Random Running Questions

Murph_D · 30-04-2021 11:28pm

RRQ: shoes in the wash. Is that a thing?

FinnC · 01-05-2021 6:31am

Laineyfrecks wrote: »

I get mine in Holland & Barrett's, great value with the 1cent sale on. I think they are available in a lot of other stores too. Obviously read up on them before taking them etc, but I swear by them. Yes I have a friend in Scotland who gets my melatonin for me but luckily I don't need it at the moment. Hopefully this helps you.

Hey thanks for the tip about magnesium tabs. I bought some in Holland and Barrett yesterday,250mg, and last night was the first night in ages I didn’t wake up during the night. I can’t even remember the last time it happened to be honest. I went to bed at 10 and after falling asleep maybe 30mins later I didn’t wake up until just near 6am. That to me is a result, a big result.I also feel extremely refreshed right now. I don’t mind waking up this early at all, it’s the waking up multiple times a night what was killing me.
I was a bit dubious but if night 1 is anything to go by then I’m very impressed...
I also bought a magnesium muscle oil spray while there so that will be interesting to see how well that works.

sk8board · 01-05-2021 6:50pm

Folks - Question about using the larger water bottle on the flipbelt.

it looks easy to slip it out but a faff to get it back in - has anyone have any experience with the flipbelt water bottles at HM to marathon distance?
Thanks

lulublue22 · 02-05-2021 2:18pm

sk8board wrote: »

Folks - Question about using the larger water bottle on the flipbelt.

it looks easy to slip it out but a faff to get it back in - has anyone have any experience with the flipbelt water bottles at HM to marathon distance?
Thanks

Have used it for a HM - it can be a bit fiddly but nothing major - at times it can be tricky to find the slit to slip the bottle in but not so much that I would not use it. I rate the flipbelt as one on the best pieces of kit I’ve ever bought for running tbh.

Jakey Rolling · 02-05-2021 6:59pm

sk8board wrote: »

Folks - Question about using the larger water bottle on the flipbelt.

it looks easy to slip it out but a faff to get it back in - has anyone have any experience with the flipbelt water bottles at HM to marathon distance?
Thanks

Used a 500ml soft flask with my Naked Running Band (similar to flip belt) for a full-out 10 mile TT today. No bother getting it out/in of the rear pocket, but even that did slow me down for 20 secs or so. I would sip more regularly when I have a bladder or chest mounted flasks. Took 1 minute off my PB all the same, so can't complain!

4Ad · 02-05-2021 7:42pm

Jakey Rolling wrote: »

Used a 500ml soft flask with my Naked Running Band (similar to flip belt) for a full-out 10 mile TT today. No bother getting it out/in of the rear pocket, but even that did slow me down for 20 secs or so. I would sip more regularly when I have a bladder or chest mounted flasks. Took 1 minute off my PB all the same, so can't complain!

I use a listerine 250ml bottle, it's rigid and is easier to handle..

FinnC · 02-05-2021 7:59pm

4Ad wrote: »

I use a listerine 250ml bottle, it's rigid and is easier to handle..

That’s what she said....

Jakey Rolling · 02-05-2021 8:44pm

4Ad wrote: »

I use a listerine 250ml bottle, it's rigid and is easier to handle..

Can't stand the sloshing noise from half-full rigid bottles - it's soft flasks or bladder for me all the way now.

4Ad · 03-05-2021 11:18am

Jakey Rolling wrote: »

Can't stand the sloshing noise from half-full rigid bottles - it's soft flasks or bladder for me all the way now.

I can understand that, bit like a washing machine following you around !!

Sunny Dayz · 04-05-2021 3:36pm

This might be one of those questions equivalent to how the "long is a piece of string" types...

But for hill repeats - how long and /or steep should they be? Are the number of reps dependent on the length / steepness of the climb?

partyguinness · 04-05-2021 3:39pm

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

This might be one of those questions equivalent to how the "long is a piece of string" types...

But for hill repeats - how long and /or steep should they be? Are the number of reps dependent on the length / steepness of the climb?

I am given 30 seconds hard up hill so distance is not the measure. Coach says the gradient is not that key but rather getting the leg movement correct.

Of course, I try to find the nastiest steepest hill around because I am a double hard bastard.

Swashbuckler · 04-05-2021 4:32pm

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

This might be one of those questions equivalent to how the "long is a piece of string" types...

But for hill repeats - how long and /or steep should they be? Are the number of reps dependent on the length / steepness of the climb?

