RULES

I’ve been training for a 10k, following a 10 week program.

I’ve really been struggling, and I definitely will not be ready come race day (2 weeks.)

That’s ok. However, I eventually want to run a half marathon, so I need to figure out this conundrum I’m in.

Every program I see has you running at LEAST 3 times a week if not 4 or even 5. However, I had to drop my running sessions to 2 per week because I felt so over worked and sore. Even at two runs per week, my quads and calves/ankles feel like they’re constantly sore and kind of weak.

I have tried eating more protein and resting more, but I’m supposed to be increasing my mileage but I feel like I’m already at a plateau at like, 2.5 miles lol.

Is this just what early training is like? Am I simply out of shape? Or could I be training/eating wrong?

Important information: I run 2x per week and workout 1-2 additional times per week. Usually the additional sessions are light gym sessions with resistance training, typically full body or upper body focused. I also sometimes throw in the stair master to get some cardio that feels similar to running but is a little less impact on my joints. Ive been consistently running for about 8 weeks now, but I’m still really struggling. Even running 2 miles is difficult for me. The farthest I’ve run (at like a 14 min pace, with walk breaks) is 6k/ about 3.75 miles. I’m starting to really feel kind of like a failure at running, but maybe I’m expecting too quick of results.

Prior to training running I was doing mostly resistance training/lifting weights but was not very strong haha

Hi all,

First marathon in about a week and a half. The start time is at 5:30am. Getting up isn’t really a problem. I wake up at 4am everyday to run or workout before going to work. I think I’m most concerned about the things I don’t know I should be concerned about for an early start time like that!

Any tips or things I should be aware of?

I’ve been following this sub since my daughter was born in July 2023 and I wanted to get back into running postpartum. On a normal week, I run about 9-10 miles over a few days and my mile pace is 10-10:30 (closer to 11-11:30 with the jogging stroller). My hubby trained with me for a 10k that we ran this past weekend! I beat my pre-baby time by 2 minutes! I’m now considering the half marathon in my city in November of this year.

There’s a training team that begins in August for the November race and I’m planning to join that! Until that begins, what could/should my weekly exercise look like? Should I go ahead and try to increase mileage gradually? I do often experience some knee pain after 4+ mile runs so I’d like to incorporate more cross training to help. I am a member of the local YMCA and need to look more into group exercise offerings. I did body pump before baby but haven’t been back. I have a small hernia above my belly button that I’m being very careful with. My doctor isn’t concerned as long as it isn’t painful and I don’t do any heavy weight lifting.

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you can, and you’re a shortie like me, lower the handle bars on your jogger. I just did this after stroller jogging for 4 months and am seeing a world of a difference! Also, stroller jogging is hard. Worth it, but hard. Would love any other tips or advice any seasoned mamas have? Like, does the front wheel always need to be locked for running? It seems to make it harder for me.

I was so excited when Hoka brought back the 7 because my current pair have been through at least one marathon and I hadn't found a good replacement for long run days. I just got the new pair and they do not have a memory foam collar and they smelled horrible. Hoka tried to gaslight me and told me that maybe the pair I bought in a running store was different as a custom design. I told them that the description has a memory foam collar and my old pair has a memory foam collar but the new pairs are just a cheap foam. I had to send them back and now the shoe search continues.

Help! Running a small half marathon this weekend and just discovered the route is not entirely paved. It will be on a paved trail for most of it but appears to connect via a dirt trail for about 2 miles. I was planning on wearing my alphafly zooms , which I would think are strictly road racing shoes - would it be dumb to wear them?? There’s a chance the trail could be slightly muddy. Was really looking forward to spending some time in these shoes.

A friend and I who live in different states, both in the Midwest, are trying to find a half marathon to train for and run together at the end of summer/beginning of fall. We have no preference for pavement or trail, though I am more partial to trail running. Would like to avoid the would like to avoid the south because of the weather. If there are any super cool halfs that you have run or in your state that we should look at, please share them!

