More outside: Hi all I managed to run a whole... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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More outside

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate
13 Replies

Hi all

I managed to run a whole 1 km outside today before getting driven in to my treadmill by the pollen.

This is only my second run outside, does anyone have any tips regarding pace? As you can see I was all over the place, I know I went off too fast, so I caught that. Oldfloss said "slow and steady" to me in my head and I managed to slow it down, but felt like I slowed down too much so sped up a bit lol

Any tips as to the "steady" bit of the "slow and steady"?

My phone was in my pocket so I didn't see the pace while running, should I be looking?

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backintime profile image
backintime
Graduate
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13 Replies
IAmCharliemouse profile image
IAmCharliemouseGraduate

Well done on the continued outdoor adventure. Just take it easy until the pollen has gone.

I don’t worry about pace at all while running, although it’s interesting to look back. Some apps will give you voice messages with your pace, if you really want quick feedback, but I turn it off.

Stephen_UK profile image
Stephen_UKGraduate

No tips, really. Just to say that unless you are running somewhere very flat, the pace is bound to vary a lot. I wouldn’t worry about it as it will average out over distance.

Jogunlikely profile image
JogunlikelyGraduate

Well done for venturing outside for so long. I'm so lucky I don't suffer from hayfever so hats off for pushing on x

It takes a while to find your pace so don't worry too much.

I have set runkeeper to tell me my current pace every 250m. This may be overkill but it allows me to quickly adjust my speed. It's so easy for the pace to sneek up and up then your brain catches up and goes oh this is hard!

Another forum member uses a metronome app or you can get playlists (Not sure wherefrom) that are so many beats per minute. It's just finding sometime that works for you :) x

Redcat19 profile image
Redcat19Graduate

I've only run twice outside too. Although intend to do more including a park run. So I will be very interested in your replies. I like the treadmill and the gym in general and can't see me outside other than summer at the moment. Not sure I see any fasination of running in the rain like many of our fellow runners here!!

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate in reply to Redcat19

I want to do a park run too, which is why I am pushing to run outside. Plus I would like to vary the view a bit :D

I will try and do 1.5k next time, pollen permitting of course :D

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Hi Backintime, I just ease into a gentle trot at the very start, sort of counting 1,2,3,4 to keep the pace steady and even. You could try using the stepping stone podcast with Laura, she will get you on an even keel...once into a rythm you can begin to relax and ease into your comfy pace.

I think you will enjoy outdoor running, once the pollen issue has gone.😊xx

Well done for getting outdoors again.

When I’m fit & not on the IC all my runs are outdoors and I don’t worry about the pace as I’m up and down inclines and have a mixture of track, road and woodland trail.

I’m sure you’ve seen the YouTube Japanese Slow Running clip? If not, just google it as it’s amazing for helping with a steady pace.

I sympathise with the hay fever. I have to pop an antihistamine each morning and I run with a stash of tissues in my running belt!!

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate in reply to

Which antihistamine do you use? I have tried a load but they all make me groggy and I fall asleep at my desk (or nearly), even if I take them the evening before.

Generally I only take occasionally when I really can't do without

in reply to backintime

At the moment I am taking Tesco's own brand 'One-a-day Hayfever & allergy' antihistamine (active ingredient is loratadine). I've also used Aldi's own brand, again loratadine. I'm not drowsy at all with either of these. Aldi's other version which contains cetirizine does make me a little drowsy. Hope this helps 🤧🌸!

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate in reply to

Thank you

in reply to backintime

You are welcome!

I only developed hay fever last year - it hit me for six and out of the blue in April with the birch pollen. I thought I had flu!! I didn't realise how horrible it can be - scratchy throat, runny nose, sore sinuses/headache!

At the first sign of it this year I started to pop the antihistamines straight away - this was back in February when it was unseasonally warm. I tried weaning myself off a couple of weeks ago because I was feeling okay, but wished I hadn't and was soon back on them again.

I happened on the Tesco's antihistamines accidentally when I went on holiday without any and had to pick some up. I've stuck with them ever since.

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate in reply to

Yes, mine hit me suddenly one year too. I had always had a bit, itchy eyes, and a runny nose, but one year, all of a sudden, I had a full blown asthma attack. Very scary. Felt like I couldn't get any air in my lungs and that my lung capacity had reduced by 3/4.

Rushed to the doctor (5 mins away on foot, was quicker than the hospital) and he gave me a choice of an injection there and then or an ambulance - I took the injection. He told me I was silly not to have gone in sooner (I thought I had a bad cold) and that breathing was not an optional extra haha.

my allergies are grass pollen (the worst one) and oak, ash, elm and plane tree :(

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate

I'm taking half an antihistamine in the morning at this time of year... I think it's normal after coming from the treadmill where your pace is dictated for you. Start slow and then after 5 minutes you can speed up a little if you want but not so fast that you can't chat to a friend (could be imaginary). In doubt I would just stay super slow and count along your steps, you'll soon get into a rhythm. Anyway slow is the answer!

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