The official running thread™

[Steamy Tom]

What you are experiencing now is normal, we all went through it when starting out. The goal of running is to be as comfortable as possible for as long as possible, this makes the experience much better. Get that foam roller if you haven't already got one and start using it will help with the new muscle aches etc. No need for an expensive one just get the cheap one from Dischem.

to be honest besides for the strain on the hamstring i had I dont really have much pain or discomfort other than the heel, i feel like i could run the 2km in sub 12m if i was solo running, i.e i feel i could easily push harder and further.

 

[Snyper564]

to be honest besides for the strain on the hamstring i had I dont really have much pain or discomfort other than the heel, i feel like i could run the 2km in sub 12m if i was solo running, i.e i feel i could easily push harder and further.

That's awesome! I am thinking longer term here get it and start using it its both a preventative measure and helps with existing issues and feels great

 

[Steamy Tom]

this morning even with 2 plasters on each heel i had to change out my shoes to a pair of softer cheapies, i was just in too much pain, i don't get it those NB are meant to be proper running shoes. managed to do the 2km in 13.5 mins with some walking in the new/old shoes though.

 

[walterl]

Maybe take a rest day or two, those blisters aren't going to heal if you don't

 

[Steamy Tom]

Sounds like you bought the wrong size shoe

I go through at least 4 pairs of running shoes in a year and from one pair to next never a blister ever. Heal blister means there is movement between the shoe and your heal.

Try tying those laces up a bit. Obviously while the blister is there it's going to irretate you.

i hear you but i don't think so they are an 8 like all my other shoes and the fit feels fine, the shoe feels snug and doesnt feel like there is much in the way of movement, it is almost as if the back is much harder than it should be/was

 

[Claymore]

did my 2k this morning, wen't pretty easy, 14 mins, i swear the gps gets worse every day though saying the distance is less and less, looking at the map it thinks i cut through blocks etc.

also had the backs of my ankles getting rubbed up by my shoes badly.

Get better socks; like someone else, I can strongly recommend Falke - get a pair or two of the thicker ones. Something else - if you have the "extra" lacing holes in your shoes, the ones that seem too far back, lace through them anyway. They help hold your foot so there's less backward and forward movement.

 

[Snyper564]

Get better socks; like someone else, I can strongly recommend Falke - get a pair or two of the thicker ones. Something else - if you have the "extra" lacing holes in your shoes, the ones that seem too far back, lace through them anyway. They help hold your foot so there's less backward and forward movement.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/extra-shoelace-holes-lace-heel-lock-video_n_7254758

There you go. That's how I lace and tie my shoes!

 

[Terence1983]

this morning even with 2 plasters on each heel i had to change out my shoes to a pair of softer cheapies, i was just in too much pain, i don't get it those NB are meant to be proper running shoes. managed to do the 2km in 13.5 mins with some walking in the new/old shoes though.

What did you use to measure your route, ive seen a few previous posts saying your gps doesn't seem accurate. Try using Strava or a well known app to measure it. I run with a tom tom runner 3 watch. Awesome watch and not badly priced if you serious about getting into running.

Also saw you having issues with your feet, were you properly fitted for your shoes? I also started off running in cheapies and learnt the hard way and too late through injuries that I needed stability shoes. I now suffer from plantar fasciitis for the past 3 or so years on and off. So make sure you get fitted by a reputable running shop to avoid long term issues.

Also don't listen to the negative comments about parkrun, they are brilliant and you will meet loads of interesting people at their events. Ive personally ran 168 parkruns to date and don't plan to stop any time soon LOL. If you worried about the guys trying to beat their personal bests, start further back or on the side, let them pass and then you do your own thing. Run your own run, don't worry about anyone around you. Best part of parkrun is the safe environment, you don't have to worry about cars or dodgy characters. Running on the road is dangerous, heck was almost hit by a car during Vaal marathon 2 weeks ago, the idiot ignored the metro police and the marshals.

That's my 2c from my 3-4 years of running experience.

 

[Agent_Smith]

Yeah, shoes are a finniky subject. What works for me won't necessarily work for you, so saying 'Use Brand X because I do' is pointless. Not sure where you are based, but I usually go to the Sweat Shop in Claremont, Cape Town. There they fit you and will determine for you what will work best. I think there's a Sweat Shop in JHB too but I stand to be corrected.

I'm currently using the Asics Gel Nimbus 21 2E which are great but now I hear they are ideal for a heavier runner (I weigh 68kg's). Mind you, it could've just been the guy from Mizuno trying to make a sale Anyway, I'm happy with them and they will be my shoe for the remainder of the year. They have to get me through a Two Oceans, a Comrades and all the training in between so they better survive!

 

[Terence1983]

i hear you but i don't think so they are an 8 like all my other shoes and the fit feels fine, the shoe feels snug and doesnt feel like there is much in the way of movement, it is almost as if the back is much harder than it should be/was

Just saw this, your running shoes should be 1 size bigger as your feet swell up when you running. My normal shoes are an 8-9 and my 'race' shoes are a 10.5. My normal parkrun trail shoes are a 9 and at times feel too tight. Just an FYI.

Oh and which parkrun are you planning on doing, which part of the country you from?

 

[Steamy Tom]

What did you use to measure your route, ive seen a few previous posts saying your gps doesn't seem accurate. Try using Strava or a well known app to measure it. I run with a tom tom runner 3 watch. Awesome watch and not badly priced if you serious about getting into running.

Also saw you having issues with your feet, were you properly fitted for your shoes? I also started off running in cheapies and learnt the hard way and too late through injuries that I needed stability shoes. I now suffer from plantar fasciitis for the past 3 or so years on and off. So make sure you get fitted by a reputable running shop to avoid long term issues.

