The running thread.

[garynortheast]

Out with a friend and all the dogs for a warm, drizzly, early morning run of just over 3 miles (https://www.strava.com/activities/4144374474) in local forest.

[Sir Trev]

Out with a friend and all the dogs for a warm, drizzly, early morning run of just over 3 miles (https://www.strava.com/activities/4144374474) in local forest.

Hope it helped clear the head a bit Gary.

[garynortheast]

Hope it helped clear the head a bit Gary.

It did help Trev, almost always does, at least while I’m running and often longer term too.

[garynortheast]

Very pleasant, slow, early morning run of just under 7 miles (https://www.strava.com/activities/4153356677), over the allt and out to Pont Llogel and back with a mate from up the lane. Perfect running conditions, not too warm.

[garynortheast]

Out for the first time since injuring my ribs a fortnight ago. A fabulous run with a couple of canicross friends, of just over 12 miles in Glyn Ceiriog (https://www.strava.com/activities/4233889978). A great mix of landscapes, terrain, and weather, all in excellent company.

[garynortheast]

Two runs of just over 3.1 miles around the same route, one on Monday afternoon (https://www.strava.com/activities/4247228462) and one late today (https://www.strava.com/activities/4255480028).
At under 30 minutes, this evening's run was around 3 minutes faster than the same run on Monday. Given the route, the terrain, and some of the fierce, if short, hills I'm really pleased with that.

[garynortheast]

Slower run today of 3.1 miles around a local forest (https://www.strava.com/activities/4281296950). I struggled for grip in the very slippery conditions as my Inov8 Roclites are getting pretty worn out now.

[shiftin_gear98]

I went to club intervals last night, basically running around in circles. That too was a bit on the slick side.
However if the weather stays like it was this morning on my cycle into work -1 degrees, then it should be nice and crunchy soon.

I do need to get out more, as my fitness isn't all that at the moment. I do however prefer running over winter compared to the sweltering heat of summer, so I just need to get my ass in gear and crack on.

[garynortheast]

Lovely, leisurely, misty, muddy 8 mile run (https://www.strava.com/activities/4335459783) with a friend and our hounds, Max the husky and Mabel the lurcher, this morning. Both dogs have been snoozing all day!

[garynortheast]

I have done a few runs between the last post here and this one, I just forgot to log them here!

Out today for the first run of the year. It gave me the chance to try out the very nice trail shoes my daughter Sioned bought me for Christmas. They're a pair of Altra Lone Peak 4.5 shoes and they are so comfortable and very grippy in the mud.

So, 4.21 miles over the allt, and up the zig zag. (https://www.strava.com/activities/4548667531) A bit of a slow one as I've not run for a couple of weeks. Lots of stops to take pictures and also to have a chat with a neighbour.

Nice to be out there.

[daktulos]

Out today for the first run of the year. It gave me the chance to try out the very nice trail shoes my daughter Sioned bought me for Christmas. They're a pair of Altra Lone Peak 4.5 shoes and they are so comfortable and very grippy in the mud.

I love my Lone Peaks, although the lugs are quite worn down now so not as grippy as they used to be. I've been self-isolating since Boxing Day, so no running for me.

[svenrico]

When I was diagnosed with a narrowing of an artery and angina the doctor said 'I wouldn't bother buying any running shoes ' (t*at ) , so I just walk now.

[garynortheast]

Finally made it out for a morning run. Been struggling with motivation atm with all the crap going on just now, even though I know that I'll feel better for getting out there. Hardest part of the run today was getting out of the door!

Anyway, an enjoyable 4 and a bit miles over my favourite hill and up the other side of the valley. (https://www.strava.com/activities/4726604872)

[shiftin_gear98]

After my crash in Dec, I've only done a few gentle (boring) road runs. Until last night, when I said fook it. Donned the head torch at set of into the rain. It was great fun.
Ok it was a little treacherous under foot due to the trails, mainly resembling a big swamp.
And yeah I did worry a little about stacking it, so walked in a couple of places.

