The running thread.

[garynortheast]

Well done Martin, good distance there!

I went out at about 5.30 this morning just for a short 3.7 mile run. Damp and drizzly but nice enough. My back is still not properly right, I could just feel it threatening in the background all the way. Having said that, it was better than the last time, and it's made me think about running posture too.

I'll get the Strava bit up online later.

Got a 10k run coming up on Saturday. Organised by the Friends of the School, where my wife is the head. Just hoping that I'm ok for it.

By the way, I like the poppy picture!

[shiftin_gear98]

Good news about the back, hopefully a bit more time and it'll be sorted.


I've got a 10K Sunday - now we've managed to sort out the child care. My missus will be running too.
To be honest we'll just go round together - as I don't ever get the chance to run with her. Stansted 10K.


Yeah I saw the poppies and had to stop for a quick snap.

[DarrenSV650S]

Isn't this supposed to get easier :p

Couldn't even make my 1.5 miles tonight

[DarrenSV650S]

A 10k doesn't sound like a good idea on a bad back Gary! Better rest up for a week and nip out on the bike instead ;)

[garynortheast]

A 10k doesn't sound like a good idea on a bad back Gary! Better rest up for a week and nip out on the bike instead ;)

Ha ha! Well I'm hoping to get out early for a run tomorrow morning, so I shall have a reasonable idea at the end of it, whether or not I will be fit for Sunday.

Keep at it Darren, it is tough going to start with. If you find it hard running the whole distance, do a run/walk/run/walk sequence in order to finish your route. I'd say that completing the distance is important, and doing it that way will let you do it. Also try pacing yourself a little better, ie. slow down a bit! The faster pace will come with increased fitness. Remember too that no two runs are the same. The same route can feel comfortable on one day and a bit of a killer the next. Keep going!

My wife won't run with me Martin. She's about 10" shorter than me and neither of us find it comfortable running at a pace that allows us to run together. She does much longer distances than I do though! Enjoy the run!

[DarrenSV650S]

Good advice. Thanks Gary

[shiftin_gear98]

Darren, Have you coughed a lung up yet?


Yes - good effort - it'll get easier from here on.
No - poor show - must try harder.


And yeah it wasn't fun when I started back running again - no I don't smoke - but it was still tough to start with. Wait a minute, who am I kidding. It is still tough, some runs as bliss and I find my groove, others I drag my ass round wondering why I'm doing it. (especially in this heat - bring back the cold night runs!)
But it's the head space I enjoy, even if I'm on the edge of collapsing!


I do find that tracking my runs helps motivate me to get round and push myself - even if you only keep it for yourself. Strava is great - you can keep your efforts private.


Gary, my missus is about 4" shorter than me at 5' 10" - however I'm happy to just stay with her - if she doesn't leave me behind!
It'll be more fun to get to run with someone. Plus her pace is about the same as mine give or take.

[garynortheast]

Made it out this morning for a run and it was just what I needed! Struggling with one of my periodic, mild bouts of depression at the moment and the run really lifted my spirits!

Took it steady and had a number of stops for pictures and chances for Mabel to get a drink and a splash in the streams as it was quite warm.

My back was ok too. Being conscious of posture has helped; straighter back, drop the shoulders, move my arms properly, and resist the temptation to take little short steps, but stride out a bit keeping the knees slightly bent to absorb the shocks of footfall, especially on uneven ground.

Lovely weather and beautiful countryside. Who could fail to be lifted, especially with all the endorphins and serotonin flowing as well!

Strava - Dolanog, Penygorddyn, a'r Allt (https://www.strava.com/activities/1622660530).