I am currently up to 40mpw running everyday. Some days I will do 4 miles. Others I will do long runs up to 13 miles. What do I need to do to make sure I am not going to die in the marathon I enter in October or 2024. Do I need to up my miles? What should a long run be, does that matter or is it just mpw? All my running is outside and has hills.

Don’t get me wrong i love the awareness that people out there share and understand the same interests. Overtime i’ve observed within myself how i initially and would naturally engage with things i like on social media such as something about running. The algorithm would then show more of it. at first it is inspiring but overtime i can feel it getting loud and the part where i feel seeing things over and over even if its my interests it gradually sucks out the joy i have for it and part of me starts to become sick of it coz what was special in my experience such as running starts to become just an image rather than feeling it. i do post too so i am not expecting a black and white reasoning for this nor am i against sharing or keeping things to oneself. whatever works works but i just wonder if someone out there experiences this too.

Does anyone feel this way?

Hello all!

A week ago during one of my runs, I got groin pain and have taken off running since. I can walk now but I can still feel a pretty weird and sharp pain in my pelvis, so I would like to know if this could be the case of a stress injury in my hip. I know that I need to see a doctor or someone, but I am not familiar with the American health system (I am latina) and on top of that, I am a grad student (budget isn't ideal, but I do have health insurance). In other words, I am fucked, feeling a bit helpless.

I would like to get my bones somehow checked (bone density, X-ray, MRI), but I know that isn't necessarily cheap in the US. For now, I have a doctor's appointment in a week, this is not like a physical therapist, it's just what I got by calling my in-network clinic. When I called to book the appointment, I told them what the issue is and a nurse practitioner will see me. I just don't know how to navigate this health system. What's the way to go around this? What would you guys recommend me to try to get myself a decent treatment for my injury?

More context: I've been running 50+ miles per week, for 4 months in a row. However, last year I had a serious crisis with my eating disorder, and I was starving myself on and off from March to August. My concern is that now I could be paying off for my past lack of fueling and that my bones could be at risk because of that. I've been working hard this year to eat enough, proper meals, fuel myself before and during running, and all the good stuff

Thank you!

Just following some advice on here about cadence and nutrition and I just improved my km by 30seconds consistently over 8km (5miles) in 46mins. I am so happy. 😁

Hello all! I was wondering how ya'll shlep your nutrition and liquids during your marathon. I'm in the peak build portion of training for my first, and have been training with a hydration vest. I've never had a problem with it running halfs, or wearing it through the bike and run portions of triathlons. However, I ran 18miles on Sunday and my shoulders are STILL sore! This is wild to me - I've done multi-day backpacking trips before! I guess running is different than hiking, but wow, do I ache.

I see people running with nothing on them, which seems freeing... but how do they fuel?? Are you just relying on the aid stations? Doesn't that slow you down? Should I just resign myself to shoulder/back pain for the next few weeks? I get a lot of comfort from having my soft bladders of LiquidIV and gels and phone on me.

Any/all stories or recommendations are welcome - thank you!

Pump it. LOUDER! Give us the goods so we can fist pump for you! What day is it? It's TRIUMPHANT TUESDAY!

hii this is my first post since finding this lovely sub yesterday, i’m from the uk so before i start, please don’t advise carrying weapons/pepper spray etc its illegal here

recently decided to take up running and went for my first run today (have ran for a few month long periods previously and was in an athletics club when i was younger) but i have an extremely bad fear and paranoia surrounding being assaulted/kidnapped/murdered etc. while i’m out running. i get the exact same feeling when i walk my dog and it’s there no matter where i am, tried driving to different “safer” areas to walk/run there and it makes no difference. does anyone have any tips on coping or overcoming this fear? it’s frustrating because i can’t even tell myself it’s irritating, we all know it’s unfortunately not an unlikely thing to happen :( when i went for my run today i was looking behind me every five minutes, changing direction every time a man walked past me and frantically trying to send my mum my location every time i got service. does anyone else deal with this that could give me some advice please? i tried getting people to come with me but my brother doesn’t want to and both my friends can’t due to one being a single mum and one being pregnant. i feel like it’s throwing my whole run off because i can’t focus on my breathing or my form or anything because of how terrified i am ☹️

TLDR: how can i stop my fear and paranoia about being attacked while running thank you in advance xxx

Hi!

