I'm so unplanned this week, really not sure what's interesting in my head! 🤣
So I'm going to cheat a little and steal my theme from this audiobook, which was absolutely great. As someone who has no interest in entering races/events, if anything was ever going to make me change my mind, it would be this lady. Extremely entertaining, she relays the lessons that running has taught her through fantastic and very funny stories along the way.
So what has running taught you along the way or what are you still learning on your running journey?
I would say that apart from the obvious "I can do more than I ever thought" I have learned, or had the following lessons reinforced;
You cannot "spot" a runner; we are so diverse in size, shape and ability. Anyone, just _anyone_ could be a runner.
Stubbornness is really useful in finishing really long runs 🤣
You simply cannot own too many pairs of running shoes! 🤪 the fact that I have, um, 7 pairs in circulation (and a new pair have just arrived) is perfectly normal! 🙈
Don't overthink things... just run 👍🏻
Still getting out 2/3 times a week, usually keeping to my 30 mile/week goal and working out every day before work. Would like to get more miles in but I'm struggling for more availability... Still aiming to hit a 30 miler by October.
What's happening in your running schedule? Are things going to plan, any new shoes on the horizon?
As always, if you're new here, or just browsing through the community posts, this is a great place to introduce yourself and let us know how you are doing. You’ll find plenty of support and knowledge from your fellow runners here.
I’m running with no plans at all, and have been doing since my marathon last November. I’m off out in a mo 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
I’ve got two newish pairs of shoes so no new ones in the offing. Running sunnies is my next “must buy” 😎
I am off to the seaside apparently so will spend time til then poring over running routes. I especially love running by the sea 🏃♀️🌊🍦🏖. I hope to do some swimming in the sea too 🏊♀️
That’s what I love about running there is so much to learn but at the same time you can just get out there consistently and you start to see results. I managed my first sub 30 5k on Saturday and I think it’s just lots of slow miles are starting to pay off. I jeffed 15k this morning and enjoyed it as much as my fast 5k. I’m going to keep getting out there and keep learning ❤️🏃♀️
Love that you have 7 or 8 pairs of running shoes on rotation 🥰
Indeed, the more we do, the better we get (and the easier it becomes!)
Well done on your sub 30, it's a great feeling! 💪🏻😁
To be fair they're not all exactly in rotation, some have specific duties; treadmill shoes, mud shoes, barefoot shoes. I certainly have never owned so many shoes I'm sure! 🙈🤣
I used to love my Peregrines, but after the "8" model, they just don't fit my feet right. The ISO model slipped on my heel, the 10 I have but they're more narrow sadly so I can only use them on shorter runs 👎🏻
My 8s did over 500 hard miles and I still can't part with them even though there is hardly any cushion left in them...
We're lucky to have you Bob, you're every bit as inspirational as anyone else we have here and a great example to those thinking it's "too late" in life to start! 💖
Hi Jo_Jo. Nice post, and inspiring as ever. My running’s not going too well, for some reason. I’m finding the usual 5K and 10K runs more difficult and my times are slower. I am supposed to be training for the London Landmarks HM, but am losing the will slightly. I am hydrating and resting OK, and avoiding injury (touch wood), but it just seems to be more effort when I would have hoped it was getting easier. Sorry for the negative post, but you did ask how it was going!
I'm just finishing Scott Jurek's (audio) book "Eat and Run" He talks about losing the desire to run, how it gets hard and loses all meaning. I've just had a slump myself as has one of my runner friends, we've both come out the other side. Jurek says the only way is to regain the childlike sense of fun, run for runnings sake, with no goal and ideally (he says) no tech, no data, just run. Doesn't have to be long or hard, just run. Find grass or trails with views. Rest, eat well, sleep well and just run.
In the end, you've done that distance before, you know you CAN do it so if you have the willpower you WILL do it. More important (in my book) to regain the desire to run.
Don't forget, not every run can be a good one, but there's something good in every run. Look for the good. I still find some runs terribly hard with no obvious reason. Sometimes it's easier, sometimes it's harder, sometimes it great and sometimes it's just "meh"...🤪 but it is _always_ worth it.