Depends what you're trying to address. Hill reps could be anywhere from 12 seconds to 2 or 3 minutes depending on what you're trying to achieve.

keith_d99 · 05-05-2021 2:33pm

Arghh have picked up a little niggle 6 weeks into a 12 week plan for a 10k (Matt Fitzgerald's 80/20 plans)

Hip Flexor it feels like (had it before).

Any tips? Take a the week off and repeat the current week next week?

token56 · 05-05-2021 3:01pm

keith_d99 wrote: »

Arghh have picked up a little niggle 6 weeks into a 12 week plan for a 10k (Matt Fitzgerald's 80/20 plans)

Hip Flexor it feels like (had it before).

Any tips? Take a the week off and repeat the current week next week?

I would say certainly take the week/next few days easy. When it feels like it has recovered a couple of days easy running just to be sure and then get back into your plan. Better to take the extra bit of time to ease back into it than having to take a couple more weeks off.

OffalyMedic · 05-05-2021 4:47pm

Any recommendations for podcasts or audiobooks to listen to to pass the time while jogging especially on the long runs?

FinnC · 05-05-2021 4:49pm

OffalyMedic wrote: »

Any recommendations for podcasts or audiobooks to listen to to pass the time while jogging especially on the long runs?

If it’s not specifically running podcasts you’re looking for then I’d recommend the Tommy and Hector podcast.

partyguinness · 05-05-2021 4:50pm

OffalyMedic wrote: »

Any recommendations for podcasts or audiobooks to listen to to pass the time while jogging especially on the long runs?

Marathon Talk (podcast) is an obvious one but they do drag the arse out of it a bit.

Sunny Dayz · 05-05-2021 5:41pm

Swashbuckler wrote: »

Depends what you're trying to address. Hill reps could be anywhere from 12 seconds to 2 or 3 minutes depending on what you're trying to achieve.

Thanks. My running pace and motivation have taken a nose dive since the start of the year - bringing my pace down with them!! Hoping to improve my pace a bit and also build up my confidence with hills in general.

Dev1234 · 05-05-2021 9:32pm

OffalyMedic wrote: »

Any recommendations for podcasts or audiobooks to listen to to pass the time while jogging especially on the long runs?

I've been listening to The Rewatchables recently. Basically a bunch of movie buffs pick a movie, (Jaws, The Excorcist, Back to the Future, Reservoir Dogs etc.) and discuss the impact of the movie, alternative casting options that were considered, best scene, trivia etc. Some are better than others but good way to pass the time.

Another one I started listening to yesterday was "60 Songs that Explain the 90's". Similar to The Rewatchables they pick a song from the 90's and discuss its impact. I got through most of November Rain, Common People and Hunger Strike by Temple of the Dog yesterday morning. I'll be going back for more.

Butterbeans · 05-05-2021 10:01pm

OffalyMedic wrote: »

Any recommendations for podcasts or audiobooks to listen to to pass the time while jogging especially on the long runs?

Desert Island Discs is a great one. In and around 40mins per episode. Well known artists, musicians, sports people etc say what 8 tracks they'd take with them to a desert island and why. More recently they've thrown in a book and a luxury item on top of the 8 tracks. Episodes available all the way back to mid 60's

BaZmO* · 05-05-2021 10:25pm

Butterbeans wrote: »

Desert Island Discs is a great one. In and around 40mins per episode. Well known artists, musicians, sports people etc say what 8 tracks they'd take with them to a desert island and why. More recently they've thrown in a book and a luxury item on top of the 8 tracks. Episodes available all the way back to mid 60's

+1 for Desert Island Discs.

Other ones that I like are......

You’re Dead To Me. A mixture of history and comedy. From BBC4. They pick a historical figure/event/period and discuss with an expert (historian) and a comedian.

Louis Theroux. Brilliant interviews with public figures.

Where is George Gibney. A BBC/Irish collab about tracking down infamous Irish Swimming coach.

Americast. If you’re interested in US politics this is great. Obviously the heat is gone out of that one since last year but it’s a great way to keep up with US affairs.

Three Castles Burning. Irish historian Donal Fallon takes a deep dive into various Historical events in Dublin.

The Big Steal. Fantastic series about Putin and his take over of Russian politics.

Mitch Buchannon · 05-05-2021 10:49pm

I listen to a few different podcasts.

Radiolab - put out by NPR in the states. Science, technology, nature. It's brilliant.

