Want to be a runner

iliketorun

It's been a while since I've been here. I took a few months away from running due to injuries, depression and anxiety disorders. I got all my exercise from cycling, walking and using cross trainers between mid-August to December, total of 4 months off running. I started running on threadmill but am afraid to go outside for any running yet. Have done 581km so far this year. I always stay at 1.5 incline and more importantly am not pushing myself anywhere near as much as before.
Things were going incredible for me up until this time last year. Based on my progression I thought a sub 2 45 in DCM12 wouldn't be unrealistic.
But now I'm just afraid of setting myself targets. What would other people do in this situation. I have no idea what level I should be at to consider doing DCM13 in this time. Its scarier than I expected making this transition back into running. The threadmill can get tedious and boring sometimes, so it would be good to step outside again. Anyone here any success stories of making a comeback? How do life issues affect your running and does anyone have coping mechanisms beyond getting enough exercise? (because obviously I do)
I wasn't sure whether to post this on health issue forums or here on the athletics forum but then I figured there would probably be less runners visiting anxiety forums etc.
Thanks everyone

BenMicheal

Depression and Anxiety are the reasons I started running! Ran my first race in April 2012 and did the marathon that October! Although my marathon time wasnt sensational I was a the best thing I have done! Never looked back since I started running!!

hardCopy

The weather is improving every week lately. I'd look to get a couple of shorter runs done outside and see how you feel before worrying about a target.

I've always found the treadmill to be a chore but love running outside.

Is there anywhere local that you could run on grass? This might be the best way to start if you're worried about injuries.

walshb

Training is one great way to destress and relax. Keep it up, and best of luck with your targets. 2.45 is brilliant. I assume you are/were a very good runner?

iliketorun

There just doesn't seem to be anything else like running. It really helps. Cycling and cross trainers and powerwalking don't really do it for me lol.
Theres loads of big fields around that I could try. First I think I could do with some new runners. These are too big for me so I'll need to get fitted properly. Anyone any good suggestions for replacing Asics Kayano runners.
Nicest day of the year so far so am looking forward to getting back to the good times.
Wish I got myself a foam roller a year ago lol its been a lifesaver the past few months. Along with some new runners it will be easier to get fit again before the training begins in summer.

Rogue Runner

get out into the hills and trails, nothing like mixing a bit of nature with your running. Good luck

john mayo 10

Rogue Runner wrote: »

get out into the hills and trails, nothing like mixing a bit of nature with your running. Good luck

+1 Get out and run. Meeting people while out running can be such an inspiration

ryaner1979

Is running good for getting rid of anxiety? I find i'm slightly unsure of my footing when walking but when running i'm fine. On tablets for anxiety but wondering if i threw myself into running would it help clear up my anxiety

SWL

ryaner1979 wrote: »

Is running good for getting rid of anxiety? I find i'm slightly unsure of my footing when walking but when running i'm fine. On tablets for anxiety but wondering if i threw myself into running would it help clear up my anxiety

Anxiety is a personnel thing, what makes one person anxious don’t make another anxious,will running rid you of anxiety I have no idea.



What I do know is that if you lace up the runners, get out running at what ever pace you will feel a lot better, consistency is the key you need at least three times aweek.

This evening, go out and work up a good sweet and let that be the start of something new.

iliketorun

Usually Im anxious before a workout but I feel better afterwards for a while. I tend to be relaxed when having conversations about running/fitness despite being generally anxious/awkward in most other situations. I guess running is better for dealing with depression(at least for me anyway). We need to find other ways of dealing with the anxiety side though if running doesn't help us enough.
As for the running. Things are going well. My hamstrings and core are stronger than ever. I just need to find some groin strengthening exercises as these are still not strong enough.
I have high pain threshold, eat well and weigh nothing so I guess thats how I was able to perform well when I'm not injured. The otherside is that my weight and pain tolerance is how I eventually got injured so much in 2012. I'm going to be more conservative now and not obsess about how fast I'll run every future marathon I'll do. Actually thats probably a big reason for me being soo anxious last year

hardCopy

iliketorun wrote: »