Maybe it's event pressure you're putting on yourself in which case I wholeheartedly recommend Lisa Jackson's book above... DNF is not as bad as DNS, a slow time is still a "finish" time. Events should be fun, let's face it: we are not the kind of runners who will WIN it, so just enjoy it. 💖
I really hope you recapture your mojo in plenty of time 🤞🏻
Thanks, JoJo. This is helpful and kind. I’m not sure it’s the pressure of the race. It’s more that my ‘honeymoon period’ of running just wore off a while back and I need to find ways to make it interesting again. I like the idea of running without data and running for its own sake. Plus, I need to look for a new route.
Sorry to read that your running’s not going too well Stephen. I think most of us can relate to those “snakes” on the running board. Sometimes there isn’t an obvious reason and one day you’re out and it turns out to be a great run and you know the mojo has returned.
You’re a brilliant runner and you’ve done a few HM’s now so you’ll be able to do another with little training, I have absolutely no doubt.
Thanks, IP. Just replied to your other post but thank you for these kind words. Yes, I think I will locate that mojo eventually. I’m sure it’s around here somewhere...
Aww Stephen, you’re a fantastic runner, your mojo is bound to return soon. Are you trying different routes for a change of scenery, and running just for fun? Maybe leave your watch and music behind and go naked (not THAT kind!) 😅
Anyway, we’re all here to help give you a shove out the door if you need it, you only have to ask. 😀
Thanks for the kind words, CC. I am still running three times a week. Still generally motivated. Just finding it a bit of a drag. Yes, going to try different routes. Wouldn’t feel right without my Garmin, though, so no ‘naked’ running for me. And keeping my clothes on too!
Love it Jo.So supportive and so true.Atb to Stephen_UK.Just run.
We are all unique and different.As a senior my desire to run is simple.Firstly never thought I could and now that I can it’s payback time.Secondly one hour of running is eight hours of life?.It’s a no brainer.Just run and get those miles in.Do it for you and any way you fancy.
I am so slow and any distance takes hours.Boring 🦕with no playlists.Even more boring building with flat loops.So I just try and switch off and switch on.Like they do with racehorses.🙈😂.I am no thorough bred racehorse just an old mule.But oh my that feeling in having more than half the distance banked and going back to sleep again until reaching that last lap and knowing it’s ✅.Mad as a March Hare I am.
Sorry I only ever get invited twice,and the second time is to apologise.🙈😂
I have the magpie quality for toe shoes. I have far too many. I scoff at your seven pairs.
I'm still trying to get things in balance (activating glutes and hamstrings) so the adductor in the right leg isn't overworked and sore. Lots of squats with bands, foam rolling, crab walking, etc.
Because of that I don't think I'll be going over 5km in any of this week's runs.
I've also put off my HM plans until after the Manchester 10K on July 4th. (Unless I show a massive improvement in the next couple of weeks.)
I'm so glad! I do have a few others... I really struggle to bin my old shoes, especially those with which I've really accomplished things with! I think I have at least 4 of those hiding in boxes... 🙈
I hope the exercises do their stuff for you, it's awful when things aren't behaving like we want!! 🤞🏻
This evening's run went very well. I could feel the bum muscles getting involved and the uncomfortable pulling in the groin from the adductor didn't happen at all.
I must look for that book again!!! I keep finding myself 'coming last' at the moment (mostly with myself, but also in the last race I did) and can't quite figure why (apart from excess weight possibly?) so it may well be a timely read. Life is a bit difficult at the moment and I am eating my way through it in time-honoured fashion. There will be another day for sorting that out! In the meantime I'm finding my runs especially valuable at the moment; no impending goal, no pressure, just an excuse to go out and take control of something. If my muscles and soft tissues were up to it, I'd be out there every day, but instead I will just make the most of the days when I can.
Same pair of shoes every time for me though. Maybe I will sneak shoe shopping into my miserable to do list ... imagine how that will brighten my day when I find it's my next task 😀I have to say, I'm not convinced I will ever stop learning - that's one of the many great things about running 🥰
I know, stress is tough. You're right though, take what comforts you can, you can sort that out later.
I'm glad the running is helping. Makes such a difference when it's going the right way.
My shoes are often the same model just the newer colours. Just got a limited edition multi coloured pair of Hokas, not even worn the last pair out yet so I'll just look at them yearningly for now 🤣 plus they'll encourage me out to put miles on the current pair so I can retire them!! 🤪
You're right of course, every day, every run, is a school day! 💖
I’ve read that book, it’s very funny. I don't get on with books about running that are too serious, so anything remotely amusing gets my attention 🙂
I did a double take when I read that you have 7 pairs of shoes Jo 🙀 blimey, well done for confessing that 🤣 I normally rotate two pairs but have only one pair atm, so must get cracking on for a second lot - goody goody.
