2020 Fretboard Virtual Running Club

djspecialist

New PB today: 16km in 1:15:59 

Half marathon in 6 weeks.

mcsdan

TTony said:

mcsdan said:

Just back from 5miles/8km off road in the dark through the woods.

Hmmmm ... I think I'll stick to my treadmill, indoors, in the light!


I presume you're running on reasonably well maintained/marked footpaths rather than just tramping through the undergrowth?

Footpaths yes although not necessarily well maintained. I tend to stick to the footpaths/marked rotues even if full of mud otherwise it makes the paths wider or creates paths were there shouldn't be. Lots of very muddy paths which do suck the strength from legs and drop pace alot to stay upright.  I've done races with 14 hours of running in the dark plus used to lead running groups through the woods day and night so very comfortable running in the dark in woodlands especially my local one which I know like back of my hand.

One thing I do when running at night in woodlands is to make a cough or clap of hands every so often to make sure that the animals are aware I'm there. Not too bad in the summer when they can hear you but this time of year with muddy paths it tends to absorb the sound of footfall. I've had plenty of animals run out in front of me in the past including badgers, deer, squirrels etc In fact I recall one night last year a badger ran out straight across my path and I had to jump over which I luckily did ok. Normally they aren't so close! All good fun. 

I run off road/trails about 95% of the time. So fairly used to the terrain.

fields5069

mcsdan said:

Just back from 5miles/8km off road in the dark through the woods. Just me, a head torch and the woodland animals. Didn't see anyone. Well, it was really dark lol  Some cross-training tomorrow with MTB ride and gym. Then longer run on Sunday probably 10-11m.  Week 1 of plan almost done!

I've been pondering the purchase of a head torch. It may have to wait until my birthday in June though. The problem with a lot of the wilds around Newport is that you'll probably run into some youths taking advantage of nature to either take drugs or have sex, or both!

drofluf

fields5069 said:

mcsdan said:

Just back from 5miles/8km off road in the dark through the woods. Just me, a head torch and the woodland animals. Didn't see anyone. Well, it was really dark lol  Some cross-training tomorrow with MTB ride and gym. Then longer run on Sunday probably 10-11m.  Week 1 of plan almost done!

I've been pondering the purchase of a head torch. It may have to wait until my birthday in June though. The problem with a lot of the wilds around Newport is that you'll probably run into some youths taking advantage of nature to either take drugs or have sex, or both!

I have one of these https://www.decathlon.co.uk/onnight-710-black-and-orange-id_8370255.html mainly been used for dog walks as I work from home so can usually fit a run in during the day but it’s been fine for the couple of runs I’ve used it on. 

Headband is comfortable, it’s well balanced, stays in place and has more than enough light for running. 

steven70

fields5069

drofluf said:

fields5069 said:

mcsdan said:

Just back from 5miles/8km off road in the dark through the woods. Just me, a head torch and the woodland animals. Didn't see anyone. Well, it was really dark lol  Some cross-training tomorrow with MTB ride and gym. Then longer run on Sunday probably 10-11m.  Week 1 of plan almost done!

I've been pondering the purchase of a head torch. It may have to wait until my birthday in June though. The problem with a lot of the wilds around Newport is that you'll probably run into some youths taking advantage of nature to either take drugs or have sex, or both!

I have one of these https://www.decathlon.co.uk/onnight-710-black-and-orange-id_8370255.html mainly been used for dog walks as I work from home so can usually fit a run in during the day but it’s been fine for the couple of runs I’ve used it on. 

Headband is comfortable, it’s well balanced, stays in place and has more than enough light for running. 

Thanks for that, looks nice and pretty cheap for what it is.

Alpkit do some good ones too, they have some offers at the moment. There's a 450 lumen headtorch for £12, only has a 2 hour burn time but that's going to be enough for me.

King85

Did anyone check out the running show yesterday?

mcsdan

fields5069 said:

mcsdan said:

Just back from 5miles/8km off road in the dark through the woods. Just me, a head torch and the woodland animals. Didn't see anyone. Well, it was really dark lol  Some cross-training tomorrow with MTB ride and gym. Then longer run on Sunday probably 10-11m.  Week 1 of plan almost done!

I've been pondering the purchase of a head torch. It may have to wait until my birthday in June though. The problem with a lot of the wilds around Newport is that you'll probably run into some youths taking advantage of nature to either take drugs or have sex, or both!

Alpkit are good for the money as are LEDLensor and black diamond. Ideally you'll need at least 200 lumens but more is better in case you need it. Most allow you to switch between brightness to preserve battery.

I use a petzl nao since it has reactive lighting that adjusts the battery consumption based on reflection from the beam. When running and aiming just in front it uses less and adjusts the brightness. If you need to look further e.g at signs, paths ahead etc it turns the brightness up. The batteries are USB rechargeable too and I have a spare battery that takes a few seconds to change. Brilliant piece of kit and has lasted for about 5 years so far without any fault.

mcsdan

Longer run just done. Bang on 11 miles off road. Some really muddy fields and hills out there atm. At least makes me taller for a while with all the mud on bottom of trainers lol

20.25miles this week since Wednesday. Happy with that for week1. Onto week 2 tomorrow.

Iamnobody

Did a couple of my usual 5k route yesterday and today so 15k for the week. Not bad from my starting point on Boxing Day of being a non runner. Anyway...

Who wears running socks?

I’m sold on the benefits of decent footwear - do socks with cushioning in the right places make a difference in this board’s experience?

mcsdan

yes to running socks. Specifically you don't want conventional cotton/terry socks since when they get wet they will hold the moisture, rub badly and cause blisters. You can pick up running socks from sports direct fairly cheap and are good.

fields5069

No socks with sandals.

King85

I also wear running socks, I was content with normal until I did my first 10 miler and had huge blisters after.

I have a few different types too and have never felt any difference regarding cushioning etc

fields5069

I've got a bone to pick with Strava, or maybe it's the data my Amazfit app sends Strava. My watch says I ran 5.92 miles, gmaps agrees. So Strava says I did 5.6.

Anyway I ran nearly 6 miles this morning.

I just buy More Mile socks, 50 pairs for 50p or whatever they are.

TTony

Week 5, day 1, done.

Not too hard either.  This running thing is turning out OK!

Tone71

Inspired by this thread I've just finished week 1 C25K, this time on the road as previously I have only done it on a treadmill, it's good and Im starting to remember how much I actually enjoy running.

King85

TTony said:

Week 5, day 1, done.

Not too hard either.  This running thing is turning out OK!

Good work mate! I speak to so many people who say they hate running when really they hate being unfit, put in the hard graft initially and then you get to enjoy the spoils when the fitness catches up.

Have you got an event you're training for?

monquixote

106km so far this year. 

Did a very slow half marathon for LOLs at the weekend.

Need to get my act together if I'm going to get a decent time at the Cambridge half in March.

mcsdan

5.05miles on road in dark. Bloody freezing!! Watch recorded it as 0.5C. Took 4 miles just to warm up and get going.

WiresDreamDisasters

Nothing from me today. Today is a Skooma day.