the health benefits from the points.
Click to expand...

Nope, am thinking about getting a fitbit or one of those things though.
 
welcome you 2 :D

I am using the ascics runkeeper app atm (free - there is an in app upgrade but imo you dont need it to start), the distance isn't massively reliable but i am mainly using it for time tracking and to keep track of when i ran.
 
I have an iWatch and use the Nike Run Club App, which is free
 
Nobody Important said:
One silly question regarding foam rollers (recommend earlier in the thread). What does it do? I saw some youtube videos with ladies doing yoga style exercises, is that what is done for running too? Didn't seem "right".
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When you first start out running don't go too hard. That's how you injure yourself and/or end up quitting because you are in so much pain. For your first few runs look at doing something like 30 sec run / 30 sec walk for 20 minutes. Then increase the length of the run bit without changing the walking time (e.g 1 min run / 30 sec walk) etc.

To your question about foam rollers, the idea is that they are like a sports massage which helps loosen up and clear lactic acid from your muscles. Not sure what videos you saw but you basically lie with the muscle you are massaging on top of the foam roller and then roll it up and down the muscle. It can be quite painful hence the weird looking positions that allow you to support some of your weight off the roller to make it more bearable.

gamer16 said:
I also started running a week or so ago as my weight was mentioned in the worst place possible, anyway what I want to know is I see some apps used for tracking, are there any good free one's I can give a shot? Probably don't even run 1km now but I want a benchmark to keep improving.
Click to expand...

I use Strava and TrainingPeaks. Both have free and paid for versions. If you are just starting out the free version is more than enough. Strava is kinda like social media for exercise so you can follow your mates and see how much they are training which I find can be very motivational (especially if you are racing against them in the future). It is also very cool for tracking progress. Plus if you ever get a Garmin/Polar/Suunto running watch you can like them to Strava as well so can keep your entire exercise history in one place.

Both of these apps also allow you to track multiple sports. So if you pick up another sport in addition to the running you can also track it separately in the same app.
 
Jehosefat said:
When you first start out running don't go too hard. That's how you injure yourself and/or end up quitting because you are in so much pain. For your first few runs look at doing something like 30 sec run / 30 sec walk for 20 minutes. Then increase the length of the run bit without changing the walking time (e.g 1 min run / 30 sec walk) etc.

To your question about foam rollers, the idea is that they are like a sports massage which helps loosen up and clear lactic acid from your muscles. Not sure what videos you saw but you basically lie with the muscle you are massaging on top of the foam roller and then roll it up and down the muscle. It can be quite painful hence the weird looking positions that allow you to support some of your weight off the roller to make it more bearable.



I use Strava and TrainingPeaks. Both have free and paid for versions. If you are just starting out the free version is more than enough. Strava is kinda like social media for exercise so you can follow your mates and see how much they are training which I find can be very motivational (especially if you are racing against them in the future). It is also very cool for tracking progress. Plus if you ever get a Garmin/Polar/Suunto running watch you can like them to Strava as well so can keep your entire exercise history in one place.
Click to expand...
Awesome, thank you! :)
 
Nobody Important said:
Hopefully the pro's will recommend some good free apps. I used mapmyrun when I went for a short jog the other day to see if I can manage. It didn't ask for payment, but then again I used it together with my Samsung gear, I think they have some sort of sponsored partnership, not sure. Try that out.
Click to expand...

Also using mapmyrun :cool:

Have just started doing some trail runs. They are a lot more challenging than Park Runs but also really great motivators.
 
Steamy Tom said:
welcome you 2 :D

I am using the ascics runkeeper app atm (free - there is an in app upgrade but imo you dont need it to start), the distance isn't massively reliable but i am mainly using it for time tracking and to keep track of when i ran.
Click to expand...

I'm about to list my Suunto in the classifieds, but as I offered it to you first, I thought I'll check whether you're interested?
 
GhostSixFour said:
I'm about to list my Suunto in the classifieds, but as I offered it to you first, I thought I'll check whether you're interested?
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Sorry I will need to pass, I am holding off for now the wife wants to get me one for birthday but thanks for remembering
 
ShaunSA said:
Also using mapmyrun :cool:

Have just started doing some trail runs. They are a lot more challenging than Park Runs but also really great motivators.
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I also did a trail run, the cheese and olive one a couple of weeks ago, and doing the Ale run in two weeks time
 
3.5km @ 22.35 - i swear it feels harder by the day xD definitely mental imo
 
Runkeeper seems to work good, tracking looks accurate. Did a small run just up the road and down, luckily wasn't too bad but my lungs aren't happy, still got a productive cough this morning, smoking is bad mmkay. Not going to stop though and will try 1.5x the distance this evening.

@Nobody Important, did you start yet?
 
gamer16 said:
Runkeeper seems to work good, tracking looks accurate. Did a small run just up the road and down, luckily wasn't too bad but my lungs aren't happy, still got a productive cough this morning, smoking is bad mmkay. Not going to stop though and will try 1.5x the distance this evening.

@Nobody Important, did you start yet?
Click to expand...

i think my issue with it is just bad gps on my phone, or bad comms between the gps and the app, or bad signal.
 
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