Your comment “Don’t overthink things…. Just run” strikes a chord with me because years ago when I was constantly faffing about whether to go to the gym after work a gym instructor told me “ your problem is that you’re thinking too much about it. Don’t think about it, just do it.” His words still echo in my ears and were a turning point in my approach to exercise in general and running in particular. Some days I really don't feel like running, I could make a hundred excuses not to go but I don’t give these thoughts head time and just get on and do it. And 99.9% of the time I don't regret it. He was so right.
My running is going really well atm - did a lovely 12.5 miler last week and my iffy knee behaved. Mostly. The advice I read about massaging my TFL only for ITB and not the whole length of leg didn’t work for me and once I returned to foam rolling the whole leg, the niggle lessened considerably. So I’ll stick to what I’ve been used to for the minute.
Although I did ponder that my right leg/knee could run a marathon (I know it could) but my left side couldn’t manage that mileage without serious injury. But I’m still determined to find out why this is so and get the left side sorted once and for all 🙄
I’m running a long run ( 10 miles +) every other week and see how I get on with that little routine.
In other news, I have my hair appointment this week and I’m so excited!
That's just the ones I class as "running shoes" I have others that are consigned to casual, or walking shoes that didn't suit me for running 🤣 plus my old, now retired but I can't let go ones hiding in boxes 🙈 it's bad...
Yes, at times I can get stuck in an overthinking loop... I have to shake myself and just say "there is only NOW, do it NOW!" to get back on track.
Sounds like you need a good physio or sports therapist to really work on finding out why... I should do more one legged stuff with my left leg really but it's just so tedious working one leg!
Good luck with the hairdresser! 👍🏻😁 I still haven't bothered to even think about that... it would cut into my "free" (means running) time... really not that important... not like I go anywhere that anyone notices my hair anyway 🤔🤣
I know what you mean about retired shoes. I have a little lineup at the back door of all my old shoes and wear them for the garden and walking but I’ve only ever thrown out two pairs and that was because they were literally falling apart.
I’ve seen loads of physios over the years about my knee and they all say its’s fine. They just send me away with the usual exercises which I do and they don't seem to make any difference. I also wear specially made orthotics so I get my gait analysed every year by my podiatrist. I have recently worked out myself that the tightness comes from the foot rather than the hip and I do think the problems might be caused by a badly sprained ankle I suffered years before running and it still comes back to bother me from time to time. I’m doing lots of exercises and massaging in this area to keep it flexible and we’ll see what happens……..if the ankle isn’t moving correctly then it makes sense that that puts pressure on the knee……🤔
Must be the niggle season! I thought that I had cracked my peroneal problem last week, but ended up back at the physio on Friday. She ironed out the lumps, we agreed an exercise strategy etc. So I set off for a 3k yesterday with high hopes; but the dreaded pain came back. Talk about over thinking!! Is the heel drop wrong? should I switch back to trails? are my arches falling? So it goes on......But, I will just get on with it, whinging loudly when I feel like it. The pain came on a bit later and wasn’t as bad this time....so that is progress isn’t it? Good job we are made of tough stuff. Swimming starts again on Wednesday; that can be a cure for lots of things ! We live in hope!
Oh dear. I feel your pain. I spent so much on shoes, physios, podiatrists, anything and everything when I had the metatarsalgia... when in reality I needed to be patient 🙈 it's so hard being patient when we can't do what we want... I don't know about you but I was always told "you can do what you want when you're grown up" but they lied!!!!
Swimming will be good in many ways. Fingers crossed the exercise strategy starts working! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
Whingeing armistice declared! You put the problem in a nutshell. If you are a seasoned problem solver you are bound to think things through and try to make adjustments. In doing that you risk creating new variables and muddying the waters; so you don’t know where to go next. Doing nothing is really hard! Maybe a period of masterly inactivity, as Sir Humphrey Appleby would say, will turn out to be answer. For now, it’s spikey ball time 🙂
My new guilty pleasure seems to be running shoes. Went out for one pair came back with 2! A lovely new mutant ride 13 and a black pair of ghost 13 s. It used to be handbags😂
Slowly working up my distance again in a quest to get HM for September!
