Struggling to get started....: Hello runners... - Couch to 5K

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Struggling to get started....

Trailfinder35 profile image
19 Replies

Hello runners!

First blog entry and in need of some tips on getting my ass out of the door/ treadmill....I am struggling to get started on the couch25k...Ive got lovely Laura on the ipod, got my biomechanics checked, shoes analysed, I only work two days a week so have time on my hands, I have my running clothes...writing it down now I can see its not the running tools that are missing but the motivation....I must add that I have been a runner before and steadily worked to a 6 mile run, got runners knee and gave up...I now have a pair of 'ortho' insoles, some large elastic bands to strengthen my leg muscles. They seem to have worked as I dont have the knee pain as much... oh and then the snow arrived.....I do have treadmill though (thoughts on outdoor running v treadmills?)

Any tips welcome

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Trailfinder35 profile image
Trailfinder35
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19 Replies
Fingalo profile image
FingaloGraduate

I think you need a boot up the bum.

wilmacgh profile image
wilmacghGraduate

Think about what's stopping you. Only you can take that final step and although you might be not think it no-one pays any notice to joggers. Sounds like you've done all the preparation, just need to get going now. Even if all you do is put on the podcast and just do one run, you can say you've started. And working back into it gradually you'll be less likely to get injured than running a 5k from scratch.

Can't advise on treadmill versus outside. I love being outside and seeing birds and plants as I go and I like having to respond to the change in the terrain but I'm that sort of person. If you'd rather be in the warm on your treadmill watching TV that's your choice.

Keep blogging. You'll get lots of support from this site.

Trailfinder35 profile image
Trailfinder35

Fingalo, I agree with you, it would be great if I had a running buddy but not too many around this time of the year (how embarrasing just came up with an excuse! oh dear!)!

Thankyou Wilmacgh, will set myself a target this week!

Fingalo profile image
FingaloGraduate in reply toTrailfinder35

"...will set myself a target this week!"

What? Set yourself a target this week as to when you're going to start or set yourself a target of actually starting this week?

Pull yer finger out man. You've got the gear and the time. As much as I dislike Nike, I have to go with them here.

JUST DO IT!

Mitts profile image
MittsGraduate

I'm just starting back after having runner's knee stop me running since the start of November. I did the whole programme outside last summer-autumn, but as I live in Switzerland and it's difficult to run through metres deep snow in my lovely woods I've now joined a gym and tackled a treadmill.

If I were you I'd start on the treadmill. It's easier running on it. You won't freeze on it. You're less likely to end up with crampy cold and painful quads on it. You can start the programme, build up a bit, and then see how you feel about the great outdoors.

There's always a kind of 'real runners run outside' feeling when you decide to go to a gym, but that's a load of...

Do what's best for your legs.

And consider this a boot up the bum too - in the direction of your treadmill! :-D

rolphie2 profile image
rolphie2Graduate

Just get up put your gear on and go for it, probably best on the treadmill this weather and kinder on your knees than pounding the pavements (only guessing here I have no knowledge on the subject). You can do it :-) Looking forward to reading how your first run goes

linda50 profile image
linda50

you need to just go , once your there you'll be glad you started, and this will give you the motivation for future runs

Trailfinder35 profile image
Trailfinder35

Thanks Mitts, I too love outside, its the feeling of getting away and making distance that has always felt good, but for now It may have to be the treadmill as the icy pavement is a no go. Did you have physio for your knee too? I was prescribed specially designed insoles too...

Mitts profile image
MittsGraduate in reply toTrailfinder35

Yes - he massaged it and gave me loads of quads exercises and stretches, and when it was acute I iced it too. But what helped me most was using a foam roller - agony but well worth it, made a big difference.

What kind of insoles do you have? I've been wondering about this too but I don't know what kind to get. Maybe I should ask in a sports shop next time I'm in town.

Happy running and we want to know ALL about the first run asap! Please. :-)

Trailfinder35 profile image
Trailfinder35 in reply toMitts

Yep thats what my physio did too. I have heard of the foam roller and watched a few youtube videos about it, never used it though. If I do get again might try that.

I was referred to an orthotist who proded and poked my back, hip and knee and had some foot orthoses moulded. Mine have a very high arch (got flat feet!) and a sturdy heel rest. They are like your normal full insoles but specifically designed to re-align your gait and in my case lift my arch too.

When they did the biomechanics it was quite interesting to learn that my hip is slightly tilted and the angle from my knee cap to my hip is a little wwide etc etc all affecting my knee when running....

Trailfinder35 profile image
Trailfinder35 in reply toTrailfinder35

oh and yes i will be posting my first run! : )

Mitts profile image
MittsGraduate in reply toTrailfinder35

Yikes, that sounds very complicated :-)

If I have any more problems I'll maybe get that done too though I don't have flat feet.

Have a nice run!! :-)

Trailfinder35 profile image
Trailfinder35 in reply toMitts

It reads worse than it actually is! Thankyou and have a good run too!

Trailfinder35 profile image
Trailfinder35

Thanks Rolphie2 and Linda50. 'Just get up and go' no over thinking, analysing and worrying...geez my middle name should be procrastinator...I should join the Procrastinators Unite...tomorrow! : )

greenlegs profile image
greenlegsGraduate

Have you done it yet? Come on, you know you want to. I too am a procrastinator extraordinaire - and this running is now my main excuse to not do anything else I don't want to do. Honestly, it's that good.

Get you bum off that couch! Don't let Blessingway leave you behind!

Trailfinder35 profile image
Trailfinder35 in reply togreenlegs

hahaha!! Thanks Green legs! I have set out the kit reday and waiting for tomorrow! There is no getting out of this one! eeek!

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway

How did you get on? Did you take the leap?!

Trailfinder35 profile image
Trailfinder35

Hi Blessingway, indeed I did! W2 R1 and I am loving it! I am taking it really easy as I am only doing 4mph on the treadmill. Also, I got really itchy legs though...anyone else get this?

wilmacgh profile image
wilmacghGraduate in reply toTrailfinder35

Well done. great to hear you're on your way!

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