Running

I won't quote that, but +1.

Just run the way your body naturally wants to. I have penguin feet and knees that flay outwards, but I wouldn't dream of trying to force my body into something that wasn't natural. Just concentrate on keeping that form and you won't get injured.

um ordered some bits from here before just got an email about a sale.

linky:
http://www.prodirectrunning.com/home.asp?AFFID=58

The pain in my quads has almost gone. Walking down stairs is now possible :)

Well, I went for the run, to be honest it felt like a far better way of running. I've been running regularly since I was 14, now 17 so not a total beginner. I didn't get any of the knee pain that I would often get running normally. Was only doing 3 miles but had to stop and stretch my calves after 2 because they are just not used to it. They're quite achey this morning despite lots of stretching, but in a hard workout way, not in an injured way. No pain in my achilles tendon at all. I'll probably persist for a while. I'm not very heavy either, 10 stone 6 and 6'2, so I think that helped. I'll definitely do more warm up on my calves next time though.

Well, I went for the run, to be honest it felt like a far better way of running. I've been running regularly since I was 14, now 17 so not a total beginner. I didn't get any of the knee pain that I would often get running normally. Was only doing 3 miles but had to stop and stretch my calves after 2 because they are just not used to it. They're quite achey this morning despite lots of stretching, but in a hard workout way, not in an injured way. No pain in my achilles tendon at all. I'll probably persist for a while. I'm not very heavy either, 10 stone 6 and 6'2, so I think that helped. I'll definitely do more warm up on my calves next time though.

advising someone who is untrained to forefoot strike is just about the worst piece of running advice i've ever heard. there is something to be said for striking in the midfoot ('flat' strike), as it improves your cadence and efficiency at speed, but this is not really appropriate for most people unless you're really training seriously for racing, because it's very tough on your body. it's also different to striking on the forefoot (on your toes).

if you're having knee problems go and see a podiatrist or get some properly fitted shoes. trying to fix the problem by running on your toes will just cause other problems in your calves/shins/achilles. it might take longer than a couple of short runs (and it helps that you're young), but it will happen!

You'll feel it when you are, I did.

Last year I went a bit over the top. I was commuting everyday 6 miles each way on my bike, weights every other day, 3 mile run in the evening on non-weights days, then staying up late studying or if I was studying, out drinking.

I was just knackered all the time; falling asleep in lectures, couldn't concentrate, etc. I didn't gain any muscle mass either. I don't bother with weights now at all.

You just need to eat lots.

Seriously, you should be on on something like 5000kcals a day.

advising someone who is untrained to forefoot strike is just about the worst piece of running advice i've ever heard. there is something to be said for striking in the midfoot ('flat' strike), as it improves your cadence and efficiency at speed, but this is not really appropriate for most people unless you're really training seriously for racing, because it's very tough on your body. it's also different to striking on the forefoot (on your toes).

if you're having knee problems go and see a podiatrist or get some properly fitted shoes. trying to fix the problem by running on your toes will just cause other problems in your calves/shins/achilles. it might take longer than a couple of short runs (and it helps that you're young), but it will happen!

A big +1 from me.

You are most likley just shifting a problem from one place to another. Those featherweight africans are running on mud, not asfalt. Your forefoot technique, will therefore need to deccerlerate more mass, and absorb a much greater shock.

ah, i didn't realise how much i missed the post track session buzz, coming from finishing a session of rep 400m with 40sec recovery. thinking that you'll die at half although you manage to finish the session.

i do enjoy that aspect of running intervals the 'I'm never gonna make it through the next interval' feeling, then you get to the rest period and are up for it again

Can we beg for sponsorship money on here?

Tokyo March Marathon....my first Tokyo one.

Will post the begging link later.....or if anyone has any ideas (decent ones) about fund raising, I'm all ears....

Actually this is my 5th marathon and I do at least 3 halfs a year as well. If anyone wanted to donate and have a bit of training with me, routes and what not, let me know!

You just need to eat lots.

Seriously, you should be on on something like 5000kcals a day.

Yeah, more than likely I wasn't eating enough. When I was doing that I was eating in an average day:
breakfast - porridge + raisins
morning snack - couple of bananas
lunch - couple of sandwiches/pasta, fruit
after gym - recovery drink
dinner - usually something rice, pasta or noodle based.

Hmm... pretty much just carbs :S

I'm well out of my exercise routine at the moment because of exam revision. Getting back into a more sensible routine now.

Those protein recovery shakes are good if you dont mind putting on some serious Kgs.
Also healthy fats (avocados, walnuts, olive oil, oily fish etc.)

ah, i didn't realise how much i missed the post track session buzz, coming from finishing a session of rep 400m with 40sec recovery. thinking that you'll die at half although you manage to finish the session.

i did a speed session on the new track at box hill on tuesday night, with the moroccan boys. 8x100 with walk recovery ;) didn't even bother with a watch, but i was keeping up.

the new track is nice and bouncy, and even considering it was my first session in spikes for over a year I managed to pull up with no soreness. much easier running fast in 27 degrees than 0!

bouncy = slow though

bouncy = slow though

yeah, but fucking ace to train on.

I starting uping my weekly miles the last two weeks, in preparation for a full /half marathon in May.
My legs and fitness level have responded well to the improved consistency of training. But I have not done any stability training (not a member of a gym anymore), and this was my downf fall last night. After about only 5 or 6 kilometers I had to stop and walk for a bit, due to discomfort in my stomache and sides.
Anyone know of good stability exercises. I am planning on starting a daily sit-up routine, any other good exercises I should be doing.

smallfurry, get a swiss ball: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_ball

pretty inexpensive, and will improve your core strength and stability out of sight. there are heaps of different exercises you could be doing on it, have a google around or try and find a book with some exercises.

Major memory fail!
I've got one in the loft, have'nt unpacked it since I moved over here.

Used to do sit-ups and supermen (stomache on ball, raising opposite arms and legs) on it, back when I took my training more serious (never had any problems back then).

I was also at the gym alot at the time though, so I'm not sure if these exercises where/are enough on their own.

I shall take it down and pump it up tonight.
Cheers!

bonus!

really ought to have a go on swiss ball my abdomen muscles are my weak point in both my cycling and running, had a go at a few pilates classes which despite a lot of deep breathing and whale music does seem to help a little

play some polo

After about only 5 or 6 kilometers I had to stop and walk for a bit, due to discomfort in my stomache and sides.

Sounds like a stitch to me, you big girl. ;p

oh fuck, i missed a chance to say HTFU!?

Im up to 5 miles now booyah!

Sounds like a stitch to me, you big girl. ;p

oh fuck, i missed a chance to say HTFU!?

Fair enough, was'nt a stitch though. Shall tell my abs and lower back to HTFU