I tried to find some shorter distance races between now and September to aim for but not a lot around - I shall push on
I have 2 pairs of running shoes for treadmill/road and one trail pair (my 2nd road pair just arrived today, a Decathlon own pair - Kiprun which I wore to walk the dogs tonight and they seem just fine).
My old pre-injury shoes have holes in them now as they were the only shoes that were comfortable to hobble around in with my knee in pain - I looked the bees knees (not) with work attire (skirt & tights) and running shoes - at least they were black!
I am glad to be running again - I have to fight procrastination and allow myself to stop working (new job, working from home full time) but at least I can drop down to the treadmill in my lunch hour.
I also bought a yoga mat and a yoga ball to fight off a niggling back pain which I believe is due to my crap office chair I have at home. I don't believe it was made for 8 + hours a day. I'll swap the yoga ball in for a couple of hours a day, see if that helps. I want a new chair, but I want to be able to go and try it out before I buy, so waiting til everything opens up again here.
Good quality office chairs are worth the price, but you're right, you need to try it! Sadly working from home often means even long hours seated than in the office, where you might walk over to see a colleague, collect paperwork, any number of mundane reasons that are missing at home.
The lunch hour training is a great idea and should pay off 👍🏻😁
Looks like a good book! I especially like the not overthinking bit. 🙂 Just run and enjoy it is what I’ve been trying to do this year. I have 4 pairs of running shoes but only 2 that are in current circulation. You’ve reminded me that I need to replace my Speedgoats soon, as they have just over 950km on them now. They still feel good though. I’ve been trying to keep to a workout routine and include regular hill and speed blocks in the mix. Seems to be paying off so far. Decided on a full rest day today as I was more spent than usual after morn and evening same day runs yesterday which I don’t normally do, along with gardening and digging etc. Back to a regular run schedule on Wed. Happy running everyone!
I think we're all pretty guilty on the overthinking thing these days, we just want to get things "right" all the time. We're afraid to fail or get it "wrong" or not do it good enough 🤔
There you go, an excuse for shoe shopping! 👍🏻😁 enjoy!
Thanks for sharing the book! I have ventured into running podcasts but not thought about books 😊 I'm just plodding towards my virtual vitality 10k which is fine as time has been limited for longer runs. I have not developed a trainer thing yet because I still feel unable to spend more than £60 on a pair without feeling guilty. However the more I do, the more I am thinking I need to try a pair of maybe hoka (love idea of springy) or Brooke's....they just come so highly recommended - or at least get a proper gait analysis! I have discovered toe socks though and cannot underestimate how beneficial they are for my toes!! I love them!
Toe socks are brilliant, I even wear them at work now, thin ones under my bulky work socks.
I've gotten onto audiobooks as I stopped listening to the radio and all forms of mainstream media some months back but then started to tie of my usual music. I've found a cheap source and in fact there's many free ones. I tried some "Literature" 🙄 which was tedious in its way and Brian Blessed's book which was a hoot but am now in Running book zone. I'm getting through them quite fast at work but will listen again to some I'm sure.
Keep an eye on Start Fitness, you can pick up bargains on older models also ebay. You can find superb models for 50 quid. I used to baulk at the cost bit now, unless it's over 120 I'm ok with it as I get the wear from them and I don't spend anything really on hair/nails/handbags etc... so I figure it evens out! 🤣
Hoka are great for wider feet, they feel much less restrictive! I used to love my Brooks but they don't seem to suit my feet like they used to. Could just be the current models though.
Ok thanks for the info. Yes I bought toe liner socks for wearing in my wellies as I'm in them most days 😊 along with superfeet liners they're pretty posh wellies now 😂 I think I'll try and get a gait analysis then I'll have more idea of trainers that suit. Going to look out that book now.....
That book looks like a jolly good read and I’ll order a copy later. I’m old school 🤪 and will get a paper edition if it’s available. I must admit I do have quite a running shoe addiction but nothing compared to nowster 😳. I am a fan of Nike running shoes but have a few older pairs of Brooks and On that I use for walking now as their running days are behind them. Like you, Jo, I also have seven pairs having just received 2 new pairs recently. I’m going to wait till my 60th now in October and will treat myself to a new pair of Vaporflys then and promise myself that’s enough shoes!
I’m still in my running honeymoon 4 years on and I am driven by numbers so find it very hard to even contemplate running tech free. I want to join a running club soon as I miss running with others oh, and I can’t wait for park run to start up again. Have I told you that before? 🤣
I've gone over to audio as simply don't have the time to read, (free time is for running) I can listen at work and it helps the miles pass by 👍🏻
I find it hard to contemplate running without tech buy I rarely look at my watch once out. I don't care about pace on the go, just a glance now and then at mileage maybe to see where I am.