But all in all it was good fun.
But I did find it really hard going. I am annoyed with myself as to how unfit I am compared to this time last year.
When I was preparing for the Cambridge Half and easily busting out a 16 mile run on a Sunday morning, I think it'll be a little while until I am back to where I was.
2020 wasn't great for me and running, but it could have been much worse.

Hopefully 2021 will be kinder.

[garynortheast]

Well done Martin, good on you for getting out there.

I've sort of lost my running mojo with all the crap that's gone on over the last year. Not being able to get together with running friends for social runs due to the Covid pandemic hasn't helped either. I'm hoping that if things carry on in the direction they seem to be heading now, I can get back into the mental space I need to get out regularly again.

Seeing you posting a run Martin, has given me a bit of a spark too.

[shiftin_gear98]

Yeah life can get in the way sometimes, and this last year has been hard on all of us, for some more than others. But running is good for us all - I really enjoyed getting caked in crap last night.
Even if you have to tell yourself sometimes that you are enjoying it!

Fingers crossed your situation is on the up, I hope it all pans out for you. It sounds amazing.

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out again this evening after work, it was still light. Did the reverse of Wednesday. Heavy legs today. Glad I got out, but can't say I really enjoyed it at the time.

[garynortheast]

Well done Martin. I’m hoping to get out tomorrow morning. Could be a wet run though!

[garynortheast]

First run for weeks (https://www.strava.com/activities/4913228605). Reasonable pace considering I suppose. Good to get out there though.

[garynortheast]

Late afternoon run (https://www.strava.com/activities/4930365964) with a friend to clear the head.

[Calix Lee]

This thread reminds me to stay fit. I only run every other day because I have work and I'm kind of lazy because of the weather.

[garynortheast]

Short afternoon run and back along the Montgomeryshire canal (https://www.strava.com/activities/4957678644). Amazing how easy a sub 9mi/mile pace is on flat ground!

[garynortheast]

Out for an early 4 mile run (https://www.strava.com/activities/4976467345) with a friend. Gentle pace as she is still recovering from an ankle injury.

[garynortheast]

Out this evening with three friends from Powys Canicross for my first run in weeks (https://www.strava.com/activities/5253630630). Four miles around the Gregynog estate. Tough going after not running for so long but really enjoyable and so good to get out there once more.

[garynortheast]

Out early this morning to go to Ironbridge for a recce of the route from there to Little Wenlock (https://www.strava.com/activities/5261588483). 4¼ mile run with Mabel, and Sam from Shropshire Canicross with her rescue greyhound, Fonzie.

Quite a tough route with a section of seriously steep steps.

Raining but actually not too cold.

Good to be getting back into the running again.

[garynortheast]

Very nice evening run of 4 miles (https://www.strava.com/activities/5275113215) with a friend, her daughter, and all the dogs, around the hills behind the village. Great views from the top.

Did a six mile walk this morning on the paths and trails in the hills above the village but forgot to log it!

[garynortheast]

Early run with Mabel (https://www.strava.com/activities/5293828062). Better pace this morning, but that long climb just after the start! Still slow but I ran all the way up this time.

The misty, moisty view from halfway up.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51178970785_fb2893d397_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYvAY2)
Early morning run (https://flic.kr/p/2kYvAY2) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/)

[garynortheast]

Back over to Ironbridge tomorrow morning for the Telford T50/50 relay with Shropshire Canicross. Those steps again!

[daktulos]

Back over to Ironbridge tomorrow morning for the Telford T50/50 relay with Shropshire Canicross. Those steps again!

Good luck, Gary.

[garynortheast]

Telford T50/50 run done (https://www.strava.com/activities/5306584620). A cracking run over a tough route. We managed to knock just over six minutes off of the time we set in our practise run last week.