We are looking sideways - Action sports podcast (snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding etc) . Lovely conversation.

The Grey Nato - 2 chaps talking about gear, watches, travel, diving and adventure.

The Memory Palace - Fantastic history podcasts that are super short (less than 15/20min). Really well made and edited.

Stuff you should know - wide variety of topics

ariana` · 06-05-2021 9:25am

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Thanks. My running pace and motivation have taken a nose dive since the start of the year - bringing my pace down with them!! Hoping to improve my pace a bit and also build up my confidence with hills in general.

I don't know much about hills but maybe try find an event in 8 weeks or so (probably a virtual event or TT) and follow a plan to train for it. I think a plan and a goal are the best tickets for motivation. The goal doesn't have to be time related - maybe you don't need the pressure of that right now, aim to enjoy it more than the last time you raced that distance, or aim to finish strong (make the last mile or km your fastest), or run the hills stronger than the flats, or smile the whole way around

:)

In the meantime during the training try running some new routes, arrange to meet a friend to run with once a week, run in a scenic place as often as you can, run somewhere you can get a nice takeaway coffee after your run and enjoy a few minutes of time to yourself...

Itziger · 09-05-2021 9:48am

Folks, what do people do to keep the weight off when they're injured? Cycling isn't an option and swimming isn't much better. I can walk and may start incorporating more into the daily routine (to or from work). Any home workouts I could try?

Butterbeans · 09-05-2021 10:35am

Itziger wrote: »

Folks, what do people do to keep the weight off when they're injured? Cycling isn't an option and swimming isn't much better. I can walk and may start incorporating more into the daily routine (to or from work). Any home workouts I could try?

Diet could be important here. Regular exercise can often mask flaws in the diet and then when the exercise stops for whatever reason it can catch you quick enough, speaking from experience here.
Small changes are usually all that's required. Eat to satisfaction, not because you have to clean the plate, cut back on the junk if you do partake (who doesn't), eat more fruit and veg and whole foods, and all that stuff. Definitely not advocating dieting in any form, just a common sense approach to eating.

Maybe you do all that, just my tuppence. I wouldn't have any great advice on home workouts. Hope the injury is short term!

sk8board · 09-05-2021 10:44am

Running socks: Has anyone used Danish Endurance?
Seems similar materials used to Steigen. Well priced multipacks on Amazon at the mo.

“Material Composition: 50% Prolen, 45% Polyamide, 5% Elastane“

Laineyfrecks · 09-05-2021 11:26am

Itziger wrote: »

Folks, what do people do to keep the weight off when they're injured? Cycling isn't an option and swimming isn't much better. I can walk and may start incorporating more into the daily routine (to or from work). Any home workouts I could try?

I would agree, having a balanced diet is key. Daily steps are also important so I would set a daily target & stick to it. Weights are also good, a gentle beginners program to start off & you don't need lots of equipment. I do a beginner's 15min weights program i found on you tube(there are lots to choose from) whilst also doing core stability work, the whole lot takes less than an hour. There are then lots of ways to advance from this by using bands & increasing intensity etc. Plus when you get back running you will feel stronger!

ThebitterLemon · 09-05-2021 1:17pm

Itziger wrote: »

Folks, what do people do to keep the weight off when they're injured? Cycling isn't an option and swimming isn't much better. I can walk and may start incorporating more into the daily routine (to or from work). Any home workouts I could try?

If you’ve access to a punchbag boxing routines are great.

Careful monitor what you’re eating (this is the biggest factor for me)

TbL

Slideways · 09-05-2021 4:51pm

On the subject of podcasts there’s 3 aussies here who have one.

Inside running podcast is what it’s called. Some of the content is a bit aus biased but they are straight talkers. Have shoe/gear reviews, runners questions and interview famous runners including Sinead Diver

StringerBell · 09-05-2021 7:40pm

Would anyone have advise for what kind of distances/times to aim for when getting back to doing some jogging?

I have taken the last few months off training with injury, didn't watch the diet well enough and packed on about 6 kg so looking to run that off.

I find my calves hurt more than they used to! I have gone for 8 jogs over the last 2 weeks, ranging from 3.7-5.5km depending on how my calves are feeling basically.

Is it just a case of knocking the rust off or is there something that would help me build back up to being able to do a few k without much hassle?

