W7R1...and now for something completely different...

[Tikiczocky]

...I popped into a running shop for a browse the other day (I know, right...me!)...was asked, 'What's your goal after C25k. A 5k, 10k race?' Me - 'errrr...no. Just fit for 50!!' Then, over a few pairs of flashy trainers & gait analysis (found I'm pretty much okay with any old shoe...which is nice), I realised that my real goal is to run off-road a bit, in the woods & such, on trails with my dog, Liv.

So, today..a major route change - fantastic!! I'm really lucky to have some beautiful woodland trails on the doorstep, but I've been sticking to the roads because of the hills (and time) involved. But, I thought it was time to warm up walk on the hilly road (quite a climb...takes a bit longer than the 5 minutes), then took to the trail. A few extra ups & a lovely down later - it was great to use my legs and body in a different way, rather than pounding along on tarmac (my knees ache less too) - exhausted, slow & steady, but extremely happy as I managed that all important 25 minute jog! Liv loved it too :D.

Pic; A bit of today's downhill - Reelig Glen Woodland, nr Inverness

[serendipitygal Graduate]

That looks lovely, idyllic, peaceful! Oh, I would love to run in there

We have woods but a car ride away - may be one day i will try that

[serendipitygal Graduate in reply to serendipitygal]

P.S Good news about being a neutral shoe as well... I nipped into Asics in Leeds 2 weeks ago- just to browse lol, and bought a pair of kimano (or something) THEY ARE VERY NICE! Bright pink with gel in the soles so quite warm but I must say, lurvely!

Browsing is dangerous lol

[Tikiczocky Graduate in reply to serendipitygal]

It is lovely - got it all to myself this morning :D. Yep - scary browsing...ah - neutral, that's the word!! I was fitted with a lovely pair of Saucony, (he tried so hard to get me to buy) but I said I'd probably go back soon for some trail shoes instead...I certainly preferred the off road. Maybe a graduation treat!!

[useitorloseit Graduate]

I've been wanting to try that in our local country park, but I'm nervous about lumpy ground/conkers/roots etc. How did you find it? Were you constantly looking at the ground to avoid hazards, or was it possible to run without those kind of worries? I would hate to get injured now that I've got this far (W8).

[Tikiczocky Graduate in reply to useitorloseit]

I know what you mean; it's a tricky one - the injury worry. There were a fair few twigs & roots, so I had to pick my way at times, but I just kept it slow. It's mainly good forestry commission tracks, so not too bad for most of it. I would say that, for me, the advantages of doing something more stimulating and the smell of pine, crunch of leaves, more spring from the ground, outweighed the worries. Plus, I had gotten to the point where 25 minutes of pounding tarmac was just leaving me achey and, perhaps, I'd just found myself enduring it, which is not good.

[useitorloseit Graduate in reply to Tikiczocky]

Thanks. When I've graduated and got myself stronger I might give it a go (I need to be very careful with my knees as they are quick to complain if I do anything daft!).

[the_tea_fairy Graduate in reply to useitorloseit]

I've sorted out my hip pain by not running on flat hard surfaces any more. I might trip sometimes, but no more weird impact-related aches.

[Fitfor60 Graduate in reply to useitorloseit]

According to our jogscotland leader you are supposed to look at ground a few feet in front of you . I really like off road running cos surface is always different I am slower so not focussing on time but more the surroundings which is very relaxing . I started running on grass just beside normal path in park and I find it much easier on joints useitorloseit

[useitorloseit Graduate in reply to Fitfor60]

I did first 5 weeks going round and round our village playing field, but it was a bit boring. When I go back there now to do a couple of laps on the way to somewhere else, I find it really tiring. When I've graduated, I might do one run a week on grass as I think it works your legs harder and will help me build up even more. Very boring going round and round, but when the mornings get darker it will be a lot safer than the hedge diving I currently do, and I don't seem to be comfortable running later in the day.

[danzargo Graduate]

Looks gorrrrrrrrrrgeous and I am well jel. Lucky you having such beauteous nature on your doorstep. Good luck on your trail runs.

[Hidden]

Wow, splendid scenery! Lucky you! Good luck on yoru last couple of weeks before graduation.

[Clara29 Graduate]

Wow! It looks lovely. Well done. I am sure Liv will prefer this as well

[Hidden]

Well done trail looks great something else for me to aim for

[misswobble Graduate]

I love running the trails! I can't imagine pounding Tarmac the whole time. Your neck of the woods looks absolutely beautiful

Most of us have some decent scenery about the place, even in towns you can find bits of woodlands and farm tracks round the fields. I live on the edge of town but the offroad trails are plentiful

I bought trail shoes straight away when I started running as I preferred to start C25k off-road. Glad I did. I loved it from the off and I think it was which kept me going.

I use Brooks Cascadias, a trail shoe but ok on short bits of Tarmac to get you to the trail. They are ever so comfy and supportive round the ankle, which is why I like them

[Tikiczocky Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Ah..thanks! I'll take a look at those. That's why I went browsing...asked about trail shoes that would be okay for use on the tarmac that gets me to the trail, but ended up with assistant finding me normal trainers, because I said I find my knees ache, so he discouraged me from looking at the trail shoes. Bah! Thought I should wait and research myself. After today's run, I think that'll be the way I go.

[atomic]

Hey, that's great

I run somewhere that looks a bit like that too - I love it, it's what motivates me to get out sometimes.

Well done on getting this far - graduation soon for you

[Hidden]

Looks glorious... perfectly peaceful...

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

Yay! Welcome to joyous running and happy knees!

[Mamma_Mia Graduate]

Well done on getting to week 7 - nearly there now! What a gorgeous place to run too