Rounded it off back in Ironbridge with a coffee and a monster slab of vegan chocolate cake. I felt we'd earned it.

[shiftin_gear98]

Gary, well done. That route looks a bit of a git.

[svenrico]

Telford T50/50 run done (https://www.strava.com/activities/5306584620). A cracking run over a tough route. We managed to knock just over six minutes off of the time we set in our practise run last week.

Rounded it off back in Ironbridge with a coffee and a monster slab of vegan chocolate cake. I felt we'd earned it.
what is a vegan chocolate cake made from ?

[chris8886]

what is a vegan chocolate cake made from ?



Naff all.....! :smt082








*promise I don't mean it really :P

[svenrico]

Naff all.....! :smt082
*promise I don't mean it really :P

No ,seriously , what are the ingredients.
ps I get mixed up between vegans and vegetarians. :)

[garynortheast]

Gary, well done. That route looks a bit of a git.

Most of the route was pretty easy, compared to the terrain here, but the steps not far from the start are an absolute killer!

what is a vegan chocolate cake made from ?

Normal choc cake but without the animal products.

Eight mile walk in the local hills today with a neighbour, just to keep the legs moving! Heading over to Coed y brenin tomorrow morning to run the 8.5 mile Goldrush trail with a mate. There's a great cafe there too. There's a pattern developing here isn't there?

[garynortheast]

Fab run this morning around the 8.5 mile Goldrush trail in Coed y brenin (https://www.strava.com/activities/5318073816), with a mate. Perfect running conditions in a lovely setting.

Cafe was open so lunch and cake was consumed. Well it would have been rude not to!

Mabel is now flat out in her bed.

[shiftin_gear98]

Smile of the day, new shoes!
First pair of Nike in years. But super comfy straight out of the box.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51196622367_83f8a3fd04.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m155aD)New shoe day Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail (https://flic.kr/p/2m155aD) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr

And Freeport had 30% off in the Nike store.
Came in at £55.95.

[garynortheast]

They look tidy Martin, look forward to seeing how you get on with them.

I haven't run since doing the Goldrush trail earlier this week as I have felt a bit under the weather. it's mostly achey joints and a sense of slight feverishness. Don't know what it is, but I did wonder if it's a result of pushing it a bit hard on Tuesday. Just need it to clear up as I have a run tomorrow evening.

[shiftin_gear98]

Fingers crossed you are feeling better in the morning Gary. I had hoped to get them dirty this afternoon, but DIY got in the way. boo.

[garynortheast]

Had hoped to go for a run with friends this evening, and this afternoon I thought I would be ok, but it was just the paracetamol talking. Now sat at home wrapped in a blanket.

[shiftin_gear98]

Oh dear, I hope it clears quickly.
My trainers are now not so new.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51201375814_f194322e42.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m1urcC)Not so new now. (https://flic.kr/p/2m1urcC) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr

Legs now burning from a triple does of nettles! That's me topped back up again.

[garynortheast]

Christened them!. How did they perform?

[shiftin_gear98]

I really like them, they are a lot lighter than my Saucony Xodus ISO 3, which to be honest I bought unseen from sportshoes.com.
If I'd have seen them I might not have gone for them as they are a brick.
But they have also started splitting across my toes. I've only done 244 miles in them. I'd expected them to last a little longer than this.

Back to the Nikes - yeah nice and light, very comfortable - probably down to a big squishy sole. It'll be interesting to see how long this feeling lasts.
They hold your foot well and have a really nice heal cup. So felt really supportive. No twisted ankles.
The grip was good too. It was pretty crappy out yesterday and they held their own well.
The grip isn't very deep, so similar to the Asics I had before. The Saucony had tractor tyres by comparison. Which probably accounted for most of the weight.
But they also held onto a lot of mud too, making them even heavier! Whereas the mud just fell away with these.

All in all I'm really liking them so far. But then I've only done 7.3 miles in them. Time will tell how well they last.

