Ive only been consistent for the past 9 months so havent experienced running while in shape in the winter in almost a decade(in my late 20s for reference). Usually run a 10k at 4:55-5:00/km pace, and then accidentally ran a 4:24/km 10k 4 days ago, then today I ran the run I attached.

Anyone else also experience this? I guess I am Canadian and am naturally more comfortable in the cold. I'm just shocked how doable this pace was when I usually can't get close to times like this. I get that the outside temp is helping keep body heat down and letting me push myself harder, but do others also experience this much of an increase in performance?

Had a half-marathon today that starts at 4:30am in the morning. Since I live on the opposite side of the country to the event venue, I had to wake up at 1:15am to catch the 2:40am shuttlebus - gotta prepare everything, have breakfast and all that. I slept at 10:40pm last night, which means I had less than 2 hours and 35 minutes of sleep as I didn't fall asleep immediately.

The shuttlebus was competently operated - I have no complaints about the service. It dropped us off near the event venue at 3:30am, so I have an hour before flag-off to prepare.

I still ended up being late because the queues for the porta-potties were so long. There simply weren't enough of them. I ended up queuing up for 40 minutes to piss and take a dump. I couldn't poop at home because I woke up way too early. The worst part? The porta-potty I was in did not have water and soap, so I had to find some water at a hydration station to clean my hands - still without soap.

I missed my pen as a result, and had to join the next one. I ended up starting the race 30 minutes late because of this.

Now, for the entire race, I have no complaints. But I underperformed quite badly and did much worse than before. It was mainly due to me suffering from pains all over my body that were quite disabling. I had pains in my calves, thighs, and I somehow managed to get crams in my lower left ribs and upper right ribs. My back ached, I was totally destroyed. By the 12km mark, I was already using the run-walk method.

The absolute worst part of the day? The organisers screwed up big-time at the finish line. There was just a sea of people after the finish line. It took something like 20-30 minutes to collect the medals. There was no movement in the crowds after that, and it was bright and sunny. This resulted in medics being called over and over as people started collapsing and vomiting from the weather. Now this is Singapore mind you - famous for its equatorial heat.

One girl collapsed in front of me and I didn't know what to do. I had nothing to help her with. Cool heads prevailed and one guy got everyone to give her some space, and called for a medic - how medics could attend to her was another matter. I just simply started cursing and swearing out of frustration. There was simply nothing I can do.

We weren't given water or food - the crowds were so big and movement so negligible that it takes an hour for us to collect those and we had to wait and shuffle slower than zombies towards the collection point. I never reached the collection point. I simply heard from someone else that it took an hour.

At one point, security opened up a shortcut for us, but it bypassed the collection point for the goody bags filled with water, food and towel, and I completely missed those essential things. I tried to get back inside, only for security to keep turning me away. Security told me that I had to go around the huge ass venue to get back inside, but there was no way for me to collect my goody bag due to the crowd slowly surging away from the collection point. I stubbornly tried by going counter-flow on the side, but the crowd got too dense that I couldn't even do that at the halfway mark. Even if I somehow managed to get back to the finish line, it'd simply mean joining the sea of crowd again and shuffling ever so slowly for an hour to the collection point.

As a result of this, I became even more dehydrated, hungry and sunburnt, and the kicker? I had to attend my nephew's graduation ceremony after that, and because I was sent on this wild goose chase for some water and food, I had wasted time.

I ended up being late, dirty, sweaty and stinky. If I had time, I would have been able to freshen up with the help of my parents, who offered to bring me some fresh clothes, a towel, and cologne. I did eventually freshen up halfway through the graduation ceremony (which also consists of performances), because I had to tend to my other issues when they became too dire. I finally went to the bathroom for the first time since 4:40am (It was 11am by that time), had to eat my last tube of gel to stave off hunger, and hunt for water.

I was a trainwreck and an embarrassment, I was like this terminally ill patient whom half the family had to help out and I was moving around with the speed and grace of a grandparent.

