This running lark!

[piskieinboots]

I tend to run around 0900hrs when it's a little lighter and more peeps around cos I'm a lightweight and think there will be boogey (wo)men lurking behind every bush waiting to get me

I'm lucky that I can do that as I'm a self-employed gal - so I'll take the luck whilst I have it

[Glutton4...]

Whenever I'm riding, and I see Cyclists looking knackered, I always tell them they should get one of these (pointing down at Horse), coz it doesn't need pedalling!

[Garden_Chris]

I got into running about two years ago, I used to run around my local park but now I run around a sort of loop (honestly, it's more a rhombus shape).

I've got to admit one thing however, I used to wear my trainers - just regular shoes - and I could feel after about 3/4 days my legs would be in agony (later I learnt of something called shin splits, regrettably this was the issue, bought on by the lack of proper footwear). My girlfriend always said to me I should buy a pair of proper running shoes, but I always resisted, however the above issue prompted me to do so.

After I got some proper running shoes, I've not had a single issue with shin splits or any other type of pain. It's brilliant fun and leaves you - perversely - energised for the day ahead. As much as I dislike going out in the cold (now the mornings are getting darker and much, much colder) once you've warmed up it's nice to see the world go by plus the dog gets to stretch her legs. It's so funny when you see her one moment - apparently fast off asleep - then say "Do you wanna' go for a r--" and by that point she's bolted up and ran to the door.

Sorry, dragged that out, long story short: I like running, running is good

[piskieinboots]

I agree with proper shoes Chris - I had my gait analysis carried out last year and when they played back the recording of me running with 'old' trainers and then running with the ones they thought would 'pull me in line' was so noticeable.

It was a bit odd running on a treadmill in a shop front window in Hitchin - especially as I hadn't gone 'dressed' (think sports bra) for the occasion

ETA: No lorry driver was harmed in the making of this video!

[OverWyreGrower]

I must agree with the 'proper' running shoes thing.... I've got some Asics (sp?) and they are amazing... in fact, they are so amazing that I even wear them to Zumba in!

[HeyWayne]

Pisk - have you considered using something like Endomondo to track and monitor your progress? I used it when training for the L2B last year and it's pretty good.

Endomondo | Community based on free GPS tracking of sports

[piskieinboots]

oh that's interesting

I'm using a Forerunner 305 HRM which is just sooo cool and whizzy and has GPS and stuff and I look like I know what I'm doing

[sewer rat]

My darling OH took up running a couple of years ago from what can only be described as a "Standing Start." She now runs 3 nights and one morning a week, has competed and completed the Inverness Marathon, several half marathons, The Great Wilderness Challenge and more 10k runs (both road and off-road) than you could shake a stick at.
Me? Join In? You're having a giraffe!! I get sufficient exercise via my workload thanks.

[di]

I started just a little before you Piskie,can't believe how much progress I've made...my first run I only managed a few seconds of running to several minutes of walking...last run I managed almost a full twenty minutes just stopping to walk twice up a couple of hills.
I was going to follow the same programme that you are but as I run with a friend she's been mentoring me along the way...the most helpful tip she's given is to slow down a little...my natural pace was pretty quick.It took time to adjust but it really has helped.
I also echo having proper running shoes...I tried a few times a while back without them and my shins were in agony for days after,I haven't had any shin pain since wearing the correct footwear.Also we run across fields and not pavements.

I never thought I'd say t but yes,seems to be pretty addictive for me too...sadly I came down with a really nasty cold last week so I've not been for a few days...my friend warned,and I agree that as a beginner running when you already feel breathless and rubbish would possibly put me off forever.

[DGoulston]

I was running quite a bit in the gym a while back, doing 5k in 22/23 minutes but I find it boring in the gym/running outside without someone to run with!

Darren