I had planned to get a new pair of Asics form Freeport, but they were completely sold out of ALL trail shoes, and didn't know when more were arriving.

[garynortheast]

Well, still no running for me just yet. This virus, whatever it was, really did knock me sideways.

I have a mountain canihike on Saturday with a couple of friends from my local canicross group. I'll assess how I feel after that, but I'd like to start running gently again next week sometime.

[garynortheast]

First run for around 5 - 6 weeks since I was laid low by some horrible virus. Did a social run with a lovely group of canicross friends. 4.6 miles around Earls Hill in Shropshire. (https://www.strava.com/activities/5492218180) I thought the first mile was going to kill me! So glad I made the effort though. I slept like a log last night!

[garynortheast]

First run for a week. A very muggy, sweaty 4 miles with Mabel (https://www.strava.com/activities/5546640316). Surprised myself firstly by getting out the door to start with, and secondly with the overall pace, especially considering that most of the first mile is up a steep bank.
Breakfast now!

[dirtydog]

Well I stopped running for a while for various reasons like work being busy, putting on a bit too much weight again etc etc

Anyway, I'm back to healthy eating again and I'm in the gym pretty much every other day and started running on the treadmill. I'm nowhere near my previous fitness level and can just about manage 4K with a bit of jeffing but it's going in the right direction

[garynortheast]

Good man DD.

For me, the hardest part is putting on the running kit and getting out the door!

[shiftin_gear98]

Well done DD for getting back at it.
I too fell off the wagon for a while. Having the crash in Dec didn't help.
But I have rekindled my running. Mainly due to standing on a set of scales 6 weeks ago and not being happy with the amount of bulk I had put on. I was 11kg heavier.

Anyhow after a lot of calorie counting (I'm obsessed), and more running.
I was happy when my app told me at this mornings weigh in that I had shifted 10kg. Only 3kg more to go - to get to my NHS BMI checker ideal wait.

Now I just need my fitness to get back to where it was. Club run last night, relaxed chatty speed. 8.5 miles.

[dirtydog]

My weight gain was about 15kg over the past year/18 months. Bit gutted as o worked so hard to get down to the weight I was. I actually lost about 32kg and it was still going down and that’s when I not only went off the rails I dragged the carriage into the woods and set fire to it :oops:

[garynortheast]

It's all about getting back into the habit really I suppose. Something I'm just starting to do again.

Nice little 3.1 mile run with a friend this evening (https://www.strava.com/activities/5560341683). Still pretty warm even at 7.30 mind. Both Mabel and my friend's husky, Max were a bit warm by the time we finished, I think if it had been any warmer we may have had to walk it for the dogs' sake.

Got another 4 mile run planned for Saturday morning.

[dirtydog]

Exactly that, I’m trying to build good habits and sack off the bad ones.
Did another 4K yesterday along with a new harder gym routine and 5k on an exercise bike

The running should get easier as I shift the extra weight though

[garynortheast]

Seems like we're all starting to find our running mojos again!

Out again this morning once the rain stopped for a while. A run of 5.17 miles (https://www.strava.com/activities/5567191663) on fields, footpaths and backlanes. Pace was down a bit on the last couple of runs, partly caused by having to walk, rather than run through a field full of very nosy cows. Mabel wasn't best pleased at them getting that close!

[daktulos]

I've had a long-term problem with my ankle - for the last five years or so. Last year, I "officially retired" from running, meaning that I haven't booked into any races and set no targets for training, etc. but carried on running when I felt like it. It's worked, and I've been running pretty well recently - my ankle occasionally gripes, but nothing that's stopped me.

When I decided to "retire" I also decided to take up something else - I picked climbing (indoor) as I thought it would complement the running well, would let me work on my upper body strength (which needs it) and I was hoping would help on the strength through my big toe on the foot with the dodgy ankle.