Slideways · 10-05-2021 9:00am

I would suggest run-walking for a bit to get back into it. Sore calves are to be expected really but they should only be tired sore, not injured sore
What shoes are you wearing. A low drop shoe will load the calf up as will shoes that have seen better days

razorblunt · 10-05-2021 9:24am

StringerBell wrote: »

Would anyone have advise for what kind of distances/times to aim for when getting back to doing some jogging?

I have taken the last few months off training with injury, didn't watch the diet well enough and packed on about 6 kg so looking to run that off.

I find my calves hurt more than they used to! I have gone for 8 jogs over the last 2 weeks, ranging from 3.7-5.5km depending on how my calves are feeling basically.

Is it just a case of knocking the rust off or is there something that would help me build back up to being able to do a few k without much hassle?

I've only just got back into it myself and I really can't recommend the CouchTo5k programme enough.
Looking at those distances you could probably start on one of the later weeks on a walk/run.

I had started on week 6 (I think) but an unrelated injury knocked me out for over 2 months so I just went back to start of it when I was allowed to. Now on week 8.

razorblunt · 10-05-2021 9:27am

Is there any "foolproof" breathing tips to follow?

I'm only just about at 5k distance now (I don't think I'll run past 10ks) but my breathing needs a lot of work.
If I run with someone and we're talking here and there it's better, on my own I almost sound as bad 5 mins in than I do 25 mins.
I've tried the count each 3 or 4 steps but I fall away from it. Is it just a matter of concentration and practice?

Slideways · 10-05-2021 10:24am

I would say exactly the opposite. Let your breathing come as it needs to.
You can practice taking big belly breaths when you’re not running as shallow breathing will cause you issues while running. There’s lots of videos on YouTube to describe the above

razorblunt · 10-05-2021 10:39am

Ah, "general" breathing is something I had meant to look into alright.
I'll take a dig around at lunch time.
Thanks.

kal7 · 10-05-2021 2:34pm

Re: breathing tips.

When running the impacts tends to make it tougher to breathe well.

Many I have advised, who feel chest tightness, tend to not breath out well.
By looking for more oxygen they breath in again too early, and so inflate over time.
(similar to asthma style)

So make sure you breathe out well, try two strides breath out and one stride breath in.
This may work , but as ever all advice needs to be tested and individualised.

Yes, do practice when not running as well, to improve technique and strength.

Jim Gazebo · 10-05-2021 3:18pm

Hi all, similar question to above, looking for your recommendations on running socks? Best brand, particularly for stopping blisters, tight fit etc.

Finding once I hit 20-25km running, I get blisters inside of arch without fail. I've now put it down to the standard white socks I wear when running, they are probably not as tight as they could be. Compeed helps if I put it on before running but it has to be well on, or else it just shifts in the sock that's nearly worse! Thanks in advance! Planning a marathon this year or next and while I feel my legs can do it, I don't think I'll survive the blisters if I don't sort it out.

Ceepo · 10-05-2021 7:32pm

Jim Gazebo wrote: »

Hi all, similar question to above, looking for your recommendations on running socks? Best brand, particularly for stopping blisters, tight fit etc.

Finding once I hit 20-25km running, I get blisters inside of arch without fail. I've now put it down to the standard white socks I wear when running, they are probably not as tight as they could be. Compeed helps if I put it on before running but it has to be well on, or else it just shifts in the sock that's nearly worse! Thanks in advance! Planning a marathon this year or next and while I feel my legs can do it, I don't think I'll survive the blisters if I don't sort it out.

Do you get blisters from your current running shoes or have you always got blister. You could change the inner liner or insert tonsee if this would help. Some shoes have a higher arch which can cause blisters.

rizzee · 10-05-2021 8:29pm

Jim Gazebo wrote: »

Hi all, similar question to above, looking for your recommendations on running socks? Best brand, particularly for stopping blisters, tight fit etc.

Finding once I hit 20-25km running, I get blisters inside of arch without fail. I've now put it down to the standard white socks I wear when running, they are probably not as tight as they could be. Compeed helps if I put it on before running but it has to be well on, or else it just shifts in the sock that's nearly worse! Thanks in advance! Planning a marathon this year or next and while I feel my legs can do it, I don't think I'll survive the blisters if I don't sort it out.

I swear by 1000 mile socks. Usually pick them up when they're on sale on mandmdirect, twin pack around €9/€10. Well worth it.

StringerBell · 10-05-2021 9:50pm

razorblunt wrote: »

I've only just got back into it myself and I really can't recommend the CouchTo5k programme enough.
Looking at those distances you could probably start on one of the later weeks on a walk/run.