I am trying to pick my next marathon. I am considering Philadelphia in November, Richmond or the Marine Corps Marathon. My first marathon was in Virginia Beach so I’d like to experience a slightly bigger marathon. Philly seems exciting but I’m a little worried about the weather in November. I heard great things about Richmond and the MCM although that one seems to be somewhat crowded and unorganized (so I’ve heard). I want to have fun but I’m also serious with my training and goals. I want to try run it between 3:30 and 3:45. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

As the sun starts shining here in the PNW, I would like to switch up my sunscreen to something non-toxic. Does anyone use a brand/type that does the job while holding up to sweat, doesn't make your eyes burn, but is without the endless list of chemicals? TIA!

My first half marathon is coming up, and I'm a bit lost on what pace I should aim for.

My training program has predominantly consisted of 3 runs per week: 1 "strides"/speed workout, 1 progression run, and 1 long run at an easy pace.

My longest run during training was completed at 13:00/mile. I was tired afterward but knew I could have kept going if the plan had called for it.

Since it's my first, I'll be happy with completion. However, I'd love to give it a good effort. And I really want to avoid starting out too quickly.

So, should I aim to do the half at my "easy" pace, or should I speed up a bit? Should I aim for closer to what I was ending my progression runs at?

At the end of March I ran a 10k race and finished at 57:19 (5:44/km). My first half marathon coming up is on May 19 and I haven’t been able to finish any of the 3 Runna-planned runs I was supposed to do in my training plan. The longest I was able to run was 17km a few weeks back before I encountered a slight injury which I think is healed now.

I’ve since taken a break but now with less than a month coming up to the HM I’m wondering how best to tackle training since the Runna plans feel insanely difficult based off my 10k time. I regularly run upwards of 10km per run before the injury and my general comfortable “cruising pace” is about 6:30/km. I’m definitely lowering my expectations for the HM but is there a doable training plan with 2-3x runs a week for 4 weeks to get me to complete the HM without injury? I had followed the Runna training plan for the 10k with success but I just don’t think the HM plan is for me. Should I just aim to complete the HM at 6:30/km as a target pace or could I push myself a little further? I’ve really only been running since last summer and my current weekly mileage was up to about 30km which is all I can really squeeze in due to demanding work deadlines.

I recently completed my first (and maybe only?) HM and I'm super proud. The weather was terrible, my stomach wasn't happy with the gels, and the race path had lots of hills which I just honestly didn't train for because I don't like hills. Ok cool.

I'm not in a bit of a reflective period. What do I want to do next? I've been a jogger for a decade but only in September 2022 did I start running and training more officially. Since then I'v done lots of 5k, 10k races and this HM. I've always known I was a slow runner and I accept this. I do it because I enjoy it. In fact one of my 10k races I came in DEAD last. It was a bit embarrassing but hey I did it. The HM I finished in 3:02. Today I decided to starting thinking more seriously about what I want. I asked myself, how slow am I really, and how much could I realistically improve, if I care to improve my times at all.

I'm 32F. I've put my latest distances and times in this calculator, and these are my percentile results:

1. 5k: 37:30: 62% percentile
2. 10k: 1:17:30: 80% percentile
3. HM: 3:02: 91% percentile

I decided to put my latest times even though I've previously done a 34:50 5k and a 1:14:x 10k. Those felt like really good days.