Of course, lock-down(s) meant that didn't happen, but I've started climbing this year. On Wednesday, I fell from the top of a boulder problem and hit my bad ankle on a hold on the way down, resulting in a swollen ankle and having to abandon my only run of the week.

Still, no regrets - I'm really enjoying climbing. It's quite different, and (when not falling) very low impact. I'll get back to running next weekend. :-)

[garynortheast]

Ouch! Whacking an already tender ankle like that sounds bloody painful. Hope it sorts itself out. Have you tried a compression sleeve on it when you're running?

[daktulos]

Ouch! Whacking an already tender ankle like that sounds bloody painful. Hope it sorts itself out. Have you tried a compression sleeve on it when you're running?

Thanks. I've tried taping it up and using compression supports in the past, which have helped, but never really got on with them, and I don't really believe in long-term. (Apart from the current injury) I'm happy to run on it if I can, hopefully strengthening it in the process.

[garynortheast]

My only other suggestion then would be to try and avoid running on tarmac if at all possible. Trails and softer surfaces tend to be kinder on the joints.

[daktulos]

My only other suggestion then would be to try and avoid running on tarmac if at all possible. Trails and softer surfaces tend to be kinder on the joints.

If I lived in Wales, Id never run anything other than trails ;-) I try and mix it up, and not do too many miles on tarmac, but sometimes I just need to get to the trail.

We actually live right by the Alban Way which is an old railway line that takes us right out of the city, but it was paved a few years ago for the benefit of cyclists.

Cheers.

[garynortheast]

If I lived in Wales, Id never run anything other than trails ;-) I try and mix it up, and not do too many miles on tarmac, but sometimes I just need to get to the trail.


Even here in Wales I have to run on some tarmac to connect up different trails and footpaths. I try and keep those sections as short as possible though as I can really feel the pounding those hard surfaces are giving my knees!

[garynortheast]

Cracking 4.35 mile run out this evening (https://www.strava.com/activities/5591478953) with a friend and our hounds. Lots of woodland trails around the grounds of Gregynog Hall, with plenty of ups and downs to make us work.

[garynortheast]

Great little film. Make yourselves a cup of tea and settle down for 20 minutes to watch this inspiring account.

The Corris Round (https://filmuphigh.com/the-corris-round/?fbclid=IwAR3OY_4eKjmVz-PixSMzcPWypDxzGLBG1m6_2hS_fQrcsKKyPHp3e7tZLEc)

[daktulos]

Great little film. Make yourselves a cup of tea and settle down for 20 minutes to watch this inspiring account.

What a lovely film, beautiful views.

[garynortheast]

Now can't shake the idea of attempting it (after a suitable period of training for it)......

[garynortheast]

A very slow 4.1 mile run with Mabel (https://www.strava.com/activities/5630015943). It was just too warm really for anything more. Absolute sweatfest!

[shiftin_gear98]

Just been for a quick 5k at lunch (I only get 30 mins break) - it's pretty warm out there today. And with the rumbles of thunder in the distance about 99.9% humidity.

[garynortheast]

Well done for getting out and running in this heat Martin.

I haven't run at all since the current high temps began. It's much to hot for Mabel, with daytime temperatures around 28 - 30C. Even at 6am it's around 18C. I did make it out for a 5 mile walk yesterday with her but we planned the route so most of it was in shade.

While I quite like the hot weather, I'm hoping it'll cool down a little soon so the hound and I can get out and run again.

[svenrico]

Well done for getting out and running in this heat Martin.

I haven't run at all since the current high temps began. It's much to hot for Mabel, with daytime temperatures around 28 - 30C. Even at 6am it's around 18C. I did make it out for a 5 mile walk yesterday with her but we planned the route so most of it was in shade.