Usually Im anxious before a workout but I feel better afterwards for a while. I tend to be relaxed when having conversations about running/fitness despite being generally anxious/awkward in most other situations. I guess running is better for dealing with depression(at least for me anyway). We need to find other ways of dealing with the anxiety side though if running doesn't help us enough.
As for the running. Things are going well. My hamstrings and core are stronger than ever. I just need to find some groin strengthening exercises as these are still not strong enough.
I have high pain threshold, eat well and weigh nothing so I guess thats how I was able to perform well when I'm not injured. The otherside is that my weight and pain tolerance is how I eventually got injured so much in 2012. I'm going to be more conservative now and not obsess about how fast I'll run every future marathon I'll do. Actually thats probably a big reason for me being soo anxious last year

While times are important to a lot of people, myself included, it's important to enjoy each run in and of itself. Don't just head out the door because the plan says you have to, and if you deviate from the plan you'll miss your goal, head out because you want to run. Find places that are enjoyable to run and sessions you get a kick out of. Find a nice park, a coastal route or even cycle or drive out to some forest trails.

marchino

Running is the key to life and coping with the stress it can bring, in my opinion. The thing that seems important before a run will still, seem important after it but, it is far easier to comprehend.

Running helped Me recover from brain surgery and i found it gave Me more confidence than i ever had before.
I started jogging for a month, on Surgeons advice, as a healing mechanism, with increased blood flow to the brain , then joined a club, got myself some proper gear and i haven't looked back since.

However I' am currently dealing with low growth hormone and a sample of tissue of lungs is in Boston at the Moment, getting tested at harvard, for breathing and mucus problems. But, despite running crap in Dublin last October (2.59) i now know why. And taking the positives out of this current situation, i' am starting to get answers and with seizures last year, it was all connected, id imagine. (Lungs probably Separate issue!)

So regardless of life Problems, or anxiety keep, jogging if Your physically able. Most people stop because they are convinced they are not able. I' am unwell at present but, i still run because i know i'd be far worse off without it.

iliketorun

I enjoy forest trails/coastal routes when I go for long walks and hikes. On a warm sunny day they would be amazing. I do believe your surroundings can really influence your performance levels.
As for deviating from a plan, I don't actually have one. When I'm running I don't push myself, any time I do push myself I do it on a bike/elliptical machine as its much safer.
Sorry to hear about that brain/lung problems marchino. You really do use your head when running a marathon(esp last few miles) so id imagine brain damage wouldnt have helped. Hope your test results come back ok and you achieve the results you want in future races though, fair play man. Its inspirational to hear stories of people who overcome serious hurdles and come out strong in the end

groovyg

iliketorun wrote: »

First I think I could do with some new runners. These are too big for me so I'll need to get fitted properly. Anyone any good suggestions for replacing Asics Kayano runners.

If you are looking to get fitted for some new runners I'd recommend Amphibian King in Bray. http://www.amphibianking.ie/

iliketorun

Yea I'm planning to go to bray to get new runners. Was on other thread and got a reply from amphiking. I never had a gait analysis done so would be good to know what my style is. I don't know anything about running form myself. I plan to continue using my current runners for cross training and depending what they say in the shop, I might also use them very easy runs. Shame they never got any race experience though . My new ones will make up for that

runnathon

Sounds like you're up already... running can have that effect on people
And once the 'runners high' kicks in, you'll regain sight of the sunny side of life again. Good luck!

iliketorun

Was an important day today. My first run in a new pair of Brooks, but also the first time since August that I went outside for a run. Found some nice trails, was also a nice sunny day so was a good experience overall. 45 mins, which wouldn't have been any fun on a threadmill.
I'm so happy that I got fitted with the right runners this time. I was rolling alot in the others so my economy would have been bad. Am an overpronator with normal arches. Would never have known any of this if I didn't go to Amphibian King. I'll make the next few runs easy until I get used to being outside and wearing the new runners.