Re: Starting out - running too hard?

On 29 Jun, 08:39, rlancash...@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
Hi folks,

I've just started running as part of an attempt to get back some
fitness after a long layoff. Taking it easy to start with, I'm doing
routes of a couple of miles. I'm 1.97/6'5" and 90kg/200lbs, my aim is
not to run a 3 hour marathon or anything, just to get to a shape where
I can happily run 3x10k/1hr. routes a week and see how I like it from
there.

I read the beginner's FAQ, wherein it says I should be able to carry
on a conversation while running. Now, I´m not getting tunnel vision or
anything, and not gulping for air - it doesn't really feel anaerobic,
I mean, and my sporting background's much more anaerobic than cardio -
but I'm breathing too fast to get much of a sentence out. I inhale
every 4-6 paces at that rate, and I run 2 miles in (a laughable, to
good runners, I'm sure) 17 minutes.

I'm not overweight at all, but I'm aware that I'm bigger than average,
so I don't want to get injured and lose interest. Going slower doesn't
seem like running though :P I have no baseline to compare myself to -
does this sound reasonable for a beginner, slow down, speed up, stop
worrying?

First of all, you don't say how long you've been running - you say
you've just started, but that might mean anything from two hours ago
to two months. In any case, you're right - much training should be
done at a pace to allow you to hold a conversation, but this gets
easier as you get fitter! I don't find 2 miles at sub-9 minute pace
laughable at all - it's a very good place to begin from, especially
considering that you're very tall for an endurance runner.

For the time being, I wouldn't worry about the conversational running
thing. It's only a guideline in any case, a rule of thumb, and rules
are made to be broken, right ;¬} I run most days at sub-7 minute pace
at which speed I don't find conversation that easy, and when I go
sub-6 I find it downright difficult. But if you only ever run slowly,
then you'll only ever be able to run slowly.

In your position I'd do exactly what you suggest -slow down, speed up,
stop worrying. You clearly have a background in sports, and your
writing style suggests there's a functioning muscle in your head too.
Listen to your body, don't try to make too much progress too fast.
I'd suggest targeting a 5k race in a few months time - if you can run
2 miles now that should be a breeze for you. Don't give up - you
certainly can get to 3x10k/1hr. routes a week without too much
trouble. A sub-3 hr marathon might be a big ask, but a sub-3.5 or
sub-4 hr marathon is definitely possible.

Edward

.

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