While I quite like the hot weather, I'm hoping it'll cool down a little soon so the hound and I can get out and run again.
Too hot to run, it's almost too hot to walk about ! (It's too hot for me to ride wearing motorcycle gear at the moment )

[svenrico]

Just been for a quick 5k at lunch (I only get 30 mins break) - it's pretty warm out there today. And with the rumbles of thunder in the distance about 99.9% humidity.
Do you have a shower at work ?!!!

[shiftin_gear98]

^ No, but I do have a sink a flannel and a large can of deodorant, but yeah not ideal.


Also ran last night at the running club. Intervals.

[shiftin_gear98]

Well this running and dieting lark has been working.
Since 23rd May I have shifted 15.5kg. From 95.3 to 79.8 this morning.
And feel much better for it. Only a few kg to go to get to my NHS ideal.

[chris8886]

Well this running and dieting lark has been working.
Since 23rd May I have shifted 15.5kg. From 95.3 to 79.8 this morning.
And feel much better for it. Only a few kg to go to get to my NHS ideal.



Congratulations, that is quite a transformation.

[garynortheast]

Well this running and dieting lark has been working.
Since 23rd May I have shifted 15.5kg. From 95.3 to 79.8 this morning.
And feel much better for it. Only a few kg to go to get to my NHS ideal.

Really well done Martin.

I seem to have misplaced my running mojo recently, not helped by the fact that Mabel has done something to her front left foot and has been limping for a few days. I'm going to have to get her booked in to the vet for them to take a look. Don't really like running without her....

[shiftin_gear98]

79.2kg this morning in my birthday suit, not like I'm checking every day. That would be weird. :rolleyes:
My missus says I'm really boring now as I am calorie counting everything that I eat.
I have also just squeezed in a 10k loop before work. So can enjoy dinner tonight a little more.

Gary, I hope Mabel is ok soon, and that it's just a little strain.

[garynortheast]

Doing well there Martin, keep it going.

Got out for my first run for a while today. Mabel is still limping slightly when she walks but is trotting and cantering without any apparent problem so we went out for around 6 miles this morning. (https://www.strava.com/activities/5845172534) It was a slow run, with a visitor mostly to show them some of the local running trails. Enjoyable jog around.

[shiftin_gear98]

Well done for getting out the door.

[garynortheast]

Good run of just under 5 miles this morning (https://www.strava.com/activities/5886728586), and not too warm. Mabel managed to collect a wasp on the way round, which then stung her on the back leg. Fortunately she doesn't seem too bothered by it though.

[garynortheast]

Out for an early run with Mabel this morning. Local 4.5 miles (https://www.strava.com/activities/5973297287) and that long climb near the start was hard going!

The view from the top makes it worthwhile though.

https://i.imgur.com/xE3zioK.jpg

[garynortheast]

Up at 5am(!!) this morning to get over to the Stretton hills for a 6 mile run (https://www.strava.com/activities/5985101681) with Mabel, and a friend with her Kelpie/Collie cross, Cai. Very hilly but a glorious run, even if I did think I was going to have a heart attack on the initial one mile ascent!

Trying to get fitness levels back up. I have my regular Monday morning, 8 - 11 mile walk with my neighbour tomorrow, so that should loosen any tightening muscles! My neighbour, at the age of 78, is bloody unstoppable.

Hopefully back out on Tuesday morning for another run.

[DarrenSV650S]

It's too dark to cycle now so I went for my first jog in over a year tonight.

3 mile loop then a long walk home to cool down. And my knee was getting sore.

Not actually as bad as I thought it would be.

[garynortheast]

Well done Darren. I'm a bit jealous as my knee is still swollen and the doctor has told me no running till it's sorted.

Pretty frustrating really as the cooler weather is now ideal for longer runs with Mabel.

[DarrenSV650S]

Has he given you any kind of timescale?

Yeah I wasn't sure if I would be too cold with just shorts and T shirt but it was fine

[garynortheast]

Has he given you any kind of timescale?