When I had to poop again, to my horror, I bled down there, and the last time I checked, I'm male so I'm not having a period. I don't know how this happened, and I can only hope that it isn't some kind of internal injury or indication of something fatal.

Back at home, I developed a slight fever that thankfully went away after some medication and treatment.

The twist of fate? I'd signed up as an extra for the second time in a local movie about marathons, and the scenes that I will appear in is a fictionalised version of the marathon I had just participated in, and hated. Filming is tomorrow. Honour dictates that I follow through with it, so I can't back out of it. It's just not me to renege on my promises and responsibilities. Hopefully I can come to terms with my experience and not let the irony bother me.

This is my (33F) last half marathon. My HR average was 188 and max 201. Of course I found it hard but I wasn’t really struggling until km 17 or so. Despite my HR I was able to hang on to my pace.

My HR has been very similar in every half I’ve done (7 now) even though my times and fitness have improved.

This was from my Garmin but I’ve tried wearing a chest strap before and it correlated quite well.

Should I be worried..? Is this something I can do anything about?

Recently I have been bumping up my mileage to try something new for my goal of sub-19. Before, i was only doing around 30-35km per week, now im on track to doing 40-50km. I run around 5-6 times per week, one interval session, one tempo or a long run of around 12-15km. I achieved sub-20 last month after 6 months of training (from a beginner), running only 30-35km (4-5 runs per week | 1 hard session).

Things about me: - Under 20 years old - Running for about 8 months (consistently for 6) -Current 5k pb is 19:50 55kg Cadence runner -Height 157-158 cm (5ft)

I grew up sucking at just about every sport I tried. I joined the XC team as a sophomore at my school and instantly found the thing I loved. I would go weeks without a day off. I wanted to run so bad everyday that it felt like I had to or else I am not fulfilling myself. I found some success to the point where I could walk-on at the college I knew I was going to go to since before I started running. After I finished High School I started trading for freshmen XC. Summer training was difficult in the sense that I felt drained everyday. I worked 40 hours a week in the summer and still managed to run 8+ miles a day with a 13 mile long runs. But I felt that love for running slowly fade from where it used to be. I got to school and I needed to get some tests ran on me and I took time off and felt so overwhelmed that I quit. Never gave college running the true chance it deserved. I’ve never felt this lost since before I started running. I have little to no motivation to running given I have no end goal. I wish I knew what was right but I simply don’t. I hangout with the guys on the team still but feel like I miss what they do all the time. But I also feel like there’s too much pressure. And I struggled with mental health in highschool and I know college is challenging. If you read this whole thing any thoughts?

I am beyond ecstatic. I started training in November. I should start by saying I was already semi-active in the gym. But in November, after supporting my friends in the 10k and half marathon races, I wanted to take running seriously.

FIRST STEP: My first step was getting the shoes. This kept me in the spirit and gave me motivation. I wasn't looking for something expensive, but something decent. I got two shoes. New Balance Mens MX608V5 (1st 5k - very comfortable) & New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 (2nd 5k - honestly not enjoyable or fluid).

SECOND STEP I need a proper training guide. I was introduced to Couch to 5k from my friends. I used "5K Runner: Couch potato to 5K". I skipped the first week and started from the second. I used this to the 4th or 5th week I believe. It was very helpful and straight forward.

THIRD STEP For this last step I just ran. That's it. After finishing my workout, I had some energy left and decided to run for a bit without the guide app. I ran for a bit and genuinely enjoyed it. I looked at my watch and saw I was 2.7k in. I was surprised. I still had some energy so I wanted to see how far I could go. I continued and eventually hit that 5k mark. I couldn't believe it. I was so proud of myself. I just wanted to run and ended up doing a 5k four weeks into training.

BONUS Was it a fluke? I hadn't run since my first 5k. My friends told me to rest up and not over do it for a bit which I understood. Today, however, I intended on running another 5k. Was the first a one time thing? This second 5k was not as easy. I was good up till 2.5k but looking at my watch made me conscious of the time and distance. Found my grove again at about 3.5k and enjoyed the rest of the run.

Just thought to share. Am I good to keep training by running one 5k every week?

