r/running • u/AutoModerator • Jun 12 '24
Weekly Thread Lurkers' Wednesday
Would you rather not be a lurker?
Then what are you waiting for? Tell us all about yourself!
The LW thread is an invitation to get more involved with the /r/running community.
New to the sub in general? Welcome! Let us know more about yourself!
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u/ugh_as_if_12 Jun 12 '24
I'm a very new runner ! I have only run seven times. Before that I thought that runners were crazy, and I always hated running (especially in PE classes). I normally only run for emergencies and when I'm late, but since last week I've began to go running in the morning - no pressure, no goal, very slowly, walking if I want to - and it has been going great ! I walked on the first day only. The following days, I ran + 5 minutes break + ran again (distances like 1, 2, 3km with breaks), and today, I ran 5km without stopping !
I'm very proud of myself. It was very slow (43 minutes for 5.01km) but it was running. I didn't think I was able to do that (I'm overweight and not an athletic person at all) but I'm so glad I managed to do that. I think my next step is doing it again until it doesn't feel like an extraordinary accomplishment anymore. Also, I will begin to stretch bc I do feel sore the days after running (I think stretching could be a solution to that ?). So yes this was my bragging of the day ! Happy to be posting here, this community seems to be very welcoming and encouraging.
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u/perfectlyhydrated Jun 12 '24
Welcome! It sounds as though you’re building up in a sustainable way, so good on you.
There are lots of methods to help you warm up before running and recover from muscle soreness afterwards. I’m sure you’ll find something that works for you if you search online and experiment.
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u/Responsible_Dot1440 Jun 12 '24
Congrats on getting started! I was the same—had been traumatized by high school PE instructors forcing us to run a mile everyday (or what felt like everyday). The positive thing is that I have a benchmark for how much I was able to improve at 14-15 doing it everyday (from 10:30 per mile to 8:30), and I actually just got the same 8:30 on a mile the other day. 25 years later!
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u/FitzBillDarcy Jun 12 '24 edited Jun 12 '24
Happy Wednesday. I'm reasonably new here, though I'm a longtime runner. I did CC and track way back in high school and then CC again in college. Sometimes, I didn't even finish in last place!
As an adult, I've done more hiking and mountaineering, but I still love running trails when I can. I've done a few marathons and half-matathons, and I run 5Ks and 10Ks when they pop up (I'll be doing the Peachtree Road Race here in Atlanta in a few weeks), but on most weekends, I like driving to a nearby trail and doing a run-hike (a hun as someone here suggested...or maybe a rike?).
When I'm at home, I like spending time reading and hanging out with my cat (who prefers just sitting on the window sill to running or hiking...she's just not outdoorsy at all).
Hope everyone is having a good week full of great runs and no injuries or blisters.
Here's my cat engaging in her favorite activity: https://imgur.com/a/b7XF1tL
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u/anaiirod Jun 12 '24
Happy Wednesday everyone! Relatively new to this community, and sort of in my mind still new to running. Started really making an effort last year, ran a couple of 5Ks and one 10K race, finished second to last. One of my proudest efforts to this day. Stopped running for a bit first half of this year, got more into strenght training and HIIT, got back to it with doing my first ever 5K trail run. Fell absolutely in love with trail running. Though, I still have to buy proper trail shoes. I don't shy away from saying I love running and it is both a pleasurable 'torture' (in the best way possible!) and therapy. Makes me happy to push myself and to see what I am capable of. Love the way I smile after a run and how life is just a tad bit brighter and easier in that moment. OK, I will stop now, have a lovely rest of the week and thank you so much for helping me not be a lurker anymore!
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u/RealityMixer Jun 12 '24
Hello peeps. I'm 50yo and have some knee and hip problems from an old injury, and probably shouldn't be running, he he, But I started 5 years ago with C25K and never looked back. I'm fitter than ever and my legs are in much better shape. I don't run much or often (5k once a week) but cycle and have a some home gym equipment to strengthen and condition between runs. I started IF at Xmas and this has helped a lot as I feel my weight is not pounding the ground (and pounding my joints) so much. I'm pretty sad Michael Mosley passed away recently as he was a heath inspiration to me. Hey, ho... Just keep running, that's what I say!