Yeah I wasn't sure if I would be too cold with just shorts and T shirt but it was fine

She's booked me for an x-ray for Thursday and referring me to the Muscular and Skeletal people.

There was a chap running in shorts and t-shirt with his dog up on Stapeley Hill this morning when I was walking up there. It was pretty cold at that time of the morning!

[DarrenSV650S]

Oh yeah it was chilly this morning!

Hope they give you good news :thumright:

[DarrenSV650S]

Same loop tonight. 37mins door to door with a long cool down walk. I think I could easily get that to 30mins.

My knee isn't as sore this time. Took a few days to recover last week. Hopefully it'll be less of a problem the more I jog.

How's your knee Gary?

[garynortheast]

Well done Darren, sounds like you're getting back into it.

Knee is still swollen, seems to be fluid. Had my x-ray last Thursday, going to phone the GP tomorrow and see if she's had the report. Walking ok but definitely not mended enough to run. Bloody frustrating.

[DarrenSV650S]

Bet it is. Hopefully she has good news for you

[garynortheast]

First run since mid September. (https://www.strava.com/activities/6425192582) A short run to see how my knee is going to hack it.

Considering I haven't run for more than 3 months, I'm astonished to have averaged under 10m/m. My knee feels pretty good still too. :-)

[daktulos]

Considering I haven't run for more than 3 months, I'm astonished to have averaged under 10m/m. My knee feels pretty good still too. :-)

I hope it's still feeling that way today, looks like good progress!

[garynortheast]

I hope it's still feeling that way today, looks like good progress!

Both knees are a bit stiff today, but I'd guess that's just the result of the unaccustomed running exercise. Knee is certainly no worse for the run. Got a six miler arranged for the day after tomorrow. I'll see how that goes.

[garynortheast]

New year's day run in the Stretton hills around the Carding Mill valley yesterday (https://www.strava.com/activities/6455984040). Just over 4 miles of hilly running although I forgot to start the Garmin for the first quarter mile.

It was very busy by the time we came down off the tops, hundreds of people and lots of them with dogs not properly under control.

My knee gave me no real problems, and hasn't been particularly stiff or achey subsequently.

Shorter route than originally planned as, due to a bout of chaotic disorganisation on my part on arrival, we had a late start!

[Adam Ef]

Not sure if it's been discussed before but wondered if anyone has recommendations for running watches, preferably ones that can be used for a bit of cycling and possibly hiking too.


Currently looking at Garmin Instinct Solar that I can get a deal and use a voucher on. I've used garmins for cycling before but my very old one has finally given up the ghost (for the 3rd time). I'd like to get one for runnning and know you can get bike mounts for them too, so rather a watch than a bike unit this time.



Does anyone have any experience or even tips on what to avoid?

[Adam Ef]

Also to add that after my 100k for the Movember challenge I decided to try and do the original 60k November target in December too. And succeeded, bringing my two month (2021) total to 161k, or exactly 100 miles. The equivalent of home in Bristol to Regent's Park in London. Not bad considering I hadn't really run properly before. Not sure I run "properly" now either :-) I'm probably a mess of sight when I do, but it feels it's the only thing getting me through these dark months at the moment.

[garynortheast]

Not sure if it's been discussed before but wondered if anyone has recommendations for running watches, preferably ones that can be used for a bit of cycling and possibly hiking too.

Currently looking at Garmin Instinct Solar that I can get a deal and use a voucher on. I've used garmins for cycling before but my very old one has finally given up the ghost (for the 3rd time). I'd like to get one for runnning and know you can get bike mounts for them too, so rather a watch than a bike unit this time.

Does anyone have any experience or even tips on what to avoid?

Not much experience to go on here for me Adam, as the only running watch I've ever owned is the one I currently have. It's an old Garmin Forerunner 110 which I bought on ebay for £18 about 3 years ago. Does everything I need it to do - time, distance, elevation, pace, route gpx etc. It's pretty robust, having been walloped on the ground a couple of times when I've gone over while wearing it. The battery will need replacing at some stage, but they are available and replaceable with a very simple piece of soldering. It has been used for running, walking/hiking, and cycling, and has done each job perfectly well with no fuss.