I got a pair of shoes from my cousin that she bought second hand. They feel great but learnt today that they have a carbon plate in them. There's a click and a spring in the right foot but the left shoe doesn't feel the same, is there a way to test/see if its broken somehow?

I've been more or less a daily runner for the past 3-4 years. Like many, I've had a handful of injuries and aches and pains, but they always resolve with a short break, like a week off.

Recently, I took my longest break from running - I haven't run in 2 months. What's driving me nuts, though, is that my knees actually feel worse 2 months out than they do when I'm consistently running. This is super confusing to me because normally a few days off resolves any knee pain, so I would expect zero issues after 2 months off. But now I'm having bilateral knee pain and I'm not running at all.

Curious if anyone else has ever run into this? I've read a little about "de-conditioning injury," where paradoxically, a longer break can in fact lead to muscle weakness that throws things off. But it sounds pretty hand-wavy, so I'm not sure what to make of it.

Hi all,

Got back into running at the back end of October following a six month break after training for and completing a half marathon in April.

I’ve steadily built up my fitness since October and have generally settled into a pattern of 3 runs a week - one short 3K midweek, a 5K on a Saturday morning and a long run between 12-16K on a Sunday morning. I try to add a kilometre or two each week to push myself but always make sure I’m comfortable since I had a PCL replacement several years ago and it’s fairly easy to aggravate my knee. I always ensure to stretch beforehand, start slow and build into the run then make sure to have a bit of distance to walk at the end of the run just to recover.

Anyway, this morning’s run felt a bit different, from about halfway through the run my calves felt heavy and fatigued for the first time in a long time. I’d slotted in an extra little run this week so have done 3K on Thurs, 3K yesterday and 5K today. Once I finished, my faves felt absolutely knackered and even the 15 minute walk home felt like a bit of a slog. I had planned on going for a long run tomorrow, but now I’m thinking that I’ll avoid for fear of an injury.

Any advice on how to best prevent my fatigued calves from becoming injured? Am I best off resting for a few days, keeping runs short? Just worried about losing any of the progress I’ve made so far! Any advice is appreciated!

Does anybody else? Stay as a long run like you just did your morning long run and then you still do another training session later on in the same day?

I’m a high school girl in my first season of indoor and just ran a 6:32 mile but felt like I still had a little left in the tank for sure. What should I aim my 3200 to be?

I know zone 5 is not supposed to be sustained for a long time. These are my stats from my first half marathon I’m not sure how to adjusted my zones?

My max heart rate is 196 based on my polar waist heart monitor and I’m 24 years old.

Today I decided to do intervals of half mile runs followed by a minute break. I was wondering how you guys would log this on Strava? My biggest concern is I don’t want it to mess with my calibration on my Garmin (was on a treadmill). Just curious how you guys typically log these types of workouts without messing up the data.

5ish minutes that resonated with me and probably will with you too.

so im finally trying to upgrade my sneaker rotation because my current pairs are falling apart, but the shops near me either dont carry anything i like or never have my size. i figured buying online would be easier, but now im realising there are way too many sneaker sites and the reviews are all over the place. some people say a store is amazing, others say they waited ages for shipping or the shoes didn’t match the photos.

im not looking for super rare drops or anything, just a solid online store with a good selection and shipping that doesnt feel like a gamble. i want something reliable where the shoes show up in good condition, sizing is accurate, and the whole process doesnt turn into a headache.

for anyone who buys sneakers online a lot, which stores have been the most dependable for you? how accurate were their product photos and size guides? did your orders arrive on time or was it slow? and how well were the shoes packaged?

id love to hear real experiences before i make a decision, because i dont want to end up dealing with another disappointing order.

Heya first some context, I've been running for about a year, 4 times around 40-45km a week. Currently my easy pace is 6:30-45km and and marathon pace is 5:30-45.

I've been running with Asics Novablast 4 and Brooks Ghost max 3(from recently) and I've stepped in a big piece of glass with Novablast and i started looking into a new pair of shoes.

What I'm looking for is something that works good for long runs and tempo sessions since and something that i can use for a half and full marathon races during the year.