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1722/40843185040_c45cfdd9c0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25eaZXw)
Morning run (https://flic.kr/p/25eaZXw) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1743/41751511035_fbf791a884_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26BrpCx)
Morning run (https://flic.kr/p/26BrpCx) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1745/42600875372_d7732bbe62_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27UuC4f)
Morning run (https://flic.kr/p/27UuC4f) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1749/27782756097_513e246ba1_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Jk4Tsa)
Morning run (https://flic.kr/p/Jk4Tsa) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

[DarrenSV650S]

Looks nice :)

[shiftin_gear98]

Gary as said earlier on Strava, that first pic looks lovely. Did you run up or down that hill going off to the right?
Nothing beats a bit of nature - the great outdoors, birds singing, running water and being knackered.

[garynortheast]

Ran down the hill to the right but a long climb up the other side! There's not really any flat running on that route......

[garynortheast]

Crickheath and Kinnerley Canter (https://www.facebook.com/Crickheath-and-Kinnerley-Canter-494982870899275/) this morning. I was booked to do the 10K Canicross (2 x laps of the 5k) but I came in after one lap as it was too hot for Mabel. She was still running like a trooper, but she was too warm for comfort.

Good result though, 2nd canicrosser home, won a trophy and a £50 voucher for auto cleaning services and products. Happy with the pace too - 7.41/mi.

Kinnerley race (https://www.strava.com/activities/1630056750)

[shiftin_gear98]

I got to run twice today. Firstly with my middle son on the Stansted 1 mile run, he's blinking fast for 7. I just about kept up with him. 7.36 mins for the mile. I put it down to me weighing about 4 of him.
Secondly I got to run the 10k with my missus. It was nice to get to run with her but she is a little slower than me. Towards the end she was getting fed up with me pushing her too much. I could have gone quicker still. But there was no point leaving her as she suggested as my time wouldn't have reflected much. So I nagged her across the line. 56 mins. She said I'm doing it on my own next year!
Great time Gary.

[garynortheast]

Blimey Martin, your lad is blooming quick!! That 10k time is very respectable too. Was it hot?

[shiftin_gear98]

I think he's part whippet, his older brother is even faster but was at a cub camp. If he'd been there I wouldn't have had to go with him. They are both pretty lean. I just need to get them working on distance. I think they take after me, I was hopeless at longer distance as a kid. But used to represent Hampshire sprinting at school. I'm definitely not a sprinter now though! Once I got over the shock of his initial pace I was geeing him on the second half. He liked me having Strava in my hand so I could tell him how much further to go etc.
It was warm but cloudy, quite nice actually. Last year it was baking. There was one lady canicrosser, she looked like she was getting dragged along by her two dogs.

[garynortheast]

It does sometimes look like canicrossers are being dragged, the dogs are meant to be pulling though. As long as they've trained properly they shouldn't pull so hard it gets out of hand.

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out to clear the cobwebs this evening. 5.6 miles. Lovely evening. Shame I'd only eaten an hour before, so suffered half way round with a stitch.

[garynortheast]

Ooof! Martin I think you'll have to coordinate eating and running a bit better! :shock:;)

Out for a gentle early morning run this morning. Late night last night for me so I was still tired, and my running buddy hadn't run for over a week. Great tome of the morning to be out though. :)

Early morning birthday run (https://www.strava.com/activities/1634557191)

[DarrenSV650S]

My angle has been sore all weekend from my last run and now I've got a throat infection from my darling niece and nephew so I'm feeling a bit weak. I hope it's gone for the weekend!

[garynortheast]

Just some gentle exercise for the ankle Darren. I had some exercises from the physio when I had ankle problems some time back and they really helped. One was simply to stand on each foot in turn for about 30 seconds with my eyes closed and attempting to maintain my balance. Strengthens ligaments and muscle. The other was to hop about in random directions on each foot.

Hope the throat infection goes quickly.

[shiftin_gear98]

Darren, I gave Gary's standing on one ankle exercise ago when he suggested it before - I can see how it works! You think whats' this gonna do, then you close your eyes and practically fall over.
It's amazing how much your balance relies on sight. I do it most mornings now while I'm brushing my teeth.
My ankle was a bit iffy when I got up this morning - fine now.

[DarrenSV650S]

Cool I'll give that a go

[Luckypants]

posting to subscribe to thread updates.

