Running

To add, for some shoes like my work shoes and all my vans, I have to put a small strip of velcro inside for them to stick in place otherwise they slip forward which is mega annoying. Bit like wearing a saggy sock. Don't have that issue with any of my running / gym trainers though.

Cheers!

Has anyone done any multi-day running trips where they've carried sleeping/cooking kit with them?

No, but like you I have been thinking about it a lot recently. With Deadwater postponed I was thinking I could do something similar (but easier) but buy food along the way. Things like South Downs Way, Ridgeway, Thames path all doable with plenty of civilization nearby.

Ran a 10km for the club's virtual relay thing. Only been back running for four weeks, so I shouldn't be too disheartened, especially as it was my first proper effort at anything and I ran a half on Sunday. I ran a 48:28, which is where I expected to be around aiming for a 7:45/mile pace.
The main thing is that it didn't kill me, and I now feel a lot more motivated to improve on that time - which hopefully shouldn't be too hard!

Being slow is never going to feel great though, is it!

Start using a pumice stone and some moisturiser daily. Don't go crazy. Little and often.

I’ve used Sole heat mouldable in the past (when I severed my big toe tendon...) and rate them higher than the expensive custom orthotics they replaced

Like these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sole-Active-Medium-Footbed-UK-4/dp/B01KNJ3T7S?ref_=ast_bbp_dp

Nice will check these out!

When to pumice? Straight after shower?

I pay someone to slice it all off every now and then, it's quite gross as they put on a head torch and get really keen about showing me how much they've taken off (spoiler alert, it looks like they've taken off an entire foot). I've also had bits tearing off and flapping about, as well as blisters forming underneath big chunks of skin. I feel sorry for anyone who sees me with bare feet.

Yep. Then moisturise. I don't think Chamoix cream is great for moisturising so just by some E45 cream or if your feeling fancy The Burt's bees foot stuff is really good.

Thanks for that mental image @hats

Cheers @hobo I've got a huge tub of E45 so I'll slop some of that on .

Great advice all round. Thanks all.

How are you finding virtual racing? I'm really enjoying it. I find that being able to 'race' when I want to is letting me run some decent times. It's also been good fun watching the races unfold on Strava and twitter.

On second thought, I might consider doing a similar route to the BG round, but stopping at youth hostels some nights.

I’ve done a couple of BGR sections as crew and think the idea of a chilled round would be ace, not sure if or where there are good places to stop en route. I’ve been thinking a multi day run on the SUW hopefully staying in b&bs, I might start planning properly.

I definitely enjoyed it, but it was my first "race" in about 10 months due to injury. Kinda have mixed feelings because I was slow, and I felt like I didn't get the same race buzz. I really thrive on the whole racing process of checking the race calendar, picking ones to train for and picking ones the day before and just showing up, the buzz of going somewhere new, prepping kit and going over the route map, the excitement when you arrive and register, and then racing against other people to help push myself along.

Obviously just trying to run a fast 10km isn't going to deliver that same experience, but it had me running harder than any session I've done off my own back. I might see if the club fancy doing some more, fortnightly seems like a good interval. Just set a reasonably accessible 10km or similar and set everyone off on it, or A to B races with no set route.

One massive positive is that it has ignited the desire to improve. Any time I have a hard effort, I always come away wanting to assess my weaknesses, almost instantly thinking about training structure and things I need to incorporate. And if nothing else, I now have a 10km benchmark to improve on.

I now have a 10km benchmark to improve on

It's a nice stretch-distance to benchmark fitness. Well done!

Oh yay, a 51-day exercise streak. I think this might be a record, but I've got a way to catch Ron Hill. (Especially as some days were non-running, cycling days.) Just grateful to be healthy and uninjured.

I was trawling the old hour of power thread and came across it.

1 Attachment

I am pretty happy with today's run. Pacing was good and I ran a 44.38 1ok (well 6.53miles) so I guess over.

Also got a few pbs, main one was a 19.42 5k and no agonizing pains in my legs during the effort.

If you average your pace, that means you actually ran around 42:30 for the 10km. And if you went sub 20 in the first 5km, so definitely more time to take off. Got to be chuffed with that for sure. Congrats.

That's hi.

I’m doing six weeks without running or similar plyometric activity. Hoping my Achilles will return the favour by regenerating completely. It’s been about 10 days, and I’m enjoying being able to walk normally from my bed to the toilet in the morning. It’s a fucking miracle. But as of today I’m starting to think the psychological impact of not going out to run is becoming apparent, because (in a quiet and internalised way) I’ve felt like smashing objects and faces all day.

I had to complete my annual appraisal form for work, and I just submitted a paragraph stating I reject their meaningless metrics and tick-box frameworks.

I do enjoy acting on impulse, it must be said.

That is a strong statement. I would very much like to say the same in mine.

Is it exercise or exercise outside that's going to help?

I’m able to do a limited range of exercises indoors (rowing machine, dumb turbo, weights, core stuff). It’s the outdoors coupled with the innate joy of running dynamics. I went for a 13k walk that included some greenery, and my spirits soared up until the point where my Achilles started hurting.

Hmm.
I know you'll have thought this through, in the current situation, is it possible to cycle somewhere for a walk?
To prevent ankle pain and boost mood.

To me that means bag, locks, tools, pump, blah blah blah. I’m fucking done with bike faff. I can’t risk going out without tools, puncturing, and having to walk for any length of time, particularly in inflexible shoes.

Yes, I’ve thought this through.