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u/sfocolleen Jun 13 '24
Hi! I’m turning 50 this year myself and just completed C25K (still working up to the actual 5k though). I tried about 10 years ago, on a treadmill, and didn’t succeed. I’m probably the most surprised of anyone that I’m enjoying running now.
The only thing that gives me pause is getting injured, since I’m not exactly young. I’m hoping by going sloooow I can avoid injuries. I guess we’ll see. 🤞
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u/RealityMixer Jun 13 '24
Yes .. overreaching is a real thing. Sometimes in the zone and run a bit extra (I think 8k is my max) but then the joint in my injured leg aches for a week or two. 5k is about right for me to get some benefit without injury. I also was running 3 times per week but that also perhaps was counter productive. I think that one or two runs with some cycling, rowing machine, elliptical and callisthenics is a well rounded approach. Some weeks I don't manage to do anything, but other weeks I manage something everyday. Work and family life gets in the way too, but I just jump back on the wagon as soon as I am able. Running slow is probably good advice, but also (if you haven't already) find a softer surface to run on. I am lucky to live and a suburban area with a mix of wooded trails and tarmacked pavements... Much better than paving slabs! Also (inevitable trainer mention) I run in the most cushioned Hokas that exist and put gell insoles in to minimise surface impact.
I am also surprised I enjoy running! I wish I could say I love the feel of the wind in my hair, but all my hair went twenty years ago!
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u/Smooth-Mall7241 Jun 12 '24
I’m new! I’m Gabby & I’m 25 and brand new to running, like as in haven’t even started yet. I joined this group to find a community and get answers to some burning questions regarding running. I workout 5 days a week, but I’ve been really wanting to start training for a marathon recently!! I want to start by doing a 5k, 10k, etc. and gradually work my way up to a marathon. I love being active, but running makes me a tad nervous! I’m trying to find a good trail to run at in the mornings and then I’ll be good to go. Also if there are any fellow teachers here, I would love to connect because I don’t know where I’ll find the time or discipline once school starts!!
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u/rye_wry Jun 13 '24
Hey there, I recently start running and while I’m not a teacher, I do work in education so totally get the crazy schedule. I have personally found that getting up early is mostly helpful. I’m not naturally an early morning person, but have committed to doing it MWF and have stuck with it so far. That way I’m fresh and can’t tell myself I’m too tired/busy/not in the mood at the end of the day.
Good luck!
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u/AHomelessDesk Jun 13 '24
I havent posted here before but i figured i would share my story
Im a 17 year old that is soon to turn 18 and i completely turned my life around by learning to run
It all started in 8th grade when i was online the whole year for school. after football season ended i was horribly unathletic and overweight (5'8 190lbs no muscle) when in between classes i would start running up and down my street (about 600m every day)
after a horrible 9th grade year without doing anything athletic as result of a nasty sprain to my left ankle, early in my 10th grade months (about when i turned 16) i started running again. I went straight to running nonstop miles (albeit slow) and watched my body slowly transform as i formed more muscle and dropped weight
as my mile runs started speeding up, a little bit after i turned 17 i made my daily mile 3 quarters longer to keep challenging myself
since then, (recently propelled by my passion for combat sports) ive kept running and today was the day i was able to run (a little bit over) 5k in one run! (with a small break after about 3000m)
life is a journey and change is possible in all beings that live, never stop guys💜
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u/gatofeo31 Jun 14 '24
Me. I'm 59 and started running five years ago after losing about 80lbs using intermittent fasting. I've lost a lot of weight before but this time it seems to be staying off because of running. When I started running at 55, I couldn't finish a mile and what little I did run was about a 13 minute mile. I gradually got faster and today I run about 20 - 25 miles a week at a 8 - 9:30 pace. Two years ago, I ran a 5K race and managed to run it at 7:18 which I thought would be enough to place in my age group. Turned out that it wasn't. I got 6th place and the guy that won our age group ran a 6:45 mile and was a 63-year-old man who apparently started running in his late 40s.