[garynortheast]

You thinking about a spot of running then Mike?

I was intending to get out for a run this evening but it never happened as I've been busy getting ready for a trip up to Yorkshire for a job.

Got a social run with the Powy Canicross folk early on Sunday morning though. Always a very enjoyable affair. We'll be doing between 5 and 10 miles on whatever route I cobble together from all the trails around here.

[shiftin_gear98]

Just got out for a run, bit too hot so more of a sweatfest. New loop, a bit of the 10k I did at the weekend minus the private land. 7.1 miles. I took a wrong turn it was supposed to be nearer 9 miles. Kinda glad I did, knackered now.

[garynortheast]

Good to get out there though. I love that knackered feeling after a run!

[garynortheast]

Had an early morning social run with three other canicrossers yesterday. Two of them were fellow Powys Canicross members and the third was Jane, a visitor up from Bridgend.

Jane has only recently done a Couch 2 5k course so not been running very long at all. Despite this she has already competed in several legs of the Furnations Cup canix competition. She has also only run a maximum distance of 10k - well until yesterday when she did a very hilly 8 miles with us! Very impressed actually. It was all at a gentle pace with plenty of stops for regrouping and photos.

Unfortunately I forgot to set my Garmin going. Fortunately one of our other runners, Karen, didn't forget.

All rounded off with tea and cake back in Dolanog. :-)

Good job Karen remembered to record our Sunday morning run (https://www.strava.com/activities/1643771832)

[shiftin_gear98]

I love your elevation gain. I feel the hills round here when plodding up.
I think yours might kill me.

[garynortheast]

He he, it's the hills that make it all so interesting. There is one short stretch on that route which is somewhere between a 1:4 - 1:5. It's only about 500yds but it's one of the short tarmac stretches so no give in it at all. Careful pacing is definitely needed on that bit!

[shiftin_gear98]

Hoping to get out this evening, although the humidity is going to be a killer. Still if I get the chance I'm going.

[shiftin_gear98]

I've been out before eating less stitch enducing. However I was flagging due to only eating a couple of bananas and apples at lunch. Still 5 miles and a bit of head space. Very muggy.

[garynortheast]

Well done. It's a difficult balance, the running /eating thing!

[shiftin_gear98]

Well it looks like I'll be getting dirty on the 8th of Sept - all booked for the Nuclear Races.
£61.00 sodding quid though!

[garynortheast]

Good God man! £61 to get filthy! There must be cheaper methods.....

[shiftin_gear98]

Gotta try it at least once, should be fun. Kids are doing the shorter races again. I roped my brother in law into doing it with me, for help on the obstacles.
But yeah it's not cheap, and a couple of thousand people do it. They must make a packet.

[garynortheast]

Well, set out this evening for a four mile run around a piece of local forest with Mabel, fellow Powys Canix member, Karen, and two of her collies. We got about three quarters of a mile into the run and Karen tripped and fell. Straight away a swollen weal appeared on her ankle which looked unpleasantly like a fracture. I had to leg it back to where we were parked and drive her 4x4 round to get her. Her daughter and daughter's boyfriend arrived to take her to hospital and drive her car back home. By the time she got into her lift to hospital, her ankle was like a balloon. I don't think she's going to be running for a while. :-(

So just a one and a half mile run....

[shiftin_gear98]

Bugger, I thought running was supposed to be good for you. I hope she's OK. Obviously she's not. But I hope she mends well.

[garynortheast]

She was in quite a bit of pain and also pretty gutted as she is aware that her running is likely to be curtailed for some time. Waiting to hear from her on the result of the x-ray. May be a while yet as she probably only got to hospital about half an hour ago.

[shiftin_gear98]

Set the alarm for 6am this morning and got out for a rushed run. My missus had arranged her usual run with her friend at 7.20. So I needed to be back before then. Squeezed in just shy of 10k.

