The FastDay Forum

I've tried to become 'a runner' every year or two for about 10 years. I always found it horrific. Blisters on my insteps, sore hips, sore knees, something that felt like shin splints.

Last week I thought I'd try again, mainly because I've plateaued over the last 8-10 weeks (my body does not want to drop below 130lbs it would seem, I'm attributing this stubbornness to the fact <130lbs is unknown in JoJo world). Although I've been exercising regularly 3-4 times a week I thought a change in routine might kick start my body into losing the last 7lbs. So last week I decided to see how far I could run, I managed a full 5km in 45mins, I had no pain in my shins, none in my knees or hips and I didn't have a single blister. It wasn't easy but it certainly wasn't as arduous as previous attempts. Then I realised that I have actually lost 2 stone and that that amount of weight would have been significantly impacting on my previous attempts at running.

So here I am, 10 days later, I've ran a total of 27km and by using the Galloway method have managed to cut my 5km time down to 37min 40sec. I am actually enjoying running!!!! What is all that about?! I'm enjoying it so much that I've entered my first ever 5km race on 9 November! Yet another success that I put down to the 5:2, so what if I have plateaued...I'm still achieving things I never thought possible!

Oh congratulations! You must feel so proud. What a result I love running too but every time I re-start my hips kick off so I think I'm going to throw in the towel. Keep us posted on the results of your first 5k!

Uh-oh..... slippery slope!! Welcome to the Addicted to Running Club *pats sofa beside her*

I have a dodgy knee and can't do lunges or squats.... or so I thought. I tried them recently and it would appear that now I have lost three stones, they're not a problem any more.....

Come over here and join Domane and me on the sofa.

Now if you are sitting comfortably....
There is a thread called "Are there any runners here?" you will find some fellow addicts over there.
Do you know about Parkrun? it is a free, timed, measured, non competitive (yeah right!) 5km run every Saturday at 9 AM all over the country. All you do is register, download your bar code and turn up. You don't say where you are but if you try this link you can search for your nearest one http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

One of my main reasons to lose weight was so running would be easier. It makes a huge difference to the joints to lighten the load. Welcome to the world of runners, jospeirs!

P.s. Even if you can't do park run, that thread is a great place for motivation, inspiration, advice, etc.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll have a look at the Parkrun website SianS, I live in Glasgow so I'm sure there will be one close by. There is a regular 3k run at the end of each month just up the road from my work.

I will gladly take position on the 'runners' couch and I'll take all of the advice I can get. Thanks so much for your replies.

I was out this morning completing week 6 of couch 2 5 k. I feel I am over the worst now only 3weeks till I finish the whole training schedule . after that I thought I may go back to week 1 and instead of walk running I will run my usual pace for the walk section and run faster for the run section. hat may speed me up a bit. good luck to all budding runners

Hi Nessie,

I've been using the galloway training method. It's a walk/run programme that is based upon your pace per mile, so I currently run for 3mins and walk for 1min. I've found it really good so far. Apparently this chap trains athletes and marathon runners. The science behind it makes sense. The 1 minute walk (he's very strict about not missing this even if you feel good) gives your body time to recover, it means you are less likely to have a lactic acid build up in your smaller muscles and you'll theoretically finish as strongly as you started. I find that it's been working.

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/5k.html

Good luck with your running!!

[carieoates]

Hello everyone May I join you on the running sofa please. This morning I completed week 5 and did a full 20 min run, haven't done that for 17 yrs. patting myself on the back as am also loosing 1lb a week consistently now. Have a great weekend everyone.

Yay, I'm glad we're all shrinking, it means we can fit so many more of us on the couch Caroline!

I LOVED "graduating" from C25K.... it was akin to passing my driving test.... suddenly I wasn't doing as the trainer in my ear told me.. I could CHOOSE where, when and how far I ran.... and that is SO liberating. Keep going, ladies... it's a great feeling when you get there....