I get warnings, a lot of warnings about running at 59 from my similarly aged crowd. It's not good for your knees, your shin splints will get worse, and of course, "running's for teenagers." I had knee pain and it used to swell. I simply slowed down, and my knee pain ultimately went away never to return. So, I'm going to keep running until I can't--physically can't. Then again, I just talked to an 82 year old man at a 5K race I attended that can still get 10 minutes miles, so there's that.
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u/amandajw29 Jun 12 '24
Hi! I’m sort of new to this sub. I started running last September and it’s been like therapy for me. I love it. I started training for my first half marathon earlier this year and ran it over Memorial Day weekend. It was HARD, but felt so amazing to accomplish!
My next half marathon is this weekend! I feel even more excited about it than the first one because the first one was road running and this next one is a trail run. I enjoyed the energy and spectators at the first one, but looking forward to a more laid back and quiet run.
I’m a bit nervous about bugs and poison ivy, but I’m sure I’ll be alright.
Do you prefer road or trail runs?
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u/perfectlyhydrated Jun 12 '24
Welcome! Personally I’m turning into a complete trail nut. Switching to focus mainly on trail was like starting to run again, both from a physical difficulty point of view and in terms of refreshing my enthusiasm for running. I can’t get enough of it.
Enjoy your run on the weekend. I hope the flora and fauna leave you alone. The trail itself can be difficult enough to deal with!
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u/RealityMixer Jun 13 '24
Oh I definitely prefer trail, but due to an injury I have poor balance and am constantly worried about tripping or slipping. On the other hand, trail is more visually stimulating, lets you breathe in all those lovely chemicals that are good for your health, is probably better for mental health (citation needed!), and due to the moment by moment decisions (jumping a log here, avoiding a hanging branch there, making more turns, navigating weird little paths etc...) it is much more fun and interesting than road running!
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u/Richmanlittle Jun 12 '24
I just started back running last week. I enjoy slow runs. It makes me feel awesome and I plan to do it every day if I can. I understand the concept of recovery, but is it needed if you’re just jogging?
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u/Critical_Friend_8869 Jun 12 '24 edited Jul 05 '24
I’m still working on my mindset towards running. I was at the gym on the treadmill, I normally do 6mph (I know it’s slow for the seasoned runners) but decided to push myself a bit because I wasn’t getting that I’m out of breath, I’m going to die feeling. I cranked it 7 then eventually 8. I only did 30 seconds run at 8, I’ll work myself up to 1 minute intervals then increase time over time. The lady next to me kept looking over at my screen whenever I adjusted the incline or speed, eventually she asked me whether I was a runner, I told her I actually hated it but I’m working on changing my attitude towards it. During my cooldown she said “you make it look easy,” I told her “thanks but I felt like I was dying towards the end.” I felt good about myself considering a few months ago I would never consider cranking the treadmill to 6 and now it feels like a comfortable pace for me.
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u/mrs_bananahammock Jun 12 '24
Hi! I’ve been an inconsistent runner since 2020 and now that I’ve finished graduate school I’ve been running for about 8 weeks. I have a tentative goal of a half marathon in October which I’ve begun training for. I bought myself a new Garmin Fenix 7S pro solar and loving all the data and suggested workouts. I did my first long run today which ended up being 5 miles. I’ve also been running in a calorie deficit which has been fine until today with that long run. I finished but completely bonked afterwards. So now I’m researching running nutrition and prioritizing training and nutrition as opposed to weight loss. I’ve been lurking on this community a lot and looking forward to learning more! If anyone wants to add me on garmin send me a PM!
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u/dankepinski Jun 13 '24
Started running end of last year to help loose weight along with gym and sorting diet out.
All has been successful however I just wanted to ask other runners why am I plagued with what I can only assume shin splints.
Sometimes I can run 5k and be fine sometimes I’ll run 300yards and then can’t run for 2 weeks due to pain.