So, no matter how you look at it, I'm pretty damn slow. That's still ok! But I'm wondering... is this normal for someone who has been training for 1.5 years? I've done lots of research, improved my nutrition, use Hal Higdon's plan, focus on short stride with quick cadence, and generally feel very good about never having an injury. I feel like my training has been good, but has it? Should I think about hiring a trainer?

I read a bit about what influences runner speed, and genetics seems to be a large part of it. I've inherited very wide hips. My family isn't athletic at all and generally all have had heart issues. I also know that with age I will get slower. So I'm just hoping to get some perspective as to what type of goal is reasonable to set. Is a goal of a 30min 5k reasonable? That would mean running every km at 6min pace, which I have never ever done. Even dipping below 7min pace is hard for me. Maybe I'm more of a long distance runner than I am a speed runner?

I raced this weekend and after watching a few videos of my form I realized just how awful it is haha. It looks like I am just fast walking and not pulling through/using my hamstring at all. It feels like I am using so much energy because my form is just awful. I have had a few injuries so I interested in getting a gait analysis. If you’ve done this did it really change your form & were you happy with the results?

I am sure all of us have struggled with this… You buy sports bras that either have good reviews (i.e. super comfortable, great for running, perfect fit) or someone tells you to get X brand that is the best one they have ever tried, only to get said bra and not like it at all. Why is finding a good sports bra so hard? 😩

With all you wonderful ladies out there, I’m hoping some can provide options that are actually good! Bras that are truly comfortable, moisture wicking, light but offer support, etc… I’d like to get a new one, but I keep putting it off because I am just frustrated by the process. For me, I have an average chest - around a 34C. I feel like it shouldn’t be so hard to find a sports bra that is comfortable and fits good in all the right places, but sadly it is… Anyone have any recommendations for truly great bras out there??

Thanks much in advance 🙏

Happy Sunday!

Next week I wrap up a 16 week half marathon training block and am finding myself wanting to switch up my routine to a strength focus for a few months before starting up another training block.

Any program recommendations? How often should I run to maintain fitness? I was thinking a long run and speed run each week?

I posted here few weeks ago about my heart rate/health condition and how it could’ve been a cause for concern that my doctor advised to stop drinking coffee and running (2 things i love). I haven’t drink coffee since but i sure am determined to get running back and fortunately and gratefully I can run again! I also asked on here for some advice on how not to get sick while training for a half marathon. I am so grateful for all the commenters who reminded me and made me more aware of the importance of fulfilling the basics like maintaining proper hygiene, fueling or nutrition, getting enough rest, wearing mask, and so on. I set an easy run, speed run, long run, and strength training on my plan and boy i feel nervous as i was getting back to it this week because it felt like the first time again! but today i close my week 1 training with a 10km long run and i feel good! signed up for the half marathon i am eyeing after 🏃🏻‍♀️🌸.

Thank you for all who gave their time and effort to reply helpful tips! I am very much happy and grateful that I get to run!

Hi everyone. I’m looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with a posterior tibial tendon (PTT) injury.

2 months ago I went on a long hike in some hard but otherwise supportive and comfy shoes (Merrells) and absolutely ruined my feet. Could hardly walk the next day and was so confused because I’m used to hiking, I’m used to the shoes, but for some reason my feet were furious. Long story short I went to a podiatrist this week who diagnosed it as a posterior tibial tendon injury. She gave me a bunch of exercises, did some electric shock therapy on it, and sent me on my way.

I’ve since been googling PTT and whether I should continue running. The podiatrist didn’t say either way, I told her I have been continuing to (road) run the past 2 months which doesn’t hurt at all at the time, and while it hasn’t made it worse, I’m not sure whether it’s delaying the recovery. She said as soon as it starts hurting at the time, stop. But it doesn’t hurt me at the time until I get to around 6 miles. I tried a trail run / hike (9 miles) yesterday and my feet and ankles are in real pain again, so I feel I am forced to rest. Bummer.

