Running

So I swapped out my fivefingers today for some running shoes. While I can (and do) run ok in the five fingers, I'm slow and spend most of my time concentrating on ensuring my foot strike is right.

Picked up a pair of Adidas Tempo 5's, which are as minimalist as I can get away with without having to run like I'm wearing the fivefingers. I also suffer from overpronating so these have more support than I'm used to.

Will be interesting to see how I get on (and perhaps actually finally stick to running)

I got these shoes at Runners Need (and got videoed on the treadmill for the megalolz) and the right shoe holds my foot quite well and stops it rolling in too much. I also bought some seamfree, double-layered socks after a particularly savage blister session and they help a little (as in, my feet stay intact for a couple of miles). Dammit, I would love the number of your physio!

I am confused by those laces. Heel lift = your heel sneaking out of the shoe? I don't think I have that.

On shoes with the extra hole at the top. You thread the laces out of the second to last hole, in to the last. Then cross them, and thread each into the resulting loop on the other side. It basically tightens things around the ankle.

The point is that there are dosens of clever ways to lace your shoes to help them fit your feet.

In my experiance your feet will HTFU over time, and the shoe will wear in.

Some shoes just dont work for some people though.

I am thinking of taking up running, with the aim of doing the London triathlon next year, if time permits. But that's a long way off and a distant dream.
Having not run since school and with a few back and knee issues now I am in my forties, where would one start and is it really a good idea?
I have a Runners Need near me at work, perhaps I should go in there and speak to them

Well I went to Runners Need at lunchtime. They assessed my running and recommended various shoes based on how my feet fall. I chose a pair that were in the sale, coupled with a rather fetching pair of shorts. I am going to go for a run tonight. The shop assistant warned me that my cardio vascular fitness would probably encourage me to run and keep going but I would do myself damage that way. He recommended a mile or so at first. So that's what I will do and see how my legs feel in the morning :)

I just started running as well, after 10-15 years hiatus. Bought a pair of Vivobarefoot Evos and started the C25K program. My general fitness seems fine because of my cycling, but my calves are killing me.

My knees, thighs and hips hurt and I only ran 1.8 miles :)
Rest day and then the same tomorrow

I would give yourself 2 rest days. It's far too easy to overdo it at the start.

Good point. I will see how I feel tomorrow evening. Fridays aren't really an option for me though due to drinking commitments :)
Next week I shall do Monday and Thursday

I just started running as well, after 10-15 years hiatus. Bought a pair of Vivobarefoot Evos and started the C25K program. My general fitness seems fine because of my cycling, but my calves are killing me.

hah I just started C25K again this week. W1D2 today... actually looking forward to it. My only issue is living in the center of SF there's no close by place I can run at the right timings. I keep hitting major cross roads on red lights during my time to run :S

Did w1d3 yesterday and luckily live next to a large lake area. Usually run at around midnight, so all alone on unlit paths with no red lights, intersections, people or anything

I try get the run in before lunch otherwise I tend to skip it.
My routes are never the same as I've started to keep going, so if the intersection is red, I'll just turn right/left on the block.

Why does cycling cause tight glutes / inflexible hips?

My left glute is continually knotted and regardless of how much stretching out does come good.

Starting to give me hamstring problems too now, really slowing my run progression.

First run in forever (since the last first run in forever).
Bit slow and awkward, but fuck, running is great.

I finished 30th in Tywyn so was one of just 38 from an entry of 300+ to beat the train over an - as ever - tough 10km first 8km off road.

No run specific fitness or conditioning as training had dropped right off to nought since June, so really happy to have ran so well, paced it almost perfect just flagged in the last 200m losing 1 place there. My legs are in tatters today.

Saw some of the leaders finish in the 14miler - all strong fell runner treetrunk leg types, chapeau to them and all who finished as the rain & wind hit hard in the afternoon.

Anyone doing the London Marathon 2014 and live in East Ldn? I am about to start training and need a buddy for motivation purposes. I am fittish but had to pull out of Ldn 2013 as I injured my knee. Now I am ready to start up again. PM me if you're interested...J

Finally got my 5k sub 25 minutes. I know this is rubbish compared to, er, most people, but it cheered me nonetheless.

Have you had a look for local running clubs?

Its a great way to get access to proper coaches without paying for an individual one and if its an active one there will be other people of your standard to train with and compare yourself with.

Most will let you turn up to a few sessions without joining so you can see if you get on with people too.

They are usually dirt cheap to join and be a member of too!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/361048908

First proper run after blowing my legs up on the Dalsnibbe mountain run.
It aint fast, and I was dehydrated before even heading out, as my tummy wont keep water down at the moment. But my legs felt strong. So I really happy.

(Theres a 470 steps climb in there. So dont judge the time ;) )

I finished 30th in Tywyn so was one of just 38 from an entry of 300+ to beat the train over an - as ever - tough 10km first 8km off road.

No run specific fitness or conditioning as training had dropped right off to nought since June, so really happy to have ran so well, paced it almost perfect just flagged in the last 200m losing 1 place there. My legs are in tatters today.

Saw some of the leaders finish in the 14miler - all strong fell runner treetrunk leg types, chapeau to them and all who finished as the rain & wind hit hard in the afternoon.

Our paths must have crossed.

I did the 14 miler, beat the train and came 58th. the return was pretty challenging, particularly the hill up to mile 11. It felt like I was going backwards in the last 3 miles.

You should do the full one next year. :)

Good running. Were you with a club? Hermitage Harriers took over a big chunk the campsite we were at.

I've done the 14miler 3 times, first time over the old 14.75 course (2h17 with bad cramps) then a 1h41 and a 1h52 so beaten train just the once on the long'un.

Prefer the 10km as it gives rest of day to drink plus it's the tougher half of the course, and training isn't essential (even tho it helps).

£28 as late entry. Would begrudge that for a road 10k but this is worth every penny every time.

Got some vibrams for sale in the classified section if anyone's interested

Why does cycling cause tight glutes / inflexible hips?

My left glute is continually knotted and regardless of how much stretching out does come good.

Starting to give me hamstring problems too now, really slowing my run progression.

Are you stretching regularly? If you haven't already i'd suggest investing in a foam roller. I try to do this routine everyday: Joe DeFranco's "Limber 11" (flexibility routine) - YouTube
&v=FSSDLDhbacc It has helped me both with my running and weightlifting.

Still struggle with my left knee after my go-karting incident. Sucks. Cycling is fine though, so will focus on that for a while. No half marathon for me in the next few weeks/months though.

got a 35km run in the plan for tomorrow, i probably should have done 3.5 hours of bike riding today.

hot bath, lots of food and skins and will cross my fingers i'll be fine.

Where are you heading ed? Can't think of many places I'd happily run 35k in London