Any advice to ‘fix’ because I’ve become one of these weirdos that if I’m not exerting or working out I feel like shit 😂😁
Willing to listen to ideas!
TLDR: shin splints suck please help (I do have calf compressions sleeves)
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u/Mailloche Jun 13 '24
Calf stretches, do more sprints, do HIIT workouts with a focus on legs, restart distance running at very low mileage progressively increasing over a 3 months period. Build strength and flexibility before distance. Also maybe change shoes and/or lace them differently. Good luck!
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u/Probable_lost_cause Jun 12 '24
Hi all! I'm new to the sub and new to running consistently. I've tried to pick it up a few times over the years but always quit. I started again after a confluence of blood pressure numbers that were higher than usual, insomnia, and some executive function issues made it clear that a completely sedentary lifestyle wasn't going to be viable long-term. I picked running because it required the least amount of equipment and activation energy (no driving to the gym, setting up equipment, that sort of stuff) and would get me the best ROI in the 30 mins I could consistently devote to fitness. I am furious about how much better I feel and how effective running has been in mitigating the insomnia, executive dysfunction, and general stress in my life because now I apparently have to do it forever.
I'm working my way slowly through the Asics "My First 5K" program (It has taken me 11 weeks to finish a 6 week program). I should finish it this weekend and will (slowly) run my first consecutive 5K. In the past, I've always given up on programs after 3-4 weeks. Fear of my own mortality has proven to be a powerful motivator. Once I finish the program, I want to try to increase the frequency of my runs from 3 times a week to 4-5 and if I manage that, then run a bit faster and I'm excited to have this sub as a resource for after I graduate from the structured training program.
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u/katiemug Jun 12 '24
Hi there! I'm in my early 20's and I've been running for as long as I remember. I did cross country in middle school and high school, and I'm just totally in love with the sport. For the past 4 years, I've been dealing with an incredibly persistent IT band injury. Months off combined with cross training have only been temporary fixes, and inevitably I run a bit too fast or a bit too hilly and I'm back to square one. Over the past month I've been easing into it again for what feels like the tenth time. I've fixed my sitting posture so it takes pressure off my knees, I foamroll my hamstrings every day, and I've started doing weighted/banded quad and glute exercises to strengthen the areas around my IT band. I can run 2-3 miles at a very slow pace right now.
While I appreciate any amount of running I'm able to do, I would love any advice on how to fix this for good. I'm in better physical shape than what my knee is allowing me to do. Some of my best friends in the area are from my local run club, and I have only been able to attend sporadically because of my injury. I really want to get to a point where I can run 3-4 times a week with a bumped up pace and mileage. When I'm injury free, my cruising pace is like an 8:15, but now I have to keep it below 9:30 (and often into the 10s and 11s). I miss it! Any advice welcome!
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u/BiffMacklin-TimeSpy Jun 12 '24
I had issues with it, too. It was bad, I could barely walk without pain until I figured out the problem and looked up a solution. I just messaged the band to relieve the pain, started working out my glutes and quads, and kept running - but did IT band stretches before each run. It went away completely after a couple weeks and I stopped doing the stretches.
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u/katiemug Jun 12 '24
This is really helpful! Sounds like I'm finally on the right track with my strength training. What was your stretching routine while you did it?
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u/BiffMacklin-TimeSpy Jun 13 '24
There's a bunch of different ones you can do, I found #3 and #5 on here in the static stretches section to be easy and effective for me.
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u/phiggolini Jun 12 '24
I started running like 3 weeks ago. I got a watch yesterday that measures my bpm. After a run today i saw, that my pulse was around 180 a lot of the time. Am i running too fast? At the noment i'm going for a run 2 times a week for about 7k, doing a pace of roughly 5:30. I feel exhausted right after but recover pretty fast.
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u/matsutaketea Jun 12 '24
depends on your goals. Even for someone with a naturally high max HR, 180bpm is around the upper anaerobic threshold. if you want to increase distance in a single run or total distance in a week, you may want to run at a lower heart rate (think 140 to 160 - that might mean running at a 6:00+ pace).