[garynortheast]

It's been nearly a week since I had a proper run; circumstances have just conspired against me this week. I am going to try and get out tomorrow morning I think, really need to run now.

My friend who injured her ankle on Thursday is going to be taking it easy for a few weeks. No broken bones fortunately but some serious ligament damage.

[shiftin_gear98]

That's good news about no broken bones, ligament damage sounds almost as bad if not worse. My ankle is still giving me jip, just not on the same scale. God knows how long till she'll be running again. Fingers crossed she does mend well. Gary hope you got out.

[shiftin_gear98]

I'd forgotten about a local 10k today. I didn't get to run the 10k. But did get to run the 5k with my eldest. It was the first time he'd run that distance and wanted moral support.
He did really well. He needed a bit of nagging to keep going, but he did and even managed a sprint finish. He must have been tired as I could keep with him, being true to my word I didn't beat him and let him cross the line first. I've never been that person who has to win everything. Plus I didn't see the point in shattering his achievement. 5k 27.20 mins gun time. Logged on Strava.

[garynortheast]

That's brilliant, well done your lad! Hopefully it'll give him the encouragement he needs to continue running.

I never made it out this morning, so I'm heading out for a few miles in about an hour and a half. Need it to cool down a little bit first as it'll be too hot for Mabel. We'll be running beside the river almost the entire way so plenty of chance for her to get in and cool down en route.

[shiftin_gear98]

Yeah I'm hoping he starts coming out with me.
Looking forward to the day he's a speck in the distance! I'll be too busy smiling to care.

[garynortheast]

If he's anything like my girls it's likely to be an on/off thing. My two will get into it for a while, then lose interest, then come back to it.

Out for a lovely run this evening, marred only by a few horseflies and the Garmin battery running out half a mile from the end. The Garmin has been switched on all week and needed a charge but I forgot. Still, I got most of the run onto Strava (https://www.strava.com/activities/1660184249).

Some pictures.

Half a mile in. Stood here for a few minutes watching the brown trout jumping.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1771/42088245495_06eb85fecb_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/278cg46)
Pont Llogel run 1 (https://flic.kr/p/278cg46) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr


Mabel, "Come on, stop hanging about!"
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1803/28121575507_bc59d504c0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1qE8)
Pont Llogel run 2 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1qE8) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Just about half way.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1799/28121575157_7e69f64628_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1qy6)
Pont Llogel run 3 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1qy6) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Local history.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1802/28121574697_e31ef234df_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1qqa)
Pont Llogel run4 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1qqa) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

The way back.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1835/28121574367_29d8e6f01c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1qjt)
Pont Llogel run 5 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1qjt) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Steps. This doesn't look much but this section is very steep!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1792/28121574057_581d731a1f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1qe8)
Pont Llogel run 6 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1qe8) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

And back down....
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1834/28121573747_b75840455a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1q8M)
Pont Llogel run 7 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1q8M) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Afon Efyrnwy. We follow this all the way to Pont Llogel and back.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1817/28121573247_30cfb0fa9b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1pZa)
Pont Llogel run 8 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1pZa) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

A few of these on the route. Mabel is brilliant on them, I never have to use the dog gates.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1840/28121572127_0fceeea57a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1pDR)
Pont Llogel run 9 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1pDR) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Squirrel watching!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1824/28121571627_11ccea3091_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1pve)
Pont Llogel run 10 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1pve) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Afon Efyrnwy again, the first of two crossings.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/899/28121570567_4f93edd62c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1pbX)
Pont Llogel run 11 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1pbX) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

The other direction.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1802/28121570207_29bc070a28_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR1p5K)
Pont Llogel run 12 (https://flic.kr/p/JR1p5K) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

The way ahead!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1788/42088236775_11cf672b99_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/278cdsK)
Pont Llogel run 13 (https://flic.kr/p/278cdsK) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

[shiftin_gear98]

Blimey, you were snap happy. Nice to see though.

[garynortheast]

I thought it was time to take a proper pictorial record of some of my runs! Gorgeous evening.

