[edgriffiths]

2008 seems to have become the year when all the things I've thought about but never done have finally turned into actions!!

I'm the sort of person that needs some structure and targets for motivation - in the past I've tried running but haven't stuck at it because there's been no master plan. Joining the forum has already got me straining to get outside - unfortunately a cold has me stuck indoors for now...

The Polar Personal Trainer website has given me a bit of a plan to get going with the 10k at the end of April - I'm going to see how I get on in training for that and then review things for the summer - fingers crossed I'll get in for the Great North Run in October.

There seems to be some pretty good advice knocking around on the forum - I'm sure I'll have lots of questions as things get going!!

Looking forward to losing some of the timber I've accumulated over recent years and enjoying getting out there!! If anyone has any tips or suggestions, I'm all ears!!

 

[cheriton]

Welcome to the forum Sounds like you've got yourself in the right frame of mind you've set youself a goal all you need do know is go and achieve it !!

As it seems to be a recurring theme on running forums have you had your gait analysed ?
it really is woth taking the trouble to avoid problems wich will stop you acheiving your goals.

good luck!!

 

[edgriffiths]

Nope - where and how do I get that sorted? Does that mean my running style i.e. whether I over or under pronate etc?

 

[cheriton]

Yes it,s important to wear the correct shoes espescially if you are planning to do the GRN

Most specialist running stores offer this service and it's generally free if you purchase your shoes from them also whilst there it's worth trying on differnt shoes from different manufacturers as the sizes and widths can vary

My advise would be to buy the best that you can afford it truly does make a difference!

gait analysis just involves putting on a neutral pair of trainers in the shop running on a treadmill for a short period they then play it back in slow motion so that thy can see which way you run
I hope this anawers your concerns.

 

[edgriffiths]

Thanks for the info on this. I have a pair of Asics trainers I bought about four years ago - they have done very few miles in that time but I have no idea whether they suit the way I run...

 

[KathrynJayne]

Yup thats it and its a good idea to get it done if your thinking of running a bit!You need to find a running shop that has the service! You just turn up and they video you running on a treadmill for about half a minute too see what your feet are doing and what type of shoes you need! I used to get a few twinges in my knees and calfs when I started out, and since I did that and got the right shoes theyve stopped!

 

[edgriffiths]

Just got back from my first run this evening and am generally happy! I did a three mile loop through my village using MapMyRun.com to get the length and mile markers so I could time it.

First mile was done in 7.28 (mainly downhill!), the second in 9.07 (slight incline) and the third in 9.20 (pretty flat). I thought I was taking it easy on the first section and didn't really push on at any point, although by the end I was pretty much ready to stop!

No problems on the way round - a slight hip pain towards the end that I corrected by running a bit more upright - the main thing was tiredness in the legs and lower body meaning my form suffered if I wasn't concentrating. I didn't feel particularly out of breath at any point - quite surprising!

My heart rate monitor should arrive by the time I go out next, so I can get an idea of whether I'm pushing too hard or not enough - looking forward to it!