Running issues

Bobtheman

I have been running for about ten years.

I did about 3 half marathons six years ago.

I then went through a patchy period. I might run a few weeks and stop a few weeks.

I'm now more consistent but I rarely go beyond 3 miles.

I'm carrying about 18 pounds excessive weight now but I'm mid 50s

I stop about 6 times on a run. I think it mainly psychlogical.

I try to run 4 times a week but normally go out three times. Usually late afternoon or evening.

Any general advice to improve?

I normally run outside but if its pissing rain a gym. Heavy rain

darrenheaphy

If you're just not feeling it why not try things like:

Run in the woods, or other gorgeous areas. Might mean driving somewhere on a Sat morning or whatever. But find routes you enjoy or would like to explore. Pick circular routers rather than back and forth.

Find a running group

Get an excellent audio book. I remember when I started ramping up volume I reluctantly started the beginning of a series on Audible, I loved it. During COVID when it was small laps many times I'd look forward to getting back into the book

Bobtheman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121194235#Comment_121194235

Good points

I am feeling it I just find it hard to stop - stopping.

Plus at the moment I find I really need a rest day in between.

Im not inclined to join a running club as I need flexibility in terms of time

chabsey

Buy a heart rate strap if you've not already got one, give zone 2 or MAF training a go. It's likely you'll slow down even further initially but over time your pace will increase while your heart rate remains the same. These properly easy runs made me actually enjoy running and it was great seeing the pace increase.

Also I enjoy listening to good audiobooks or podcasts, if you find a really good one and combine it with zone 2 running it can sometimes be absorbing to the extent that I forget I'm running.

Bobtheman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121195146#Comment_121195146

So you stick to the heart rate? Is that it? Good idea

MisterJinx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121195255#Comment_121195255

Pretty much. I use that method to keep my easy runs easy. If you are truly running easy, as measured by the HR monitor then you will find the walk breaks get less and less and then eventually you are running constantly and then starting to run faster over time. It does take a while though so don't expect instant results

marathon2022

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058316760/running-issues

Running is running, everyone is different so don't worry about stopping. If you want to change it up set yourself a target. Register for a 5k/10k whatever. Try to follow a plan and see how it goes. Also if you haven't go and do some parkruns, great vibes and people.

Don't beat yourself up about stopping, it's ok.

chabsey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121195255#Comment_121195255

Yes it's that simple, you'll walk a bit initially but the over time and (most importantly) consistent runs each week you'll see an improvement. If you want to try the MAF thing you can test yourself every few weeks and marvel how it used to take you X to run a km and now with the same HR rate and effort you run it 1min quicker.