[shiftin_gear98]

Just back from tonight's efforts. 8.7 sweaty miles.
I had a go at a segment on Strava up this git of a hill. It was fairly near the start so I gave it everything. Only came 5th of all time, fastest effort this year. Nearly killed me for the rest of the run. Only took one pic, on Strava. Not loving this posting things on Flickr, can't be arsed.

[garynortheast]

Well done on that Strava segment - very impressive!!

Flickr is ok once you get the hang of it. It's not terribly intuitive to start with, but once you find your way around it it's better.

Out again this evening (https://www.strava.com/activities/1664254478) but a shorter distance this time as it was still too hot to do any great distance with Mabel. Going to have to think about early mornings again I reckon.

Couple of pictures.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1808/29157878568_4453286dcc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LqzKsh)
Allt Dolanog (https://flic.kr/p/LqzKsh) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1802/28161121547_20433e2598_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JUv7jp)
Afon Efyrnwy (https://flic.kr/p/JUv7jp) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

[shiftin_gear98]

It does look nice in your part of the world. Keep the pics coming.

[DarrenSV650S]

Nice pics Gary

[garynortheast]

Thanks chaps.

[garynortheast]

Out early with Mabel this morning, before the heat of the day makes it too uncomfortable for her to run.
Pontrobert and back (https://www.strava.com/activities/1670885326) in a loop.

[shiftin_gear98]

Currently in Bath for the weekend. So me and the missus ran the Bath Skyline Walk this morning. 8.3 miles. I'll add pictures later. Rubbish WiFi at the moment and even worse signal.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/914/42263882255_5653034fac_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27oHrK6)DSC_9968 (https://flic.kr/p/27oHrK6) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/42263882135_c73bdfd4b7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27oHrH2)DSC_9971 (https://flic.kr/p/27oHrH2) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr


https://farm1.staticflickr.com/914/41357978940_859a70d50e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/261Esfq)DSC_9972 (https://flic.kr/p/261Esfq) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1830/43168457771_c83c7e6f74_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28LDCwF)DSC_9974 (https://flic.kr/p/28LDCwF) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr


https://farm1.staticflickr.com/913/43118602812_3922bd4ab9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28Gf7oq)DSC_9976 (https://flic.kr/p/28Gf7oq) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr


https://farm1.staticflickr.com/842/42449987514_e246e45b6f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27Fahms)DSC_9977 (https://flic.kr/p/27Fahms) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr


https://farm1.staticflickr.com/919/41357983530_679691205b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/261EtBy)DSC_9979 (https://flic.kr/p/261EtBy) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr

[garynortheast]

That's a good name for a run route. Was the run as good as the name?

I seem to have done something to the back of my heel. I noticed after the run that I had what looked like a swollen, horizontal welt across the top of my heel bone, and it's now painful to walk on. I did wonder whether it's the psoriatic arthritis flaring up again as I have a swollen knuckle on my right hand currently, from the arthritis. I've had so little trouble from arthritis over the last 8 or 9 years that I had largely forgotten about it. The small weekly dose of Methotrexate I've been on for years has been incredibly effective. Hope it's not going to interfere with my running.

[shiftin_gear98]

It was a lovely run, with some big hills. But no it didn't quite live upto the name. I'll put some pics on here on Monday when back at work. Some on Strava already.

Sounds like you might have done your tendon a little like I have done mine. Your description sounds the same. Hopefully not though, as I do limp for the first 10 steps or so every morning. It's no longer really painful to touch, but does ache now and then.

[garynortheast]

Yeah, not sure about the heel. It feels ok again today. I wore my Saucony Nomad TRs when it happened, very comfy trail shoes, but I think I'll wear the cheap Karrimor trail shoes next time. They're also really comfy (and surprisingly robust for a Karrimor shoe) but they have a lot more cushioning around the heel.

[shiftin_gear98]

Pics added.

[garynortheast]

Very nice pictures Martin. Looks like a lovely run, very varied terrain to keep it interesting.

