For the love of running

In 2016 I started running. I’d had various attempts at this over the years, but from around October 2016, I’ve really stuck at it. When the nights drew in and the weather became colder, I hung up my running shoes in favour of some indoor spinning classes, but now that Spring is here, I’ve invested in a new pair of fancy running trainers and I’ve started pounding the pavement once again.

In 2016 I completed the 5k Mo Run in November. That was the last time I’d ran in 2016. After weeks of spin classes, I remembered that my friend had encouraged me to sign up for a 10k with her and before I knew it there was only one week to go and I hadn’t trained for it at all. I felt a bit panic stricken, but assumed my previous running history and spin class experience would get me through it. 

When the day of the 10k arrived, I’d not even made it half way when I knew I was in trouble! My legs were like jelly. I was tired. My mouth was dry and I think I was walking more than running! For all of that though, I completed the 10k in 76 minutes. Needless to say my friend finished in an amazing 50 minutes!

Although I struggled, I was still proud of this achievement and in a way the experience enticed me back to running. I cancelled my gym membership, waved goodbye to spin class and headed off to the sports shop for a gait analysis so that I could invest in some proper supportive trainers.

I knew from previous training sessions that my left foot pronates quite a bit. This means that my ankle turns inwards when I land. I also learnt that I have a high arch. The man in the sports shop was very helpful and suggested some trainers with insoles. He was surprised that I’d managed to complete the 10K in the trainers I’d worn without breaking my ankle!

With my new shoes sitting gingerly by the front door I couldn’t wait to get out there and start running again, but…having signed up for another 10k in July, a 5k in May and a 2k family fun run in April, I knew that I wanted to follow a proper training plan.

I’d been using the Nike+ Running App to track my previous runs, but had never really paid any attention to the ‘My Coach’ section before. I took a look and found a 10k training plan.

I’m now on week four and I’ve learnt so much from it. I felt a little unsure about starting from scratch all over again, but I’m so glad I did. The first week involved a 12 minute run, followed by a 15 minute run. Week two got a bit harder as I needed to complete a 20 minute continuous run at a comfortable pace, followed a few days later by a 12 minute recovery run and then my first ever ‘Tempo’ run which is a faster run over a set distance.

Week three involved some speed work. Running 400 metres four times with a short rest in between. This was hard! I then went on a 3.5k run which I really enjoyed, followed by a benchmark run which involves a 7 minute warm up, 3 minutes running as fast as you can, then a 4 four minute cool down.

Week four which was last week saw me running 5.5k one day, another benchmark run and then a 4k tempo run.

In the past four weeks this training plan has helped me so much. I’ve learnt about proper running technique such as short strides, leaning forwards slightly, relaxing my arms and controlling my breathing.

All was going well until last week. After every run regardless of how far I’d run, I would get painfully tight calves and pain in my shins that left my legs very tender. Even the slightest touch as painful. I invested in some compression sleeves in the hope that they’d help along with a foam roller and some spiky massage balls, but nothing helps. I finally admitted defeat that my fancy new asics were the cause of the pain. I’d never had pain when running before so it had to be the shoes. I even tried running without the insoles and the pain was still there. After chatting to some fellow runners they suggested that the shoes just may be providing too much support resulting in my feet not being able to move as they should. 

I decided to return my asics and swapped them in store for a pair of Nike Air Zoom Vomero’s. They’re not supportive shoes. They’re comfort fit, but I will try them with the insoles I bought. I took a week off running (last Wednesday to Saturday, although I did do a 2k family fun run on the Sunday), in the hopes that my poor, painful, achy, swollen legs would remove enough for me to start running pain free again. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Aside from the pain, which does sound rather a lot, I am enjoying my running journey and as I’ve said I’m learning a lot about myself such as I can push myself more than I think I can.

I’ve also discovered that I love stretching! Sounds random I know, but there’s nothing better than a half hour stretching session after a run to help ease my aching legs!

I’ve also invested in a TomTom Runner 3 Music and Cardio watch which I love so much that I might have to write a review on my blog about it! I’ve also discovered ‘Map my run’ which is a great tool for mapping out a route to run!

So that’s my running journey so far! I’ll keep you updated!