I was hoping to do a trail race in 11 weeks, it’s half marathon distance but on the hard and hilly terrain that my feet don’t like at the minute. I’ve been googling PTT and running and everything I read pretty much says to completely stop running, tendons can take months - years to heal, and if I continue to ignore this injury I could end up destroying my feet for life.

So I’ve got two desperate questions:

1. Is this injury really as bad as google is making this out to be? Am I out of action now for months until I deal with this thing or is this google just scare mongering and it’s not as bad as all that?

2. Is it COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS of me to think I could still do this race if I spent the next 11 weeks cross training and keeping off my feet? I have a bike trainer at home and a gym membership, so I’m thinking of doing literally anything / everything I can to maintain and build running fitness while… not running. Stupid and desperate?

Any advice, insights, words of warning / encouragement would be appreciated.

I want to add in some speed work once per week. Do you have any resources for workouts appropriate for various goals?

Caught up in a high after the NYC half, I immediately registered for a full Memorial Day weekend. I used a coach for my last marathon in November 2022, so I’ve just been following that plan to the best of my ability, but long story short, my mileage hasn’t been high enough and I’ve done hardly any workouts (only easy running with the rare exception of some threshold intervals).

My longest long run was a 16 miler last weekend, and I’m at around 40 mph for the last 3 weeks. I’m not looking to race (long story short, I’m dealing with some weird nerve issues in my ankle due to a neurophysical condition. No pain, just a lot of weakness in toes and medial gastroc that makes my gait a bit off. I’ve been dealing with it for a year and have the ok to run from my doc and PT).

I’d consider myself an intermediate runner, completed two full marathons and 4 halfs with PRs of 4:01 and 1:55, respectively. In 2022, my weekly plan at this point in the cycle was this:

Monday: rest Tuesday: 7 miles easy + strides, strength Wednesday: 6 miles easy Thursday: 9-10 mile workout Friday: strength Saturday: 5 miles easy Sunday: 18 miles

This week, I’ve done: Monday: rest Tuesday: 6.5 miles easy + strength Wednesday: 6 miles easy Thursday: 8 miles easy Friday: strength Saturday: 6 miles easy Sunday: planning on 17 tomorrow but my hammies are really sore. Absolutely forcing myself to 15.

There’s no half marathon option so I can’t drop down. Assuming I can complete my 17 mile long run tomorrow and increase some of my weekday runs this week, can I do a full in 5 weeks?

Hi everyone! I was wondering which is recommended most for open-back audio options. I am a new runner who was running with AirPods before. My AirPods always fall out and so I wanted to look for something that was open-back, stays in place, and has good sound quality. The sound quality doesn’t need to be amazing but clear. Any recommendations are welcome but I think I’m between these two if you have any insight on these. Thanks!

Hey everyone! Just stumbled upon this group and I’m so thankful. I’m 27 and relatively new to running. I used to have knee pain but now I wear a copper sleeve and it helps a ton. My issue now is shoulder pain, specifically my left shoulder- I’m not sure if it’s because of my boobs/sports bra putting pressure or what. I’ve tried different ways of keeping my arms, “holding” a chip in between my index and thumb, not swinging much, etc but the pain persists.

For background I’m about 34DD. Any tips or insight would be greatly appreciated!

Hi, i am a skinny girl and i just want to run to improve the heart muscle and health. I don’t care abt losing calories (infact i would love to not lose too many) What kind of runs should i do? Im super new to this so i dont have any resources either Can yall pls help 🫶

I usually run 3-5 miles a day, 4-5 times a week. I went on a 10 day vacation where I walked a ton and life happened so it’s been 3 weeks since I ran regularly. I find myself barely able to make it to a mile and my HR is 30 beats higher than it usually is. Any tips or advice how to overcome this hump? This hasn’t happened the last couple times I took 3 weeks off so I’m not sure what’s going on