I'd intended to do an early morning run yesterday but I had just enough of a twinge in my heel to think better of it. It's not given me any bother today but I'm going to wait till tomorrow or Thursday to be sure I think.

Darren, have you made it out for another run yet?

[DarrenSV650S]

Na it's been too hot for me. I should try to get out soon. Kinda lost interest a bit

[garynortheast]

Try and get out very early before the heat starts. The freshness of a morning run is blissful (once you've conquered the lure of the duvet!)

[DarrenSV650S]

I'm really not a morning person. I leave it till the last minute to get up for work and never get up early at the weekend

[garynortheast]

Couple of runs this week, both short ones though, and the same route.

Thursday's run (https://www.strava.com/activities/1685670920) was with my canicross buddy, Kate. A short gentle run as I'd had a minor heel problem and didn't want to push it too hard.

Ran the same route this morning (https://www.strava.com/activities/1685999524) but just Mabel and me. Kept it short again as I'm running with some of Canicross Powys tomorrow on a longer route.

[garynortheast]

Cracking run this morning (https://www.strava.com/activities/1688358870) but at a gentle pace. Running with a friend from Powys Canicross who's a bit slower than me. It was also warm, even at 6.30 this morning. Stopped to get Mabel in the river on the way round.
Eight miles of sunny loveliness!

[shiftin_gear98]

Good to see you back out.
Alas I haven't made it out this week, it was my wife's 40th on Saturday. Hence we went away to Bath last week as part of her present.
I couldn't find the time for a run this week due to last minute decorating every spare minute. I started to do our downstairs loo a few months ago, a bit here and there.
Well the toilet got taken out about 4 weeks ago and it all needed finishing for 70 odd people to use yesterday for her garden party!
I'm glad I managed to get it done it time.


As it's done now there's no reason I can't go out this week.

Happy days.

[shiftin_gear98]

Wahoo, 6.1 miles of glorious sweatyness. Blimey that was tiring. But good for the soul, felt like ages since I'd been out.

[garynortheast]

Yay!! Good man. The hardest thing, as they say, is getting out the door. I think we're all the same in that respect. Once we've made the commitment with those first steps we're away.

I'm hoping to get out for an early run tomorrow morning.

[garynortheast]

Just a short run this morning (https://www.strava.com/activities/1694792069). Three and a half miles and very warm even at 5.50am!

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out this morning with both boys on their bikes. Started off a bit of a mission as I was nursing a hangover. But once I'd worked through it it was a nice run due to a lovely morning. Only 4.8 miles as we were limited on time.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/shares/ajD215

[shiftin_gear98]

1.8 miles in search of breakfast. Wrong trainers wrong shorts and a shirt! You really don't normally notice how good running shoes are. Of course it's logged on Strava, every little helps. Unlikely I'll get much chance over the next week or so.

[garynortheast]

Not been out for a week and I'm struggling to find the time to get out too. Desperately need to run but struggling to fit stuff in. Really stressful at the moment. :-(

[shiftin_gear98]

Did a quick sprint this morning after dropping kids at school. Only 1.5 miles. But set a new Pb for 1k and 1 mile. Can't remember the 1k, but I did the mile in 6.55 mins.

[garynortheast]

Wow! That's really moving! Well done on the pb.

Not much prospect of me getting out for a run for a few days. Got so much going on at the moment, don't know where to start!

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out this morning, as I had a bit of time I opted for distance over speed. 12.2 miles. 1 hour 48mins.

[garynortheast]

Brilliant, good distance Martin.

I shall be getting a proper running routine going again when we get back from Scotland. Really needing to get out there now!

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out this morning with Oliver on his bike, it was already boiling at 7am. We did our normal route, 4.8 miles.

[garynortheast]

You're putting me to shame Martin. Can't even think about going for a run until I get home. Going to be a fight back to fitness I think!

[garynortheast]

First run for the best part of 3 weeks (https://www.strava.com/activities/1737280918). It was short, slow, and hard, both mentally and physically. But I did it!