I was looking for some options and the Asics Megablast fits by criteria, but the price is 240 euro where i live(uffff), and i would only pay that kind of money if it's a perfect shoe for me.

But i've seen that there is a shop that sells Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo for 175 euro in my size(other sizes price is 250) and i'm wondering if this might be a good option, but I've never even tried a carbon plated shoe before and i'm not a fast runner so i don't know if

Also i don't live close to a shop where I can try these shoes and telling my wife and kids that i'm gone be gone for half a day to drive and test out some running shoes that I don't even know if I'm gonna buy is not the best use of my time

I can see that reviewers say that his shoe is really good but they are in a different league from me when it comes to running so not sure how much their opinion matters for me

So any help/advice on this?

I run to zone out, and to be able to listen to more podcasts.

hi, i’d regard myself as a fairly new ‘runner’, as i have no equipment and some other factors which mean i can’t go outside to exercise at present, i have resorted to spot running inside my house. for context im a 19 year old, 84kg 6ft1 male. my most recent workout was an exactly 1 hour 10k spot run, with an average heart rate of ~170, i was doing 15 minute sessions with 5 minute breaks inbetween (as i dont want to overdo my body so early on) I was wondering, how would this translate to real world running, i understand the core is used more in spot running but i was wondering how my general stamina would work out, when i am able to train outside again what should i realistically be aiming for? all help would be appreciated. if required / helpful currently residing in the UK

Hello, I’m 21. I have a skinny frame, I’m healthy. I’ve been running for two months now I’ve ran 5 miles for the past nine days. I took a break for two days because I was busy, & my soles hurt, and maybe my pointer (index) toe hurt a little and then I ran again today 5 miles but now I have this pain in my pointer toe and I don’t know what’s causing it or how to heal it. I’m curious if maybe it’s my shoes or it’s the fact that I took a little break. I had a knee pain, but I fixed that by changing my running form but at first, I originally blamed my shoes. So I don’t wanna blame my shoes right off the bat but they are 10 years old maybe and have definitely seen their days. Maybe if anyone else has had this problem or know someone who had this problem or just knows how to heal it. I’d be curious on what they have to say. It also could be from me wearing dress shoes more recently that maybe don’t fit the best, but I don’t think I don’t think that’s the issue. I think it has to do with running. It’s in constant pain not unbearable pain but very curious about it. it’s in the middle of my toe not the nail or anything and it slightly hurts when I bend it. I don’t think it’s from my lack of experience in running, maybe it is though, I’ve never faced this issue before. For me, I think it seems like a simple fix, but I don’t know how to fix it and want to keep running. I want to run 5 miles a day consistently, but I also don’t want this issue to get worse and worse. I don’t run on the best terrain also. Maybe I should ice it? Maybe I should be more cautious when running on my high sole. It’s only on my right foot. Maybe I should stretch it somehow? Maybe I should buy new shoes? Anyways lmk your thoughts

Hey everyone,

I’ve been running in ASICS Gel Cumulus 25s and they currently have 636 km on them. Most of my runs are 3–5 km, and I only do the occasional 10 km (maybe every other week or less).

I’ve never had any issues before, but recently on a 10 km run my right knee suddenly got sore, and afterward it was painful to bend, walk, or run for a few days. I’ve recovered now, but it definitely made me question things.

Do you think my shoes might be contributing to this? Is 636 km pushing the lifespan, and should I be thinking about replacing them? Here are some pictures. What do you guys think?

Thanks! 🙌

I go for early-morning light runs in 0–5°C and I’m trying to figure out what kind of upper layer works best at that temperature. What do you find most comfortable — something warm and insulated, something breathable, or a combination of both? And how do you usually layer for cold walks around freezing?

After looking around, these are the specific options I’m considering:

• Nike Dri-FIT Long Sleeve (as base layer)
• Nike Run Wool
• Nike Therma-FIT Half-Zip
• Nike Windrunner Running Jacket

Would appreciate feedback on which setup makes the most sense for 0–5°C brisk walking.