Random Running Questions

Ankle high socks recommendations?

I probably shouldn't really comment as I don't train with my club but i'm an opinionated fecker so here I am..lol...

I've changed my mind on this one over the years. I think the pros far outweigh the cons except maybe if you're in a marathon specific block.

Running with other people sharpens you. You'll probably push yourself that little bit harder.

It's less of a mental slog suffering with other people.

As long as you're not racing your training every week and recovering sufficiently then I think it's a good thing.

The only con is you're not getting specific tailored training for that day but I'm not sure that's as big an issue as you light think. Good club coaches probably will adjust things for you on the fly but I'm not sure how common it is.

Put it this way, if I had the option I'd certainly train with the club more often, but not every week. But that's just me.

Its especially beneficial when you're on the comeback (like you are post Covid). It might just take the mental slog out of it. Another benefit is you might be able to ignore the watch a bit and just focus on effort and those around you. Takes the pressure off a bit.

Thanks, I'm sold. It's only one session per week anyhow and the rest I'd still be in control of. @ReeReeG yeah it is with a coach and I know at times anyhow he tailors it around key races that are on locally and in particular if a lot of people are targeting them and coming up to DCM there is always a marathon group and "another" group, so that's helpful. I don't think I have much to lose.

I was actually wondering if it would frustrate me not having the session pre-programmed and then not having exact splits but actually you make a good point, right now the watch is a bit disheartening anyhow so focussing on just effort and ignoring the watch could be better mentally.

Thanks a million folks.

Are Nike Vapourflys and Alphasflys permitted for track racing or road only? TIA

Not allowed on track. Specific sole thickness allowed is set out in World Athletics Competition Rules C2.1A, Appendix 3: https://www.worldathletics.org/about-iaaf/documents/book-of-rules

Vaporfly and Alphafly are both substantially thicker than those limits, but both under (or at) the road race limit, which is 40mm

Does anyone know if the canal around Mullingar is paved for grass? Second question is it suitable for a 10 mile run (5 out 5 back)?

It is not all paved/tarmac but it is a good surface no grass very suitable for a 10mile. Depending on which way you go or where you are starting there is only one road where you may have to cross at the "Dublin road bridge". If you are starting at the greenway carpark in the Clonmore and head west along the canal there is a minor road to cross but it is very quite.

If you are looking for all paved you could head out the greenway from clonmore.

I'm just wondering if people typically train in one pair of shoes and wait until they are worn out before switching to a new pair. I'm training for DCM. I have a pair of Kayano 28's that haven't that much mileage on them yet but I'm wondering if I should be looking to buy another pair now and alternate between them. Thanks

I would say yes have another pair of runners to train in also. You will be doing a fair bit of mileage between now & DCM & the last thing you need to be doing is buying a brand new pair of runners before the marathon & not have worn them in a bit. I like to rotate my runners & have a good few pairs now but for my 1st marathon I just went between 2 pairs.

Thanks @Laineyfrecks @TFBubendorfer @FinnC looks like I'm off to the shops :) Thanks for the quick replies.

One more question and I'll leave you alone then! Would you recommend trying a different shoe or sticking with a new pair of what I'm use to?

Thanks again @Laineyfrecks

Wondered when you'd show up🤣🤣 @memaul this man @Swashbuckler is the man in the know about runners & getting bargains 😜

Firstly fairplay for taking the step back to running and hopefully you are seeing benefits in many ways from it.

I'd be curious to know are you simply trying too hard here and possibly running too often, ease it back...maybe consider for a few weeks to build in walk breaks into the runs and just give it more time. When I started off running 9 years back I was considered heavier than I am now and it was hard, I started in May 2013 and got my first injury in August the same year and had a few weeks off. It was only then I released that I liked running and I missed it...even though it was still hard. Took me a long time to learn any sort of pacing as everything was as fast as I was able to run.

Just take it easy and allow your body the time to adjust to new levels of activities. You don't mention how many days a week are you running, 3 times a week would be loads for now I think and make sure you take a day off from running between each run. No harm to work in some walking in your week also as whilst it's not running it is still time on your feet and will keep you on the path for regular exercise. Best of luck with your progress.

Hi Bobtheman, fair play getting back into it.

Comparison is the thief of joy, so accept where you are right now, run easy and as Diego said, add walk breaks.

Sounds like you've got the consistency box ticked but are you tackling the diet in the kitchen as running in itself plays a very minor part.

I've shifted 12kg since December and its made a huge difference to my running improvement and enjoyment.