[shiftin_gear98]

Wahoo, I bet your legs protested.


I meant to get out yesterday, but didn't quite make it.
Hopefully tonight or tomorrow.

[garynortheast]

My legs weren't and aren't too bad actually. I quite deliberately kept the pace down though, especially on the first half mile which is all uphill.

It's a bit easier in the cooler weather, especially for Mabel.

[garynortheast]

Got out this morning for a slightly longer run (https://www.strava.com/activities/1741737834) than Monday. Very warm even at 7am, made it quite a sweaty effort!

Coming down towards the exit from the forest section involved scrambling over a monster pile of earth and two very large water pipes/culverts that are being laid under the forest road along which the timber wagons have to travel. It's a regular thing as the wagons just trash the road and pipes when they leave the forest fully laden. I'll try to remember to get a picture next time I go that way if they're still doing the job.

[daktulos]

I've been lurking on this thread for a bit - I started running around 2005 and joined a club in 2012. But, for the past three years, I've been suffering from an intermittent ankle injury. I've seen an osteopath, physio, surgeon, another physio ... and no one seems to know the cause. Very frustrating. I've also managed to gain a stone and a half which doesn't help.

However, the most recent physio has given me some rehab exercises which have helped and I'm learning to take things as they come (including never running two days in a row) and I'm slowly getting back to it, including semi-regular parkruns.

The reason for the post - I had a wonderful run last night. I wasn't feeling great, but my wife dragged me out - four and a half miles to and around the park & a mile home (with a pint between them). Very relaxed and felt like I was free - definitely the best run for a very long time. The cider probably helped ...

[shiftin_gear98]

Wahoo - Another runner.


Welcome, to the people who have dodgy ankles thread.

[garynortheast]

Brilliant stuff!

The advice about not running two days in a row, especially when you are just getting going again, is sound. Run, rest, run, rest, is what I was told when I first started and generally it's a rule I stick to.

Don't forget to post up your run routes, Strava links, and any pictures.

And then there were three! :-D

[garynortheast]

Another earlyish run this morning. Starting to lengthen them now after my 3 week lay off. Hardest bit about today's run was getting out the door!

Just over 5.5 miles at a steady pace.

Early morning trails (https://www.strava.com/activities/1748273796)

[garynortheast]

Out again. Slightly cooler run this morning but still pretty warm by the time I got back. Longer run again this morning with a 6.5 mile route (https://www.strava.com/activities/1753342791).

Hoping to get out again on Wednesday morning but I may have an early start to the day so running may have to wait till the evening.

Anyone else made it out?

[shiftin_gear98]

The kids being off and this heat is really cramping my running time / running mojo.
I just don't seem to have the motivation to try to cram a run in at the moment. Maybe tonight.

[garynortheast]

I know what you mean. I have to make myself go. Once I have the running kit on I'm committed then and it's ok.

[garynortheast]

Last minute entry in the 4 mile Guilsfield trail race (https://www.strava.com/activities/1759239945) yesterday afternoon. Two laps of a pretty tough 2 mile course with a long series of uphill sections. Hard going but very enjoyable.

I went with Mabel and as a result we're going to chat with the organisers about setting up a proper canix entry for next year. I was the only canicrosser this year so it made good publicity for the sport.

[shiftin_gear98]

Finally got out this morning after last night's tinkering with the bike. My boys came too on their bikes. 8.1 miles. It was a new route for them so involved a lot of stopping and plenty of nattering.

I feel much more relaxed for going, or is it just that I'm now knackered.

[garynortheast]

Finally got out this morning after last night's tinkering with the bike. My boys came too on their bikes. 8.1 miles. It was a new route for them so involved a lot of stopping and plenty of nattering.

I feel much more relaxed for going, or is it just that I'm now knackered.

Well done, a good distance too. I quite like social runs with the odd stop for a chat, or a picture. Makes it all really enjoyable.

