Random running stuff..

[NancyR]

I am still a beginner, though I really feel good and that I am making progress. However, I get doubts about myself -does the confidence in your body and its ability come with time?

I seem to start out unsure, even procrastinate a bit about going but I go, then 75% of the time finish on top of the world, the rest of the day is bliss! I feel like Superwoman. Then wonder what my problem was. Unsure meaning -- will I be able to finish, afraid that my body won't hold up and the disappointment that would follow. Maybe it comes from my setback, (knee)... I can now see how long time runners could easily get pretty sad not being able to get out there and run.

I also find the 2nd half of my run is easier than the 1st half...it used to be the other way around.

Am I on track for a "normal runner"? lol or am I thinking about things too much?

:-)

Nancy

[first timer]

i hope this is normal been running 4 years ,same for me last half of my run always good picking up pace and getting in the groove on the days i miss a run feel terrible i have actuall started getting used to getting up and on the road at 4:30 because the runs are a little more time consuming and feeling great all day good luck with your knee and happy running

[April]

I also find the 2nd half of my run is easier than the 1st half...it used to be the other way around.

I think that means you're progressing - becoming a long distance runner! 

The first part of your run is your warm up, the rest is your gravy 

[NancyR]

Thanks first timer, wow 4:30am, I can handle 5:30, barely lol good for you!

April that is good to know. I hope so! I feel it coming. That is exactly it then, I just don't feel quite in my groove in the 1st half, then all the sudden I am ON. I like it! I force myself to stop, 10% addition a week.

Hmmm new question, at what point I wonder do you stop adding 10%? Then change it up..guess I will see how it goes and how I feel.

Nancy

[Newt]

Nancy,

To answer your question about when to stop adding 10%, as long as you are Injury free, feeling good and looking forward to it. Then a good sign is when your family does an intervention.

Peace
Peter

[NancyR]

HA HA Peter that is hilarious! 

[David]

Sound like your doing well Nancy. I feel the same, when I run. Usually I do not get my breathing and don't reach my comfort level until I am at least half way through my run. Although on my past 2 runs my shin's have been hurting. I completed the learn to run program with no pain. Thing I don't get I haven't up my distance as of yet. Baffles me. Hopefully tomorrows run will be better, a warm up hen maybe a stretch before my run.

[NancyR]

Thanks Dave, I've been fortunate that my shins have never hurt. Yes try more stretching. Keep at it! We will be Ironmen yet 

[first timer]

hi guys just checking the forum reading Davids post,ithink if you try  moving your foot in a figure 8 it may help with that pain in your shin it worked for me good luck hope it works

[The Moose1]

David, there are a couple of things that can cause that, but without more information, it sounds like maybe shin splits (especially this early in your running career).  I'd take a few days off.  There's a great stretch you can do that's easy:
Stand on a stair with just your toes (both feet) and grab the handrail.  Slowly raise yourself up so you're standing on your tiptoes, then slowly go back down until your heal is below the stair.  Repeat at least 20 times.  I'd bet you feel a little tightness in your calf as well, stretch/massage that out to.
Back off either pace or mileage for a week or two until the pain is completely gone, then slowly work back to your current training.  It might also be a good idea to get a meassage and release the tight muscles causing the pain.
I suffered for months with shin splints when I first started running until I discovered this stretch, and for years after I wouldn't even consider running until I'd done at least 13 (odd number I know, but it worked for me)
Shin splints are an overuse injury (usually), so, if you haven't upped your mileage, I bet you've increased your pace a little.  Back off the mileage a few weeks.

I know this advice isn't for everyone, so, if you're allergic to sweat, or have an aversion to effort.  Maybe you don't like chocolate or are lactose intolerant, quadriplegic, have MS or are battling a bad case of Ebola...well this post isn't for you, it's for David.  Anything else useful to him or Nancy (BTW, ya, you're as normal as the rest of us.) I'm sure he'd appreciate.


Mike

[NancyR]

Mike I tried your stretch just now, and I felt it! At around 10 - I don't get shin pain...but I might as I am working on more distance, so the small amount of time it adds to my stretches I will give it a whirl, thanks.

Glad to hear I am normal! 

Got my husband out for a walk, went over the Bay Bridge... I love it up there, he was creeped out...it was pretty windy! He was amazed people run it!

Nancy

[NancyR]

In honour of our Ironman participants I upped my running 10% one day early. 6km, DONE! woo hoo, did good, though I should have gone earlier, warm out there. I am noticing a few laps are getting faster... I should have taken more water..live and learn.

Mike my calves are a bit sore...lol that stretch you recommended for Dave is working something, they aren't painfully sore, just aware I did something different I suppose..lol Sometimes I get a kink in the arch of my feet - its likely good for that too.

Nancy

[Lance]

Hey all:
Just catching up on my reading and came across this post. Here's my $0.02...

The original post was about not feeling 100% at the start (or wondering why you even laced 'em up). I concur with that completely: Most of the time I'm not there either, but I go ahead anyway. Then after 2-3 K's it happens: Everything loosens up nicely, the stride becomes smooth and easy, and the rhythm turns on! I'm in my groove and nothing's gonna slow me down! This doesn't always happen, but the loosening up bit usually does.

The second part of the postings ( a bit farther down in the column) was about shin splits. FWIW, the cause may be your shoes being a bit too tight. Here's the reasoning: The tendons in the front part of the ankle flex as the foot is coming forward and they need room to expand. If the shoes are too snug due to the laces being too tight, there isn't the room for this 'expansion' to occur. Therefore the muscles and tendons have to work harder to flex the foot. Basically, it's an accelerated form of overuse. TIP: When you're tying your shoes, flex your foot (point your toes up a bit) and hold as you tie the knot. When you relax your foot, you will notice a bit of room at the top of your laces. You may have to experiment with different lacing techniques (offloading, etc.). To anyone out there with this problem, I hope this helps!