Hopefully PR will be back soon. It is important to get these group things going again. We are social animals and need that aspect!!
60th? Well you'll need some special shoes for that celebration!! 👍🏻😁
I use Runkeeper which is in my joggers pocket at my back and I added the audio just so it tells me km by km where I am in my aim to run. I really don't care about speed atm, but I let it tell me that too just incase I find myself speeding up too much (although that is highly unlikely).
Right now though, and for the next couple of weeks, I am FULL TECH as I'm on the running machine which tells me absolutely everything!
I have read this book too, Lisa's a big fan of the Beachy Head Marathon so she's cool with me!
I have four pairs of running shoes I actually run in, and another three I wear the rest of the time (I only wear running shoes these days!) - so I've got seven pairs too 😁
I'm very far from needing new running shoes, but I did buy a pair for my sister recently (it was her 50th birthday). They are super-sustainable shoes, mostly made of plant materials, and recyclable. My sister really likes them for her 5k runs, and I'm keeping an eye on the company to see if they will produce a shoe for my kind of distances, because I really like the idea of them! hyloathletics.com/
I think the main thing I have learned from running is that I am pretty tough! Although I'm a bit flummoxed by windsurfing currently 😂 I'll keep at it...
Training going fine, I'm pleased to be finishing my half marathon plan this week.
She sounds very fun and good to know. I find it incredible how many events she, and others get through per year, must cost a fortune just in logistics! 🙈
I'll keep an eye on that company, sounds good 👍🏻
I reckon "pretty tough" is an understatement! 😁
You'll crack the windsurfing, just needs time and patience 👍🏻
I like the sentimental shoes story! I still use as slippers the shoes I got for C25K about 3 years ago.
I've retired 1 pair (400 miles - donated to charity), binned 1 pair (600 miles) since and currently have <only> 5x pairs on rotation: 2x hybrid, 2x road, 1x trail.
So here's a thing. How is it that the shoes that cost more don't survive more mileage? Maybe something for a future post! 🤣
They're almost old friends, seems wrong to just bin them. My second pair of trail shoes took me on such great adventures... just hard to part with them! 🙈 I justify it in my head that I can compare them to newer models, see what has changed etc. I often nick the laces from older, brighter models to cheer up new, dull colours 🤣
I haven't found that so much with cost, but I do find some last much better than others, but I think some of that is in the mind, rather like tires on a car. If you have full confidence in your rubber you'll drive differently. If for some reason I lose confidence in my shoes then I'll find a myriad of reasons why they've worn out and need to be relegated.
Funnily enough JoJo, it’s shoes, socks, being more aware of my feet and the shape of my legs that has been the big learning curve this past year.
I now have 2 different road running shoes, 2 different types of socks, a pair of bare foot shoes for walking in (love these but I have to choose their use carefully) and awareness of how my chunky ankles have to be accommodated and considered as much as my small, wide feet. I’ve found rotating the two different shoes really helps my ankles and nice, thin, tight socks helps protect them.
At some point I’d like to put another different pair of shoes in the mix but between all my running shoes and all of Katnap’s, there isn’t much room left in our shoe cupboard 😂
It's so nice when you find the right items that really suit.
I've got a couple of pairs of 5 toed shoes, the thinnest I use for slippers at home and for workouts. They're actually quite good for driving too, surprisingly!
I found shoe "stackers" handy, that way I can fit twice as many pairs into my shoe storage 👍🏻🤣 (they stack one shoe on top of the other so a pair only takes the width of one shoe)
We do that in our cupboard, sort of. We just keep stacking! Sometimes they reach a critical mass and just collapse. Something a bit more organised might be a good idea 😆
I’ve been wearing my bare foot shoes as slippers at the caravan these past few days as it’s so cold here and they give an extra layer of insulation. I’m getting braver wearing them but not enough to run in yet. I can see how they’d be good for driving though as you can feel more.
I may have purchased another pair of shoes. I haven't counted them as I couldn't hide my problem if I do... Feeling rather tired at the moment and have just ordered some multivitamins; has anyone else had that? (women especially).Anyone doing the Herts Half on 6th June? I will be and the RIDICULOUS Chiltern Ridge Half on 11th July.
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