Couch to 5k

100%, I think my first one was just unlucky as ones I have been to in last year are definitely very friendly.

 

Well done to your wife, that’s excellent news and great commitment.

 

Well done JD!

Because I felt self-conscious setting off running/jogging from home I drive out - Silkstone/Higham area or Cawthorne Basin -park up and do my jogging. I never time myself and have no wish to be part of a running club although some people may feel safer if part of a larger running group.
How fast do you have to jog before you're technically running?

 

Progress, not perfection - well done JammyD!

 

Thanks and she proves you can do it if you get your mind right.

I’ve treated her to some proper trainers which she says helps a lot so I would suggest you get some if you can afford and you don’t have them yet.

 

Funny story! I noticed the other day when putting my super old trainers on (I’ve had them years and years but hardly wear them as no need) that the right one is a size 3.5 and the left is a 5. I’d genuinely never noticed. My right foot is quite a bit smaller than the left but how I got away with buying them like that (not intentionally!) I’ll never know.

 

Do you run around in circles with them on?

 

I STRONGLY recommend you get a new pair if you're planning to stick with this. I can't overstate enough how much difference it will make to your knees, in particular. Even if largely unworn, the material in the old pair will have deteriorated significantly.

You don't have to spend a huge amount on them. A cheap pair from Sports Direct, or similar will do, but get them to do a gait analysis if possible so that you get the right type.

I ran for a while in a reasonably unused, but old pair, and didn't think the niggles of pain after running were anything to do with my footwear. I was lucky, in that a fellow parkrunner at a similar pace to me saw me running in them and was professionally curious to ask about it (turns out she's a podiatrist and she recommended a change of footwear which 'magically' eliminated the post-run issues).

 

This is how they get you (who they is I have no idea). I do want an excuse to get new trainers anyway and I should probably get some new sports bras too then whilst I’m at it as they are the wrong size (back when I didn’t have a clue what size I was like most women and guessed completely wrong).

 

Great post an well done, i'm weighing in at 22 Stone at the mo, an do a lot of walking, i'm a big lad not fatty looking but hold the weight well, an wanna start jogging again, my aim is to get darn to abart 18 stone, but everytime i go too far too many times my blood pressure goes through the roof. I started mi diet yesterday an i'm walking to Flamborough again Satdi, i'm gunner try out a bit of gentle jogging, if thar's got any tips be appreciated and again well done, great inspiration for me reading your post.

 

One method that seems to really work is to use a heart rate monitor and keep your heart rate within a specific range for the entire "run". Set it really low, so its just above walking pace and at first, you'll only run a little bit before you have to walk again because your heart rate is too high, but as your fitness increases, your aerobic capacity also increases and you end up running more and getting faster.

HRMs used to be expensive, but lots of people have sports watches - and you can get a cheap one for £20-30.

 

Well done Jamdrop. That first run is the hardest, next hardest is the second!

I'm relatively in shape and had never ran more than 5k until December and ran a marathon in April. Anything's doable, it's mind over matter.

No one should feel embarrassed going for a run, people don't realise how inspiring they are. If I ever see someone overweight, or with an obvious health issue, or indeed someone older running up the road, (not saying this is you Jamdrop) I find it incredibly inspiring.

Look at that person out there bettering themselves and taking on a challenge, whilst I'm sat on my hole at home.

 

I started running about 7 years ago when my marriage started to break up and I was under lots of stress at work. I ran a 5k at work and a better runner than me said I had some talent so immediately signed up for a marathon. I found the training to be very therapeutic in terms of dissipating anxiety. 6 road marathons later I started doing 50 mile ultramarathons, which suited me better...a bit slower but focussing more on endurance. I still hold the course record for a couple of events in my age range, then came 2nd to the current British record holder in a 100 mile race last year, then finally won one. Don't ask me to run 5k though, I'm rubbish at the fast stuff . All I can say is that consistency is key...unlike many other things in life, with running you get back what you put in

 

Yep, same principle I've used with Bike Fitting and position of cleats on my shoes. Amazing how effective minor adjustments are.

 

I’m gonna disagree with Sherriff on this.
Definitely get some proper running shoes but I would say find a specialist running shop who will do you a gait analysis and then advise on best shoe for you.
When you get into it there are so many variables to pick from the chances of getting the ones right for you from Sports direct will be a lottery.
You can easily spend in excess of £200 for a pair but you really won’t need them and should be able to pick up some from £60 region.

 

5k - Marathon in 5 months is very impressive.

 

1. Trainers - go to a specialist running shop (or two). It sounds like you have problem feet given the size differential and getting good advice on style of shoe for your running style (neutral or stability) and fit will serve you well. They'll also carry a broad range, so you can try loads on and find some that feel good and don't break the bank. Honestly, fewer blisters, fewer injuries, more enjoyment - the best investment you can make.

2. Timetable - running clubs, parkrun all good for this. We all lead busy lives. Unless you set aside specific times to train and run, you'll find reasons not to. Doing this on an ad-hoc basis rarely works.

3. Temperament. You'll have good days and bad days. Don't beat yourself up if your need to abort or shorten a run because you just can't do it that day, or if you run a time slower than you'd hoped. There is no magic pathway to consistent improvement and no joy in searching for one.

That's my two penn'orth. I know you've said you're not going to do a 5k. I also know lots of people have suggested parkrun, which is a 5k. Nevertheless I'm going to join them. If you're not sure, just go for a coffee in the Locke Park cafe at 9 on Saturday and watch. If you then fancy running a lap and walking there rest, it's on every week! You could even volunteer before taking the plunge to participate. They're always crying out for marshals. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere, range of standards and accessibility of the event, I promise you. It's a great way to start your weekend.

 

All great advice and well done @JamDrop

I run a fair bit now, brilliant for mental health and keeping your heart healthy.

 

Ah yes - I forgot the well done! I really mean that. The decision to try is a biggie. Well done for giving it a go. Stick with it.

As for mental health, I told everyone - including myself - that I was doing this for physical fitness, when actually I was at a low ebb mentally and wanted to chase off the black dog. It worked and ten years or so on, still does. My only blip was at three months in when the improvement stopped, the motivation waned and I started using my failings as a stick to beat myself with. Don't go there. Congratulate yourself every time for making the effort. Good results can help motivate but don't focus on them too much. If you've given it your best shot, you've not let yourself (or anyone else) down, so stay away from that mindset.

Oh, clubs and parkrun - make some new friends. It's good for you and they're great for that. You might also make some new enemies who don't even know it. There was a lovely girl called Liane who runs at Nostell Parkrun. She was a bit quicker then me. She'd always smile and say something motivational to me as she went past. I'd smile and say thanks. For ten years she had no idea that I would one day beat that b!tch if it killed me!