I love that post run feeling, a mix of endorphins, serotonin, and tiredness!

I was going to run this morning but failed to get out of bed in time. I'm meeting someone tomorrow morning with mountain bikes and our dogs for a ride in a local piece of forest. I'll see about a run on Monday I hope.

[daktulos]

It's been a bit of a mixed week for me - I went running on Tuesday, and my ankle gave way after less than a mile of easy running. No amount of stretching would stop it from hurting after a couple of paces, so I had to stop. Wednesday I felt it just walking, and it slowly got better through the week, but no running.

Sunday ... I had entered a local 10k race. As my wife was also running in it, I didn't have the option of not going, so I thought I'd give it a go. I could feel the ankle complaining at me, and thought about pulling out continuously for the first 7k. Then I realised I was just using it as an excuse and got on with it. Very happy to finish, and my ankle is fine this morning.

It's the randomness which gets me - I used to like going out on group runs, but at the moment I've got no idea whether I'll finish or not so don't want to let others down. There's a social run going out along the Ridgeway on Wednesday ... I'm going to give it a go. Wish me luck!

[Red ones]

Two runs this weekend after an 11 month lay-off. Had knee problems last year and ended up being scanned and physio'd then rested.


Only short runs 3k or so but I soon found how unfit I've become.

[shiftin_gear98]

And this thread has finally started....


And their off.

[shiftin_gear98]

daktulos - good luck


Red ones - Ease in steady.


I hadn't been for nearly two weeks and even that short a time frame was enough to notice a difference.

[garynortheast]

It's been a bit of a mixed week for me - I went running on Tuesday, and my ankle gave way after less than a mile of easy running. No amount of stretching would stop it from hurting after a couple of paces, so I had to stop. Wednesday I felt it just walking, and it slowly got better through the week, but no running.

Sunday ... I had entered a local 10k race. As my wife was also running in it, I didn't have the option of not going, so I thought I'd give it a go. I could feel the ankle complaining at me, and thought about pulling out continuously for the first 7k. Then I realised I was just using it as an excuse and got on with it. Very happy to finish, and my ankle is fine this morning.

It's the randomness which gets me - I used to like going out on group runs, but at the moment I've got no idea whether I'll finish or not so don't want to let others down. There's a social run going out along the Ridgeway on Wednesday ... I'm going to give it a go. Wish me luck!

Good man for sticking with it! Try and stay off the tarmac and on the trails if possible, much kinder to your joints especially if you are recovering from or nursing a previous injury. Trail running will strengthen your ankles too, which will help to support the joint. Keep going and let's see some of the routes you're running (Strava?).

Two runs this weekend after an 11 month lay-off. Had knee problems last year and ended up being scanned and physio'd then rested.

Only short runs 3k or so but I soon found how unfit I've become.

Well done! Remember that running mantra -"run/rest/run/rest". Same thing again, try and run trails rather than tarmac and give the knee a chance. Get your times and routes up here. I always find it really interesting to see how others are doing.

Am I the only canicross runner here so far?

[shiftin_gear98]

Yep. Her in doors don't think much of dogs.
Which is a shame.

[garynortheast]

We're dog sitting a friend's dog this week, a black crossbreed bitch called Sootie. She and Mabel are best buddies and are an absolutely demon Canicross team. I shall be running with them both in the morning.

[garynortheast]

Out this morning for just under 8 miles with Mabel and Sootie on a nice mix of terrain. Allt, afon a goedwig: trans. Hill, river, and forest (https://www.strava.com/activities/1771049710).

Legs are feeling it a bit now and both dogs are flaked out. The middle section of the run alongside the river is mostly pretty flat, but there's my regular big hill at the start, a climb of around 290ft in half a mile and then another couple of smaller climbs in the last 2 miles.

Just a walk for me and the hounds tomorrow I think!

[shiftin_gear98]

I had hoped to get out this evening, but I've strained my back today at work and can now hardly move. Still at least I have alcohol to dull the pain.