Also to add that after my 100k for the Movember challenge I decided to try and do the original 60k November target in December too. And succeeded, bringing my two month (2021) total to 161k, or exactly 100 miles. The equivalent of home in Bristol to Regent's Park in London. Not bad considering I hadn't really run properly before. Not sure I run "properly" now either :-) I'm probably a mess of sight when I do, but it feels it's the only thing getting me through these dark months at the moment.

Well done on the mileage there, good going!

[garynortheast]

That was a very muddy 4½ mile run this morning (https://www.strava.com/activities/6470589447).

About 50% of my expended effort was just in trying to remain upright in places. Mabel wasn't too impressed with the mud or with being washed down at the end of the run either.

Some pictures of the run.

https://i.imgur.com/t1TzCk3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7M5FErS.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4OJ6gtC.jpg

[shiftin_gear98]

Morning all, Adam like Gary I don't have a lot of comparison with watches, the one I have now is the only one I've owned so far. Garmin Fenix 5. It was a joint Christmas present a couple of years ago from all my family. Its great, I wear it all the time. Does way more than I know how to use. I was looking at the Instinct back when I was looking to get one. Do it, get one. Then you can be sad like me and record everything. As you didn't do it if it's not on Strava.

[shiftin_gear98]

My training finally started on Monday, so I'm already missing all the spare dog walk time I had recently. Ah well, onwards and upwards.

Gary, I hope your knee is on the mend.

[Adam Ef]

I've gone for the Garmin Instinct as I picked one up new and fairly cheap off someone on eBay. Seems good so far. As Martin mentioned, way more than I need and I won't use half of it's capability. Tested on the cycle home from work last night though and seemed very simple to use. Big button to start and stop, save the journey and it syncs with phone and sends everything to Strave, Garmin Connect automatically. Hopefully no more stomping around the house in a mood looking for my mispalced old Garmin lead and then trying to get my broken old bike Garmin port to work with the lead and manually uploading and saving everything.


Also trying out some trail shoes so I can get out across the fields behind our house with the dog.


Then need a few bits of clothing as I tend to use my cycling kit. So much stuff to "need". Isn't running meant to be cheaper than cycling?! :-)

[garynortheast]

......... Isn't running meant to be cheaper than cycling?! :-)

Ha ha! depends what kit you're happy to use. Most of my clothing kit has come from Karrimor, Higher State (sportsshoes.com own brand), and Aldi. All budget stuff but does the job I need it to do. The only thing I will no longer skimp on is trail shoes.

My training finally started on Monday, so I'm already missing all the spare dog walk time I had recently. Ah well, onwards and upwards.

Gary, I hope your knee is on the mend.

Good luck with the training Martin. The knee is coping with the running and walking thanks, but still not right.

[garynortheast]

Postponed the social run I had planned at Mitchell's Fold as there was only me. Saved myself the drive and did a local run instead.
A cautious 4.6 mile run on icy lanes and trails. (https://www.strava.com/activities/6526103510)

[Adam Ef]

Got a bit worried a couple of days ago as the Garmin watch showed my run as 176bpm heartrate for almost all the run. Bit of research and realised that's absurd as it would have killed me doing that for 50 minutes. Tried out my old Garmin chest strap HRM paired with the watch and all looks much more normal. So the Garmin instinct is working out really well in most ways, but the built in HRM light on the back doesn't work for me.


Got out with my (ex-army so very healthy and fit) colleague after work yesterday. He promised it would be a five miler. All in darkness and mostly off road. Good fun and very atmospheric when the bright moon shone through the mist in the trees. Got back and turns out it was 10.5k though! Knackered today but pleased I'm managing higher distances without noticing it as much.