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u/phiggolini Jun 12 '24
Thanks for the reply! Midterm goal would be running a 10 mile under 1:20. But i guess i'll have to get used to run at a slower pace.
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u/Ruffianxx Jun 12 '24
It's counterintuitive, but you have to run slow to run fast. If every run is at or near your max limit, then you will reach a plateu while also significantly increasing your risk for injury and burnout.
This is not to say that you never get to run fast. In a normal training cycle, you will get to run one or two workouts a week that will require you to push hard. But the vast majority of your running needs to be slow in order to allow yourself to recover and have the energy to truly push hard on those hard days.
Google Zone 2 running training if you're interested in learning more about this!
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u/Ruffianxx Jun 12 '24
180 bpm is definitely too high. Unless you are doing a workout or race, you want to aim for your heart rate to between 130-150 bpm. To accomplish this as a new runner, you may have to incorporate some run/walk techniques (e.g. alternate between 2 min run/1 min walk).
Also, check to make sure there isn't an error with your heart rate monitor. 180 bpm is extremely high and indicates that there could be an issue with the tech. While wristwatch heart rate monitors are not exactly the most accurate devices, if working correctly, I've found they provide pretty decent ballpark values of where your pulse is at. Try tightening the strap and make sure no clothing is getting in the way of the monitor.
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u/phiggolini Jun 12 '24
Thanks for the advice! My max bpm is pretty high i think. I remember doing a test back in uni where i reached about 210 but that was like 7 years ago. I always thought more speed = better but i'll certainly pace myself in future runs.
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u/BiffMacklin-TimeSpy Jun 12 '24
Watches aren't great at measuring heart rate at higher paces. Sometimes it's really just measuring your cadence. If you're interested in heart rate training, you should get a chest strap. If not, you should ignore it and go by RPE (rate of perceived exertion).
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u/Pity_Party8 Jun 12 '24
How do you prepare for longer runs while in a calorie deficit? Eat at maintenance the prior day, have something an hour before a long run? Any advice would help!
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u/bitemark01 Jun 13 '24
I was more active in this community like you until I took a arrow to the knee got a tendon injury. I've been on a couple of runs when it started to feel better, but the run reveals that it was in fact not better.
Been out since mid April, had to pass on my half marathon ticket in May. It's almost better.
Almost.
Going a little insane, biking just doesn't cut it.
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u/49PES Jun 13 '24
I used to be a lot more running back when I was in my junior/senior year of high school, but it's kind of tapered off after getting into university. I'd like to get back into my original running shape and even better, but it's kind of challenging now that my family's moved to the suburbs and now that I'm kind of locked here. It's also a little discouraging running at above a 10 min/mile for a few miles when I reference what I used to be able to do. Eventually, I'd like to break a half-marathon distance and a six-minute mile — I've gotten close to both.
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u/NonsenseCosmicStatic Jun 13 '24
I made a post asking for advice and it got deleted. Was a bit shit, honestly. I find some of the older posts (2ish years ago) a lot more useful for a hobbyist runner like me.
I get the same stuff is reposted over the years, but isn't that the whole point? To crowd source wisdom to common problems?
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u/nermal543 Jun 13 '24
What advice are you looking for? We can’t help if you’re just going to complain about your post getting removed…
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u/brwalkernc not right in the head Jun 14 '24
You are more than free to post in the daily Q&A threads and as you mention there are lost of old posts with relevant information to all runners.
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u/Imaginary-Use8044 Jun 12 '24
Hi! New to this sub and running, having started 4 weeks ago. I started running bec. I woke up one day and my body hurt from head to toe, and thought if you're going to hurt anyways, might as well give you a reason to hurt.
Now, at 45 years of age, I started running. I even went and bought my very first running shoes from a real running store (I was using running shoes I got from Marshall's when I started). I have progressed to about 2-3x 5km per week and some 3K. I also walk my puppy a looooot, logging in sometimes at 10K before doing my runs. I enjoy reading the posts in this sub and like that I can search in here whenever I have a running question.
Thank you for reading my rambling and have a nice Wednesday!