Also don't listen to the negative comments about parkrun, they are brilliant and you will meet loads of interesting people at their events. Ive personally ran 168 parkruns to date and don't plan to stop any time soon LOL. If you worried about the guys trying to beat their personal bests, start further back or on the side, let them pass and then you do your own thing. Run your own run, don't worry about anyone around you. Best part of parkrun is the safe environment, you don't have to worry about cars or dodgy characters. Running on the road is dangerous, heck was almost hit by a car during Vaal marathon 2 weeks ago, the idiot ignored the metro police and the marshals.

That's my 2c from my 3-4 years of running experience.

i use runkeeper on my phone, in fairness it must be the app/gps combo messign about, it shows me cutting through the street blocks etc. i measured it in my car and online with this one site, i cant recall it now. i will get something proper eventually but for now i just wanted something to track progress a bit and keep me motivated.

My shoes i wouldn't say were properly fitted but i mean generally they felt right

 

[Steamy Tom]

Yeah, shoes are a finniky subject. What works for me won't necessarily work for you, so saying 'Use Brand X because I do' is pointless. Not sure where you are based, but I usually go to the Sweat Shop in Claremont, Cape Town. There they fit you and will determine for you what will work best. I think there's a Sweat Shop in JHB too but I stand to be corrected.

I'm currently using the Asics Gel Nimbus 21 2E which are great but now I hear they are ideal for a heavier runner (I weigh 68kg's). Mind you, it could've just been the guy from Mizuno trying to make a sale Anyway, I'm happy with them and they will be my shoe for the remainder of the year. They have to get me through a Two Oceans, a Comrades and all the training in between so they better survive!

lol 68kg, im almost at 80kg xD

 

[Steamy Tom]

Just saw this, your running shoes should be 1 size bigger as your feet swell up when you running. My normal shoes are an 8-9 and my 'race' shoes are a 10.5. My normal parkrun trail shoes are a 9 and at times feel too tight. Just an FYI.

Oh and which parkrun are you planning on doing, which part of the country you from?

im in the east rand will probably do a couple of them ranging from benoni to boksburg etc

 

[walterl]

im in the east rand will probably do a couple of them ranging from benoni to boksburg etc

I'm also East Rand, so I made the Ebotse parkrun my home parkrun, but the one by Germiston Lake is also nice, little bit easier than the ebotse parkrun as it is flatter. Ebotse has a uphill close to the finish that makes it difficult

 

[Terence1983]

im in the east rand will probably do a couple of them ranging from benoni to boksburg etc

Oh ok, haven't done any around that side yet, we have been planning to do the boksburg one at the stadium, apparently its a good course.

If you ever venture to the south, try Victoria lake (old germiston lake), flat and easy course on 95% tar, paving or if you like trail, run at Rietvlei zoo farm or the new Meyers farm one in Alberton, tough courses but awesome scenery.

Definitely look at getting fitted for proper shoes, sweatshop in Edenvale is one of the best places to get fitted their staff are knowledgeable on running.

 

[Terence1983]

I'm also East Rand, so I made the Ebotse parkrun my home parkrun, but the one by Germiston Lake is also nice, little bit easier than the ebotse parkrun as it is flatter. Ebotse has a uphill close to the finish that makes it difficult

Is this the one that used to be run in an estate or something? Ive heard its a nice one. Yea can vouch that germiston lake is an easier one. I always do a sub 30 minute there fairly easily, my pb there is 28:07 but that was a while ago, niggles have prevented any fast times for the past few months.

@Steamy Tom you are starting out at the perfect time of year, winter and colder weather is great for running, I tend to sweat a lot so the colder weather helps a lot.

 

[Y'all Qaeda]

How long did take you to get to running continuously for 5km as an example? I'm finishing up a 11week garmin coach program, and it had me running 2min with 1min breaks and tbh it was bloody hard. Fair enough, 11 weeks ago I wouldn't have survived the distance and 2min timings, just want to check other experiences.

 

[Cray]

How long did take you to get to running continuously for 5km as an example? I'm finishing up a 11week garmin coach program, and it had me running 2min with 1min breaks and tbh it was bloody hard. Fair enough, 11 weeks ago I wouldn't have survived the distance and 2min timings, just want to check other experiences.

How often do you train? I remember the one running club i went to said you should be looking at training at least 3 times a week in order to improve your distance and stamina.

Also consider cutting your pace in order to run further without walking. If 5km is your goal try to run it continuously at a slower pace, once you can do it without walking you can then work at running it faster.

 

[Snyper564]

How long did take you to get to running continuously for 5km as an example? I'm finishing up a 11week garmin coach program, and it had me running 2min with 1min breaks and tbh it was bloody hard. Fair enough, 11 weeks ago I wouldn't have survived the distance and 2min timings, just want to check other experiences.

I never ran a day in my life and started about the 7th of Jan 2015 this gives you an indication of my improvement from Couch (I am showing this to show what can be done with absolutely no base, I call myself a runner now, didn't back at the start of 2015...)



Skip forward 1 month and there is my first 10km



1 month further 15km

 

[Y'all Qaeda]

How often do you train? I remember the one running club i went to said you should be looking at training at least 3 times a week in order to improve your distance and stamina.

Also consider cutting your pace in order to run further without walking. If 5km is your goal try to run it continuously at a slower pace, once you can do it without walking you can then work or running it faster.

The program has me running 3 days a week. My average distances has increased from 3odd km to a constant 5.5km. I'm running a weightlifting - stronglifts 5x5 - program at the same time, so my legs are getting smoked there as well. Strava is telling me that I'm trending faster, just wanted to check if others had similar experiences.