I had started on week 6 (I think) but an unrelated injury knocked me out for over 2 months so I just went back to start of it when I was allowed to. Now on week 8.

Cheers, I'm not familiar with the app itself but from a quick look on the play store there seems to be a good few of them, are they all pretty much the same?

StringerBell · 10-05-2021 9:51pm

Slideways wrote: »

I would suggest run-walking for a bit to get back into it. Sore calves are to be expected really but they should only be tired sore, not injured sore
What shoes are you wearing. A low drop shoe will load the calf up as will shoes that have seen better days

My right calf tends to feel tired sore, but the left one is worse. My shoes, not sure of the actual name but they are a decent pair of Nike running shoes, I have had them a while though so maybe need to upgrade the footwear also.

Jim Gazebo · 11-05-2021 12:01am

Ceepo wrote: »

Do you get blisters from your current running shoes or have you always got blister. You could change the inner liner or insert tonsee if this would help. Some shoes have a higher arch which can cause blisters.

Have always got them, both feet. Have trail runners and normal runners now and both do it, the trail runners would be a flatter arch too. Will be changing the running shoes soon as well so plan on mentioning at the shop anyway but I think socks could be the issue as they are run of the mill bargain stuff. Thanks .

Jim Gazebo · 11-05-2021 12:03am

rizzee wrote: »

I swear by 1000 mile socks. Usually pick them up when they're on sale on mandmdirect, twin pack around €9/€10. Well worth it.

Thanks! I will have a look at them, can only help! Appreciate it.

BaZmO* · 11-05-2021 12:25am

Jim Gazebo wrote: »

Hi all, similar question to above, looking for your recommendations on running socks? Best brand, particularly for stopping blisters, tight fit etc.

Finding once I hit 20-25km running, I get blisters inside of arch without fail. I've now put it down to the standard white socks I wear when running, they are probably not as tight as they could be. Compeed helps if I put it on before running but it has to be well on, or else it just shifts in the sock that's nearly worse! Thanks in advance! Planning a marathon this year or next and while I feel my legs can do it, I don't think I'll survive the blisters if I don't sort it out.

I use Steigen and find them great for comfort and reducing/nullifying blisters in longs runs.

Jim Gazebo · 11-05-2021 1:20am

BaZmO* wrote: »

I use Steigen and find them great for comfort and reducing/nullifying blisters in longs runs.

Thanks just looking them up now too.

Jim Gazebo · 11-05-2021 1:21am

rizzee wrote: »

I swear by 1000 mile socks. Usually pick them up when they're on sale on mandmdirect, twin pack around €9/€10. Well worth it.

They are on offer at the moment btw, 9.95.

razorblunt · 11-05-2021 10:14am

StringerBell wrote: »

Cheers, I'm not familiar with the app itself but from a quick look on the play store there seems to be a good few of them, are they all pretty much the same?

Yes, they should be. Some might vary the intervals week by week. For example my friend in Dublin's app has him running an 18 min block, 2 min walk, 5 min run on week 7 but my week 7 was one solid 25 min run on 3 separate days (I'm in the UK, so I'm using the BBC one, they look to have acquired the official app).
They should all effectively end on Week 9 with 30 min continuous runs, max or a completed 5k if quicker than that.

I'm happy to send you the weekly breakdowns on DM if you want and you can just manage them yourself.

rizzee · 11-05-2021 10:45am

Jim Gazebo wrote: »

They are on offer at the moment btw, 9.95.

I have a drawer full of them at the moment, I think I'll be killed if I get any more....

FinnC · 11-05-2021 11:43am

rizzee wrote: »

I have a drawer full of them at the moment, I think I'll be killed if I get any more....

The key to buying more running gear is always to get the other half something also. That way they never seem to mind in my experience anyway!

StringerBell · 11-05-2021 5:03pm

razorblunt wrote: »

Yes, they should be. Some might vary the intervals week by week. For example my friend in Dublin's app has him running an 18 min block, 2 min walk, 5 min run on week 7 but my week 7 was one solid 25 min run on 3 separate days (I'm in the UK, so I'm using the BBC one, they look to have acquired the official app).
They should all effectively end on Week 9 with 30 min continuous runs, max or a completed 5k if quicker than that.

I'm happy to send you the weekly breakdowns on DM if you want and you can just manage them yourself.

Thanks, I downloaded the C25K app that seems to have the most downloads in my play store so will check that out and see how it goes from there - appreciate the help!

Random Running Questions

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